The University of South Dakota (USD) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling and Prevention. The program can be completed in four years if students complete 30 credits per year. Students may select a specialization in treatment or prevention. The curriculum includes courses in alcohol addiction, counseling, and ethical issues. To graduate, students must complete
Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees
By the OnlineU team | Updated 2/22/2021
Substance abuse and addiction counselors play a critical role in addiction recovery, and many find this to be an extremely fulfilling career. These professionals work one-on-one with clients, providing critical support to help people recover from drug and alcohol addictions as well as chemical dependencies. New research on addiction and treatment has led judicial systems to rely more on counseling services, and people continue to seek treatment on their own. As a result, employment rates for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are projected to grow by 25% from 2019 to 2029, making now a great time to pursue a career in the field. Our rankings list below highlights top online addiction counseling programs to help students choose which one best fits their needs. Continue reading to learn more about certification requirements and the importance of accreditation for substance abuse counselors, along with frequently asked questions about the field.
Online Bachelor’s in Substance Abuse Counseling with the Highest Return on Investment
These are the top online programs in substance abuse counseling ranked by their return on investment. ROI uses alumni earnings and debt data to project the potential long-term financial benefit of earning an online BSW. The cheapest degree isn’t always the best investment over time, and the most expensive degree does not always signify quality. For example, the University of South Dakota has the highest ROI on this list ($296,500) despite not having the lowest tuition.
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Dakota | $10,537 | $31,828 | $25,000 | $296,500 | |
| Ohio Christian University | $12,480 | $32,213 | $34,431 | $288,800 | |
| Indiana Wesleyan University Online | $11,760 | $30,771 | $26,380 | $283,900 | |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | $9,600 | $29,685 | $25,000 | $274,500 | |
| University of Central Arkansas | $8,550 | $29,413 | $27,000 | $269,200 | |
| University of Maine at Augusta | $9,486 | $29,882 | $31,250 | $268,700 | |
| University of Cincinnati | $10,820 | $29,685 | $31,167 | $266,800 |
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Substance Abuse Counseling Rankings Details
#1
University of South Dakota
Vermillion (SD)
- 10-Year ROI: $296,500
- Median Salary: $31,828
- Annual Tuition: $10,537
- Median Debt: $25,000
#2
Ohio Christian University
Circleville (OH)
- 10-Year ROI: $288,800
- Median Salary: $32,213
- Annual Tuition: $12,480
- Median Debt: $34,431
Ohio Christian University (OCU) offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Substance Abuse Counseling. The program integrates instruction from a non-denominational Christian perspective and covers assessing, diagnosing, and treatment planning for individuals, families, and groups affected by chemical dependency. Students are required to complete a course on the spiritual aspects
#3
Indiana Wesleyan University Online
Marion (IN)
- 10-Year ROI: $283,900
- Median Salary: $30,771
- Annual Tuition: $11,760
- Median Debt: $26,380
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Addictions Counseling. This degree program provides instruction from a Biblical perspective and can be completed in 22 months. The curriculum includes courses in psychology, counseling, and addiction theory and practice. Students complete four practicums in addictions counseling totaling 350 hours at an approved
#4
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches (LA)
- 10-Year ROI: $274,500
- Median Salary: $29,685
- Annual Tuition: $9,600
- Median Debt: $25,000
Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU) offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Substance Abuse. The program emphasizes communication skills, human behavior, and data analysis. There are 48 credits in the psychology major and 30 credits of elective courses, including 12 credits in the substance abuse concentration. Students can undertake
#5
University of Central Arkansas
Conway (AR)
- 10-Year ROI: $269,200
- Median Salary: $29,413
- Annual Tuition: $8,550
- Median Debt: $27,000
The online Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies degree at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a treatment track. This degree completion program is suitable for students with an associate degree. Students take core courses focusing on mental health, theories and prevention practices, and drug education. To graduate, students must complete a practicum in substance
#6
University of Maine at Augusta
Augusta (ME)
- 10-Year ROI: $268,700
- Median Salary: $29,882
- Annual Tuition: $9,486
- Median Debt: $31,250
The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Human Services (MHHS) - Addiction Counseling. The program is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education. The addiction counseling concentration covers topics in crisis intervention, substance abuse disorders, and the effects of addiction on different populations.
