Overview

The Addiction Counseling and Prevention B.S. at the University of South Dakota is designed to equip students with the essential skills to support individuals and communities facing substance use challenges. This undergraduate programme integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application to ensure graduates are prepared for the complexities of modern healthcare environments. Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasises critical thinking, teamwork, and professional respect.

Why Addiction Counseling and Prevention at University of South Dakota?

The University of South Dakota offers the only programme of its kind in the state, boasting accreditation by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). Students learn from a distinguished faculty with over 200 years of combined professional experience, contributing to a consistent 100% pass rate on national licensure exams. The programme has also been recognised nationally for its high-quality online delivery, ranking as a top choice for substance abuse studies.

Beyond the classroom, students engage in supervised internships across diverse settings, including inpatient facilities and prevention education programmes. The School of Health Sciences provides a unique interdisciplinary environment where students collaborate with peers from various medical fields, mirroring the integrated care teams found in professional practice. Additionally, the student-led Coalition of Addiction Students and Professionals Pursuing Advocacy offers opportunities for legislative engagement and networking.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 13299 per year
National fee: USD 13299 per year
Local fee: USD 9687 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Substance Use Disorders
Individual and Group Addiction Counseling
Legal and Ethical Issues
Nature and Etiology of Addiction
Addiction Psychopathology
Addictive Family Systems
Medication Assisted Treatment
Trauma and Addiction

Careers with Addiction Counseling and Prevention

Graduates are prepared for high-demand roles within the healthcare and social service sectors. The programme meets the academic standards for credentialing by the South Dakota Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals, enabling alumni to work in diverse environments. Employment opportunities are commonly found in detoxification centres, community mental health clinics, and rehabilitation facilities.

Furthermore, graduates often pursue careers within the criminal justice system, correctional facilities, and employee assistance programmes. The skills acquired also support roles in prevention education and transitional living services. By focusing on holistic healing and evidence-based interventions, the programme ensures that students are ready to serve as effective leaders and compassionate practitioners in the field of addiction recovery.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Study of Alcohol Use & Abuse
Study of Drug Use & Abuse
Ethical and Legal Issues in the Addiction Profession
Addictive Family Systems & Family Counseling
Individual Addiction Counseling Practicum
Group Addiction Counseling Practicum

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Vermillion, United States

Disciplines

Counselling Psychology View 96 other Bachelors in Counselling Psychology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.6

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

Official high school (secondary school) transcript with grade point average equivalent to 2.6 on a 4.0 scale.
Demonstrate English language proficiency.
Application Fee
Passport
Official Statement of Finances

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

13299 USD / year

≈ 13299 USD / year
Out-of-State

13299 USD / year

≈ 13299 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9687 USD / year

≈ 9687 USD / year

Living costs

Vermillion

United States

1024 - 1781 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Addiction Counseling and Prevention.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Vermillion

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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