Chemical Dependency, Online

Competency Credential

The Chemical Dependency credential arms professionals with real-world skills and practical takeaways to apply in their lines of work. From awareness and prevention to treatment and advocacy, students learn the health, social, political, and systemic aspects of drug use and addiction. Courses discuss ways to implement effective prevention strategies, identify signs of chemical dependency along with current treatment options. Upon completion of this online program, graduates will earn a professional credential and the understanding, knowledge, and confidence to influence change.

Courses

Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives.

Semesters

Courses

Credits

Legend# Credits
Program-specific courses
General courses

Detailed Major Requirements

Careers

This professional credential is intended to enhance the skill level of degreed professionals currently working in fields such as law enforcement, education, human services, and healthcare.

Week Courses

100%

Online

Year Program

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Contact

Admissions Office

DJG, Rm. 1068
+1.570.327.4761
+1.800.367.9222
admissions@pct.edu

Scholarships

As a Human Services & Restorative Justice student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 110 scholarships.

4 Program-related scholarships

106 Additional scholarships

Explore scholarships

Penn College News: Real World Ready

Wildcat Wellness Fair encourages stress management, self-care

June 24, 2026

This year’s Wildcat Wellness Fair saw shoulder-to-shoulder attendance as visitors focused on their overall health and wellness through massages, healthy eating,…

Professional development day features childhood trauma expert

February 20, 2026

Penn College’s human services & restorative justice program recently hosted a professional development day and welcomed Jennifer Lake, founder and executive…

HSJ Expo offers opportunities for internships, employment

February 05, 2026

Sixteen employers participated in the January Human Services & Restorative Justice Internship and Job Expo. The event, which takes place every fall and spring,…

Restorative Justice Week highlights importance of empathy

December 12, 2025

Pennsylvania College of Technology recently wrapped up Restorative Justice Week, which aimed to highlight the importance of understanding the expansive impact…

‘Food4Fines’ kicks off Nov. 17

November 14, 2025

As part of Restorative Justice Week, Nov. 16-22, Human Services & Restorative Justice Club members and first-year students of the program will accept…

Cross-curricular collaboration explores poverty

May 06, 2025

Can you survive a month in poverty? That was the key question at a recent Community Action Poverty Simulation explored by Penn College students in various…

Building meaningful professional connections

February 17, 2025

Over 65 Penn College students engaged with 16 employers at the Human Services & Restorative Justice Internship and Job Expo. “Engaging with employers early and…

Restorative justice circles boost students' skills

December 13, 2024

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s human services & restorative justice major recently observed Restorative Justice Week, an annual international celebration…

Penn College classes add global travel to students’ education

October 15, 2024

Supporting Pennsylvania College of Technology’s mission to equip future leaders with real-world experience, faculty members led students in exploring new parts…

Human services students fold hope into community effort

May 02, 2024

Several students in Penn College’s human services & restorative justice major provided volunteer support recently to the Union County Giving Closet. The Penn…

Our People

“The most effective strategy for addressing substance use and abuse is through the mobilization of local citizens. They serve as experts of their communities, because they retain a strong understanding of regional assets and potential barriers to change. Penn College understands the powerful role that local people play in addressing the current opioid and subsequent heroin epidemics.”

Dr. Elizabeth Winder Associate Professor, Human Services

Industry Partners: Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong corporate partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

Student Experience: The community as their classroom

Human Services students host ‘HOPE’ opiod event

This student-organized event was designed to raise awareness and humanize the local opioid epidemic.

Military Tuition Assistance

Thanks to the Military Tuition Assistance Program, more tomorrow makers can find their futures at Penn College. Through this special offering, qualified active military personnel are eligible to pursue college credits tuition free.

Learn More

Online Degrees: Learning that fits your lifestyle

Convenience

Accessible online anywhere in the world
Flexible scheduling – take classes part-time or full-time
Continue to work and be at home with your family
Transfer-friendly programs shorten time to complete your degree

Value

In-state tuition rate for all students, regardless of residency—see Tuition & Fees for details
Same rigor as on-campus programs

Service

One-on-one interaction with faculty
24/7 online tutoring
Textbooks and course materials available for purchase online through The College Store
Graduates can participate in Commencement

Class Delivery

Classes delivered asynchronously through P.L.A.T.O., Penn College's Platform for Learning And Teaching Online
No required campus visits

More Information

Students must acquire their own tools and laptop computer as noted below.

Required Laptop Computer

Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.
Unless otherwise specified by your major, MacBooks and other Apple products are not recommended for coursework.
Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processor (recommended).
ARM based processors are not recommended.
16+ GB RAM (recommended). 
250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
The laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
The laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
Extended support agreement, including accidental damage protection (recommended).
Power bank suitable for your laptop (recommended).

A competency credential must be completed within three years of enrollment in the credential.
Non-traditional credit such as credit-by-exam, work/life experience, and transfer credit is limited to one third of the total credits in the credential. Two thirds of the requirements must be completed by course enrollment.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in each course to merit the credential.

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page in our Course Catalog for general requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

International students who are studying in the United States on an F-1 visa must be enrolled in a full course of study in-person. Students are not permitted to enroll in an entirely online degree. Online degrees are available to international students pursuing the degree from their home country. Students must still meet all admissions criteria for admission to the college and any special admissions requirements that govern pursuit of their chosen major.

Human Services & Restorative Justice Advisory Committee Members

Ms. Robin Dadzie

Senior Case Manager

AIDS Resource Alliance

Mr. Christopher T Kriner

Chief of Police

Lycoming Regional Police Department

Ms. Amber B Morningstar

Chief Executive Officer

YWCA Northcentral PA

Mr. Zane R Pardoe

Supervisor of Education