Best Online Addiction Counseling Degrees
Updated October 18, 2023
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During an online bachelor's degree in addiction recovery, students learn how to assess addictive behaviors, create treatment plans, provide individual and group counseling, and connect clients with helpful community resources.
Graduates can work in roles such as substance abuse counselor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects roles for these professionals to grow 22% between 2018 and 2028.
This guide ranks the top online bachelor's in addiction recovery degrees for 2021 to help students find the right programs for their needs.
Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Addiction Counseling Degrees
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Northwestern State University of Louisiana supports flexible distance learning opportunities across 53 online degree programs. The college offers 16 fully online bachelor's programs to undergraduate students. The BS in addiction studies is an attractive option for students seeking to advance in the addiction recovery field. Working professionals and busy students will benefit from the program's flexible study options and class customization.
During the addiction recovery program, students complete foundational and advanced coursework relevant to the field. Students complete field-specific classes and general education requirements. Learners can individualize their studies by choosing electives, minors, and concentrations.
Graduates can easily grow their earning potential with a bachelor's degree. Graduates who have completed their degree earn a median salary of $35,700 after six years. Addiction recovery students can expect to pay an average of $12,336 per year for tuition and fees. Prospective enrollees can learn more about the opportunities available at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, including admission requirements and financial aid eligibility, by connecting with the addiction recovery department.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 8,906
Total Online Programs: 53
Online Bachelor's Programs: 16
Admission Rate: 82%
#2 Best Online Addiction Counseling Degrees
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
As a leader in online education, the University of South Dakota supports 4,939 distance learners across 33 remote degree programs. The college offers six online bachelor's programs, reaching 4,939 distance learners worldwide. Students seeking competitive, customizable study relevant to the addiction recovery field will find the school's online BS in addiction counseling and prevention to be an attractive option. The addiction counseling program prioritizes flexibility through full- and part-time study options.
Throughout the program, students attend industry-relevant lectures while completing addiction recovery-relevant coursework. These classes equip students with field-specific and broad knowledge and skills. Majors choose electives, minors, and concentrations to customize their course of study.
Graduates greatly benefit from their education, gaining access to more job opportunities and a higher earning potential. The school reports a median salary of $37,100 for graduates six years after completing a bachelor's degree. Undergraduate students at the college can expect to pay $17,689 in tuition and fees yearly. Before applying, prospective students should connect with the addiction recovery department to learn more about admission requirements and application materials.
University of South Dakota at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 4,939
Total Online Programs: 33
Online Bachelor's Programs: 6
Admission Rate: 86%
#3 Best Online Addiction Counseling Degrees
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN - 4 years
- Online
Located in Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University enables online learning across 78 online degree programs. The addiction recovery program is one of 18 online bachelor's programs available through the college. Students looking to advance in the addiction recovery field will find the school's BS in addictions counseling to be an attractive option. The addiction counseling program prioritizes flexibility through full- and part-time study options.
Addiction recovery students are expected to complete a 120-credit course curriculum during their studies. The program curriculum prepares students for the demands of the addiction recovery field. Enrollees have the option to modify their studies, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations.
With a bachelor's degree, graduates increase their job opportunities and earning potential. Students can meet with leaders in the addiction recovery department to discuss application materials, admission requirements, and other relevant information.
Indiana Wesleyan University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 11,075
Total Online Programs: 78
Online Bachelor's Programs: 18
Transfer Credits Accepted: Accepted
#4 Best Online Addiction Counseling Degrees
Crown College
Saint Bonifacius, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A leader in online education, Crown College facilitates distance learning across 29 online degree programs. The college offers 10 fully online bachelor's programs to undergraduate students. The BS in alcohol and drug counseling is an attractive option for students seeking to advance in the addiction recovery field. Students in the addiction recovery program benefit from flexible scheduling options, with the ability to enroll full or part time.
Throughout the program, students attend industry-relevant lectures while completing addiction recovery-specific coursework. Students gain field-specific and broad knowledge and skills, preparing them for life after their degree. In consultation with their academic advisor, students can customize the curriculum through electives, minors, and concentration areas.
The value of a bachelor's degree is clear. Many graduates increase their job opportunities and earning potential. The school reports a median salary of $33,400 for graduates six years after completing a bachelor's degree. Students interested in learning more about admission requirements and their eligibility for financial aid should connect with the addiction recovery department.
