Welcome to the Department of Health and Addictions Studies at Governors State University. Our innovative, student-centered programs prepare future professionals to address today’s health challenges through a strong focus on health equity, community engagement, and evidence-based practice. Through interdisciplinary learning, hands-on experiences, and community partnerships, students gain the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in public health, behavioral health, and addictions studies.
Whether starting your academic journey or advancing your career, you’ll find a supportive, inclusive environment led by dedicated faculty with real-world expertise. We invite you to explore our programs and join us in advancing health, recovery, and well-being for all.
The Bachelor of Health Science in Community Health at Governors State University provides students with a strong foundation in public and community health principles while offering meaningful experiential learning opportunities through internships, community-based projects, and applied research experiences. Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex health challenges, promote wellness, and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.
Many students pursue the Community Health major in preparation for careers in public health, health education, community outreach, healthcare administration, and nonprofit or government agencies. Others use the program as a pathway to graduate study in public health, health sciences, social work, or related fields, as well as professional programs in areas such as medicine, nursing, or allied health professions. Graduates of the Community Health program are prepared to serve in roles such as community health workers, health educators, program coordinators, and public health specialists. The program also provides a strong foundation for advanced study, with graduates pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in public health and related disciplines. Students pursuing this degree complete 32 credit hours of core coursework and an additional 32 credit hours within a selected concentration.
Concentration options include Health Promotion Across the Lifespan, Foundations of Substance Abuse, and Pre-Health Professions (credit hours may vary for this track).
The Pre-Health Professions concentration is designed for students intending to pursue advanced education in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, and related health professions. Coursework within this track is customizable to align with specific graduate program prerequisites and career goals.
- The program also offers a 3+3 Direct Entry pathway into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, allowing students to complete their bachelor’s degree in three years, followed by three years of doctoral-level coursework, for a total of six years.
Additionally, we provide a pathway for students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Through a formal partnership with Prairie State College, the Community Health (COMH) program supports students pursuing nursing pathways by providing a flexible and continuous academic option. Undergraduate students may apply to the Prairie State College RN program through an established memorandum of understanding (MOU). Students who are admitted can complete their RN and subsequently return to Governors State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), if accepted. The COMH program also serves as an alternative and supportive academic pathway for students at various stages of the nursing pipeline. This includes students who are: (1) enrolled at Prairie State College while preparing for RN program admission, (2) have completed the RN program and are awaiting admission into a BSN program, (3) seeking to continue toward a bachelor’s degree after not completing an RN program, or (4) exploring alternative health-related career pathways if admission to RN or BSN programs is not secured.
The Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies offers a flexible curriculum with two distinct pathways designed to meet students’ professional goals. Currently, we have two pathways that students can choose, including the 32-credit hour clinical option, 60-credit hour clinical option:
The 32-credit hour option provides the educational and clinical requirements necessary to pursue the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential through the Illinois Certification Board. This pathway emphasizes skill-based training in counseling, prevention, treatment, and recovery support, alongside foundational coursework in etiology, epidemiology, and psychopharmacology. The 32-hour CADC pathway is supported by the CADC Expansion Grant, which covers tuition, fees, books, and provides a stipend to students during their clinical training experience. The majority of our students benefit from this funding opportunity; however, support is limited and awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
For students seeking advanced clinical practice and licensure eligibility, the program also offers a 60-credit hour option aligned with preparation for clinical mental health counseling licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. This extended pathway builds upon the core curriculum with additional coursework in advanced counseling techniques, assessment, diagnosis, and supervised clinical experiences. After completing our program and the 600-hour clinical fieldwork requirements, students are eligible to sit for state licensure for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in the state of Illinois. Once obtained, students work towards achieving additional work experience (3000 supervised hours) towards their advanced clinical licensure: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).
For students interested in pursuing state licensure as a professional counselor, they can enroll in the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program that requires completion of a 60-credit hour. This pathway is designed to meet the educational requirements set by the Illinois licensing board, making graduates eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and apply for associate licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Upon completion of the required post-graduate supervised work experience, graduates may also pursue full licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Illinois. As a note, students who are planning to practice outside of Illinois should be aware that licensing requirements vary by state, and additional coursework or training may be necessary.
About Us
We are a nationally recognized academic unit committed to preparing students for momentous careers in behavioral health, substance use treatment, and community wellness. Situated within the College of Health and Human Services, the department offers a comprehensive suite of programs, including a Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies and a Bachelor of Health Science in Community Health.
Our goal is to advance the science and practice of public health, behavioral health, and addictions studies at the local, regional, national, and global levels through innovative scholarship, dedicated service, and the rigorous preparation of critical thinkers and future professionals.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Health and Addictions Studies [DS1] is to prepare skilled professionals who enhance the health and well-being of individuals and communities. We emphasize applied learning, workforce readiness, and evidence-based practice to address substance use, behavioral health, and public health challenges in diverse and underserved populations. As we teach, we conduct research and perform service, we strive to make an impact in these areas:
Health Equity & Social Impact: Advance equitable health outcomes by addressing social determinants of health and reducing disparities in underserved communities
Applied Learning & Workforce Readiness: Prepare workforce-ready graduates through experiential learning, practical skill development, and career-aligned training
Evidence-Based Practice & Innovation: Integrate research, data-driven decision-making, and emerging innovations into teaching, scholarship, and service
Community Engagement & Partnerships: Build and sustain collaborative partnerships that enhance student learning and strengthen community health outcomes
Student Success, Inclusion & Professional Development: Foster an inclusive environment that supports student achievement, professional growth, and lifelong learning
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
Made possible via a federal SAMHSA grant, we have developed a series of nine online training modules, titled Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
A Module-based training course for Health Professionals
Substance use is a leading cause of death, disability, injuries, disease and illness in the United States, increasing the likelihood that people who use substance will present in health care settings. However, very few people are asked about their substance use by health professionals or receive treatment for their substance use disorders (SUDs). This course will introduce students to Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), an evidence-based practice in reducing substance misuse in health care settings.
Department Faculty
The Department of Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health at Governors State University is proud to be led by a diverse and accomplished faculty committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Our faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized scholars and practitioners who bring extensive experience in addiction science, behavioral health, community health, and public health leadership. With numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at global conferences, and active roles in professional organizations, our faculty contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the field and the development of future leaders in health and human services.
Accreditation
The Addictions Studies Programs are accredited by the The Illinois Certification Board, Inc. and satisfies the academic requirements toward the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) professional credential. These programs also are accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) and The Association for Addiction Professionals.
Department of Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health
- Governors State University
- 1 University Pkwy, University Park, IL, 60484