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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

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.

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?

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:

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?

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: $53,710

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

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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: $53,940

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

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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: $55,960

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

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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: $41,410

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

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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.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $39,160

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) .

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Adult Day Care Worker

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Child Advocate

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Family Support Worker

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Group Home Worker

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Juvenile Court Liaison

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Probation or Parole Officer

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Rehabilitation Case Worker

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Social Service Liaison

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Youth Worker

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Sober Living House Counselor

Suggested WVU Minors for students seeking this career:

Related Professional Organizations

Meet Your Community

The Mental Health and Addiction Studies family will inspire and support you.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Mental Health and Addiction Studies major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

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

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Mental Health and Addiction Studies major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Mental Health and Addiction Studies can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

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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

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Request Info

Want to know more about Mental Health and Addiction Studies at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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Visit

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