Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Addictions Counseling)
Hours: 51 Online
About
The Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Addictions Counseling) programs at Fort Hays State University offer specialized curriculum aligned with Kansas requirements for addictions counselor licensure. This fully online program is one of only two in Kansas, making it a distinctive choice for students seeking a career in addiction counseling. Through a comprehensive approach combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills, students are prepared to address substance use disorders and behavioral addictions effectively in various settings, from clinical environments to community interventions.
The program focuses on the sociological aspects of addiction. It integrates intensive counseling techniques and ethical considerations, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to support individuals and families in crisis. With courses such as Pharmacology and High Risk Medical Issues and Ethics in Addictions Counseling, students gain a deep understanding of the complexities involved in addiction treatment and the critical thinking required to navigate this challenging field.
Why pursue a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Addictions Counseling) at Fort Hays State University?
The B.A./B.S. in Sociology (Addictions Counseling) programs are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the theories of addiction and the skills needed to apply that knowledge in real-world settings. Delivered fully online, the programs allow students to complete their coursework from anywhere in Kansas or beyond, offering flexibility while maintaining a high-quality academic experience. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current trends, professional standards, and state regulations, helping ensure that graduates are well prepared for the addictions counseling licensure exam.
The programs emphasize individual and family counseling while also providing a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacological aspects of addiction. This integrated approach prepares graduates to deliver holistic care to individuals and families affected by substance use and behavioral addictions. With a strong grounding in sociology, students also learn to place addiction within broader social contexts, enabling them to better understand the societal factors that influence addiction and to serve as more effective practitioners.
Who is this program for?
Determining whether a program aligns with one’s career aspirations and educational goals is an important step in the decision-making process. The following outlines the types of students who typically excel in these programs:
- Individuals aiming for licensure as addiction counselors
- Professionals in healthcare and social services seeking specialization
- Students interested in a fully online program to balance personal commitments
- Those living in Kansas who want to complete one of the state-approved online programs for addictions counseling
Real-World Applications
These programs are structured to connect academic theory with practical application. Students are trained to work across a variety of environments, including private practices, hospitals, and community organizations, giving them the flexibility to address diverse cases involving substance use and behavioral addictions. The curriculum encompasses a broad range of topics, from individual counseling techniques to the management of high-risk medical issues related to addiction, providing students with a comprehensive foundation for effective practice.
Graduates are prepared to provide prevention, recovery, and crisis care services, addressing the critical needs of today’s society, where addiction rates continue to rise. The programs also offer an in-depth examination of ethical considerations in addiction counseling, equipping students to make informed, sensitive decisions that uphold legal standards and their clients' well-being.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
In the rapidly evolving field of addiction counseling, staying current with the latest research and regulatory standards is essential. Fort Hays State University integrates cutting-edge research and evidence-based techniques into its curriculum, preparing students to meet present and future challenges in the field. This includes instruction on new drug therapies, emerging treatments for behavioral addictions, and the latest digital and remote counseling technologies, ensuring graduates are equipped with the most up-to-date tools and knowledge for effective practice.
Faculty in the programs are active professionals in the field of addiction counseling, bringing current, real-world knowledge directly into the classroom. Students gain valuable insights into contemporary practices and practical scenarios, enhancing their learning experience and equipping them for effective, evidence-based practice after graduation.
Hands-on Activities
Practical experience is a central component of the B.A./B.S. in Sociology (Addictions Counseling) programs. Students complete two required practicum courses, accumulating more than 500 hours of supervised, on-site experience at substance abuse counseling agencies. This hands-on training reinforces classroom learning, provides invaluable professional connections, and equips students with the real-world experience essential for career advancement in the field.
During these practicums, students apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world counseling settings, working directly with clients under the guidance of experienced professionals. This hands-on experience exposes them to the complexities and challenges of addiction counseling, preparing them for the demands of their future careers while building confidence and professional competence.
