Top Online Master's in Substance Abuse Counseling

An online master's in substance abuse counseling provides flexibility. Students can gain experience while earning their degree.
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Substance Abuse Counselor Master's Degree

Online master's in substance abuse counseling programs train learners to provide client treatment and support. Many graduates work as substance abuse, behavioral disorder, or mental health counselors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for these counselors to grow 18% from 2022-2032 — far faster than the average for all occupations.

Many schools offer online substance abuse counseling programs. An online format allows degree-seekers to enroll in top programs without relocating. Many online programs run asynchronously. Learners can listen to lectures and complete assignments around work and family responsibilities.

This page provides information on substance abuse counseling degrees. Read on to learn about costs, common classes, and potential jobs for graduates.

Featured Online Counseling Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Top Online Master's in Substance Abuse Counseling

The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.

#1 Top Online Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling

Grand Canyon University

  • Phoenix, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Grand Canyon University, a private institution, is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The college offers flexible educational options to individuals from all walks of life, boasting 50 total master's programs, with 45 available online. People from around the globe can connect with the institution's community and resources through the online learning modality.

Online degree-seekers with an interest in counseling will find the master of science in clinical mental health counseling to be beneficial and flexible. Upon enrollment, attendees connect with other remote learners through the virtual classroom. Participants can also access institutional resources and faculty advisors. Students take foundational classes and specialized coursework, both of which can be customized to fit their specific counseling career interests.

Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, further aid students in exploring career options in the field. Students with current careers in counseling-adjacent fields often find the online program to be an attractive option for advancing their education without disrupting their work. Learners can modify their course trajectory in consultation with faculty advisors, and degree-seekers can discuss their professional trajectory with career services counselors.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,424
Out-of-state
$16,424
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,528
Out-of-state
$10,528
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
103,427
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Top Online Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students interested in a premier graduate education should consider Liberty University, a private school located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Online study is available through 68 programs. The online master of arts in clinical mental health counseling program is a wise choice for learners seeking flexible study in the field.

Through rigorous coursework, the program prepares graduates for the demands of counseling careers. The master's program features general and advanced counseling courses, equipping participants well for their future careers in the field. In consultation with faculty advisors, attendees can select the courses that best suit their career path.

Enrollees can access a variety of institutional resources throughout their studies, such as academic advising, career mentorship, and internships opportunities. Students seeking to ease the financial burden of their education can explore the many internal and external funding options made available through the college.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,935
Out-of-state
$7,935
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Top Online Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling

Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies

  • Center City, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online

Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies is a private school based in Center City, Minnesota. The institution offers flexible enrollment options to diverse learners, providing an online master's in addiction studies. The virtual modality often proves beneficial for students located outside the state or country.

Online participants in the addiction studies program benefit from a virtual classroom environment, connecting them with other distance learners, faculty, and institutional resources. The remote program curriculum comprises core classes and advanced coursework in the counseling field.

Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, further aid students in exploring career options in counseling and addiction studies. Working professionals benefit from the flexibility of the online program, with the option to study part time without interrupting their employment. The master's program allows degree-seekers from all walks of life to pursue an advanced degree at their own pace. Enrollees can modify their course trajectory with help from faculty advisors, and learners can discuss their career trajectory with career services professionals.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$35,156
Out-of-state
$35,156
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
174
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
89% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Top Online Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling

Capella University

  • Minneapolis, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online

Hoping to pursue an advanced degree without sacrificing your schedule? Consider a flexible online degree from Capella University. Individuals looking to advance in the counseling field often benefit from Capella University's online master's in clinical mental health counseling.

During the counseling program, learners participate in a robust online community, collaborating with peers, faculty, and staff. Counseling students often have opportunities to participate in faculty-led research, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities. Counseling degree-seekers take foundational and advanced classes, generating a knowledge base that prepares them for the demands of the counseling field. Enrollees can work with their academic advisor to discuss elective options, modify their course schedule, and ensure their program path meets their career goals.

Typically, graduate students need a bachelor's degree prior to enrolling in the counseling program. When budgeting for educational costs, degree-seekers should keep in mind that the college charges $792 per credit. Learners seeking to defray the costs of education can find out more about scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities through the financial aid office.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,148
Out-of-state
$14,148
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,767
Out-of-state
$14,767
Retention Rate
45%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
38,930
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Top Online Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling

Crown College

  • Saint Bonifacius, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Online programs are a flexible option for students hoping to grow their knowledge at their own pace. The online master of arts in counseling from Crown College is an attractive option for learners seeking accommodating study.

