Online Bachelor's Degree in Psychology—Addictions
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Bachelor’s in Psychology in Addictions Overview
It’s time for your comeback. Earn your bachelor’s degree online and be ready to make a difference helping those struggling with and recovering from addictions. You’re worth the investment.
- Meet the educational requirements to sit for the optional NCAC, Level I and II certification exams.
- Earn a Peer Recovery Support Specialist Micro-Credential and prepare to sit for the optional NCAC NCPRSS certification exam — all as part of the program.
- Personalize your degree with an optional concentration in business foundations or with the practicum track.
Gain the Skills That Employers — and Those Struggling — Need
- Understand the processes of addiction, pharmacology, recovery, and prevention as they relate to substance use disorder or other addictions, such as gambling and eating disorders.
- Gain case-management skills for working with clients and their families.
- Guide clients in maintaining their sobriety.
- Use a scientific approach to problem solving to evaluate behavioral and mental processes.
- Apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
- Understand how culture and socioeconomic status play a role in the addiction and recovery process for diverse populations.
Purdue Global is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider.
This program is also accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC).
Networking and Hands-On Experience
Learn online — but not on your own. Join organizations such as the Psychology Club for networking and leadership opportunities. You can further build your resume and make connections in the field through an optional internship.
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.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
Calculate Your Time and Cost
Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.
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.
Sample Courses
- Health Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Case Management in Clinical Settings
- Psychopharmacology of Alcohol and Drugs
The practicum track will allow you to incorporate a practicum experience in your program. If you are a resident of Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Texas, or Wyoming, you are required to take additional practicum hours in order to meet state-specific education requirements; you must enroll in the practicum track and may not pursue a concentration. International students are not eligible to enroll in the practicum track.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
Program Requirements
Concentration Requirements
Practicum Requirements
1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours
3-Week Trial
Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Try an undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week trial period.
There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply. That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.
Students who choose to continue at Purdue Global will be billed for the full first term's tuition, including the 3-week trial. See Notes and Conditions below.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You must also complete orientation before you start classes.
Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Prepare for Optional 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 optional 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 optional 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 optional NCAC examination(s). Students are highly encouraged to visit www.NAADAC.org for additional state-specific licensure requirements.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
Earn Credit for Prior Coursework and Experience
The average bachelor's degree student pays $15k and takes 2.3 years to complete their degree.
Ways to Save on Time and Tuition
Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.
Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
Prior Work Experience Reduction
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
Financial Aid
Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.
Grants and Loans
Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.
Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
Military Tuition Reduction
Undergraduate tuition savings for military include a 55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and 38% per credit for veterans.
Prior Military Experience
Earn credit for your military training. The average Purdue Global military student is awarded 54% of the credits needed for an associate's and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor's.
View the total cost of attendance for your program.
Possible Behavioral Interview Questions for This Field of Study
- Share an experience when you worked with a team on a group project, case study, or community initiative. What role did you play?
- Describe a time you had to adapt your communication style to better connect with someone. What did you learn?
- Describe a time where you had to navigate a difficult conversation in a professional setting. How did you handle it?
- Give an example of how you managed competing priorities with varying deadlines. What tools or strategies did you use?
- What populations or settings are you most interested in working with, and why?
Sample Skills Developed and Used in This Field
- Case Management
- Psychology
- Coordination
- Treatment Planning
- Behavioral Health
- Crisis Intervention
- Substance Abuse Awareness
- Communication
- Writing
- Advocacy
- Care Coordination
- Discharge Planning
- Substance Dependence
- Digital Literacy
- Ethical Standards and Conduct
Download the Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about the Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global. Prepare yourself for success with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Choosing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology — Addictions
Specialize your career in a rewarding field. Learn industry trends and find additional resources on pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology — addictions.
Get to Know Our Faculty
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Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2025. 2024–2025 academic year.