Crown College at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 1,030
Total Online Programs: 29
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Admission Rate: 50%
#5 Best Online Addiction Counseling Degrees
SUNY Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, SUNY Empire State College offers many top-ranked bachelor's programs. Distance learners can choose from 18 fully online bachelor's programs. The BS in addiction studies program supports distance learners.
The online addiction recovery degree prioritizes flexibility. In consultation with their academic advisor, students can modify their course load to suit their needs. Enrollees can benefit from electives, minors, and other modifications to their studies.
Addiction recovery students can expect to pay $16,980 in tuition. While at the college, enrollees can explore funding opportunities to apply toward their studies. The college reports that students receive an average of $8,121 in financial aid.
SUNY Empire State College at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 6,900
Total Online Programs: 67
Online Bachelor's Programs: 18
Online Bachelor's in Addiction Recovery Degree Program Ranking Guidelines
We selected the following degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
What Is a Substance Abuse Counselor?
Substance abuse counselors provide safe spaces for clients to work through addiction challenges. These professionals typically have a caring, compassionate nature and a thorough understanding of how to effectively treat substance abuse disorders. They may assess new clients, develop treatment plans, offer counseling services, and connect clients with relevant resources.
Substance abuse counselors can work in a variety of settings, such as inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, hospitals, and government agencies. They typically work with individuals across the lifespan, though some professionals may specialize in a particular age group, such as teenage addiction.
Featured Online Schools
Choosing an Online Addiction Recovery Bachelor's Program
When researching prospective online substance abuse counseling degrees, students should consider several factors, including cost, length, and on-campus requirements. We cover several important considerations for students below.
Program Cost
Public schools typically cost less than private schools, and in-state students often pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state students. However, some programs allow all online students to pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
Many schools offer transfer credits for related experiences, such as prior academic work, military training, and professional experience. Schools with generous transfer policies can help students save time and money on a degree.
A school's size and type can affect the learning experience. For example, small schools may offer more individualized attention from faculty than larger schools, but large schools often feature more program and class options.
An online bachelor's degree in addiction recovery typically takes four years of full-time study to complete, but some programs offer accelerated timelines.
Some online programs have on-campus requirements. Students should ensure they can meet these requirements before committing to a program.
Many programs have thesis or internship components, which require a significant time investment. Students should choose a program with requirements aligned with their interests and career goals.
Addiction Recovery Careers
Graduates with an online bachelor's in substance abuse counseling can pursue role like social worker, rehabilitation counselor, and substance abuse counselor. The following list outlines several common careers for graduates, though readers should note that some careers may require additional education or certification. The Best Schools provides more information on psychology degrees for learners considering this career path.
Social Workers
Social workers provide clinical and non-clinical services to help clients overcome diverse challenges. Social workers with a bachelor's degree can offer non-clinical services, which may include connecting clients with community resources and advocating for client needs. Clinical social workers need a master's degree. These professionals can provide counseling and therapy services. Social workers at both levels need a state license to practice.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors can work in inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, private practices, hospitals, and government agencies. They may assess client health, develop treatment plans for addictive behaviors, offer counseling services, and connect clients with helpful resources. These professionals typically need a bachelor's degree in addiction recovery or a related field. Counselors in private practice also need a license, and requirements for licensure vary by state.
Rehabilitation Counselors
Rehabilitation counselors provide support to individuals with emotional, developmental, mental, and physical disabilities. They may offer individual and group sessions, connect clients with resources, educate family members, and participate in disability rights advocacy initiatives. These professionals typically have a master's degree, and many states require specialized licensure to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Addiction Counseling Degrees
What Is a Substance Abuse Counselor?
Substance abuse counselors are trained professionals who help individuals address substance abuse and addiction issues through counseling and referral services.
What Does It Take to Become an Addiction Counselor?
Addiction counselors need a bachelor's degree at minimum. Counselors in private practice also need state licensure.
What Degree Do You Need to Become a Counselor?
Prospective counselors can pursue degrees in areas like addiction recovery, social work, mental health counseling, and psychology.
Can I Become a Counselor Without a Degree?
Some positions may accept applicants with a high school diploma or associate degree, but most counseling positions require at least a bachelor's degree.
How Much Do Addiction Counselors Make?
Salaries vary by factors like education, experience, and location, but according to the BLS, substance abuse counselors earned a median annual salary of $44,630 in 2018.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Addiction Counselor?
A bachelor's degree in addiction recovery typically takes four years of full-time study to complete, though some programs offer accelerated timelines.
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