Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling Degree Programs

An online master’s degree in addiction counseling is the gateway to a growing career path that is rewarding in both mental and financial ways. In some states, it is enough to get a license in this field, though others require a doctorate. Either way, many support positions will be waiting if you get the master’s degree.

This field has robust job opportunities, and salaries are higher than the all-jobs mean. Because of this, you can expect to not only find a job relatively quickly but be paid well for it, too. That said, it is important to ensure that it is a career that you’ll enjoy and gain psychological fulfillment from being part of. This will help you avoid burnout and keep you looking forward to the next day’s challenges as the years go on.

You can begin your career in addiction counseling by completing an online addiction counseling master’s program. Find out how below.

2024 - Best Online Master's Degree in Addiction Counseling Programs

Just like many other important career decisions, you wouldn’t want to go into choosing an online master's degree program without making sure that the program is credible, well-respected, and thorough so that you can enter the addictions counseling world with confidence. In order to help you find the very best online master’s degree programs in addictions counseling, we’ve applied our tested rankings methodology to our database of online degree programs so that you don’t have to sift through the many available programs online and wonder if any given program is legitimate. To learn more about our rankings methodology, and to find out how we determine the validity of our listed programs, see our Rankings Methodology page.

1.

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA

Regent University is a private university located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It offers a variety of programs, including an Online Masters Degree in Addiction Counseling. With over 9,000 students, Regent offers a robust learning environment that blends traditional and online courses. The university is committed to providing quality education for students from all backgrounds.

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2.

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY

University of the Cumberlands is a private, nonprofit university located in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It is one of the largest universities in the state with more than 7,500 students. The university offers an online Master’s Degree in Addiction Counseling, which provides students with a comprehensive understanding of addiction and counseling best practices.

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3.

Mid-America Christian University

Oklahoma City, OK

Mid-America Christian University (MACU) is a private, Christian university located in Oklahoma City, OK. With an enrollment of over 4,000 students, MACU offers a wide range of Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees. In addition to traditional on-campus programs, MACU also offers an online Master's degree in Addiction Counseling.

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What Will I Learn in an Online Addiction Counseling Master’s Degree Program?

Every school has a slightly different curriculum, but all will cover some basic concepts. These include classes in:

• Relapse Prevention

• Wellness, Recovery, and Maintenance

• Addiction Studies Research

• History and Culture of Addiction

• General Addiction Counseling

• Gambling and Process Addiction

• Case Management and Assessment of Co-occurring Disorders

• Several similar topics

Keep in mind that not all addictions are about substances. Patients may be addicted to gambling, porn, or even video games instead of, or along with, drugs and alcohol. Therefore, to be a good addiction counselor, you need to choose a program that covers these and other variations. If you’d rather only deal with helping people overcome substance abuse, look for a program that is explicitly about that sub-specialty.

One great example of such a program is the University of South Dakota which hosts a well-known online addictions counseling master’s program.

In addition, some schools include practicum hours with their master’s degree programs. These can add up to a lot of time, with 3,000-5,000 hours being typical. Most programs will offer the hours that their state requires for certification or licensure (if such credentials are offered for master’s degree holders in the state).

Admissions Requirements for a Master’s in Addiction Counseling

The requirements for entry into an online master’s degree program depend greatly on the school in charge. The University of South Dakota, for example, wants applicants to have admission test scores, transcripts of prior educational experiences, letters of recommendation, a resume, a statement of purpose, a fee, and an application. You must also have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for full admission status, though you can get provisional status with a GPA of 2.7.

List of Addictions Counseling Master’s Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based master’s program in addictions counseling today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Tara Moretti, LMHC

Tara Moretti is a writer and Licensed Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience in the field of mental health. Tara specializes in helping individuals navigate life transitions, manage stress and anxiety, and improve their relationships. Tara has worked in a variety of settings, including private practice and university counseling centers. She is committed to ongoing professional development and has completed advanced training in trauma-focused therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. In her spare time, Tara enjoys crossword puzzles, practicing yoga, and spending time with her German Shepherd, Zeus.