Online Master’s In Addiction Counseling Degrees

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $383
Out-of-State | $383

Credits to Graduate: 60

Governors State University's MHS in addictions studies offers an addictions counseling concentration focused on evidence-based clinical therapies. Students complete 60 credits entirely online or in a hybrid format. 

The MHS holds accreditation from the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association. Graduates can use this master's in addiction counseling to meet the academic requirements for certified alcohol and drug counselor credentialing. The curriculum teaches a variety of skills, such as screening and assessment, clinical supervision, and family counseling approaches.

All enrollees receive hands-on training during practicum and internship experiences. Admission requires enrollment in the MHS in addiction studies and a minimum 3.5 GPA in core courses.

Credits to Graduate: 73.5

Drexel University's master's in addictions counseling develops practitioners skilled in evidence-based practices. Graduates complete the academic requirements necessary to sit for state certification exams, such as master addictions counselor. The online curriculum covers various counseling theories and their practical applications. 

Students explore topics in psychopharmacology and addictions, psychopathology and co-occurring disorders, and substance use counseling with special populations. Participants learn clinical appraisal and assessment skills and protocols for treatment planning and relapse prevention. 

Practicum hours allow students to hone their addictions counseling practice while under supervision. Admission to the master's in addiction counseling requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $265
Out-of-State | $579

Credits to Graduate: 60

TTUHSC's master of science in addiction counseling (MSAC) was one of the nation's first to train clinical counselors who can deliver telehealth. All enrollees learn to provide services from a distance to clients with substance use disorders and other behavioral addictions.

Students explore the neurobiology of addiction and psychopathology and diagnosis. Specialized training includes multicultural counseling; advanced addictions counseling; and couples, marriage, and family counseling methods. Practicum and internships provide hands-on clinical experience.

The CACREP-accredited MSAC boasts a 100% employment and exam pass rate. Admission to the master's in addiction counseling requires a bachelor's degree in a related major and a minimum 2.7 GPA. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $245
Out-of-State | $570

Credits to Graduate: 36

The master of science in addiction studies at UAPB is the only program of its kind in the state. The online degree prepares professionals who can help clients address substance use, tobacco, and gambling addictions.

Students learn how to counsel families, special populations, and develop and evaluate substance use programs. All enrollees complete a clinical practicum and a research project. 

Participants in good academic standing may qualify for a semester stipend award. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and GRE scores.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $595
Out-of-State | $595

Credits to Graduate: 36

Students can take courses online and do fieldwork in their own community with Washburn University's master's degree in family and human services. The degree offers an addictions counseling emphasis and prepares students for master addiction counselor licensure in Kansas and other states.

Enrollees learn how to diagnose substance use disorders and deliver individual and group addictions counseling. The program offers training in evidence-based interventions and an optional two-course graduate certificate in trauma and recovery. 

Students in the master's in addiction counseling participate in applied research and practicum fieldwork activities. Admission requires a regionally accredited bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $829
Out-of-State | $829

Credits to Graduate: 60

Hazelden Betty Ford's master's in counseling, addictions counseling meets Minnesota's academic requirements for licensed alcohol and drug counselor and licensed professional counselor credentialing.

The CACREP-accredited online program teaches evidence-based clinical treatment approaches. Elective coursework provides an opportunity for specialized training in advanced cognitive-behavioral therapy and other modalities. Enrollees complete 900 hours of supervised clinical experience working with clients.

Full- and part-time participants supplement online learning with two on-campus residencies in Center City, Minnesota. The program enrolls bachelor's degree-holders and offers an alternative admission pathway for degree-seekers without a bachelor's.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $635
Out-of-State | $635

Credits to Graduate: 36

Ottawa University's master of science in addiction counseling meets counselor licensure requirements in Arizona and other states. The online program holds accreditation from the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission. Enrollees explore addictions counseling in family systems, psychopharmacology and addictions counseling, and multicultural concerns in addictions counseling.

The practicum component gives enrollees direct contact with clients in an addictions counseling setting. Students finish the master's in addiction counseling faster with eight-week courses. All enrollees pay the same affordable per credit tuition rate regardless of where they reside. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $816
Out-of-State | $816

Credits to Graduate: 60

Antioch University's master of arts in clinical mental health counseling features an addictions counseling concentration. The CACREP-accredited MA qualifies graduates for clinical mental health counselor licensure in many states. Key topics include group counseling, couple and family counseling, diagnosis and treatment, and crisis counseling interventions. 

The practicum and internship component provides 700 hours of clinical experience at sites, such as in-patient addictions units and community mental health centers. The program's low residency allows students to complete the degree with few campus visits.

A flat per-credit tuition makes this master's in addiction counseling an affordable option for in-state and out-of-state students. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a preferred minimum 3.0 GPA. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $470
Out-of-State | $470

Credits to Graduate: 33-45

The University of South Dakota delivers two master's in addiction counseling degrees online. The 33-45-credit master of arts in addiction counseling and prevention offers standard and advanced tracks. One of 12 National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission-accredited programs, the MA qualifies graduates for South Dakota's advanced addiction and prevention certification. 

Topics covered include addiction counseling, public policy and addiction, and case management and assessment of co-occurring disorders. Students use elective credit for specialized training, such as gambling and process addiction and/or Native Americans and substance use addiction.

The MA in addiction counseling and prevention: co-occurring is an optional specialization. Admission to either program requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $370
Out-of-State | $370

Credits to Graduate: 60

The master's in substance abuse at Union College prioritizes flexibility with fully online and hybrid learning formats. Affordable tuition is another hallmark of this master's in addiction counseling. All enrollees pay a low per-credit tuition regardless of where they live.

Students complete 60 credits exploring topics, such as the psychology of addiction, recovery and relapse, and biological systems of chemical dependency. A counseling and psychotherapy practicum gives enrollees experience providing direct services to individuals, groups, families, and other clients. 

The internship component deepens students' practice as a professional counselor. Participants can use up to nine credits for elective coursework in psychology. Admission requires a regionally accredited bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.