Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Specialization

Millions of people across the country struggle with substance abuse. According to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) survey, an estimated 48.5 million Americans aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder in 2023.

The Substance Use Prevention and Treatment specialization prepares graduate students to address one of the most impactful public health challenges of our time. This interdisciplinary track combines strategies from psychology, public policy, and traditional healthcare so future health education specialists and health professionals can design, implement, and evaluate effective strategies for substance abuse prevention and misuse. This specialization is ideal for students passionate about:

Promoting health equity
Reducing stigma
Educating the public on harm reduction strategies
Supporting recovery across diverse populations
Making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities affected by substance use

Career Opportunities

This specialization prepares professionals to work in public health departments, school and university health programs, substance use prevention programs, nonprofit organizations focused on addiction and recovery, behavioral health clinics, and policy and advocacy organizations. With a Substance Use Prevention and Treatment specialization, you can pursue rewarding careers, such as:

Substance abuse prevention coordinator
Addiction treatment program manager
Community outreach specialist
Clinical research coordinator

Request Brochure

To learn more about the University of Florida’s Online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (352) 662-3395 to speak to an enrollment specialist.

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Course List

Students in this specialization complete nine credit hours of coursework, which covers the M.S. in HEB’s elective requirement.

HSC5142 Drug Education & Behavior

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted elements influencing drug use and abuse, including individual behavior, environmental conditions, and pharmacological factors. Students will examine drug-taking behavior through an evidence-based lens, emphasizing documented research to distinguish fact from speculation and bias. The curriculum highlights historical and contemporary trends, societal impacts, and the role of public policy. A significant focus is placed on prevention strategies, equipping students with the knowledge to critically assess and apply methods aimed at reducing substance misuse across diverse populations.

HSC5135 Emotional Health Education

This course is designed to acquaint students with theories of emotion, behavior change, and health counseling as well as their application. The course explores factors associated with the development and maintenance of emotional health and the means of incorporating positive mental health practices into health education/promotion programming and health counseling. In addition, the course focuses on the development of a core set of health counseling skills. The course builds a base of health content, theory, and skills that are useful for students interested in health careers, and, most importantly, for the individual student’s own health.

HSC6235 Patient Health Education

This course provides an introduction to theories that apply to the practice of patient education in various healthcare settings. Course content addresses the basic foundations of the health education process, the unique needs and characteristics of learners in the patient role, a survey of instructional strategies appropriate for health educators (i.e., teachers) and patients (i.e., learners), patient health literacy and its implications for health education programming, and health education evaluation methodology.

Ready to learn more?

Download our program brochure, and visit our curriculum, FAQ and faculty pages for more information.