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Mental Health and Addiction StudiesMajor

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

Overview

What is Mental Health and Addiction Studies at WVU like?

Description

The Mental Health and Addiction Studies major provides a broad knowledge base in mental health prevention, intervention and community impacts, with an in-depth focus on addiction treatment and recovery. Students in the major also take a variety of elective courses in diversity, aging, disabilities and wellness.

With its well-rounded curriculum, the major prepares students for fulfilling careers that lead to individual, family and community transformation.

Mental Health and Addiction Studies program highlights:

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

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Fast Facts

What makes Mental Health and Addiction Studies at WVU unique?

Research and Academic Opportunities

In addition to our list of complementary minors, students interested in social justice and serving diverse populations might choose one of these minors:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Professional Organizations

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

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Mental health and addictions professionals are in greater demand than ever before. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in these fields is expected to grow 22%, a much faster rate than most other occupations.

The Mental Health and Addiction Studies major qualifies graduates for entry-level jobs in addiction, mental health and family support services. Graduates may also pursue graduate studies in counseling, social work, public health or other health-related disciplines.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Mental Health and Addiction Studies major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Courses

What are the courses like in Mental Health and Addiction Studies at WVU?

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.

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.

Cost and Aid

How much does Mental Health and Addiction Studies at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2021-22 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current West Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

West Virginia Resident
Per Credit $409
Per Semester $4,908
Fall and Spring Semesters $9,816
Non-Resident
Per Credit $1,115
Per Semester $13,380
Fall and Spring Semesters $26,760
International
Per Credit $1,115
Per Semester $13,680
Fall and Spring Semesters $27,360
Scholarship Chart

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Net Price Calculator

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Ways to Save

Here is a way for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Mental Health and Addiction Studies at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Mental Health and Addiction Studies major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2022-23 academic year. They also must meet the following admission requirement. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

For direct admission to the Mental Health and Addiction Studies program:
  • GPA: 2.50

If you don't meet the admission requirements for WVU's Mental Health and Addiction Studies major, check out some related programs.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

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Request Information

Want to know more about Mental Health and Addiction Studies at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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