Program Description

The Addictions Studies Program at UTPA is designed to provide academic preparation for students whose career goal is to work in the field of addictions counseling. The two primary goals of the program are:

• to provide the educational foundation related to the field of substance abuse and addictions, and
• to prepare graduates to become Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors and working professionals in the field.

Career Options

A student trained in addictions studies can be employed in a wide variety of settings, including substance abuse prevention-treatment programs, community mental health programs, faith-based counseling centers, correctional facilities, corporate employee assistance programs and many other social/human service agencies.

Curriculum Options

Students can take addictions coursework in one of three ways:

• as a concentration in addictions studies (for rehabilitative services majors)
• as a minor in addictions studies (for non-rehabilitative services majors), or
• by selecting individual courses.

Specialty Track in Addictions Studies

Students majoring in Rehabilitative Services can select the concentration option. These students receive a diploma that reads: Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitative Services with a Concentration in Addictions Studies. Such formal recognition on the diploma can be an advantage in the job market.

Minor in Addictions Studies

A minor in addictions studies is available to students. This option allows the non-rehabilitative services major the option of taking a comprehensive curriculum. It is an 18-hour curriculum (12 hours of specific addictions studies courses plus REHS 2301 and REHS 3303), along with a 300 clock hour field practicum experience. This coursework will prepare the student to take the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) examination. Students in majors such as criminal justice, social work, psychology and sociology, in particular, will find that this minor will greatly enhance employment opportunities.