Best Online Master's in Addiction Counseling
Updated October 23, 2023
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Masters in Substance Abuse Counseling
Addiction and substance abuse counselors use their expertise to help those in need. Certified substance abuse counselors typically hold a bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling and work with people living with drug and alcohol abuse challenges. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the the field will grow 18% from 2022-2032.
If this seems like the right job for you, a master's in substance abuse counseling can help you take the next step in your career. For those interested in studying this subject online, there are plenty of online programs in the field. Read on for our list of the best online master's in substance abuse counseling programs in the United States.
Featured Online Master's in Substance Abuse Counseling Programs
The Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling Programs
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Crown College
Saint Bonifacius, MN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Crown College, located in Saint Bonifacius, offers a flexible online master of art in counseling degree. The master's degree strengthens industry-specific skills, preparing graduates for leadership responsibilities within the behavioral health field. A master's degree can also train candidates for counseling careers in related fields.
The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches to substance abuse counseling. Learners choose electives or specializations to gain focused career training. The master's program recommends a background in counseling or a related field before applying to the program.
Online enrollees participate in internships at approved locations in their local area, while on-campus students can benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
Crown College at a Glance:
Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 47%
Total Online Master's Programs: 12
Program name: Master of arts in counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,990
#2 Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN - 4 years
- Online
Capella University, located in Minneapolis, offers a flexible online master's in counseling degree. The master of science in clinical mental health counseling program strengthens specialized skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles with a higher earning potential. After completing a master's degree, candidates can advance in their current field or pursue new opportunities.
The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the field of mental and behavioral health. Learners prepare for focused career paths by choosing electives and concentrations. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in counseling and psychology.
Online enrollees can often complete professional internships at approved locations in their own community. However, those who attend on campus can enjoy the common amenities and facilities available at most institutions, such as the library or gym. Whether attending online or in-person, internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
Capella University at a Glance:
Type of school: Private for-profit, 4-year or above
Total Online Master's Programs: 78
Program name: Master of science in clinical mental health counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $14,767
#3 Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online master's in counseling degree at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, located in Lubbock prioritizes flexibility. The master of science in clinical mental health counseling encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new path.
The master's curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives in mental health. Learners can also individualize the program through electives or by choosing a concentration. Applicants without a background in counseling may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.
Online enrollees can complete practicum requirements by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations in their local area. Students who attend on campus can utilize facilities offered at most universities, such as the library or gym. The program encourages graduate students to participate in hands-on experiences and networking events to grow their professional connections.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, 4-year or above
Total Online Master's Programs: 9
Program name: Master of science in clinical mental health counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $6,360
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $16,176
#4 Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in earning a flexible master's in counseling degree can enroll at Liberty University, located in Lynchburg. The online master of arts (MA) in clinical mental health counseling program builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. With a master's degree, job candidates can advance their current careers or move into new career paths.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in mental health counseling, and learners can individualize the course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. The master's program recommends students have a background in counseling before applying to the program.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area, while those who attend on-campus classes can enjoy the common amenities and facilities available at most institutions, such as the library or gym. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 50%
Total Online Master's Programs: 68
Program name: MA: clinical mental health counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $7,935
#5 Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN - 4 years
- Online
The online master's degree in counseling at Walden University, located in Minneapolis, offers high academic quality. The master of science (MS) degree in clinical mental health counseling emphasizes specialized skills, preparing graduates for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. A master's degree can also help graduates pursue new career paths.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in counseling, mental health, and substance abuse. Learners prepare for focused career paths by choosing electives and concentrations. Applicants with a background in counseling or psychology typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area, while on-campus students can access facilities and services offered at most universities, such as the library or gym. The program encourages graduate students to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.
Walden University at a Glance:
Type of school: Private for-profit, 4-year or above
Total Online Master's Programs: 38
Program name: MS in clinical mental health counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,272
#6 Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Vermillion, the University of South Dakota offers an online addiction counseling and prevention program. Students earn a master of arts (MA) degree while learning industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for counseling in the substance abuse field.
The master's curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives of counseling and mental health. Learners further prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in counseling.
Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area, while on-campus students can access facilities, such as the library or gym. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
University of South Dakota at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 91%
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Program name: Addiction counseling and prevention (MA)
Graduate Tuition In State: $6,062
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $11,656
#7 Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University hosts a top-rated online master of science in rehabilitation and mental health counseling. The program encourages career training throughout the curriculum, preparing graduates for careers in counseling.
A hybrid program that involves both in-class and online instruction, the master's curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of mental health counseling. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. Applicants without a degree in counseling or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area, while on-campus students can access common facilities and services, such as the library or gymnasium. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
Virginia Commonwealth University at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 91%
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Graduate Tuition In State: $12,703
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $26,041
#8 Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers interested in a master's in counseling should consider Grand Canyon University, located in Phoenix. The master's in clinical mental health counseling degree encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for counseling within the substance abuse field. With a master's degree, candidates can advance their current careers or pivot into the behavioral health field.
The master's curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives of substance abuse, and learners can take specialized courses to align with their career goals. Applicants without a background in counseling may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area, while students near campus can take advantage of facilities and services offered at most universities. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
Grand Canyon University at a Glance:
Type of school: Private for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 81%
Total Online Master's Programs: 45
Program name: Master's in clinical mental health counseling degree
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,528
#9 Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies
Center City, MN - 4 years
- Online
Based in Center City, Minnesota, Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies offers an online master's degree in counseling for students interested in the behavioral health field. Graduates can increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. A master's degree allows candidates to advance their careers or pursue a new career path in substance abuse counseling.
The master's curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in mental health counseling, and graduate students can individualize the program to prepare for focused careers. The program encourages applicants to gain experience in counseling or behavioral health before applying to the program.
Online enrollees can meet in-person requirements, such as internships, at approved sites in their local area. Students who attend on campus may be able to access the library and gym. Graduate students can build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies at a Glance:
Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Total Online Master's Programs: 1
Graduate Tuition In State: $35,156
#10 Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Governors State University
University Park, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in University Park, Illinois, Governors State University offers an online master of health science in addictions studies. The program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing graduates for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. The online addictions studies degree can help students who plan to pursue a substance abuse counseling career.
The master's curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of substance abuse. Learners can individualize the course of study by selecting electives and concentrations. The master's program builds on prior experience during a bachelor's program while providing the background necessary for students considering pursuing a counseling career.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area, while on-campus students can access common facilities, like the library or gymnasium. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.
Governors State University at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 48%
Total Online Master's Programs: 1
Program name: Online master’s degree in counseling
Graduate Tuition In State: $6,354
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $12,708
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What Is an Online Master's in Substance Abuse Counseling Degree?
Online master's in substance abuse counseling programs are tailored to counseling students interested in helping people who are living with drug and alcohol abuse challenges. To prepare for this area of counseling, learners develop skills in cultural sensitivity, critical thinking, and substance abuse counseling ethics. Aspiring counselors learn to design and conduct treatment plans to help patients overcome drug and alcohol abuse challenges.
Many substance abuse roles only require a bachelor's degree, but students who earn a master's can specialize and seek more advanced roles. This degree also attracts established counselors looking to bolster their credentials or switch specialties.
Choosing an Online Program
When shopping for a program that suits your unique goals and needs, consider enrollment options, curriculum requirements, and how each program aligns with relevant certifications. You can find tips about choosing an online master's in substance abuse counseling at the link below.
What Else Can I Expect From a Master's in Substance Abuse Counseling Program?
A master's in substance abuse counseling prepares you for licensed counselor work and an addiction counselor's specialized responsibilities. Coursework for this degree typically covers addiction in diverse populations, addictive family counseling, and legal and ethical issues. Some degree tracks may award you a certificate in substance abuse counseling upon graduation.
Substance Abuse Counseling Curriculum
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Addiction Treatment: This course covers the laws and regulations that govern substance abuse counseling, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, especially as they relate to confidentiality, informed consent, and mandated protection. The course also covers ethics issues, such as responsibility to the client, value conflicts, and counselor-client relationships.