#7
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati (OH) (and 1 other)
- 10-Year ROI: $266,800
- Median Salary: $29,685
- Annual Tuition: $10,820
- Median Debt: $31,167
The University of Cincinnati (UC) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling. Students learn individual and group counseling practices and develop skills in assessments and diagnoses, recovery treatment, ethics, and crisis management. The program can be completed in two to four years depending on part-time or full-time status. Graduates fulfill the academic
Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Overview & Career Information
A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to become a substance abuse counselor in many states; others require a master's. In the undergraduate program, students study alcohol and drug use, counseling skills, group counseling, and pharmacology. Fieldwork experience is also required. The master's degree is required to earn a counseling license in most states. This degree requires two years of coursework as well as an internship. If you're interested in conducting intensive research into the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction, a doctoral degree would be appropriate.
During the course of treatment, substance abuse counselors may evaluate a patient's condition, identify causes and triggers of the abuse, develop a treatment plan or course of action, and help the patient develop positive behaviors and routines that avoid the abused substance. They may also coordinate social services for the patient and meet with the patient's family and friends to ensure that they are assisting with the recovery process. In the course of carrying out these job responsibilities, substance abuse counselors meet and talk with patients frequently, either in an individual or group setting.
Some substance abuse counselors work with individuals who have been sentenced by a court to complete a rehabilitation program; they may need to incorporate the court's ruling into the length or nature of the treatment. As part of the treatment plan, counselors help clients develop coping mechanisms to deal with troubling situations that could cause a relapse in their behavior. Some counselors diagnose and treat patients, while others focus on helping patients find useful community resources.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Substance Abuse Counseling
Students of substance abuse counseling study the symptoms and causes of chemical dependency and are trained to provide clinical support for those suffering from addiction. The top online colleges for bachelor's degrees in substance abuse counseling offer a combination of academic strength and affordability to prospective undergraduates.
Program Requirements
To qualify for an online bachelor's program, applicants must typically have a high school diploma, a strong high school GPA, qualifying scores on college entrance exams, and letters of recommendation. Most online bachelor's degrees in substance abuse counseling can be earned within four years, though some schools offer accelerated programs. To graduate, students are expected to complete about 120 to 133 semester credit hours.
Curriculum
Students pursuing online bachelor's degrees in substance abuse counseling can expect to take general education classes in English and the humanities, science, math, and the social sciences in addition to counseling-specific core courses. Most substance abuse counseling programs include courses in various topics within psychology and clinical counseling, including psychopathology, pharmacology, diagnosis of addiction, counseling, human services, ethics in clinical work, and assorted counseling methods for specific demographics, such as youth and families. In some cases, online schools offer students the chance to practice in-person counseling through supervised practicums. During a practicum, students work in the same capacity as a fully employed counselor or assistant counselor within a mental health facility. This can be a great way for students to gain work experience prior to graduation.
Most students of addiction counseling specifically pursue their degree to become substance abuse counselors. While a bachelor's degree may be enough to find a job, each state has its own employment standards for counselors. Some states only ask that job applicants have a high school diploma, while others require master's degrees. Be sure to review the educational requirements of the state you wish to work in before deciding on a degree.
The Importance of an Accredited Substance Abuse Counseling Degree
Prospective online substance abuse counseling students should research the accreditation of their schools and degree programs before enrolling. Accrediting agencies carefully assess a school or program's ability to provide a high-quality education by reviewing its curricula, faculty members, student resources, and student outcomes. Choosing one of these accredited schools can help you feel confident that you are investing in a worthwhile education program that will be recognized by future employers, licensing boards, other accredited schools, and student financial aid agencies.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits various types of graduate-level counseling degree programs, and several regional accrediting agencies accredit entire institutions that offer substance abuse counseling degrees. Both programmatic and institutional accreditation are acceptable as long as the accrediting agencies are officially recognized by either the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Please visit OnlineU's accreditation hub for more information about accreditation.
