The Best Online Addiction Counseling Degrees in 2024

Earning an online addiction counseling degree is a flexible way to a rewarding career. Imagine helping those struggling with substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. But with so many programs out there, how do you choose the best one?

This article will guide you through that process, helping you find the program that matches your goals. We’ll check out accreditation, program structure, student resources, and more. In the end, you can make an informed decision and find the online addiction counseling degree that fits your needs.

Article Navigation: Online Addiction Counseling Degree – Our Top Picks | Types of Online Addiction Counseling Degrees: Choosing the Right Path | Accreditation, Certification and Licensing | Admission Requirements | Is Getting an Addiction Counseling Degree Online Worth it? | Start Your Degree in Addiction Counseling Today!

Top 5 Online Addiction Counseling Degree Programs

This article focuses on online bachelor's degrees in addiction counseling. We’ll dive into the specifics of this degree option.  Let’s look at the curriculum and career paths. Finally, we’ll discuss how this degree can help you assist people struggling with addiction. We chose our top picks based on quality, affordability, flexibility, and student support.

1. Alvernia University – BA in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment

   Accreditation: MSCHE
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $640 per credit hour (GetEducated readers save 20%!)

   Alvernia’s addiction counseling degree has a 40-year history.  It’s not only one of the oldest but also the best addiction counseling schools in the country. The success of the program is now available to online students as well. They offer a well-rounded curriculum that combines both addiction and mental health treatment.

   This is a 123-credit bachelor’s program with start dates in the fall and spring semesters. Students must submit high school transcripts showing a 2.0 GPA or better. In addition to financial aid, the school offers interest-free monthly tuition payments.  This can minimize student loan debt. GetEducated’s readers can get an extra 20% off tuition when you request information from our site.

   Alvernia’s program takes a holistic approach. Students learn about co-occuring mental health disorders alongside addiction treatment. While all classes are online, it includes a 400-hour practicum experience requiring on-site agency visits. This gives students valuable experience. Finally, career services assist graduates in finding jobs in various settings. They’ll find work in inpatient/outpatient facilities, social services, and employee assistance programs.

   Find Out More:
   BA in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment

    

2. Grand Canyon University – Bachelor of Science in Counseling/ Addiction, Chemical Dependency & Substance Abuse

   Accreditation: HLC
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $485 per credit hour

   GCU’s 120-credit bachelor’s program is great for working adults, with a flexible online format and multiple start dates. Their curriculum integrates Christian values with evidence-based practices, preparing grads for ethical and humane care.

   To be eligible, you must submit your high school transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0. Unlike some programs, standardized testing isn’t required. However, if your GPA falls below the 3.0 mark, you can submit SAT or ACT scores to boost your chances.

   GCU’s online program offers its courses in 7-week blocks, which makes it even more flexible. This fully-online degree emphasizes Christian ethics alongside counseling skills and addiction treatment knowledge. They offer career development services and help fill the growing need for addiction counselors.

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   Bachelor of Science in Counseling/ Addiction, Chemical Dependency & Substance Abuse

    

3. Bay Path University – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology / Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling

   Accreditation: NECHE
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $410 per credit hour

   What Makes it Great: Bay Path University’s program focuses on the psychology of both addiction and substance using, providing a strong foundation in understanding addictive behaviors. Their small class sizes and focus on student support foster a personalized learning experience.

   Need to Know: This 120-credit bachelor’s is part of Bay Path’s American Women’s College. This fully online course has multiple start dates throughout the year. Full-time students can expect to complete the program in 3.5-4 years, and can even take some graduate-level classes to get a running start on their Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. Applicants must submit high school transcripts and have a minimum 2.0 GPA.

   Program Structure: Bay Path’s fully self-paced program delves into the psychological aspects of addiction. This degree program will develop your skills in clinical counseling, intervention strategies, treatment planning, health psychology, and supporting individuals struggling with substance abuse.

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   Bachelor of Arts in Psychology / Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling

    

4. Rivier University – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology / Addiction Studies

   Accreditation: NECHE
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $1268 per credit hour

   Rivier’s program is specifically designed to meet the educational requirements for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) licensure in most states. Their focus on practical application and strong alumni network can benefit career prospects.

