SUNY Empire provided me with the flexibility to balance my professional responsibilities
and academic pursuits, allowing me to advance my career while continuing to help others.
Bachelor's of Science
Addiction Studies
Make a meaningful impact with a Bachelor's of Science in Addiction Studies from SUNY Empire.
This online addiction studies degree equips you with the skills to support individuals, families, and communities affected by substance-use disorders. Designed for flexibility, the program follows evidence-based addiction recovery education and meets state requirements for those pursuing a CASAC-T certification. Whether you're looking to advance in substance abuse counseling or enter the field, this program prepares you for careers in treatment, prevention, and advocacy.
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Program Overview
Bachelor's of Science in Addiction Studies
Next term starts
Fall 2025 Express 2
Ready to Apply?
Gain the Skills to Help Others Overcome Addiction
What you'll learn
- Understand addiction theories and treatment methods
- Apply ethical and professional standards in counseling
- Develop assessment and intervention strategies
- Work with diverse populations in addiction recovery
Make a Difference in Addiction Recovery
A bachelor’s degree in addiction studies opens doors to meaningful careers in counseling, advocacy, and community support. Possible career paths include:
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Addiction Treatment Specialist
- Case Manager
- Prevention Educator
- Recovery Coach
Interested? Take the Next Steps
1
Start Your Journey in Addiction Studies
We're here to support you every step of the way, making your journey to an addiction studies degree as smooth as possible. Our dedicated advisors provide the guidance and information
you need to make confident choices and move closer to your goals.
Request Info
2
Check for Prior Learning Credits
Put your past experience toward your degree. Use transfer credits, work experience, or life skills to get a head start, save money, and earn your degree faster.
Normal Program Length
Your Prior Learning
Your Prior Learning
3
as soon as October 20, 2025.
Apply for Your Online Addiction Studies B.S.
Make sure you have all the admissions requirements and complete your application to be ready for our next term!
Next start term
Fall 2025 Express 2
Deadline to apply
September 26
Start Your Degree
Frequently Asked Questions – BS in Addiction Studies Program
- Thalia MacMillan
Thalia.Macmillan@sunyempire.edu
- This would depend on the number of courses that you have completed that count towards the Addiction Studies program requirement.
- Yes, only if you are a student who was matriculated prior to August 2019.
- If you are matriculated after August 2019, you will not be able to use the concentration of Addiction Studies unless you are accepted into the BS in Addiction Studies program.
- Yes! The credits can count as some of the courses on the structured program.
- Please discuss with your mentor how many potential credits these credentials are worth.
- YES. If you are enrolled in the BS in Addiction Studies program you need to meet all of the course requirements.
- No. If you are enrolled in the BS in Addiction Studies program you need to meet all of the course requirements. You may wish to discuss another area of study with your mentor.
- Anyone can take these courses. They are built so that they act independently and together.
- It may! Please discuss with your mentor how many potential credits may transfer into the BS in Addiction Studies program.
- Students will need to meet the SUNY general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree. There are no special requirements beyond this for the BS in Addiction Studies program. You will work with your mentor, to meet the requirements.
- Yes, as per university policy, you are required to take a minimum of 4 credits of educational planning.
- No, you are not expected to write a rationale essay.
- You can select from two courses based on your needs and interests. For example, you
would select either Group Work or Family Intervention. See additional examples below.
- Substance Abuse Interventions with Special Populations OR Substance Abuse Interventions in the Workplace.
- Evidence-Based Substance Abuse Counseling OR Internship in Human Services.
- Yes. You would discuss with your mentor possible topics and follow the usual process for credit for prior learning.
- No, but you could earn a degree in Community and Human Services or in another area of study.
- The courses can be offered in all of our modes: online, independent study, group, or residency. Please consult the Term Guide for the current listing.
- Yes. Empire State University is a CASAC-T granting institution. Students must earn credit in all of the courses required for the BS in Addiction Studies.
- No. The CASAC-T credit award can only be received if you received your training at a community training provider.
- If you received your CASAC-T training at a SUNY or CUNY community college, you are not eligible for the CASAC-T as your community college courses already represent the credit awards that are in the CASAC-T.
- OASAS needs to provide verification that you have the certification.
Please contact them and have them send that information to Admissions.
- OASAS needs to provide verification that you have the certification.
Please contact them and have them send that information to Admissions.
- Your information will be listed in Degree Works.
Meet Your Professors
Our faculty bring decades of experience in addiction studies and are dedicated to your success. They won’t just help you earn your online addiction studies degree; they’ll inspire you to think critically, approach challenges with compassion, and develop the skills to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by addiction.
All Faculty
Interested in Addiction Studies?
