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Online Substance Abuse Degree Concentration BA in Human Services

Monique Gray, 2022 human services in substance abuse graduate, wearing a dark blue blouse and typing on a computer.

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 40

Term length 8 weeks

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Program Overview Why get an online substance abuse degree?

Turn compassion into action with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human Services with a concentration in Substance Abuse from Southern New Hampshire University. This impactful program offers specialized training so you can support people with substance use disorders, such as alcoholism and drug addiction, as they work to restore their lives.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Culturally responsive strategies
  • Lawful and ethical care approaches
  • Confidential case management techniques
  • Critical thinking and decision-making methods
  • Prevention, intervention and rehabilitation tactics
  • Psychological analysis of addictive behaviors
Keyon Tuiteleleapaga, who earned his degree from SNHU in 2024, wearing a dark blue SNHU sweatshirt smiling with his arms folded standing in a grass field with trees and the Hollywood sign in the distance behind him.

Courses & Curriculum Online substance abuse degree classes that make a positive impact

This program explores the process of diagnosing, treating and reintroducing an individual rehabilitating from substance use disorder. You'll learn the the 12 Core Functions of addiction counseling, screening techniques, prevention strategies, pharmacological factors and more.

Degree Courses

Online substance abuse degree courses

These classes will give you the knowledge needed to position yourself for success in the human services field. To demonstrate your newly gained skills, you'll complete a capstone course at the program's end that applies these learnings to the real world.

Course ID: HSE 101
This course provides an overview of the historical development of human services and an introduction to the many settings, roles, and functions of the human services professional. Students will gain an understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to help support others toward living a more fulfilling life with particular attention given to behavioral and social theories, common social problems, service delivery systems, ethical behavior, and personal values.
Course ID: HSE 220
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to effectively, efficiently, and compassionately communicate both orally and in writing. Emphasis will be given to the tools of communication as well as how to clearly articulate the issues, deal with conflict, and establish rapport. Human services professionals function in many settings requiring the ability to communicate the needs and issues of their clients, programs, and organizations to a broad variety of people.
Course ID: HSE 320
This course prepares students to function effectively within organizations, as most human services work involves interactions with multiple private and public organizations. Students develop an understanding of organizational structure and functions through an overview of common organizational structures and management systems and the principles of organizational behavior that influence the work environment. An introduction to the strategic planning and budgeting cycle is provided including the process of grant funding. Basic concepts of personnel management and common techniques and procedures for outcome measurement and program evaluation will also be presented.
Course ID: HSE 330
Students in this course will become acquainted with human services policies and the legislative and private sector processes of policy development. Students will further discover the role of advocacy in influencing social welfare programs for a variety of populations. Students learn the skills needed to act effectively in developing policies and for planning an advocacy campaign.
Course ID: HSE 340
Students in this course will learn about the laws and regulations that govern human services practice. Specific topics will include confidentiality, parity, involuntary commitment, mandated reporting, duty to warn, minor and parental rights, guardianship, and advanced directives. The course will also discuss the ethical principles that guide human services practice as well as the conflicts that arise between the ethical principles and the law.
Course ID: HSE 350
Explore the IC & RC 12 Core Functions of a substance use counselor. Learn evidence-informed approaches to practice that align with national standards.
Course ID: HSE 351
Explore the continuum of care model and best practices in substance use disorders including early intervention, prevention, treatment and recovery services. Develop a novice knowledge base of community resources to support each component of the continuum.
Course ID: HSE 352
Examine a variety of theoretical approaches with a focus on evidence-based counseling techniques widely used in Substance Use Disorder treatment. Practice ethical and culturally sensitive documentation skills to record individual and group therapy progress notes.
Course ID: HSE 353
Explore the physiology and pharmacology of substance use and the impact psychopharmacological chemicals have on the human body. Identify drug classifications, side-effects, and rationales for medication selection. Discuss current trends and issues in drugs of choice and medication-assisted therapy.
Course ID: HSE 410
Students will learn fundamental theories, concepts, and practices related to the delivery of human services. Topics covered in this course will include client engagement, interviewing, models of service delivery, ethics and professional responsibility, group dynamics and facilitation, boundaries, and formal/informal client-centered support systems. Students will apply course work to real life situations by assessing the needs of clients and designing goal-based care plans. Additionally, students will plan and design interventions, utilize community resources, and assess client outcomes.
Course ID: HSE 480
This capstone course is the culminating experience for the B.A. in Human Services program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements.
Course ID: PSY 200
This course introduces students to various types of addictive behaviors as well as their causes and consequences in relation to the individual, family, community, and society. It includes an overview of theories on addiction and approaches to identification, prevention, and treatment.
Course ID: PSY 211
In this course, students will explore the biological, sociological, and psychological influences that shape development between conception and death. Students will analyze traditional and emerging theories of development that increase their knowledge of human development as it relates to the field of psychology.
Course ID: PSY 215
In this course, students explore the major diagnoses from a biopsychosocial perspective. Students critically reflect on the basis of diagnoses, to appraise the benefits and costs of various assessment methods and understand the contributions of diverse treatment approaches. Ultimately, this course helps students understand the importance of reducing the stigma of disorders and diagnoses in a variety of contexts.
Course ID: SCS 224
This course offers a broad introduction to research methods in the social sciences, including surveys, case studies, experiments, and quasi-experiments. Students learn to spot design flaws in research intended to generate scientifically sound conclusions about social phenomena, and to evaluate critically the interpretations of social science research results by third-party observers, such as reporters. Students also learn how to draft a research proposal that would satisfy the requirements of peer review within the community of professional social scientists.
Course ID: SOC 213
Students in this course analyze contemporary social problems in America and other societies. Issues include economic limitations, class and poverty, race and ethnic relations, sexism, ageism, and environmental and population concerns.

