Substance Abuse Counseling

Overview

The online bachelor's degree program in substance abuse counseling is designed for students who are interested in careers in the chemical dependency treatment areas of counseling and prevention. Students are prepared through a program grounded in current research and proven practice in the field of substance abuse to be qualified clinicians. Substance abuse counseling instructors represent a broad range of experience, skills and knowledge in the field including faculty with research and training expertise as well as experienced practitioners in drug and alcohol treatment across many demographic groups.

Students in the online substance abuse counseling program have the option of completing the bachelor of science degree on campus or as an online, distance learning student. The on-campus student will attend classes in the traditional face-to-face delivery method, but also will take classes delivered online via Blackboard - UC's advanced course development and delivery software. Distance learning students will complete their coursework entirely via the Blackboard computer-based format, with no obligation to travel to UC's campus.

Success

Students who have an interest in working in the community to provide assistance to others are great candidates for the degree in substance abuse counseling. Students in the substance abuse counseling program may enhance their education by choosing an area of study within the degree requirements that can include child abuse recognition or another human service-related area.

Students who excel in the substance abuse counseling program often have very strong interpersonal skills and work well with others. Excellent written and verbal communications skills are also a plus.

Career

The online substance abuse counseling program is designed to help full-time students and career professionals gain the knowledge, competencies and skills needed to work in the field or to begin a career working with addicted persons.

Aspects of the program are also suited to those who may come in contact with and may need to assist addicted persons, including probation, parole and corrections officers, social workers, mental health professionals, nurses and other medical staff, guidance counselors, psychologists and certified or licensed professionals who want to enhance their career potential or clinical privileging.

Upon program completion, students will have met all academic requirements for licensure under Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board guidelines. (Additional field practice hours are required for eligibility to take the state OCDPB license examination as well as other application requirements).

Curriculum

Advising

Student Services Center
College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
PO Box 210014
Cincinnati, OH 45221
513-556-2336

UC Advantages And Special Opportunities

As part of the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, the substance abuse counseling program offers flexibility with weekend courses and distance learning courses.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information.

Transferring To UC

Admission to this program is generally available for students transferring to the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.0 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined).

Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined)

Changing Majors Within UC

Admission to this program is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges of the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.0 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined).

Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined)

Current UC students wishing to transfer into the program should contact the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services at 513-556-2336.

International Student Requirements

International students should contact the University of Cincinnati's Office of Admission for details. 513-556-1100.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, a student must:

• Complete all required course work and program requirements.
• Obtain at least a 2.0 university grade point average.
• Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Meet the college's residency requirement of 30 semester credit hours.
• File formal application for the degree by the posted semester of graduation deadline.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Freshmen:

• Early Admission Deadline: Dec. 1*
• Rolling Admission Deadline: July 1
• Confirmation Deadline: August 1

* Your application must be complete by this date in order to be considered for scholarships and the Honors Program.

Transfers:

• Application Deadline: July 1
• Confirmation Deadline: Aug. 1

Spring Semester

Freshmen and Transfers: 

• Application Deadline: Nov. 15
• Confirmation Deadline: Dec. 1

Summer Semester

Freshmen and Transfers: 

• Application Deadline: March 15
• Confirmation Deadline: April 1

Accreditation