The Substance Abuse Counseling Program is a seven-course program open to all students who are interested in careers in substance abuse services, or in areas where an understanding of substance abuse is an important part of job performance, such as nursing and health care, social work and psychology, law enforcement and criminal justice, college counseling and youth services. It is also relevant for students planning to pursue graduate studies in the social and behavioral sciences, as well as professional degrees in law, social work, nursing, and criminal justice.

Though there is no formal relationship between the SAC Program and the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification, the program satisfies in part the educational and practicum requirements of the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification. Requirements leading to licensure are currently under consideration by the Massachusetts Legislature; this program will be adjusted accordingly. Administered through the Psychology Department, interested students who major in Psychology may use these courses as part of a Concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling within the major. Students with other majors may select Substance Abuse Counseling as a minor.