Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling Degree

The substance abuse and addiction counseling program at Pennsylvania State University prepares students for careers as counselors in drug detoxification centers, half-way houses, correctional institutions, and more. The program focuses on preventing substance abuse, counseling individuals and families with drug and alcohol problems, and performing intervention and therapeutic services. Program courses include: psychology of addiction, sociology, crisis intervention, substance abuse identification methodologies, pharmacology and behavioral aspects of abused substances, professional standards and ethics, and applicable laws and regulations. Get more details below including other Pennsylvania colleges that offer substance abuse and addiction counseling degrees.

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Pennsylvania State University

76 University Drive, Hazleton, PA

Pennsylvania State University is located in University Park. It is a state-related, space grant, land grant public research facility. Also known as Penn State, the school has twenty-four campuses in Pennsylvania. University Park is the main and largest campus.

History

On February 22, 1855, Pennsylvania State University was established as the Farmer's High School of Pennsylvania. The name was changed to Agricultural College of Pennsylvania in 1862. In 1863, with the passing of the Morrill Land Grant Act, the school was chosen to be Pennsylvania's only land grand college. Within the next few years, enrolment fell because students were only able to acquire and agricultural education. In 1882, when George Atherton became president, the curriculum was broadened. Engineering studies were then offered. Penn State became one of the ten largest engineering schools in the US.

By the early 20^th century, Penn State had grown considerably. In 1936, satellite campuses were established by President Don Hetzel in order to allow students of the Depression era to attend college. Since these students were needed to work at home during that time, without the satellite colleges, they wouldn't have been able to further their education.

School President Milton S. Eisenhower changed the name of the college to Pennsylvania State College in 1953 and the institution became state-related in 1970.

Campuses

The University Park campus has 13 distinct colleges. They are:

• College of Health and Human Development
• College of Arts and Architecture
• College of Agricultural Studies
• College of Communications
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Information Science and Technology
• Penn State Dickinson School of Law
• Smeal College of Business
• Schreyer Honors College
• College of Engineering
• College of Education
• Eberly College of Science
• College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

Academics

Since 1945, the Applied Research Lab has partnered with the United States Department of Defense. Research is primarily in support of the US Navy.

The library system of Pennsylvania State University began with 1500 book. Today it houses 500,000 maps, 5.2 million books, 180,000 films and videos and 5 million microforms.

Pennsylvania State University's University Park campus also hosts a Radiation Science and Engineering Center.

Student Life

Pennsylvania State University has one of the largest Greek communities in the US. In 1888, the Penn State Glee Club was founded. It is the oldest student organization on campus. Each year the Glee Club takes a spring break tour, which has taken them to a multitude of destination world-wide.

The Penn State Paranormal Research Society has earned an abundance of media attention in recent years. The A&E Network is working with the university to develop a reality series. Some filming will be done on campus.

Each year in February, students take place in the Penn State Dance Marathon. Millions of dollars are raised annually for pediatric cancer care and research.

Media

Penn State's student newspaper is The Daily Collegian. Since 1996, an online version called The Digital Collegean has appeared online.

Radio station WKPS-FM was founded in 1995.  It broadcasts from the ground floor of the HUB-Robeson Center. It serves the State College and Penn State communities.

Athletics

At one time a type of mountain lion roamed the University Park area. The Penn State mascot is the Nitany Lion. Some Penn State teams include:

• Football
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Lacrosse
• Fencing
• Women's rugby
• Boxing
• Gymnastics

Community Life

There is much to see and do in the University Park area. Take in the Arboretum at Penn State, which is also known as H.O. Smith Botanical Gardens.

Visit Penn State University creamery, also known as Berkey Creamery. Enjoy an ice cream or sherbet or purchase delicious cheese, all produced by the Department of Food and Science.

Take in a football game at Beaver Stadium or enjoy a basketball game at Bryce Jordan Center. Whatever you chose, there is a wide variety of attractions and events in the University Park area. Be sure to check for dates and times.

Career Options for Graduates

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Description

Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors employment is expected to grow at a rate of 22.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA
  • Total Employment: 320
  • Average Hourly Rate: $21.84
  • Average Annual Salary: $45420

Mental Health Counselors

Description

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.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, mental health counselors employment is expected to grow at a rate of 19.6% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA
  • Total Employment: 900
  • Average Hourly Rate: $19.70
  • Average Annual Salary: $40980

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).