Substance Abuse Counseling (B.A.)
The Substance Abuse Counseling major is offered by the Psychology Department. This major prepares students to serve as counselors to individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Through coursework, practicum and field training, students learn to assist clients in overcoming their maladaptive use of substances such as drugs and alcohol. Students receive instruction that will prepare them to take professional certification exams and provide them with competitive job skills in a career that is projected to grow significantly in the future, while also receiving solid training in the liberal arts. [Substance Abuse Counseling Major is housed in the Psychology Department. It has been accredited as an Advanced Accredited Training Program (AATP) by the Illinois Certification Board (ICB) dba: Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Board, Inc. (IAODAPCA).]
Broad (Overall) Goals
- To prepare for graduate studies those students who are interested in pursuing advanced study in substance abuse counseling, psychology, social work or related fields and possible licensure.
- To serve the needs of those students who wish to enter careers related to substance abuse counseling upon graduation from the University of St. Francis.
- To prepare students to take and pass the Illinois Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) Exam upon graduation.
- To contribute to the fulfillment of the University of St. Francis’ goals as a liberal arts institution of higher learning.
Major Program (58 credit hours)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| PSYC 111 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 211 | Introduction to Chemical Dependency | 3 |
| PSYC 221 | Group Dynamics | 3 |
| PSYC 240 | Life-Span Development | 3 |
| or SWRK 242 | Human Behavior in Social Environment II | |
| PSYC 250 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 260 | Introduction to Forensic Psychology | 3 |
| or CSJU 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice System | |
| PSYC 370 | Ethics in Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| PSYC 372 | Psychopharmacology for Addiction Counselors | 3 |
| PSYC 375 | Co-Occurring Disorders: Assessment & Treatment | 3 |
| PSYC 376 | Introduction to Counseling and Psychotherapy | 3 |
| PSYC 420 | Advanced Techniques in Substance Abuse Treatment | 3 |
| PSYC 424 | Diverse Populations in Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| PSYC 492 | Field Practicum and Supervision I | 5 |
| PSYC 493 | Field Practicum and Supervision II | 5 |
| PSYC 498 | Capstone Experience: Case Conceptualization | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select three electives, one course in any of three areas you choose from the following: | 9 | |
| Criminal & Social Justice Area: | ||
| Introduction to Corrections (3) | ||
| Juvenile Justice Systems (3) | ||
| Criminology (3) | ||
| Psychology Area: | ||
| Psychology of Women (3) | ||
| Health Psychology (3) | ||
| Introduction to Crisis Intervention (3) | ||
| Child & Adolescent Development (3) | ||
| Recreation and Sport Management Area: | ||
| Wellness and Lifestyle Satisfaction (3) | ||
| Social Work Area: | ||
| Introduction to Social Work (3) | ||
| Legal Issues & Helping Profess (3) | ||
| Domestic Violence (3) | ||
| Total Hours | 58 | |
Students work with their advisors in selecting additional elective credits to fulfill the 120 credit hours required for graduation.