What You’ll Learn:
- Identify drug and behavioral addictions
- Understand the sociological impacts of addictions
- Current treatment approaches for addictions
- Influence of policies on addiction treatment
- Engagement and treatment planning skills
How You’ll Learn:
- Online courses tailored for practical learning
- Case studies from real addiction scenarios
- Interactive learning platforms with simulations
- Ethical training and decision-making models
- Supervised practicum experiences
The programs feature a comprehensive curriculum that covers all essential aspects of addiction studies, from the pharmacological effects of substances to ethical considerations in practice. Key courses include Introduction to Addictions, Individual and Family Counseling in Addictions, and a practicum sequence that offers hands-on, supervised training in real-world settings.
SOC 366: Introduction to Addictions
This course offers a theoretical framework for understanding substance abuse, including its impacts, policies, and treatment methods. It uses the Bio/Psycho/Social Model of Addiction to assess both pathology and client strengths.
SOC 368: Client Management Procedures
This course covers screening, assessment, and treatment planning, with a focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement, and 12-step facilitation. It includes biopsychosocial assessments, drug abuse, dual diagnosis, recovery plans, adolescent treatment, and effective listening.
SOC 373: Group Counseling and Addictions Populations
This course covers the basics of group counseling theories and dynamics, helping students develop skills to facilitate addiction counseling groups and integrate theory into practice. It explores the evolution of group processes in addiction counseling.
Discover the full Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Addictions Counseling) and Bachelor of Science in Sociology (Addictions Counseling) course listings by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Upon graduation, students are prepared to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in addiction counseling and related human services.
Licensed Addictions Counselor
Licensed addictions counselors support individuals with substance use and behavioral addictions in settings such as rehabilitation centers, clinics, and private practices. They assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, and conduct therapy sessions using evidence-based strategies, while also advocating for clients and providing guidance to support recovery and well-being.
Clinical Supervisor in Addictions Counseling
Clinical supervisors in addictions counseling oversee counselors and clinical staff, ensuring care meets professional standards and regulatory requirements. They manage and train staff, monitor program effectiveness, and guide the development of treatment programs. By applying evidence-based practices and innovative approaches, they enhance service delivery and support positive client outcomes.
Public Health Educator on Substance Abuse
Health educators on substance abuse design and implement programs that raise awareness about the risks of substance use and promote healthy lifestyle choices. They work in communities, schools, health departments, and nonprofit organizations, collaborating with other health professionals to develop public education campaigns and initiatives that support prevention and wellness at scale.
Addictions Research Analyst
Addictions research analysts study trends, treatment outcomes, and emerging therapies related to substance use and behavioral addictions. Working in universities, think tanks, or health agencies, they conduct research that expands the knowledge base of addiction sciences. Their findings inform evidence-based practices, guide treatment strategies, and can influence public policy and prevention initiatives.
Program Director for Addiction Treatment Facilities
Program directors for addiction treatment facilities manage the planning and operation of treatment programs, ensuring high-quality care while meeting regulatory standards and budget requirements. They also collaborate with government agencies, policymakers, and community organizations to secure support, promote sustainability, and advocate for the needs of patients and staff.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Looking into related educational programs can help students find the path that best fits their career goals. These programs may also open up opportunities for specialization and expand future career possibilities.
- Master of Social Work
- Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
- Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
The curriculum is structured to fulfill Kansas state requirements for addictions counselor licensure. It provides in-depth coursework in addiction counseling, ethics, and pharmacology, combined with hands-on practicum experiences, ensuring students are fully prepared for the licensure exam and professional practice.
Yes, both programs are offered entirely online, providing the flexibility to balance your studies with work and other personal commitments. The course structure allows you to engage with material at your own pace, making it ideal for working professionals.
FHSU actively assists students in securing practicum placements by entering into signed agreements with various counseling agencies. This ensures that all students have high-quality placement opportunities to gain the necessary real-world experience.
FHSU offers several graduate programs and certificates that can help further specialize your skills or broaden your professional qualifications in social services and health care.
Graduates can pursue careers as licensed addiction counselors and may also find opportunities in public health agencies, private counseling practices, or as consultants in addiction prevention programs. The comprehensive training also equips them to assume roles in educational and community-based settings, with a focus on addiction recovery and support systems.
Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology
The School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology at FHSU offers a diverse range of programs designed to prepare students for meaningful and impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and the social sciences. Through an integrated, interdisciplinary approach, students develop critical skills that equip them to address complex societal challenges and become effective leaders and professionals.
