In 2020, 45% of young adults, ages 19 to 30, reported using an illicit drug in the past year an eight-point increase since 2015 (Schulenberg et al., 2021). In response to the increasing demand, this concentration prepares students for the licensed substance abuse technician credential, to assist individuals who struggle with addictions.
Counseling and applied psychological science is a specialty promoting psychological well-being. The substance abuse and addictions concentration of the BS program in counseling and applied psychological science provides coursework in counseling skills and techniques as they relate to substance abuse and addictions. Students acquire the necessary skills in screening, assessing, diagnosing and planning treatment of patients afflicted with substance abuse, addictions and related disorders. While this program does not make students license-eligible counselors, the coursework meets the requirements for the Licensed Substance Abuse Technician credential through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (https://www.azbbhe.us/node/553).
September 2025
Polytechnic Campus
5990 S Sterling Mall,
MESA,
Arizona,
85212, United States
First-year students must have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school.
English proficiency requirements
TOEFL iBT (internet-based test): For the general requirement programs, the minimum score is 61 (iBT)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): The overall band score requirement for the academic test is at least 6.0.
Pearson Test of English (PTE): ASU requires a score of at least 53.
Duolingo English test: General requirement programs: minimum score of 95.