- Substance Abuse and Addiction in Diverse Populations: This course explores how multicultural and socioeconomic issues influence treatment approaches for drug use and abuse among diverse populations. Students leave the course with cultural sensitivity skills they can use to create effective, individualized treatment plans in multicultural settings.
- Addictive Family Systems: In this course, learners investigate traditional and contemporary theories of family counseling as they relate to the treatment of addictive families. Students receive a better understanding of the dynamic roles that family members play in the cycle of addiction and examine appropriate practices for intervention and treatment.
Certificates and Licenses
Becoming an independent counselor in most specializations begins with pursuing licensure. Once licensed, you can start the process of earning optional certifications in specialties like addictions or substance abuse counseling.
Private practice substance abuse counselors must be licensed, and the number of required clinical hours for licensure vary by state, ranging from 1,000-6,000 hours. Most states also require substance abuse counselors to pass a state exam for licensure — either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination, administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors.
After licensure, you can then earn optional certifications, such as a master addictions counselor (MAC) certification, or additional certifications from the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals, like nicotine dependence specialist.
State reciprocity generally guarantees that an established professional moving from another state can gain licensure by endorsement, though actual agreements vary by state, and less-established applicants may need to fill in gaps in clinical hours or education requirements.
Substance Abuse Counseling Careers
Earning a master's in substance abuse counseling opens the door to careers helping people overcome addiction challenges and achieve independence. Some graduates transition directly into substance abuse counseling work, while others branch off into other mental health roles, like rehabilitation counseling or social work.
The following list touches on some career choices applicable to substance abuse counseling graduates, though there are many other career options also available.
Substance Abuse Counselors
| Median Annual Salary: $49,710 | Projected Job Growth: 18% |
|---|
Substance abuse counselors provide treatment for people facing alcohol and drug use challenges. These counselors must have at least bachelor's degrees and must obtain licensure to work in private practice as professional counselors. Many also earn specialized credentials relating to substance abuse counseling, such as MAC certification.
This career path usually appeals to people with strong listening skills, empathy, and willingness to work with underserved populations. Some substance abuse counselors gravitate toward the field because they have personally known people with addiction challenges or faced them personally.
Social Workers
| Median Annual Salary: $55,350 | Projected Job Growth: 7% |
|---|
Social workers help people with everyday social issues, including facing the effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Some social work roles only require a bachelor's degree, but you usually need at least a master's degree to work in a clinical setting. Not all states explicitly require social workers to hold licensure, but many employers expect it.
Social workers need strong interpersonal skills and an interest in working with low-income populations. A master's in substance abuse counseling might lead you toward working as a clinical social worker who provides individual and group therapy to people with addiction challenges.
Rehabilitation Counselors
| Median Annual Salary: $39,990 | Projected Job Growth: 2% |
|---|
Rehabilitation counselors help people with mental, developmental, and physical challenges to achieve independence. Like most counselors, a rehabilitation counselor needs a master's degree and must obtain professional counseling licensure to work independently. Certifications can also help counselors specialize in rehabilitation work.
Rehabilitation counselors work with people who have experienced personal setbacks, injuries, disabilities, or medical issues, which can sometimes be related to drug and alcohol abuse. This environment requires workers with patience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Master's in Addiction Counseling Program?
It typically takes two years to complete a master's in substance abuse counseling, depending on part- or full-time enrollment. Some colleges also offer accelerated degree tracks.
What Can I Do With a Master's in Addiction Counseling?
A master's in substance abuse counseling prepares you for general and specialized counseling work and other careers dedicated to helping people who are facing addiction challenges.
How Much Do You Make as an Addiction Counselor?
According to PayScale, the bottom 10th percentile of substance abuse counselors earn an annual salary of $30,320, while those in the 90th percentile take home about $54,205 annually. The median salary is $41,226.
What Is Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling?
Substance abuse counseling is a specialized area of counseling devoted to treating, advising, and rehabilitating people living with drug and alcohol abuse challenges. Note that substance abuse counseling is not the same as rehabilitation counseling, which focuses on helping people with injuries or disabilities.
What Is a Master's in Substance Abuse Counseling?
A master's in substance abuse counseling differs from a master's in counseling through its specialized curriculum, which prepares students for certification as addiction and substance abuse specialists.
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