The Criminal Justice programs provide both online and on-campus options, focusing on areas such as law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system, with a strong emphasis on leadership, ethics, and integrity. Leadership programs cultivate essential organizational and interpersonal skills through interactive coursework and hands-on internships, supported by initiatives like the Leadership Studies Association and the VALUE program. Sociology programs explore human behavior, social structures, and community issues, encouraging analytical thinking and research-based problem-solving.
Together, these programs create a robust and collaborative educational environment that promotes cross-disciplinary learning. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether focused on justice, leadership, or social change, students in the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership and Sociology gain the knowledge and experience needed to make a lasting impact.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Criminal Justice Club: Open to students majoring, minoring, or pursuing a certificate in Criminal Justice, as well as those majoring in Criminalistics, the Criminal Justice Club offers career-focused opportunities for service, networking, and social engagement. The club meets weekly during the academic year, with activities that vary each semester based on student interests. Volunteer options are available through local groups such as:
- Delta Tau Omega: Students in the Criminal Justice Club have an opportunity to join the FHSU chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Delta Tau Omega. Membership in this organization allows students to participate in regional and national conferences, where they can engage in a variety of competitions, including written exams, mock crime scene investigations, physical agility tests, scholarly research poster presentations, and national research paper and scholarship contests. To remain active in the organization, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in their criminal justice coursework.
- Sociology Club: Open to all students and majors, the Sociology Club promotes research on topics aimed at improving the community. The club actively collaborates with both the FHSU campus community and residents of Hays, hosting student engagement events and participating in a variety of community service projects. Its mission is to foster a deeper interest in sociology while highlighting the discipline’s importance in understanding society and enhancing the human condition.
- Alpha Kappa Delta: Sociology majors may be eligible for membership in Alpha Kappa Delta, the honor society for sociology. This organization promotes academic excellence and fosters scholarship and fellowship among undergraduate and graduate students. To qualify for membership, students must have junior standing, a minimum 3.0 GPA in sociology, and at least 12 completed credit hours in sociology coursework.
- Leadership Studies Association: The Leadership Studies Association provides students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills by building meaningful relationships, engaging in skill-building activities, and applying leadership in real-world settings. The organization encourages student growth through a variety of events and activities designed to foster personal and professional development.
Criminal Justice Centers
- National De-escalation Training Center:
In August 2020, Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Programs and University Police partnered with the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) to become the Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a designated regional center, FHSU offers the only Level 3 de-escalation training currently available in the United States.
- Level 1 training includes traditional de-escalation techniques grounded in procedural justice.
- Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention strategies.
- Level 3 enhances both traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention methods by incorporating rapid personality identification.
The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase officer confidence in applying de-escalation techniques when working with the public.
FHSU facilitates all three of NDTC’s training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, a two-day, in-person training, and a comprehensive 32- to 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Supported by substantial federal funding, these training opportunities are available to agencies at little to no cost. In addition, scholarships may be available to help agencies enroll officers in the online course.
NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).
- Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:
Located within the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University, the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-Based Violence functions as a regional hub for collaborative research and community service. Its mission is to alleviate the barriers faced by survivors, promote economic independence, and empower survivors to embrace new opportunities with freedom and confidence.
The Center commits to providing sustainable support aimed at helping survivors break the cycle of violence and transform from victims/survivors into social entrepreneurs.
Focusing on gender-based violence in rural areas, the Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research that explores its causes and effective control measures. It leads collaborative networks of researchers committed to applying evidence-based approaches and identifying best practices to address gender-based violence within rural communities.
Additionally, the Center fosters academic-community partnerships through service-learning, research, assessment, education, and policy development, all designed to enhance the well-being and resilience of rural populations.
- VALUE Program:
The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is a year-long program designed to cultivate promising undergraduates into effective agents of change. It offers a combination of curricular and co-curricular experiences across three specialized tracks: corporate leadership, civic/nonprofit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.
- CNN Heroes Advisory Board:
The Sociology Programs focus on creating real-world impact through projects aimed at supporting those in need. A key initiative involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals nationally recognized for their outstanding contributions to nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, made up of these distinguished leaders, offers students valuable guidance and insights drawn from their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.
- Bachelor's
- Online