   This is a 120-credit bachelor’s degree in a substance use disorder and abuse counseling online has start dates in August and January. It’s delivered primarily online, but may involve weekend workshops or conferences depending on your location.

   Rivier’s program blends a strong foundation in psychology with addiction studies, preparing students for evidence-based counseling practices. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through case studies and simulations. Their alumni network can provide valuable connections for career opportunities.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Arts in Psychology / Addiction Studies

    

5. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Addictions

   Accreditation: NECHE
   Tuition (In-State & Out-of-State): $330 per credit hour

   SNHU offers one of the most affordable substance abuse counseling degrees. This program dives deep into the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to addictive behaviors. You’ll explore various types of addictions and contemporary research on treatment methods.

   The curriculum will equip you with a strong foundation in psychology, preparing you for graduate programs in counseling, social work, or other related fields.

   While this degree alone won’t not qualify you for direct clinical practice, it can open doors to entry-level positions in human services agencies, support groups, or treatment facilities. You can also pursue careers in research, education, or advocacy related to addiction.

   This is a 120-credit bachelor’s program with multiple start dates throughout the year. It’s delivered online in an accelerated format, which means students will still have to keep up with due dates and deadlines. However, the shorter courses mean the degree can also be completed in a shorter time, if you choose.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Arts in Human Services/Substance Abuse

Types of Online Addiction Counseling Degrees: Choosing the Right Path

An online degree in addiction counseling should reflect your existing education and career goals. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

Online Associate’s Degree in Addiction Counseling

This program provides a basic understanding of addiction and substance use disorders, and how they affect people and families. You’ll also learn basic counseling skills.

Students learn how to screen for substance abuse, develop treatment plans, and offer basic counseling interventions.

An associate degree typically requires 60-70 credit hours and may include some online practicum experiences. You can finish in about 2 years.

You’ll have courses on addiction theory, counseling techniques, ethics, neuroscience of addiction, and co-occurring disorders.

Those with a high school diploma or GED seeking entry-level positions in treatment facilities or support organizations are ideal candidates. It can also serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s program

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling

A bachelor’s goes into more depth, teaching more addiction theories, counseling approaches, and clinical skills.

Graduates emerge ready for direct client care. They can conduct assessments, implement evidence-based interventions, and collaborate with other providers.

A bachelor’s degree typically requires 120-128 credit hours and may have more clinical practicum requirements. This means it might include in-person sessions to ensure hands-on experience.

You’ll go deeper into topics like powerful interviewing, relapse prevention, trauma-informed care, and ethics specific to treatment for addiction.

This is for those seeking direct client care in treatment facilities, private practices, and government agencies. This degree also qualifies you to pursue certain addiction counselor certifications.

Online Master’s in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling

A master's program equips you for almost any role in the addiction treatment field. It emphasizes advanced counseling techniques, program development, and research skills.

Master’s graduates can develop treatment programs and set up private practices related to addiction treatment. With further training, you can supervise new counselors.

An online master’s degree program requires 60-70 credit hours and involves more direct practice sessions, likely in person.

You’ll explore topics like program evaluation, supervision skills and emerging trends in addiction treatment.

Those seeking leadership roles as program directors or clinical supervisors are best suited for this degree.

Addiction Counseling PRogram Accreditation & Licensing

Why Accreditation Matters

Earning your degree in addiction counseling online from an accredited program is crucial for several reasons. Accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous academic standards, providing you with a solid foundation in addiction counseling knowledge and skills. In fact, many employers prefer or require candidates to have graduated from accredited programs. Accreditation enhances your resume and marketability.

Finally, if you want to become licensed as an addiction counselor, you’ll need to have completed your education at an accredited school. This is true whether you pursue a master’s program or CAC (Certified Addiction Counselor) credential. WIth a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be eligible for CAC certification after 4,000 of work in the field.

Certification and Licensing

Licensing and certification for addiction counselors varies broadly by state. You should always check the requirements of your state to be sure that your education and training meets the state’s requirements. However, most states have at least some things in common, and getting an addiction counselor degree online will be an important step, no matter where you are.

Earning an online bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling sets you on a strong path toward obtaining the Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) and Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) credentials. This degree fulfills the educational requirements for the CAC when combined with fieldwork.

