Undergraduate

Behavioral Science: Addictions Studies

Explore specialized topics such as the core principles of addiction, foundations of addictions counseling, and issues related to addiction in special populations.

2026

Degree

Associate of Science

Location

Online

Courses

14*

Credit

60 hrs.*

Full-time

Varies (Transfer up to 30 credits)

Part-time

Varies (Transfer up to 30 credits)

View course catalog

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College of Professional Studies

The online Associate of Science in Behavioral Science with an Addictions Studies option at the University of New Hampshire provides an interdisciplinary foundation in understanding human behavior through biological, psychological, social, and cultural lenses.

Students delve into specialized topics such as the core principles of addiction, foundations of addictions counseling, and issues related to addiction in special populations. This program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in human services, including roles such as a case worker, residential counselor, and family support coordinator, and offers a pathway to further education in bachelor's degree programs like Applied Psychology or Human Services.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

College of Professional Studies

What is the Addictions Studies Option in Behavioral Science?

The Associate in Science in Behavioral Science provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior within a global world view. Foundation courses at an associate level introduce behavioral science students to the biological, psychological, social, and cultural variables of human behavior. This degree prepares students for a smooth transition to the B.S. in Applied Psychology, Health & Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice. The addictions studies option introduces students to the issues associated with supporting people involved with addictive behaviors.

Why study the Addictions Studies Option in Behavioral Science at UNH College of Professional Studies?

Your courses will introduce you to the biological, psychological, social, and cultural variables of human behavior. Within each option area, you’ll gain deeper-level knowledge. For example, the addictions studies option introduces students to the issues associated with supporting people involved with addictive behaviors. For those looking to further their education beyond an associate degree, this degree can prepare you for a smooth transition to the bachelor’s in Applied Psychology, Health and Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice.

Potential Career Areas

Case Worker
Residential Counselor
Service Coordinator
Site Supervisor
Family Support Coordinator
Support Worker
Case Management Aide
Client Advocate
Mental Health Aide
Behavioral Management Aide
Family Support Worker

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

Degree Plan

This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
PSY 410	Introduction to Psychology	4
SOCI 410	Introduction to Sociology	4
	Credits	16
Spring
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
PSY 565	Core Principles of Addiction	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
PSY 525	Human Development	4
PSY 675	Foundations of Addictions Counseling	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
SOCI 680	Issues of Addiction in Special Populations	4
General Education Course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	12
	Total Credits	60

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 60 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 16 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

Major, Option, and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

General Education Program Requirements

A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major and General Education areas.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems		4
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World		4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression		4
Total Credits		32

Major Requirements

A minimum grade of C- is required in all Major and Option coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major/Option and General Education areas.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Major in Behavioral Science
PSY 410	Introduction to Psychology	4
PSY 525	Human Development	4
SOCI 410	Introduction to Sociology	4
Option in Addiction Studies
PSY 565	Core Principles of Addiction	4
PSY 675	Foundations of Addictions Counseling	4
SOCI 680	Issues of Addiction in Special Populations	4
Total Credits		24

Electives

Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, concentration or minor. Students will need 60 credits total to graduate with an associate degree.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Attain proficiency in the basic concepts, theories, and methods of inquiry in behavioral sciences.
Evaluate ethical principles of the behavioral sciences.
Prepare for seamless transition to the Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, Health & Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice.

Course Highlights

Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Criminology
...and more!

Key Benefits of UNH CPS Online

Advantages

100% online courses – Learn from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
8-week terms – Move toward your goals faster.
Affordable tuition – Among the lowest in New England and nationwide.
Nationally ranked – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Regionally accredited – By the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
Generous transfer credit policy – About 89% of our students transfer in; we specialize in maximizing your previous college coursework and other college-level learning.
Credit for prior learning – Earn credit for relevant work experience, military training, and other learning outside the classroom.
Rolling admissions – Apply anytime and start in the term that works for you.
No GMAT or GRE required – Streamlined admissions process.
Expert faculty – Instructors are subject matter experts who share real-world experience to help you apply what you learn to your career goals.
Career advising for life – Available to all students, alumni, and even prospective students exploring their options.

Admissions Requirments

Completion of our free, online application for admission
High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC

Credit for What you Know

Your Prior Learning Counts

Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.

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Behavioral Science: Addictions Studies, A.S. - CPS, CPSO