Minor in Addiction Studies

This is not your typical minor. It brings together experts from across UB—psychology, pharmacology, history, rehabilitation sciences, sociology, social sciences—to give you a well-rounded, real-world view of addiction and recovery.

You’ll explore what addiction really is: not just a personal struggle, but a public health issue, a legal debate, a cultural story, and a scientific frontier. By the time you complete the program, you'll have the tools to think critically, lead with empathy, and make informed decisions that could shape policy, care, or community.

Whether you're planning a career in healthcare, social work, criminal justice, public policy, counseling, or education, this minor adds weight and meaning to your degree.

• 18-credit minor—can be completed alongside most majors
• Interdisciplinary approach—learn from faculty across departments and disciplines
• Supports Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) preparation
• Multiple paths into careers in mental health, social work, or public service
• Research opportunities—get involved in addiction-related research at the undergraduate level

This program gives you a comprehensive understanding of addiction—from substance abuse to recovery systems and treatment options.

Topics include:

• The history and social impact of drugs and alcohol in the U.S.
• The psychology and neuroscience of addiction
• Public health and rehab strategies
• Legal and ethical issues in treatment
• Research and intervention practices

You'll learn how to approach addiction with understanding, evidence, and confidence—an important combination in any helping profession.

To complete the minor, students need to take 18 credits (6 courses total):

• Introduction to Substance Use and Abuse (PSY)
• Alcohol and Other Drugs in American History (HIS)

At least three of your upper-level (300/400-level) courses must be taken at UB.

A minor in addiction studies prepares you for careers in:

• Mental health and counseling
• Public health and policy
• Social work and rehabilitation services
• Criminal justice and law enforcement
• Education and youth programming
• Medical and healthcare fields

This minor is a powerful addition to degrees in psychology, nursing, sociology, public health, social sciences, pre-med, education, and law. It also strengthens grad school applications for counseling, clinical psychology, and social work programs.

Graduates who’ve taken this path often say it helped them speak about substance use with authority, work with compassion, and become changemakers in their communities.

Ready to immerse yourself in natural and psychological science? The Department of Psychology is ready for you.

For more information, please reach out!