Of the school's 12 master's programs, all of them are available online, connecting 1,026 remote degree-seekers worldwide. In the counseling program, participants collaborate with peers and faculty, and they can access institutional resources through a robust online learning environment. Enrollees can collaborate with their faculty advisor and other faculty members to produce original research and secure counseling internships. Each attendee completes foundational classes and focused coursework to gain competency in topics specific to the counseling field. Students can work with their academic advisor to choose electives, modify their course schedule, and ensure their program path aligns with their career goals.

Prospective applicants need a bachelor's degree before they can enroll in the counseling program. Those seeking to defray the costs of education can learn about scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities through the financial aid office.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$27,270
Out-of-state
$27,270
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,990
Out-of-state
$9,990
Retention Rate
66%
Acceptance Rate
47%
Students Enrolled
1,485
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
69% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Top Online Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling

Virginia Commonwealth University

  • Richmond, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Students considering graduate-level education should consider Virginia Commonwealth University, a public, four-year college offering 74 master's programs, 16 of which are available online. The online master's in addiction studies program connects learners from across the country to a premier graduate education.

The program's curriculum prepares gradates for careers in the counseling field. Degree-seekers take foundational and advanced classes. Participants can choose courses that suit their schedule and pertain to their career interests and goals.

Students can collaborate with institutional offices to access resources such as career advisement. To relieve the costs of graduate education, the institution connects learners with internal and external funding opportunities. Enrollees can consult with the financial aid office to explore options for financing their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,179
Out-of-state
$32,827
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,703
Out-of-state
$26,041
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
29,070
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Top Online Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling

Walden University

  • Minneapolis, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online

Walden University's online clinical mental health counseling master's program is a wise choice for professionals interested in advancing in the field. The institution offers 38 master's programs, all of which offer the option to pursue remote study. The flexibility of the master of science in clinical mental health counseling often benefits working professionals.

Enrollees in the counseling program complete a rigorous course curriculum, including foundational and advanced classes. Students can consult with their academic advisor to modify coursework to suit their career goals.

The online learning community provides support for online degree-seekers. Participants can connect with institutional resources and experiential learning opportunities such as internships. Counseling students should prepare to pay $664 per credit. The institution connects learners with a variety of internal and external funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,139
Out-of-state
$10,139
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,272
Out-of-state
$10,272
Retention Rate
33%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
49,695
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Top Online Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling

Union College

  • Barbourville, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Union College, a private institution in Barbourville, Kentucky, provides premier graduate programs to learners from all walks of life. Individuals interested in counseling careers can benefit from the online master of science in substance abuse counseling program.

Upon enrollment, students join the thriving online learning community. Participants can connect with institutional resources and can receive academic and career guidance throughout the program. Enrollees interested in research and experiential learning opportunities can collaborate with their advisor and other faculty members. The master's program provides full- and part-time study options.

Degree-seekers should speak with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities, such as internal scholarships and external financial aid. According to the school, 100% of all enrollees receive aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,330
Out-of-state
$26,330
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,160
Out-of-state
$8,160
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
1,179
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9 Top Online Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling

Ottawa University

  • Ottawa, KS
  • 4 years
  • Online

Ottawa University, a private institution, is based in Kansas. Students can enroll in one of seven online master's programs. The virtual learning modality allows people across the country to access the school's programs.

Distance learners with an interest in counseling often find the master of arts in counseling to be a beneficial and flexible program. Upon enrolling, degree-seekers are connected with a robust online community. Participants complete foundational classes and specialized coursework, both of which can be customized to fit their career interests in counseling.

Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, further aid enrollees in exploring career options in the field. The program's online format is an attractive option for out-of-state students and working professionals. Learners can work with faculty members to modify their coursework to suit their career goals, and they can access career services.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,856
Out-of-state
$10,856
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,044
Out-of-state
$11,044
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
221
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Top Online Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling

The University of South Dakota

  • Vermillion, SD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Learners from all walks of life find the University of South Dakota's online master of arts in addiction counseling and prevention to be an attractive choice. The public, four-year institution often enrolls working professionals and busy students who want to learn at their own pace.

Degree-seekers can choose to enter the counseling program in a full- or part-time format. Participants take foundational and advanced coursework, preparing for the demands of the counseling field. Enrollees can choose electives and modify their coursework in consultation with their academic advisor to ensure their education meets their career goals. The addiction counseling program connects distance learners with faculty mentorship and research opportunities. Remote students can access career services and academic advising.

Degree costs can vary, so prospective applicants should meet with the financial aid office to discuss education-related expenses. Many students are eligible for internal and external funding, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. Working professionals may be able to pursue sponsored study through their employer. Typically, 92% of all attendees receive some form of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,697
Out-of-state
$11,172
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,062
Out-of-state
$11,656
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
9,459
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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Featured Online Counseling Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Why Get a Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling?

