BY Amanda A. Taylor
The UTRGV School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling starting this fall semester will offer a brand new Bachelor of Science degree in Addiction Studies that is fully online.
The degree program has been developed to satisfy education requirements for becoming a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in Texas.
“For professionals already working in the substance abuse field, this provides a flexible way to earn a degree and advance in careers,” said Dr. Bruce Reed, UTRGV professor of rehabilitation services and counseling and director of the School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling. “As a fully online bachelor’s program, this is an exciting and convenient opportunity to become a licensed counselor.”
The UTRGV School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling had previously offered a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a concentration in Addition Studies option, but with the inception of the new Addiction Studies degree track, the previous degree will be phased out immediately.
The existing minor in Addiction Studies will continue to be offered.
Students currently declared as majors in Rehabilitation Counseling with a concentration in Addiction Studies will have the option to complete their current degree plan or switch to the new Addiction Studies Bachelor’s degree.
“This degree leads to becoming a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in the state of Texas,” Reed said. “This is the second Bachelor of Science degree in Addiction Studies offered only in the state of Texas.” The other degree track is Addiction Counseling out of the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Students with questions or concerns are recommended to contact the Addiction Studies program advisors, Eluterio Blanco at [email protected] or Fidencio Mercado at [email protected].
