Overview

The Behavioral Health Science - Substance Use Disorders curriculum offers a strong foundation for students who want to pursue a master’s degree in counseling, mental health, criminal justice, clinical or forensic psychology or human services.

Among Grand Canyon University’s five critical competencies: effective communication, critical thinking, Christian worldview, leadership and global awareness, perspectives, and ethics. Additionally, this emphasis in substance use disorders covers six domains:

Concepts of behavioral health

Behavioral health skills

Cultural competency

Behavioral health information technology

Professional network

Substance use disorders

The emphasis in substance use disorders teaches students to determine substances that are abused and their respective effects. Students will also practice rapport building and interviewing skills, identify various assessment tools, learn documentation strategies for treatment plans. They will also examine ethical codes and organizational policies.

In this Behavioral Health Science - Substance Use Disorders degree program, students gain skills for a career as a behavioral health technician or other behavioral health-related professions. The counseling degree is specific to counseling and addiction, while a student receiving this behavioral health science degree may have added flexibility to pursue different pathways.

Careers

Graduates of this behavioral health science degree program are equipped to pursue entry-level positions as a behavioral health technician, specialist or paraprofessional. Other potential career opportunities include mental health technician, social or community service manager or case manager.

Graduates have the knowledge to work in settings that specialize in treating and understanding substance use disorders. This includes behavioral health, health services management, health services, and other agencies including, but not limited to, government, private and public entities. Students can also continue their education at the graduate level to qualify for a career in clinical psychology, licensed therapy, or professional counseling.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Behavioral health

Counseling theories

Substance abuse disorders

Addiction and substance abuse

Cultural and social diversity

Human development

Spirituality and addiction

Report writing and researching in behavioral health

Understanding trauma, abuse, domestic violence and addiction, and family dynamics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

The university’s rolling admissions policy allows new students to be admitted throughout the year.

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Phoenix, United States

Disciplines

Public Health Health Administration Health Sciences View 911 other Bachelors in Public Health in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

To be accepted for admission to Grand Canyon University's (GCU) campus or online undergraduate programs, you must submit acceptable high school or college transcripts to meet the admission requirements

Direct start applicants interested in attending GCU must meet one of the following requirements:

High School Graduate with an Unweighted GPA of 3.0+
High School Graduate with an Unweighted GPA of 2.5+ and Qualifying College Entrance Exam Score
GED and Transcript of All Credit-bearing Coursework

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

16500 USD / year

≈ 16500 USD / year
Out-of-State

16500 USD / year

≈ 16500 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16500 USD / year

≈ 16500 USD / year

Additional Details

Online fee + $485/ credit

Living costs

Phoenix

United States

900 - 1450 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 Behavioral Health Science - Substance Use Disorders.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Careers

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Phoenix

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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