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 10/25/2021
Substance abuse and addiction counselors work with clients one-on-one or in groups, 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% through 2029, making this an ideal time to pursue what many people feel is a fulfilling career in the counseling field.
Our ranking list below identifies the top 7 online addiction counseling programs to help you choose which one best fits your needs. We also provide information about earning a degree online, career options for graduates, and certification requirements.
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
Overview of Online Substance Abuse Counseling Bachelor's Degrees
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 provide the highest return on investment for students, meaning that the career outcomes of graduates will likely outweigh the initial program cost.
Throughout this guide to substance use counseling degrees and careers, we've included personal insights from two experts: Dr. Wendy St. Pierre, assistant professor of Mental Health and Human Services at the University of Maine at Augusta, and Jay Shifman, a mental health and addiction speaker, coach, and advocate.
Meet Our Experts
Dr. Wendy St. Pierre
Assistant Professor of Mental Health and Human Services at the University of Maine at Augusta
Dr. St. Pierre has been a full-time college faculty member for over six years. She is currently employed at the University of Maine at Augusta as an Assistant Professor of Mental Health and Human Services and the Academic Coordinator of their undergraduate and graduate programs. She is also a part-time faculty member at the University of Maine's Graduate School of Social Work where she teaches in their Masters of Social Work Program. Prior to entering full-time teaching, she worked as a licensed clinical social worker in Maine for over twenty years. Her roles have included program manager for a tobacco cessation program, child and adolescent crisis unit clinician, mental health case manager, and case management supervisor for homeless youth and children in the custody of the state.
Jay Shifman
Mental Health and Addiction Speaker and Coach
Jay Shifman is a vulnerable storyteller, stigma-destroying speaker, podcaster, and event host. The survivor of two suicide attempts and an overdose, Jay holds a BA in Psychology from Northern Kentucky University and has put in numerous hours of independent learning acquiring certifications in mental health, substance misuse and addiction, and drug policy.
Jay founded his company, Choose Your Struggle, in 2015 with two distinct goals: ending stigma and promoting honest and fact-based education around the topics of Mental Health, Substance Misuse & Recovery, and Drug Use & Policy.
For more information, visit: https://jay.campsite.bio/ or find him on social media.
Terminology Within This Field
It's important to note that the language related to this field is evolving, which is why we use a combination of familiar and newer terms. St. Pierre points out that the word "abuse" is gradually shifting to either "use" or "misuse." For example, some schools continue to offer degrees in substance abuse counseling, while others offer programs in substance use counseling. Shifman adds that there are many other terms that are being eliminated, such as the word "clean," which implies that people suffering from substance misuse disorder are somehow "dirty."
| In general, practitioners in the field are advocating for changes in terminology that help to remove the stigma around substance use and misuse. |
What Students Will Learn in an Online Program
Students 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. St. Pierre explains that many programs begin with courses that introduce students to the field — including the history of substance use disorders and their basic treatments — before moving into the counseling courses. "You want to make sure you're learning about evidence-based practices, which are counseling techniques that have been used, researched, and determined to be effective and helpful for others," she adds. "When you go into the field, you'll be ready to actually implement things that have been proven to help improve people's lives."
In some cases, online schools offer students the chance to practice this 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. Another avenue of training for students might be to work as a volunteer at a hospital or a rehabilitation clinic. Students can contact local addiction counseling groups and inquire about their volunteer opportunities.
St. Pierre is a professor for the online program at the University of Maine at Augusta, and she notes that distance education is not necessarily the best option for every student. "For a motivated student, an online program can help open up all kinds of new professional opportunities that might not have been available to you if you had to commit to attending courses at a specific time or location," she says. However, she has also observed that the flexibility of online courses requires students to create their own structure and manage their time effectively, which may be challenging for some. "Sometimes students don't set aside enough time to complete the online work, which can negatively impact their ability to be successful."
Common Courses
The following courses are commonly required in substance use and misuse counseling degree and certificate programs:
- Developmental Psychology: An introduction to developmental psychology teaches students about cognitive development, language and motor skill acquisition, moral reasoning and empathy, and social development throughout the life cycle. Students will gain an understanding of diagnostic and assessment tools, and how to utilize them in the counseling setting.
