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.
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Top Online Master's in Substance Abuse Counseling
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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.
