Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology—Addictions

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Program at a Glance

  • The Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions is accredited by NASAC.
  • Purdue Global is an NAADAC Approved Education Provider.
  • Coursework fulfills the educational requirements to sit for the NCAC, Level I and II certification exams.
  • Students can earn a Peer Recovery Support Specialist Micro-Credential and prepare to sit for the NCAC National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) certification exam.
  • Gain competencies for management with a concentration in business foundations. 
Upcoming Start Dates

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
4 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
180
(120 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371

Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions Overview

If you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of those suffering from a substance use disorder or other potentially harmful process addiction, such as gambling or eating disorders, a psychology degree may be the path for you.

Many individuals in our communities face the serious psychological issue of addiction. Substance use disorder is often one of the unfortunate results. Addiction professionals are trained to assist these individuals and are committed to helping improve their quality of life.

Purdue Global is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider. NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, represents the professional interests of more than 100,000 addiction counselors, educators and other addiction-focused health care professionals in the United States, Canada, and abroad.

As a student in this bachelor's degree program, you will

  • Examine the process of addiction, pharmacology, the recovery process, prevention, and case-management skills.
  • Study ways to guide clients in maintaining their sobriety.
  • Focus on using the scientific approach to problem solving to evaluate behavior and mental processes while applying psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.

Students will also earn a Peer Recovery Support Specialist Micro-Credential after completing a specific set of courses.

See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

Explore Other Learning Opportunities

Students are invited to join organizations such as the Psychology Club for further networking and educational opportunities. An internship option gives you the opportunity to earn credit while building your resume and networking.

Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

NAADAC Logo

NAADAC Approved and NASAC Accredited

Purdue Global is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider.

This program is also accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC).

Admissions Requirements

You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

Ways to Save

  • Transfer Credits

    Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

    Save Time and Money on Your Degree

  • Prior Work Experience

    You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.

    Your Experience Counts

  • Financial Aid

    Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.

    Financial Aid FAQ

  • Grants

    Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.

    Federal and State Grants

  • Prior Military Experience

    We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.

    Credit for Military Training

Program Cost Estimator

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Prepare for NCC AP Certification Exams

National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I and II (NCAC I & II)

Students who complete the program will meet the coursework requirements to take the National Certification Commission for Addictions Professionals' (NCC AP) National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I and II (NCAC I & II) certification examinations.*

Applicants must meet additional requirements to qualify, including field experience and licensure requirements.

National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) Certification Exam

Upon completion of specific program requirements, and if you meet the organization’s additional requirements, you may be eligible to obtain the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP) National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) Certification.

Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific requirements. Applicants will also need to complete additional requirements to take the NCAC examination(s). Students are highly encouraged to visit www.NAADAC.org for additional state-specific licensure requirements.

Accelerated Master’s Degree Options

Complete both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time and at a lower cost than completing both programs separately. While you earn your bachelor’s, you can work toward a Purdue Global master’s degree in one of the following areas:

  • Criminal justice
  • Education
  • Educational psychology
  • Higher education
  • Homeland security and emergency management
  • Human services
  • Instructional design and technology
  • Legal studies
  • Public administration
  • Psychology
For details and eligibility requirements, speak to an Advisor.

What Courses Will I Take?

The BS in Psychology in Addictions curriculum is designed to equip you with a fundamental understanding of the major concepts, values, theories, studies, research methods, and historical trends in psychology. 

Course topics focus on addiction science, assessment, prevention, intervention, treatment, and case management.

See All Psychology Courses
Sample Courses
  • Health Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Case Management in Clinical Settings
  • Psychopharmacology of Alcohol and Drugs

Program Requirements

  • Core Credits
    45
  • Major Credits
    111
  • Elective Credits
    24
  • Total Credits
    180

Concentration Requirements

  • Core Credits
    45
  • Major Credits
    111
  • Elective Credits
    4
  • Concentration Credits
    20
  • Total Credits
    180
Career Opportunities

A Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions can open the door to many professional opportunities. Possible work settings include schools, government, nonprofits, small agencies, sober living homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and corporate treatment centers.

Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:

  1. Speaking
  2. Active Listening
  3. Writing
  4. Reading Comprehension
  5. Social Perceptiveness

Top Jobs With This Degree

Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

The professional practice of psychology is regulated by each state, and the degree requirements of this program do not guarantee or prepare you for licensure in any state upon graduation.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

View Psychology Faculty Directory
grad hat icon 98% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
diploma icon 51% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
tablet icon 395 Faculty publications in 2021–2022
student at desk icon More Than 38,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.

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Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us

Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Experience a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period.

There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply.

That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.

Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Certification and Licensure: The professional practice of psychology is regulated by each state, and the degree requirements of this program do not guarantee or prepare students for licensure in any state upon graduation. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information. Visit www.NAADAC.org for additional state-specific licensure requirements. Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.