What Students Will Learn in an Online Substance Abuse Counseling Program
In addition to receiving a solid foundation in psychology, counseling theory, and addiction patterns, students will learn to provide both individual and group counseling in a substance abuse counseling program. They will also learn about community treatment resources so that they will be able to refer their clients to additional services and facilities outside their realm. Students will also learn about advocacy for increasing the funding and support of the programs they are aligned with. Another avenue of training for most students will be to work as a volunteer at a hospital or a rehabilitation clinic. This provides students with valuable experience and a realistic perspective of what to expect when they are employed as a counselor. Students should contact local addiction counseling groups and inquire about their volunteer opportunities.
The following courses are commonly required in substance abuse degree and certificate programs:
- Addictive Behaviors: This course provides students with an overview of what causes addictions and the consequences that can result from addictive behavior. It also introduces some of the theories of prevention and treatment being practiced today.
- Cognitive Neuroscience: Students will learn the basics of cognition with regard to memory, executive functions, emotion, and how people make decisions. Gaining a better understanding of how the brain functions will help substance abuse counseling students understand the physical mechanisms occurring behind the addictions.
- Developmental Psychology: An introduction to developmental psychology teaches students about cognitive development, language and motor skill acquisition, moral reasoning and empathy, and social development.
- Group Counseling: Students will explore the theories and techniques of group counseling, different group counseling styles, and ethical responsibilities for group counselors.
- Psychopathology: An introduction to psychopathology teaches students about the causes of mental illness and the ways in which mental illness can manifest itself in people's behaviors.
Certification Requirements for Substance Abuse Counselors
Unlike many other positions in the healthcare field, becoming a substance abuse counselor doesn't necessarily require a postsecondary degree. This doesn't mean that a degree isn't helpful; earning an online bachelor's degree may make you more competitive in the job market and may exponentially increase your earning power over the course of your career. As for what level of degree you'll need and in what field, that often varies according to state, employing institution, or position.
The types of treatment and services you can offer as a substance abuse counselor will depend on the state in which you live. The education requirements for addiction treatment specialists vary from state to state. In some states, counselors with only a high school diploma or certificate can provide certain services to clients. In other states, a bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling prepares graduates to earn a state substance abuse license. Some employers may require or prefer particular professional certifications, like those offered through The Association for Addiction Professionals. In many states, to diagnose and treat people with behavioral disorders, you will need to earn a master's degree or higher in counseling and complete 2,000-4,000 hours of fieldwork under the supervision of an experienced counselor. For information on the training requirements in your state, visit the National Board for Certified Counselors or the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network.
Frequently Asked Questions About Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees
How long do you have to go to school to be a drug counselor?
There are a wide range of career options available for those interested in substance abuse and addiction counseling, and the education requirements vary by state. Most states require a bachelor’s degree to be a substance abuse counselor, which typically take four years to complete. Some states only require a two-year associate degree to be a counselor. Others may require education or clinical experience hours in lieu of a degree. Students should check requirements for their state.
What is the difference between substance abuse and substance use disorder?
Substance use disorder is a medical diagnosis used by the American Psychological Association. The APA introduced this term in 2013 to replace the two separate diagnoses of “substance abuse” and “substance dependence.” Those who suffer from substance use disorder may fall into the mild, moderate, or severe categories based on their symptoms. Mental health professionals use these terms to evaluate, treat, and measure progress in patients.
Can a person who was formerly incarcerated become a substance abuse counselor?
While having a criminal record can make it more difficult to become licensed, it still is possible for many. Those who have struggled with drug and alcohol addiction in the past are often drawn to a career as a substance abuse counselor, and are uniquely positioned to support others in recovery.
Laws vary from state to state, but most licensure boards take into account the type and seriousness of the crime, how long ago it was committed, and the length of rehabilitation time when evaluating applicants.
This website offers school details to prospective students as an informational resource. The appearance of a school listing on this website should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the school by this site.