Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master’s in Addiction Counseling Online

Most Affordable

There has been a rise in demand for more accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling programs that fit the needs of the professionals work in the field. With addiction becoming a systemic issue in rural areas of America, the need for qualified candidates to help clients work through their addiction and begin their recovery process is hindered by the fact that traditional schools require a commitment that most working adults cannot complete. And as the addiction-related death toll continues to increase, it’s never been more clear that accessible education will help the already hard-working professionals in the field.

Working adults, especially in the addiction counseling field, work long hours to help all of their clients find their way to an addiction-free life. These professionals need access to programs that are flexible, provide them with the ability to study full-time or part-time, and can be completed in three years or less. Also important are affordable options from schools that feature an online tuition fee for all online students or programs that offer in-state graduate tuition for anyone residing in the United States. The schools listed below offer all of this in more, making this the perfect ranking for professionals who are ready to move into graduate education.

Methodology

This ranking of online programs was created by researching schools on the National Center for Education Statistics website and the publicly available College Navigator database. A total of 35 schools were initially chosen for the ranking; they were found simply by searching for online addiction counseling degree. Each addiction counseling graduate program was then individually reviewed and ranked based on several factors that included tuition rates, online program features, and estimated time to completion. The final 25 schools were chosen based on their in-state graduate tuition cost.

25. Antioch University New England

Online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling Concentration

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $22,100

Antioch University New England is home to an accelerated online addiction counseling degree that can be completed in just two and a half years. The degree will meet the educational requirements for licensure as a clinical mental health counselor in most states in America; however, it is the student’s prerogative to confirm their home state’s requirements. This program is offered as a hybrid graduate program; online students will be required to take half of their courses on the school’s Keene campus. The rest of the coursework is available on the school’s online learning management system; courses are generally offered live one night every week. Online students will find that this addiction counseling program follows the traditional academic structure and that this is a sequential degree. Students will also be required to complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours for graduation; this requirement can be met in a student’s community. Other requirements for this master’s degree include 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Group Approaches to Counseling, Family Counseling for Addiction, treatment planning, and Integrative Approaches to Addiction.

24. Bradley University

Online Master of Arts in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $16,380

The affordable accelerated online addiction counseling degree that is available from Bradley University is perfect for working professionals who wish to graduate with a graduate degree in three years or less. This program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs; it is also currently nationally ranked as one of the best colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. This is a hybrid program; there are two one-week long residencies that all graduate candidates must attend. Students will be able to complete all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal; other features of the online degree include a faculty that are all licensed mental health counselors, small class sizes, and a robust online community that was designed for both faculty and students. Courses in the program are delivered asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will be required to complete 60 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, two internships, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses for this master’s degree include Clinical Addiction Counseling, Brain-Based Interventions, addiction as behavioral disorder, family therapy, and Counseling and the Dynamics of Aging.

23. The University of Massachusetts at Boston

Online  Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $18,433

The University of Massachusetts at Boston confers an accelerated online addiction counseling degree that was designed to be completed by working adults. The degree is fully accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education as well as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. There are two tracks available for this degree: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling or Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. This addictions counseling program is offered primarily online; there are two separate two-week residencies that are to be completed on campus in the summer. All other coursework is available online through the school’s learning management system; courses are either held live or on-demand and run in 16-week sessions. Students who graduate with this master’s degree will meet the national requirements to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor; they may also become licensed as Rehabilitation Counselors in Massachusetts. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework, 100 practicum hours, 600 internship hours, and a rehabilitation counseling portfolio. Sample courses include Psychopharmacology for mental health Counselors, substance abuse counselors, Foundations of Rehabilitation, and Case Management and Planning in Rehabilitation.

22. Messiah College

Online Master of Arts in Counseling, Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $12,420

Students at Messiah College have an opportunity to complete an accelerated online addiction counseling degree. This program was built for early counseling professionals and will provide them with an exceptional education that is available online. Students who graduate from this addictions counseling program will meet the educational requirements to sit for their professional license exam in most states. This program is offered entirely online and features asynchronous and synchronous courses that are available through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are held to the traditional 16-week academic term format. This degree requires one practicum and two internships, all of which are one semester long; students will complete these requirements in their own community. Other requirements for this master’s degree include 60 credit hours of coursework, a clinical project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses for this degree include Substance Abuse and Families, Psychopathology and Diagnosis Across the Lifespan, and Advanced Techniques: Anger, Ostracism, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation.

These programs can help those with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, co occurring disorders with therapy or attending mental health centers and community health centers.

21. Malone University

Canton, Ohio

Online Master of Arts in Education in Counseling and Human Development, Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $10,980

Malone University is home to an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that is available both as a hybrid program or as a fully online program of study; there is no difference between the delivery formats. This degree can be completed in as little as three years when students choose to study full-time. Students who graduate will be eligible to sit for their professional counseling licensure. The coursework is available wholly online through the school’s learning management system; courses are delivered live or on-demand and follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. All students will be required to participate in one practicum and two internships in order to graduate. Other requirements for this master’s degree include 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Treatment Methods in Clinical Addiction Counseling, substance abuse counselors, Addictions Counseling, and Psychodiagnostics. These programs can help those with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, co occurring disorders as well as many more.

