With the start of classes on Aug. 27, the UTRGV School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling will offer a new bachelor of science degree in Addiction Studies completely online. The degree program meets all education requirements for positions as 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 Bruce Reed. Reed serves as both a 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.”
As a result of the new program, the bachelor of science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a concentration in Addiction Studies starts phasing out immediately. However, 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 two options. They may choose to either to complete their current degree plan or switch to the new Addiction Studies bachelor’s degree.
Reed says this is the second bachelor of science degree in Addiction Studies in Texas. The other degree track is Addiction Counseling at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.