Earning a substance abuse counseling degree can prepare learners for rewarding careers in a variety of settings. Degree-holders may work in mental health centers, prisons, or juvenile detention facilities. Graduates with a master's degree can earn licensure and start their own practice.

An online master's in substance abuse counseling provides flexibility. Students can gain experience while earning their degree. All states require related work experience for certification.

How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Cost?

Tuition varies by school and learners' residency status. Students attending in-state public schools usually pay the most affordable tuition. Master's degrees cost an average of $59,684, according to EducationData.org. Learners pursuing a master's at a public school spend an average of $48,690. Students attending private schools spend $64,440 on average.

Students earning an online master's in substance abuse counseling can save money compared to their on-campus peers. Online learners do not need to pay for campus housing or meal plans. They can often continue earning an income while completing their degree.

Additional Online Student Fees

Just like on-campus students, online learners must buy supplies and books. They may also need to buy a new computer or upgrade their internet. Some schools charge technology fees to cover tech support and virtual classroom platforms.

Substance abuse counseling students may need to pay for extra software to practice entering client data. Degree-seekers should also budget for fees for background checks and certification exams.

How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make?

Salary depends on many factors, including counselors' education level and geographic location. Substance abuse counselors earn a median annual salary of $53,710, according to the BLS.

Counselors living in Nevada, Utah, and Alaska earn the highest salaries. Outpatient care centers are the most lucrative workplace for substance abuse counselors, paying an annual mean wage of $58,480.

Earning a higher educational degree can lead to higher pay. Across all professions in the U.S., workers with a bachelor's degree make median weekly earnings of $1,432, BLS data shows. By comparison, master's degree holders make a median of $1,661 per week.

Courses in a Substance Abuse Counseling Program

Most online master's in substance abuse counseling programs require 60 credits. Learners can often choose a concentration or specialization. Options may include addiction recovery or alcohol misuse counseling. Most courses follow a lecture-based format. Students also gain supervised clinical experience.

See below for three common classes in online master's in substance abuse counseling programs. Keep in mind that courses vary by program.

  • Pharmacology and Substance Abuse

    Learners examine prescription medications through a substance misuse lens. Students learn how to identify drugs that may trigger substance dependence. Coursework covers how addictive drugs impact the human nervous system. Enrollees study drug therapies like opioid replacement therapy.
  • Drugs and Behavior

    Most online substance abuse counseling programs include a class on drugs and behavior. Learners explore how societal factors and genetics play a role in addiction. Degree-seekers also study how chemical dependency impacts behaviors and psychological processes. Coursework helps students understand prevention models.
  • Ethics in the Counseling Profession

    This class helps students form ethical frameworks in the counseling field. Coursework covers informed consent, boundaries in patient-client relationships, and conflicts of interest. Learners examine case studies about hypothetical ethical dilemmas. They also study the code of ethics for organizations like the Association for Addiction Professionals.

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor

Aspiring substance abuse counselors need a bachelor's degree. Earning a master's degree can enhance job opportunities and earning potential. Degree-seekers can begin earning clinical hours while completing an accredited program.

All counselors need a master's degree and a license to start a private practice. Aspiring addiction counselors should earn an online master's in substance abuse counseling.

Featured Online Counseling Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Licensure for Substance Abuse Counselors

Before taking a licensing exam, prospective counselors need a degree from an accredited program. The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission is one of the field's top accrediting agencies.

Students also need supervised practicum hours and on-the-job experience. Licensure and certification requirements vary by state.

Counselors may pursue the alcohol and drug counselor certification. Candidates can take up to three hours to complete a 150-question exam. The test covers topics like ethical responsibilities and treatment planning. The ​​advanced alcohol and drug counselor certification can help counselors show more expertise. This certification includes a rigorous test.

Aspiring substance abuse counselors should check with their state's licensing board for more information.

Questions About Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees

  • Do you need a degree to be a substance abuse counselor?

    Yes. These professionals need at least a bachelor's degree. Private practice substance abuse counselors need a master's degree.

  • How do I become a certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC)?

    Requirements vary by state. Most states require candidates to hold a master's degree and to gain at least 6,000 hours of clinical counseling experience. They should also complete at least 300 education hours. Some of these hours may need to cover specific topics, such as substance abuse disorders.

  • How long does it take to get CADC certified?

    Timing depends on how fast students move through coursework. Full-time learners can earn CADC certification in one year or less. Students first need a bachelor's degree, which takes four years. Learners can earn a master's degree in two years.

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