Addiction Studies

Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major: Addiction Studies
Credits: 120

If you want to be a catalyst to help empower individuals who struggle with addiction, you need the strong foundation that University of Detroit Mercy's program can provide. The Bachelor of Arts with a major in addiction studies will teach the knowledge and skills required when providing prevention, assessment, referral and treatment services for individuals and families who suffer from addictive disorders.

Through a strong background in the liberal arts, you will find ways to reach your clients who are struggling and work with many professions to help change the structures of society that support addictive behavior. As a good listener, clear writer, introspective and critical thinker, you learn to advocate for your clients and programs and help the profession evolve.

Careers

A majority of addiction studies graduates become employed in the addiction treatment field and/or are accepted into graduate school immediately following graduation.

While the focus of the program is addiction and behavioral disorder treatment, many graduates often become employed as prevention specialists and drug educators.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for substance abuse professionals jobs are "projected to grow 23 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations." 

Curriculum & Course Information ▶

University of Detroit Mercy's minor in Addiction Studies complements the education and professional training from your major and prepares you to work effectively with individuals who are adversely affected by addictive disorders.

This 18-credit minor is an excellent option if you:

• are majoring in one of the primary or behavioral health professions, such as nursing, psychology, or social work and want to make yourself highly marketable by having advanced knowledge in addiction; or
• are pursuing a degree in adjacent areas such as health services administration or criminal justice where knowledge and expertise in addictions and recovery is a helpful adjunct.

Substance Use Certification

The State of Michigan sponsors the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential (CADC). It is strongly recommended in this state and many others that any professional who counsels chemically dependent clients have this certification. The minor in addiction studies provides all the educational and internship hours required for the CADC, should you choose to apply for it. Additional requirements (examination and clinical hours) are your responsibility.

Curriculum & Course Information ▶

If you have already attained a bachelor’s degree in a major (e.g., criminal justice, psychology or social work) related to the field of addiction studies, a post-degree certificate will equip you with 18-credit hours of additional information that will prepare you for entry-level positions in alcohol and drug treatment agencies. In addition, the certificate meets the minimum educational requirements to initiate a development plan for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential granted by the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP).

Curriculum & Course Information ▶

If you already possess your master's degree in a related discipline but want to further specialize in the field of addiction, the post-graduate certificate in addition studies is one of University of Detroit Mercy’s unique certificate programs.

Typically, individuals with a master’s degree in clinical psychology, counseling, social work or nursing pursue the certificate; however, individuals with a master’s degree in other major disciplines (e.g., dentistry, criminal justice, health administration) may also be interested. The 18-credit-hour post-graduate certificate in addiction studies requires approximately one year to complete.

Substance Use Certification
The post-graduate certificate in addiction studies fulfills the academic and internship requirements for the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug (CAADC) credential authorized by the State of Michigan. The CAADC is compulsory for professionals who specialize in the clinical treatment of substance use.

Curriculum & Course Information ▶