- Families and Addiction: Because an individual's chemical dependency or other addictive behavior often has a profound impact on family life, many programs devote a course to the counseling and treatment of whole families. Coursework typically explores the prevention of additional substance abuse and other dysfunctional behavior, relational patterns typical of substance-dependent families, and other specific issues related to women and children.
- Group Counseling: Sometimes involving experiential learning, this course explores the theories and techniques of providing counseling in group settings. Students learn about types of groups, group interaction and development, the benefits of different counseling styles, and effective group facilitation. Coursework also addresses ethical concerns, such as client confidentiality.
- Individual Counseling: Designed to develop and enhance students' competencies as professional substance abuse counselors, this course trains students to perform all aspects of counseling individuals. Students learn the stages of the counseling process, from client screening, intake, and treatment planning, through client education and case management reporting. Coursework often emphasizes the skills and knowledge needed to pass certification exams, including ethical and legal issues related to counseling practice.
- Introduction to Substance Misuse and Addiction: This course provides students with an overview of the causes and consequences of addictive behavior. Course materials will cover drug and alcohol misuse, and may address eating disorders, pathological gambling, and compulsive sexual behaviors. Students will be introduced to various perspectives on addiction treatment, including views from psychology, sociology, criminology, and medical science.
- Professional Ethics and Legal Responsibility: While some programs interject a discussion of ethical and legal issues into many courses, other programs consolidate this important topic into a standalone course. Students will learn various theories of ethical reasoning, and understand how they are applied in the counseling setting. Course materials also cover the legal responsibilities associated with the counseling profession.
- Psychopharmacology: In the context of a substance abuse counseling program, psychopharmacology will cover two major topics. First, coursework will examine major drug classifications and the effect of both legal and illegal drug types on the central nervous system. Second, the course will explore the possible use of prescription drugs in the treatment of substance misuse, especially for patients who also suffer from mental illness.
Accreditation
Prospective online substance abuse counseling students should research the accreditation of the schools they're considering before enrolling. Accrediting agencies carefully assess a school's ability to provide a high-quality education by reviewing its curricula, faculty members, student resources, and student outcomes. Choosing an accredited school 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
- Student financial aid agencies
For information about the accreditation status of individual schools, the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation are helpful resources. We've also compiled a guide to accreditation, including the different types of accrediting agencies and why accreditation is so important for students.
What to Know Before Entering the Substance Use Treatment Field
Through their work, both St. Pierre and Shifman have had the opportunity to talk to many practitioners in the substance use and misuse counseling field. Both have observed that people who succeed as counselors share several key characteristics.
Empathy. Our experts say that people are often drawn to careers in this field because of their own or a loved one's experiences with addiction. Shifman is one of those people and he sees it as a distinct benefit that gives him the strength to persevere and the ability to authentically connect with others. "When the people I work with and the people I'm advocating for see that I've lived this life, they respond because they know I'm coming from a place of love." St. Pierre agrees but adds a note of caution for those just starting their educational journey. "You have to make sure that you are emotionally ready, and that you can set aside your history and prior experiences and be open to learning about doing the work for other people."
Service orientation. The desire to serve others is another important quality, but this also requires some introspection. "If you're wanting to come into a field to help somebody who is struggling, you want to see them improve their situation [and] change their lives, then the field of substance use treatment and counseling can really provide that for you," says St. Pierre. Shifman adds, "Sadly, there aren't enough of us who get a second chance. But those of us who do and use it for something good can make an immediate impact. But you also have to check your ego at the door by asking, Am I doing this for the right reasons? If the answer is no, maybe this isn't the right thing for you."
Patience. St. Pierre likes to remind future counselors that their clients will experience setbacks and relapses, which can be discouraging. "The pathway to recovery is not a straight line, and that can be heartbreaking for the individuals who enter this field," she notes. "You have to accept that you did what you could and be available to them when they're ready to come back and give it another try."
If you're not sure whether a career in substance use counseling is the right path for you, St. Pierre recommends calling the college you're considering attending and talking to one of the faculty members who works in the program. "That can really make a difference in helping you decide if that program is going to get you where you want to be in the end," she says.
Frequently Asked Questions About Careers
What Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Do?
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.
What Degree Do You Need To Be a Substance Abuse Counselor?
In general, a bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling — known at some schools as substance use counseling — or a similar program that provides training in counseling practices (such as psychology) is required for entry-level positions. In some states, a bachelor's degree qualifies you to become a substance abuse counselor in a number of different settings, such as an outpatient mental health clinic, addiction clinic, or juvenile detention center.