For the more advanced CAP credential, a bachelor’s degree is mandatory, along with addiction-specific work experience. The coursework in your addiction counseling program provides a solid foundation in addiction theory, counseling skills, and ethical practices, preparing you for the knowledge-based exams and supervised clinical experience required for both CAC and CAP certifications.

While your online drug and alcohol counseling degree will provide a solid foundation, additionally steps are often needed to practice as a licensed addiction counselor. For example, many states require addiction counselors to hold a specific certification, such as the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) credential.

In addition, all states require licensure for addiction counselors who want to work in private practice or bill insurance companies. This path is similar to that of LMHCs (Licensed Mental Health Counselors) or LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers). Exact licensing requirements vary by state, but they all require a master’s degree in addiction counseling (or related degree), passing an exam, completing supervised clinical experience hours, and meeting continuing education requirements.

All of the above credentials show your expertise and commitment to the field and boost your job prospects and earning potential.

Admission Requirements

While specific requirements might differ slightly between schools, online addiction counseling programs typically share some common admissions criteria. You’ll usually need to submit a high school diploma or GED, official transcripts from any colleges you previously attended, and a resume or CV highlighting relevant experience. Volunteer work or prior healthcare experience can be particularly beneficial. Most programs also require a personal statement or essay outlining your motivations and career aspirations in addiction counseling. Finally, you’ll often need to meet a minimum GPA requirement between 2.0 and 3.0.

Is Getting an Addiction Counseling Degree Online Worth it?

While specific requirements might differ slightly between schools, online addiction counseling programs typically share some common admissions criteria. You’ll usually need to submit a high school diploma or GED, official transcripts from any colleges you previously attended, and a resume or CV highlighting relevant experience. Volunteer work or prior healthcare experience can be particularly beneficial. Most programs also require a personal statement or essay outlining your motivations and career aspirations in addiction counseling. Finally, you’ll often need to meet a minimum GPA requirement between 2.0 and 3.0.

Career Paths with an Online Degree in Addiction Counseling

This degree prepares you for a variety of fulfilling careers in the addiction treatment field. Some common options include:

• Addiction or Substance Abuse Counselors provide direct client care, conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and conduct evidence-based interventions. Keep in mind that addiction counselors entering into private practice need to have completed a master’s degree in addiction counseling.  A similar degree like mental health counseling or social work is also valuable.
• Community Support Specialists offer support services and resources to people and families affected by addiction.
• Prevention Specialists educate communities about addiction and develope strategies to reduce its prevalence.

Salary Potential for Substance Abuse Counselors

The salary for addiction counselors varies depending on experience, location, and work setting. Here’s a general idea:

The salary for addiction counselors varies depending on experience, location, and work setting. The median salary for this job is $53,840. Similarly, the median salary for community support or prevention specialists is $51, 970.

Experienced counselors in leadership positions, private practice, or specific areas like medication-assisted treatment can reach salaries exceeding $80,000 annually.

Location also plays a role. Generally, salaries tend to be higher in urban areas and states with a higher cost of living. California, New York, and Pennsylvania employ the most addiction counselors. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for the highest wages, Alaska, Utah and Washington, D.C. are prime locations. 

Career Outlook with a Drug and Alcohol Counselor Degree:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a strong job outlook for substance abuse counselors, with demand growing 18% from 2022 to 2032. This growth is driven in part by rising rates of addiction and mental health disorders. On the other hand, increased awareness of the need for treatment and expanded insurance coverage for these services has also impacted demand. 

Where Can You Work With Online Degree in Addiction Counseling?

Demand for addiction counselors is expected to be particularly high in:

• Outpatient treatment facilities
• Community mental health centers
• Telehealth and other technology-based treatment modalities
• Jails and prisons

Overall, an online addiction counseling degree can be a valuable stepping stone to a rewarding career with good earning potential and strong job growth prospects.  It equips you with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities struggling with addiction.

Start Your Degree in Addiction Counseling Today!

The need for addiction counselors is growing fast, and an online addiction counseling degree can put you at the forefront of this field. Not only can you help people overcome addiction, but also have a career that matches your passions. If you want to make a difference and are passionate about this issue, an online addiction counseling degree may be your next step. Take the leap today and start helping others reclaim their lives from addiction.