Visit the course catalog to view the full BA in Human Services Substance Abuse Curriculum

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Upcoming term starts: September 1, 2025 | October 27, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.

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Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online undergraduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750

If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800

If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850

If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online substance abuse degree?

With addiction taking a toll on individuals, families and communities across the country, the need for highly educated community workers with a background in substance abuse has increased. By earning your online substance abuse counseling degree, you'll put yourself in a great position to provide entry-level services.

Occupations

Most jobs in this field require full-time hours. However, you may not have a regular 9-to-5 schedule if you're working with clients in crisis. Potential job titles include:

Establish rapport with community members to provide information on addiction. Connect people to local services, provide referrals, distribute materials and more.

Support people in recovery in a residential living setting. Work with clients and their loved ones to foster independence, like completing household chores or cooking.

Help clients in outpatient addiction programs set personal and professional goals that can direct them toward self-sufficiency and a better life.

Lead group discussions for people affected by substance use disorder using recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, culturally competent, strength-based approaches.

Evaluate the health of clients and assess if they're ready for treatment, then recommend treatment goals and help them develop vital recovery skills. Note: LACD and similar job titles require credentials that aren't provided by this bachelor's degree alone.

Oversee the well-being of at-risk, disadvantaged individuals or families. Make home visits, assess case reports, monitor child visits and provide guidance to your clients.

18%

Increase in roles for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Heather Garcia '19
Heather Garcia '19

I dealt with a difficult life event while attending, and when I talked to my instructors about it and how it affected my classwork at the moment, they were more than understanding and able to provide additional accommodations. Had it not been for those instructors, I’m not sure I would have passed that term.

Heather Garcia '19

Frequently Asked Questions

Addiction counselors work with clients struggling to overcome substance abuse. Those drawn to this profession are passionate about helping people recover from their addictions and live better lives.

Your path to becoming a substance abuse counselor can take many directions, but a specialized bachelor’s degree – like this BA in Human Services with a concentration in Substance Abuse or an online psychology degree with a concentration in addiction – gives you a strong chance for career success. It also provides a highly transferable skill set that can vastly improve your ability to help clients.

