The U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 12 years of age suffer from substance abuse and dependence. Currently, addiction affects 23.2 million Americans, with only about 10 percent receiving treatment of any kind. Addiction and behavioral counselors work with patients to modify behavior, rehabilitation and recovery.
In 1930s America, and before, people suffering from substance abuse were thought to be morally corrupt and lacking in willpower. Believing the disease to be a moral choice rather than a health issue, led to addiction being treated as a punishment rather than an issue that could be treated and prevented. Much more is now known about substance abuse due to the study of the effects of alcohol and drugs (legal and illegal) on the brain. The physical effects of substance abuse have been mapped through enhanced brain imaging using CAT and MRI scans and cognitive therapy has improved techniques and behavioral modification to treat the disease.
There is no hard and fast educational track required to work in the field, but most states require some sort of certification or licensure is required to treat patients. Colleges and universities are beginning to include bachelor and master degree programs with an emphasis on substance abuse and rehabilitation counseling to meet a growing need for qualified counselors. Part of this change is a result of the Affordable Care Act that has expanded mental health treatment as a mandate for insurance carriers, which will give access to more treatment by more people suffering addiction and abuse issues.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the employment opportunities for trained, licensed, substance abuse counselors will grow at around 31% over the next ten years with the annual, median salary range hitting around $38,500. Those trained as substance abuse, addiction and behavioral counselors can find themselves working in mental health settings such as hospitals, clinics and private practice with people who are are dealing with alcoholism or drug addictions.
There are two national accreditation organizations that currently set the preparation standards for university-based counselor education programs: The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) and the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE).
Masters prepared counselors are required to have some field work or internships for licensure so it’s important to check with your state agency to be certain the program you choose meets the necessary guidelines.
We’ve researched online programs and have ranked accredited programs based on estimated cost, length of program and curriculum highlights. It’s a good beginning point for your educational program search.
#1. University of Oklahoma at Tulsa
Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this is a MS degree in prevention science, intended to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to help others fight addiction. It’s offered 100% online. The Higher Learning Commission accredits the University of Oklahoma and this degree qualifies students to sit for the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium’s Certified Prevention Specialist credential.
Length of Program: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition: $10,098 (in-state); $28,234 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: Intro to Graduate Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Foundation, Research Methods in Interdisciplinary Studies, Qualitative Research Methods, Foundations in Prevention Science Prevention Across the Lifespan, Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, Drugs and the Brain, Internship in Prevention Science, Strategic Planning and Evaluation in HHSA, Cultural, Social, and Diversity Issues in HHSA, Ethics in HHSA, Cross Cultural Health Issues in HHSA
Program Website: University of Oklahoma Tulsa
#2. University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota, located in Vermillion, South Dakota, is accredited through the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) and offers a Master of Arts in Addiction Studies through it’s School of Health Sciences. The South Dakota flagship school is consistently ranked by Princeton Review as “one of nation’s best”, cited by U.S. News and World Report as one of the “Best National Universities” and recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of “America’s Top Colleges.” The school has offered addiction, co-occurring, and prevention education for over 40 years using an evidence-based approach.
Length of Program: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $14,231.25
Curriculum Snapshot: Wellness, Recovery and Maintenance, Addiction Counseling, Addiction Studies Research, Addiction Profession Supervision, Public Policy and Addiction, Case Management & Assessment of Co-Occurring Disorders, History and Culture of Addiction, Relapse Prevention
Program Website: University of South Dakota
#3. California Southern University
California Southern University’s College of Behavioral Sciences provides an online MS degree in Psychology with a speciality in substance abuse and counseling. The school holds accreditations by Western Association of Schools and Colleges and Distance Education Accrediting Commission. This degree satisfies the educational requirements for licensure as a clinical psychologist in California. Students are cautioned to be certain this degree satisfies their individual state’s licensure requirements.
Length of Program: 42 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $14,700
Curriculum Snapshot: Alcoholism/Chemical Dependency, Family Systems Theory, Dual Diagnosis, Advanced Psychology of Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors, Eating Disorders, Counseling Theories and Strategies, Therapeutic Boundaries, Psychopathology, Group Psychology, Social Psychology
Program Website: California Southern University
#4. Aspen University
This Master of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Counseling is designed to prepare students for careers in addiction counseling and/or provide experienced professionals with a degree that may help them advance in their field. Students seeking licensure will complete a counseling practicum prior to graduation; students who are already licensed, or who are not interested in seeking licensure, will complete a research based project. Aspen University is accredited by National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC).
Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $15,600
Curriculum Snapshot: Research in Counseling, Addiction Counseling Theory and Practice, Psychology of Addiction, Substance Abuse Prevention, Neurobiology of Addiction, Advanced Addiction Counseling Skills, Advanced Counseling Skills, Addiction Counseling for Families, Diagnosis and Treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders
Program Website: Aspen University
#5. Cambridge College
Cambridge College is a private, nonprofit institution and holds accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC CIHE). The school offers an online pre-licensure graduate MS program in Counseling Psychology with an addiction counseling concentration. There are 300 hours in an approved substance abuse treatment program with appropriate supervision in the 12 core functions required for completion.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $18,000
Curriculum Snapshot: Personality & Counseling Theory, Basic Counseling Skills: Rogerian Therapy, Group Dynamics/Group Counseling & Human Systems, Counseling Practicum, Addiction Disorders, Family Treatment of Substance Abuse, Psychopharmacology in Addictions & Mental Health Counseling
Program Website: Cambridge College
#6. Grand Canyon University
This Phoenix, Arizona university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and provides a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling. The program focuses on theories of addiction, drug classification, assessment, and treatment and prepares students to become licensed counselors. Students should be certain the coursework meets their state’s particular licensure requirements.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $18,800
Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences, Introduction to Addictions and Substance Use Disorders, Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethics, Psychopharmacology and Addictions, Co-Occuring Disorders, Family Issues and Addictive Disorders, Diagnostics, Assessment, and Treatment, Counseling Chemical Dependency Adolescents
Program Website: Grand Canyon University
#7. Online@VCU
This is a particularly interesting MS in Addiction Studies program offered through Virginia Commonwealth University in collaboration with King’s College London and the University of Adelaide in Australia. The program provides students the ability to participate in local, national and international policy positions, prevention/treatment program management and other leadership positions in the addictions field. While not in the counseling field, per se, it allows students to become influence makers in the development of addiction and abuse programs. Virginia Commonwealth University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $18,826
Curriculum Snapshot: The Biological Basis of Addiction, Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions, Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addictions, Addiction Policy, Treatment of Addiction: Pharmacotherapies, Treatment of Addiction: Critical Issues, Research Methodology in Addictions, Research Project in Addictions
Program Website: Online@VCU
#8. Governor State University
Founded in 1969, Governors State University GSU is a four-year public university in the state of Illinois and holds accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Using an evidence-based research model, the Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health Department now offers a 60-hour Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies – Addictions Counseling Concentration. The school emphasizes Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, etc., in its training for the MHS degree.
Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $18,420
Curriculum Snapshot: Screening, Motivation & Referral, Professional Practice, Clinical Supervision, Behavioral Health Across the Lifespan, Career Development, Practicum in Addictions Screening, Disparity & Diversity in Substance Abuse, Families & Addictions, Seminar in Substance Abuse OR ADDS 7600: Treating Coexisting Disorders
Program Website:Governors State University
#9. Indiana Wesleyan University
Located in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University’s graduate level Addictions Counseling programs are also accredited through NASAC, The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission. Internships are completed at qualifying locations in the student’s area. The school has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top master’s universities in the Midwest.
Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $24,336
Curriculum Snapshot: Multicultural Counseling, Theory and Techniques in the Helping Relationship, Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues, Issues in Addiction Recovery, Psychopharmacology, Psychopathology, Counseling Addicted Families
Program Website: Indiana Wesleyan University
#10. Capella University
Capella University, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, offers a Master of Science degree in Addiction Counseling. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the program focuses on training students to identify behaviors and situations and apply counseling theories, models, and approaches to individuals and groups who face addiction. Students are responsible for identifying field placement locations in coordination with their advisors.
Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $24,144
Curriculum Snapshot: Survey of Research in Human Development for Addiction Professionals, Assessment of Addiction, Principles of Integrated Addiction and Mental Health Treatment, Ethical and Legal Issues in Addiction Treatment, Group Therapy in Addiction Treatment, Theories and Models for Addiction Treatment, Interventions in Addiction Treatment
Program Website: Capella University
#11. West Virginia University
This program’s objectives provide experiences students to serve as a qualified rehabilitation and mental health counselor as well as vocational rehabilitation agencies and companies, and mental health and substance abuse service agencies. WVU is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as Tier 1 university and this graduate program is accredited by CORE and program is provided through the College of Education and Human Services of West Virginia University.
Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $24,360 (in-state); $69,600 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: Disability Across the Lifespan, Career Development and Job Placement, Rehabilitation Client Services, Ethical Issues in Counseling, Counseling Practicum,
Cultural Issues, Addictions Counseling, Couples and Family Counseling
Program Website: West Virginia University
#12. Liberty University
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC) and has been in operation since 1971. Liberty University is ranked by U.S. New & World Report #65 among universities in the South and provides a Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling (M.A.). The program may lead to licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Cost of Tuition: $25,920
Curriculum Snapshot: Assessment Techniques in Counseling, Marriage & Family Counseling,Psychopathology & Counseling, Clinical Diagnosis & Treatment Planning,Counseling Internship, Addictions and the Recovery Process, Biological Aspects of Addiction & Recovery, Treatment and the Recovery Process, Diagnosis & Treatment of Sexual Addiction
Program Website: Liberty University
#13. Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University, located in Richmond, Virginia, now ranks among the top 20 rehabilitation counseling training programs in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. The Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling, offered through the university’s School of Allied Health, is fully accredited by CORE and online students are required to attend two courses on campus, in order to receive in-person instruction and feedback to develop effective counseling skills.
Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $27,360
Curriculum Snapshot: Foundations of Substance Abuse Rehabilitation, Introduction to Rehabilitation Counseling, Directed Readings in Rehabilitation, Group Counseling Theories and Techniques in Rehabilitation, Human Growth and Development, Appraisal and Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Program Website: Virginia Commonwealth University
#14. Mid-America Christian University
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) is a private, Christian liberal arts college, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, MACU has been named a military friendly school and offers an Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling emphasis in the Master of Science in Counseling program. Successful students will be eligible to work as addictions and substance abuse counselors and eligible for licensure as a licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Length of Program: 45-51 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $27,680
Curriculum Snapshot: Alcohol and Drug Addiction, Individual Psychotherapy Techniques, Addiction in the Family and Assessment Theory, Addiction in the Family Counseling, Marriage and Family Systems and Treatment, Pharmacology of Drugs of Abuse, Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling Theory and Techniques
Program Website: Mid-America Christian University
#15. Post University
Post University, located in Waterbury, Connecticut, is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). This online program requires students to complete core courses and an additional 12 credit hours in the alcohol and drug counseling concentration. Graduates of the online Master of Science in Human Services—Alcohol and Drug Counseling degree program can become licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors through coursework completion and fulfillment of individual state requirements.
Length of Program: 49 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $27,930
Curriculum Snapshot: Biology of Addiction, Theories of Alcohol & Drug Counseling, Psychopathology of Addiction, Group and Family Treatment in Addictions, Human Services Ethics and Diversity, Human Development Through the Lifecycle, Human Services Policy, Human Service Management, Applied Research Methods in Human Services
Program Website: Post University
#16. Assumption College
Assumption College is a private, Catholic liberal arts college founded in 1904 in Worcester, Massachusetts. This online graduate master of arts program in Rehabilitation Counseling can be completed in less than 3 years and includes a substance abuse specialization. Students will be awarded a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling. The graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling has been ranked 45th by U.S. News and World Report and is accredited by CORE.
Length of Program: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $28,800
Curriculum Snapshot: Foundations of Rehabilitation Counseling Profession, Introduction to Medical Rehabilitation, Introduction to Assessment and Appraisal of Individuals with Disabilities, Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders in Rehabilitation, Principles of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Private Sector and Forensic Rehabilitation
Program Website: Assumption College
#17. Nova Southeastern University
Offering a Master of Science in Counseling, Florida’s Nova Southeastern University is accredited by is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC). The online activities may include forums using threaded discussion boards, chat rooms, email, and electronic classroom sessions. Founded in 1964, NSU’s College of Psychology also provides a 60-credit hour MS in Substance Abuse Counseling and Education.
Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $32,160
Curriculum Snapshot: Foundations of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counseling in Community Settings, Issues in Clinical Supervision, Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders, Psychopharmacology of Illicit and Licit Drugs, Substance Abuse Counseling Practicum
Program Website: Nova Southeastern University
#18. Kaplan University
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Kaplan University is long known for it’s online educational programs. This particular MS in Psychology has an addiction specialization component. Students have the choice of completing a thesis or passing a comprehensive exam. Although approved by many states, prospective students should check with their state regulatory agencies to be certain this degree meets that state’s licensure requirements.
Length of Program: 75 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $28,875
Curriculum Snapshot: Chemical and Psychological Dependency Counseling, Psychopharmacology, Group Counseling, Advanced Addiction Counseling, Co-Occurring Disorders and Treatment, Applied Statistics for Psychology, Foundations of Professional Psychology, Testing, Measurement and Assessment, Life Span Development
Program Website: Kaplan University
#19. University of North Texas
Located just north of Dallas, Texas, UNT provides a Masters of Science with a major in Rehabilitation Counseling. The University of North Texas’ graduate programs are ranked #13 in the nation and #1 in Texas according to U.S. News & World Report. The program is accredited by Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE).
Length of Program: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $33,648 (in-state); $52,370.04 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: Principles of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Recovery, Employment and Career Development, Case Management and Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Counseling Theories, Rehabilitation Counseling Application
Program Website: University of North Texas
#20. Walden University
Walden University provides an MS in Addiction Counseling which is accredited by Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and provides residencies and field experience opportunities help you gain hands-on practice in the field. According to their website, the school offers $7,500 Counseling Change-Maker Grant toward the cost of tuition, to be applied over the course of 8 terms, so it’s recommended you check with the admissions counselors to see if you qualify.
Length of Program: 90 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $39,600
Curriculum Snapshot: Foundations for Graduate Study in Counseling, Introduction to Addiction, Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling, Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories, Techniques in Counseling, Lifespan Development, Substance Abuse Counseling, Multicultural Counseling,Diagnosis and Assessment, Theories, Treatment, and Case Management of Addiction, Psychopharmacology and Biopsychosocial Considerations
Program Website: Walden University