Counseling & Addiction Recovery Sciences
The behavioral health care industry is one of the fastest-growing fields in the nation, and Texas Tech's Counseling & Addiction Recovery Sciences program prepares students to lead the way. This Bachelor of Science builds entry-level clinical skills in counseling, addiction recovery, family therapy, and human services. With two optional concentrations, a required practicum, and coursework grounded in family systems theory, CARS graduates are equipped for careers in counseling and human services or a direct pathway into graduate-level study.
Helping People. Building Careers.
Explore what makes Counseling & Addiction Recovery Sciences at Texas Tech a uniquely hands-on, career-focused program.
Degree & Course Details
Advanced Clinical Training
Students train alongside licensed faculty practitioners using professional clinical tools, developing entry-level counseling and relational therapy skills inside real human services settings.
Internship and Industry Readiness
A required summer practicum places students inside real human service organizations, building professional experience and industry connections before their senior year begins.
Signature Events & Experiences
Students engage with the Center for Collegiate Recovery Communities, the Texas Tech Family Therapy Clinic, and undergraduate research conferences to apply learning in the real world.
Key Courses
View Degree Courses in Catalog
CARS 2300 - Communication, Civility, and Ethics
Provides students with a basic understanding of proper communication, civility, and ethics within professional and personal settings.
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- Credit Hours: 3
CARS 3324 - Theories of Counseling and Recovery
Introduction to theories of counseling and addiction recovery, the process of creating change, personal development, effectiveness of therapy, and application of theories to diverse populations.
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- Credit Hours: 3
- Prerequisite(s): C or better in CARS 2301.
ADRS 3325 - Family Dynamics of Addiction and Recovery
An examination of the family system with specific reference to the causes and effects of chemical abuse, addiction, and the process of recovery.
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- Credit Hours: 3
- Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite or corequisite: C or better in ADRS 2310.
CARS 3325 - Interviewing and Relational Counseling Skills
Introduces fundamental communication skills necessary to develop therapeutic alliance including nonjudgmental listening, focusing and following, reflecting, assessment, goal setting, crisis management, basic interventions, and self-development.
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- Credit Hours: 3
- Prerequisite(s): C or better in CARS 2301.
Career Advancement
Texas Tech offers master’s and accelerated options aligned with career goals in the field, helping students save time and reduce tuition costs.
Alumni Impact
Our Counseling & Addiction Recovery Sciences graduates are changing lives across counseling, recovery, and human services. Explore where they are now.
Career Paths & Salary Ranges
From addiction recovery to clinical counseling, our graduates are transforming lives and building rewarding, in-demand careers.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Incoming students are considered for merit scholarships when they apply for admission. Admitted students can find additional internal and external scholarship opportunities through Scholarship Universe.
All ScholarshipsDean’s Scholar Program
Guaranteed scholarships for high-achieving students in Health & Human Sciences.
View Dean's Scholar Program detailsAcademic Support Team
Meet a few of the individuals you'll learn from and work with. Explore their expertise and visit their profiles to connect.
Faculty Directory Explore Research Labs
Cynthia Jefferson, Ph.D.
Program Director
Counseling & Addiction Recovery Sciences
Doug Smith, Ph.D., LMFT
Department Chair
Community, Family, & Addiction Sciences
Program Overview
Student Organizations & Experiences
Student Organizations-
Student Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
The Student Association of Marriage and Family Therapy is dedicated to fostering student networking, volunteerism, and personal growth among its members. The organization aims to enhance the program through effective leadership and action, with a focus on educational and charitable purposes.
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Association of Students Acting in Service
The Association of Students Acting in Service (A.S.A.S.) unites recovering students and their supporters to foster enjoyable recovery experiences, assist the homeless community impacted by addiction, and raise awareness and education about addiction and recovery.
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Children's Health and Medical Program (CHAMP)
CHAMP is a student-led club for grades 4-7 that introduces kids to science, health, and medicine. Meeting twice a month at the Lubbock Public Library, we offer hands-on sessions on topics like the human body and first aid, inspiring curiosity and confidence in young learners.
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Health & Human Sciences Ambassadors
Health & Human Sciences Ambassadors is a student recruitment organization that helps prospective students and families learn more about the college. Ambassadors serve as student representatives at Texas Tech functions on campus and off campus.
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HOSA Future Health Professionals
As Texas Tech's only International Pre-Health organization, HOSA Future Health Professionals creates opportunities for students of all backgrounds to become leaders in their fields. Through our national affiliation, we offer scholarships, leadership training, and service opportunities. Members must compete at the Texas HOSA State Conference and may advance to the International Leadership Conference.
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No Mind Left Behind
The student organization aims to enhance mental health recovery for students by providing support, educating the Texas Tech community, combating stigma, and offering resources. No Mind Left Behind collaborates with various groups, conducts fundraising activities, and implements awareness initiatives to promote well-being and quality of life for those affected by mental health disorders.
Related Programs
Human Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences lets you customize your degree by exploring three areas within the College of Health & Human Sciences.
Learn about Human SciencesHuman Development and Family Sciences
This degree emphasizes development across the life span, focusing on relationships, social issues, and professional training for professional health or nonprofit careers.
Learn about Human Development and Family SciencesHuman Development & Family Sciences, B.S. / M.S.
This accelerated program prepares students for careers in social services, health, community development, and education.
Learn about Human Development & Family Sciences Accelerated ProgramPsychology
The undergraduate psychology curriculum provides a solid foundation in psychology while allowing flexibility for vocational skills and preparation for graduate studies.
Learn about PsychologyCommunity, Family, & Addiction Sciences, Undergraduate Minor
The CFAS department offers a minor in Community, Family, & Addiction Sciences for those interested in counseling, relationships, and human services.
Learn about Community, Family, & Addiction Sciences MinorPsychological Sciences
The undergraduate psychology curriculum provides a solid foundation in psychology while allowing flexibility for vocational skills and preparation for graduate studies.
Learn about Psychological SciencesReady to Take the Next Step?
Reach out to our team to learn more about the incredible opportunities at Texas Tech.
Frequently Asked Questions
What careers can I pursue?
Graduates pursue careers in counseling, addiction recovery, couple and family therapy, social work, public health, and human services — or continue into graduate study.
Does the program offer any concentrations?
Yes. Students may choose between two optional concentrations: Applied Relational Counseling or Addictive Disorders and Recovery Studies. Both require no additional credit hours.
Is a practicum required?
Yes. Students complete a required summer practicum between their junior and senior years, gaining hands-on experience inside a real human service organization.
Can graduates become Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors?
Yes. The program meets the academic requirements for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) credential, particularly for students completing the Addictive Disorders and Recovery Studies concentration.
How strong is job demand for graduates?
Counseling roles are expected to grow 17% to 18% from 2024 to 2034, due to rising mental health awareness and better access to care.
Is the degree available in person and online?
Yes. The program is offered both in-person, on campus, and fully online, giving students flexibility while maintaining access to Texas Tech expert faculty and resources.
Programs
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Address
Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.2011 -
Email
webmaster@ttu.edu