For instance, our program teaches you how to navigate a complex system of regulations, a skill you’ll draw on repeatedly. You’ll also learn how to use evidence-based practice to evaluate clients. And you’ll be prepared to work in a wide range of settings, including mental health centers, prisons and juvenile detention centers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

Our 120-credit program consists of coursework in psychology, sociology, human services and public health. Core courses highlight the importance of law and ethics, confidentiality and case management. You’ll finish up with a capstone that lets you apply what you've learned to the real world. The program can be completed entirely online, typically within 4 years or less depending on how many transfer credits you may have. (Note: This program does not guarantee licensure; requirements vary by state.)

Breaking into the field of substance abuse counseling takes less time than mental health counseling, which generally requires a master's degree. However, most employers look for relevant work experience or a higher level of education than high school, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

Substance abuse counselor degree programs train students to observe and interview patients, carry out treatment plans, and handle crisis situations. Many programs include opportunities to participate in fieldwork to provide hands-on experiences. Such practical experience can go a long way toward fulfilling your career aspirations to become an addiction counselor.

While many substance abuse counseling positions call for at least a bachelor’s degree, requirements vary by state. Some jobs require a master’s degree while others look for only a combination of a high school diploma and certification, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

However, your level of education can often limit the responsibilities you are given. The BLS notes that human service assistants with high school diplomas, for instance, tend to do more menial work, like helping clients complete paperwork.

Generally speaking, you need at least a bachelor’s in human services, counseling, rehabilitation, social work or a related field to advance to case management work.

If you want to screen, assess, diagnose and treat people living with substance use disorder, you'll need to seek licensure. Licensing processes vary by state, but most include educational requirements and supervised clinical experience. Additionally, you'll likely need to pass a state-issued exam and pursue continuing education each year.

Those interested in progressing into a program that leads to licensure should explore SNHU’s online master's in clinical mental health counseling – a valuable next step once you’ve earned your undergraduate-level substance abuse counselor degree.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates 25% of American adults struggle with substance use disorders.2

That trend is driving increased demand for substance abuse counselors. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 18% growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselor occupations through 2032 – much faster than the average for all occupations.1

Military veterans make up another significant portion of a substance abuse counselor’s caseload. More than 10% of veterans have a substance use disorder, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.3

Societal trends combined with the growing need for substance abuse counselors has created an increased demand for those with a substance abuse degree.

If you’re eager to get into the field, you don’t have to wait until you complete your substance abuse counselor degree. Many substance abuse clinics have positions that offer students the chance to gain practical experience while working toward a degree and/or license.

“There’s a desperate need for peer support, parenting support, mentorships,” said Seth Matthews, associate dean of human services at Southern New Hampshire University. “There are all these jobs out there related to substance abuse treatment that don’t require the need for a certification to get your foot in the door.”

It’s also worth noting that graduates of SNHU's substance abuse degree concentration are prepared to provide entry-level, non-licensure services. That can open you up to immediate opportunities in residential addiction treatment facilities, outpatient addiction programs and more.

The field of human services has expanded as awareness of issues like substance abuse and addiction has grown. Greater patient advocacy has also removed much of the stigma around these conditions. As a result, there are more types of counselors and greater numbers of them.

Today, there are counselors working with people who struggle with mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence and health conditions. There are also counselors specifically trained to help people handle grief or manage stress. They work in the private and nonprofit sectors, as well as in government.

Counseling services can be provided by professionals with a wide range of educational backgrounds and licenses, including clinical psychologists, clinical mental health counselors, clinical social workers, and licensed drug and alcohol counselors.

SNHU's online bachelor’s in human services offers a choice of 3 concentrations – child and family services, gerontology and substance abuse – that can help you get started in a rewarding profession helping others.

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm (viewed Feb. 27, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-and-human-service-assistants.htm (viewed Feb. 27, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2National Alliance on Mental Illness, at https://nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2018/Overcoming-Barriers-to-Recovery (viewed Feb. 27, 2024)

3National Institute on Drug Abuse, at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/substance-use-military-life (viewed Feb. 27, 2024)