Home / Academics / Programs

College of Applied Human Sciences: School of Counseling and Well-being

Mental Health and Addiction Studies, BA

Our program is designed for students with broad-based interest in the human condition and serving their communities, as well as those who wish to pursue graduate studies in counseling, social work, public health or other health-related disciplines.

Graduates are also qualified for entry-level occupations in addiction, mental health and family support services.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Meet Your Community Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

Interested in a helping profession? You may find your fit in this major, which will prepare you to enter the workforce or graduate school.

The bachelor’s degree in Mental Health and Addiction Studies consists of courses from key disciplines, such as counseling,
child development and family studies, psychology and sociology, as well as study in diversity, aging, disabilities and wellness.

Core coursework explores the history, theories and concepts of mental health and mental illness, as well as investigation of the structures and service delivery mechanisms for prevention, intervention and treatment of mental disorders, with a concentrated focus on addiction and recovery.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

COUN 240:
Introduction to Addiction Studies
Overview of core concepts related to substance use and substance use disorders. Topics include the history of drug use/addiction, effects on societal members, pharmacology of common psychoactive drugs, theories of addiction, treatment approaches, mutual support, recovery and relapse.
COUN 320:
Prevention in Mental Health
Overview of core concepts related to the prevention of mental illness and addiction. Topics include the evolution of prevention practices, risk and preventive factors, psychosocial and environmental determinants, selecting and evaluating evidence-based models, and health equity.
CDFS 416:
Trauma, Resiliency and Children
Overview of core issues of trauma and its impact on children and families, with an emphasis on growth, learning and adult relationships. Students apply critical inquiry to explore the broader impact of trauma on society, including individual productivity and financial costs, and develop public awareness and learning material.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

Honors

Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.
Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

Graduates may qualify for NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program.
This major is the first of its kind in West Virginia and one of just a few undergraduate programs in the field nationwide.

Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Complementary minors include:

Students interested in social justice and serving diverse populations might choose one of these minors:

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Psychiatric Aides

Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.

Median Salary: $37,160

Possible job titles include: Mental Health Aide (MHA), Mental Health Worker (MHW), Psychiatric Aide, Psychiatric Nursing Aide, Psychiatric Nursing Assistant, Resident Care Technician, Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW) .

Explore Career

Mental Health Counselors

Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $49,710

Possible job titles include: Clinician, Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Therapist.

Explore Career

Child, Family and School Social Workers

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior and truancy. May also advise teachers.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $50,820

Possible job titles include: Case Manager, Family Service Worker, Foster Care Social Worker, School Social Worker.

Explore Career

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention and education.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $51,240

Possible job titles include: Case Manager, Clinical Social Worker, Mental Health Therapist, Social Worker.

Explore Career

Social and Human Service Assistants

Assist in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation or dependent care.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $38,520

Possible job titles include: Caseworker, Community Coordinator, Family Support Worker, Social Services Assistant.

Explore Career