If you want to enter into private practice where you can provide additional services to your clients, most states require you to earn a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or clinical social work from a regionally accredited school. In addition to earning a degree, you will need to complete 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience and pass a certification exam in order to practice.
Shifman, who holds a B.A. in Psychology, is an excellent example of someone who has built a career in the field of substance misuse treatment without a degree in substance abuse counseling. Although he is not a licensed substance abuse counselor, he has been able to use his own experience, as well as certifications in areas including Drug Policy and the Social Contexts of Mental Health and Illnesses, to become an addiction and mental health coach. Shifman's example shows that although you cannot become a substance abuse counselor without the degree, you can still pursue other avenues of supporting and coaching those who struggle with addiction.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Substance Use Counselor?
Online bachelor's degrees in substance use and misuse counseling typically require the completion of 120 credits of general education and major-specific courses. Students can accomplish this in four years of full-time study. Online master's programs in counseling can take two to three years to complete the required number of credit hours, which varies by school.
Many students also need at least a year to accumulate the 2,000+ hours of supervised clinical experience required to become certified for private practice. St. Pierre notes that some schools require students to complete these internship hours as part of the program, while others encourage students to obtain this experience after graduating. An advantage to fulfilling an internship early in your program, she notes, is that it allows you to decide whether this is the right career for you.
What Can I Do With a Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling or Addiction Studies?
With a bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling or addiction studies, you are eligible for a number of counseling jobs in:
- community-run health clinics,
- private health facilities,
- and agencies and offices related to the legal system.
In most cases, you will work under the supervision of a licensed counselor, and you may have to work some evenings and weekends. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for substance abuse counselors is $47,660, and demand for professionals in this field is expected to grow by 23% over the next decade, creating 75,100 new jobs.
Once you've earned an addiction counseling bachelor's degree, you have several other career paths open to you. For example, you could become a social and community service manager, earning a median annual salary of $69,600. You might also consider becoming a correctional treatment specialist, with a median annual salary of $55,690. By earning a master's degree in counseling or therapy, you can pursue quite a few additional career options, such as marriage and family therapist, rehabilitation counselor, and school and career counselor.
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.
What are the Certification Requirements for Substance Use Counselors?
Certification requirements vary by state, employing institution, and position. A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to become a substance use and misuse counselor in many states, but others require a master's. Even so, it is possible in some states to become an addiction counselor without a postsecondary degree.
The types of treatment and services you can offer as a substance abuse counselor will depend on the state in which you live.
- 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 license in the field. 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.
Because certification requirements are so closely connected to education, St. Pierre recommends evaluating your college degree and certificate program options in terms of licensing before choosing one. She notes, "Every state has its own professional licensing rules and regulations, so you have to look at the state either you're currently living in or the state you want to live and work in. If you want to take your degree or certificate and go somewhere else, you need to make sure you know what the education expectations are in the state where you want to live." This way, she adds, your choices will meet both your current and future needs.
You need to make sure you know what the education expectations are in the state you want to live and work in.
One of the most common certifications available in this field is the National Certified Counselor credential, administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Check with your state to determine the exact educational and certification requirements you need to practice in your state.
How Do You Become a Certified Addiction Professional?
The Certified Addiction Professional or CAP credential is required to practice as a substance abuse counselor in the state of Florida. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher in substance abuse counseling or a similar field. Florida also allows counseling professionals to obtain an alternate type of certification, known as the Certified Addiction Counselor. The requirements are much lower, as only a high school diploma and far fewer hours of clinical training and experience are needed. CAC certification is also accepted in many other states across the U.S., and is sometimes known as Alcohol and Drug Counselor or ADC certification. Your state's department of health or a similar website can provide you with information on certification requirements for your state.
What is CADC Certification?
In the state of California, the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals administers the certification training and testing for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification. CADC certification is available in three levels: CADC-I, CADC-II, and CADC-III. Level I and Level II certification are available to individuals who have a high school diploma or associate degree and meet other requirements for education, training, and experience. Level III criteria includes a bachelor's degree in counseling. CADC certification is just one of several different types of certification accepted by employers across the state. If you are a California resident, check with the state board of health for full details on addiction counseling certification.
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