2023 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Pennsylvania

Drexel University is a medium-sized private nonprofit institution that offers one online degree program in substance abuse counseling.

• The 73.5-credit-hour online Master of Science in Addictions Counseling teaches students evidence-based practices to facilitate care for people with addictions. Sample courses include Theories of Counseling, Motivational Enhancement Skills, and Psychopharmacology & Addictions. Students can expect to complete practicums to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates may include substance abuse counselors, recovery coaches, and case managers.

Drexel uses the learning management system Canvas to deliver online courses in asynchronous and synchronous formats. Drexel’s master's programs are delivered in 10-week quarters each year so that students will take more courses in shorter periods. Online student resources at this university include an online library, a writing center, a career development center, counseling, technology support, and academic advising.

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) is a medium-sized, public college with a certificate in the field of substance use counseling.

• The Certificate in Addictions is a 36-credit program for beginner-level students. The psychological and sociological theories related to intervention prepare students with a practical understanding of treatment and prevention. Courses include Professional Development in Human Services, Volunteer Administration, and Drugs - Their Use and Abuse. Career options include counselors, case managers, and community organizers.

MCCC uses the Canvas learning management system. Coursework is flexible and delivered completely online through synchronous and asynchronous modalities. Online students receive technology support and 24/7 online tutoring.

Villanova University (VU) is a medium-sized, nonprofit university offering a certificate in addiction studies.

• The Certificate in Addiction Studies requires the completion of 13 courses through 104 educational hours, during which students learn about psychopharmacology, social causes of addiction, diagnosis techniques, and counseling theories. Courses include Drug and Alcohol Education, Cultural Competency, and Relapse Prevention. Credits can be applied towards a CADC once students earn their bachelor's degree. Graduates may eventually pursue careers as certified counselors.

VU students use Blackboard for their online coursework, delivered synchronously and asynchronously. Academic advising, tutoring, writing services, and technology support are available.

PennWest California, otherwise known as California University of Pennsylvania (CALU), is a medium-sized, public university offering the following online certificate in addiction counseling.

• The Graduate Certificate in Addictive Disorders Counseling is a three-course (nine credits) advanced program covering family dysfunction, impulse control, client evaluation procedures, and recovery techniques. The curriculum consists of courses in Gambling Addiction, Addiction and the Family, and Assessment and Evaluation of Substance Use Disorders and Advanced Group Skills. Graduates may go on to work as teachers, case managers, and group support leaders.

Online students at CALU use the Brightspace learning management system, allowing for flexible coursework schedules through an asynchronous modality. Peer mentorship programs, virtual scheduling workshops, and an online student success center are all available for remote learners.

Carlow University is a small, nonprofit school offering one online graduate certificate in substance use counseling.

• The Post-Master’s Certificate in Alcohol & Drug Counseling requires three courses (12 credits) of foundational studies, including Substance Abuse Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling Theories and Interventions, and Co-occurring Disorders: Counseling Clients with Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Disorders. Most graduates gain employment as substance abuse and mental health counselors.

CelcticOnline is the learning management system remote students use to complete their 100% online, flexible coursework on a full- or part-time basis. Online students receive 24/7 technical support.

Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT) is a medium-sized, public institution with a competency credential in chemical dependency.

• The Competency Credential in Chemical Dependency is a 12-credit professional program that explores all aspects of substance use counseling — from prevention and treatment to drug use and addiction. Some examples of required courses are Science of Substance Abuse and Addiction, Comprehensive Treatment of Drug Abuse and Addiction, and Advocacy and Social Policy Approaches to Addressing Substance Use and Abuse. Graduates are prepared to work in healthcare, human services, and education.

PCT uses Penn College's Learning Management System, where coursework is delivered 100% online and asynchronously, allowing students to study at a part- or full-time pace. There are 24/7 tutoring services, an online bookstore, and one-on-one instructor sessions for distance learners.

Waynesburg University (WU) is a small, nonprofit school that hosts an online certificate in addictions counseling.

• The Certificate in Addictions Counseling examines addiction counseling techniques at the individual, group, and family levels, including various treatments and causes of addiction. There are 12 required credits, including courses such as Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances; Family Counseling in Addiction; and Addiction, Stress, and Trauma. Bachelor's degree holders can use their credits towards the CADC to become certified counselors.

The learning management system at WU is Canvas, where students study 100% online through synchronous and asynchronous courses. There's an online help desk to assist students with technical issues and e-tutoring services.

Clarks Summit University (CSU) is a small, nonprofit, Christian institution with one undergraduate addiction counseling degree.

• The Associate of Arts in Addiction Counseling explores addiction and psychology issues through a spiritual lens. There are 61 required credit hours, including courses such as Understanding and Treating Addictions, Abnormal Psychology, and Crisis Counseling. This program also features a Bible and theology core classes. Graduates are likely to explore counseling careers in addiction treatment facilities and churches.

All programs are delivered 100% online and asynchronously through the Schoology learning management system. Online students can access a writing center, IT help desk, and virtual bookstore.

Alvernia University is a medium-sized, private, and nonprofit university offering one online undergraduate degree in the substance use counseling field.

• A 123-credit-hour Bachelor of Arts in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment gives students a basic overview of the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the complex field of addiction counseling. Some of the program’s courses include Origins of Mental Illness, Counseling Techniques, and Crisis Intervention. Students are required to complete practicum field experiences to graduate. Graduates may work in various settings, such as inpatient rehabilitation centers, social services, and corporate employee assistance programs.

At Alvernia, online students use Canvas to deliver online courses asynchronously and synchronously. Alvernia’s online student support services include accessibility services, tech support, an online library, an online bookstore, career services, an academic success center, and counseling services.

Seton Hill University (SHU) is a small, nonprofit institution with a certificate in substance abuse.

• The 18-credit Addictions & Substance Abuse Certificate teaches the fundamentals of addiction causality as they relate to biology, psychology, and sociology, as well as the basics of treatment planning. Courses include Understanding Addictions, The Helping Relationship, and Special Topics in Behavior Health. Students can use their credits to pursue a bachelor's degree in counseling or search for entry-level jobs as recovery coaches and case managers.

SHU's online format is flexible, with courses delivered through Canvas' learning management system. Online students can access tutoring in writing and academics, technology support, and career services.

Misericordia University (MU) is a small, nonprofit university offering a post-bachelor's certificate in counseling.

• The Addictions Counseling Minor and Certificate is designed as a minor program for bachelor's graduates interested in studying chemical, emotional, and addictive behavior. There are 16 required credits, including the following classes: Drug Pharmacology, Chemical Addictions Dependency, and Substance Abuse in Special Populations. Each CADC-approved course allows graduates to pursue a bachelor's degree before applying for careers as certified counselors.

MU uses the Blackboard learning management system to deliver its entirely online asynchronous courses. Online students can study part- or full-time while using career services, IT support, and academic advisors.

Albright College (AC) is a small, nonprofit institution with three substance use programs.

• The Bachelor of Science in Addictions Studies focuses on the theories and treatments of addictive behaviors. Students must complete 128 credits to graduate before pursuing careers as certified counselors in social services, nonprofits, or community organizations.
• The Certificate in Addiction Studies is an accelerated program for non-bachelor's degree-seeking students that looks at family systems and addiction, addictive behaviors, and assessment and counseling practices.

AC uses the Canvas learning management system for its 100% online asynchronous courses. Online students have access to a bookstore, library, career services, and writing center.