20. Mid-America Christian University

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Online Master of Science in Counseling, Concentration in Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $11,124

The accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree available from Mid-America Christian University is perfect for working adults; this degree is available 100 percent online and has no residency requirements. The program can be completed in just two and a half years when students choose to study full-time. Students will complete their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are available asynchronously or synchronously and follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. A practicum and two internships, which totals 1,000 clinical hours, is also required for this master’s degree and will be completed in a student’s community under the supervision of a preceptor. More information on this degree, graduation requirements and sample course offerings can be found by contacting the school’s graduate admissions office. These programs can help those with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, co occurring disorders as well as many more.

19. West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia

Online Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $10,134

West Virginia University is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that was designed to be completed in three years or less. This program has full accreditation by the Council on Rehabilitation Education; graduates will be eligible to sit for the certification exam to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. The program is also accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. All graduates from this program will meet the educational requirements for professional licensure in most states. This is a low-residency program; students will need to complete two residencies at the school’s campus. All other coursework is completed online and through the school’s learning management system. Courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously and follow the 16-week term format. Students will be expected to complete 63 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, a clinical practice, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, Theory and Practice of Human Appraisal, and Rehabilitation Client Services. These programs can help those with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, co occurring disorders as well as many more.

18. The University of North Texas

Denton, Texas

Online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $5,900

The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that is available from the University of North Texas was designed for in-service professionals who need access to a degree that can be completed in three years or less. The program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This is a low-residency program; students will be required to attend campus for a lab course. All other courses in addiction counseling curriculum are available online through the school’s virtual portal; classes are offered live or on-demand and follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. This master’s degree requires that students complete a minimum of 60 semester hours of coursework, a 100-hour practicum, 600 internship hours, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counseling Practice, substance abuse counselors, Transition Issues in Rehabilitation, and Topics in Rehabilitation. These programs can help those with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, co occurring disorders as well as many more.

17. Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Online Master of Science in Counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling Concentration

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $19,665

Nova Southeastern University confers an accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that can be completed in three years or less. This program does not meet the educational requirements for professional counseling licensure. This degree is available fully online; there are no residency requirements. Students will complete all of their coursework online through asynchronous or synchronous sessions that are found on the school’s learning management system. This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 48 credit hours of coursework, three semesters of practicums, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Prevention Programming and Education, Research and Evaluation for Counselors, and Substance Abuse.

Careers for this master’s degree range from mental health counselors, substance abuse counselors, Working with mental health disorders, working with substance use disorders, running a addiction counseling program, running a mental health centers, running community health centers,

16. Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia

Online Master of Science in Addiction Studies

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $12,701

Working professionals at Virginia Commonwealth University are offered the opportunity to complete a year-long accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that is unique in many respects. The International Programme in Addiction Studies was designed in partnership with King’s College London and the University of Adelaide and is international in its scope. This program is also a great choice for professional licensed counselors; it will not meet the educational requirements for licensure in any state. This is a professional degree aimed to be completed in one year when students study full-time. Students will take all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and are offered in accelerated four-week terms. This master’s degree requires that students complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a research project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions, Biological Basis of Addiction, and Research Methods in Addiction. These programs can help those with co occurring disorders as well as many more.

15. The University of Louisiana at Monroe

Monroe, Louisiana

Online Master of Science in Counseling, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $6,490

The University of Louisiana at Monroe is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that was designed for professionals who are interested in earning the right to sit for professional counselor licensure. This program is accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Students will find that this is an online degree that is available 100 percent through the school’s learning management system; courses are available asynchronously or synchronously and run in 16-week sessions. Students can expect to complete this master’s degree in three years or less when they choose to study full-time. More information on this program and its graduation requirements can be found by contacting the school’s graduate admissions office. These programs can help those with co occurring disorders as well as many more.

14. Lindsey Wilson College

Columbia, Kentucky

Online Master of Education, Concentration in Counseling and Human Development, Specialization in Mental Health Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $8,735

Students at Lindsey Wilson College are provided with an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that can be completed online. This degree is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and is offered 100 percent online. This degree will not lead to licensure for either teachers or counselors. Students will complete their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are available as asynchronous or synchronous sessions that last for 16 weeks. This degree is possible to earn in less than three years when students take on a full-time course of study. Requirements for this degree include 60 credit hours of coursework, 750 hours of practicums and internships, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses for this master’s degree include Diagnosis of Mental and Emotional Disorders, Play Therapy, and Relationship Counseling, Group Process and Techniques with Addicted Populations.

13. The University of Buffalo

Buffalo, New York

Online Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $11,310

The University of Buffalo has an interesting accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree for working professionals. This degree is only available as an online program for students who reside within a 75-mile radius of the school’s campus. The program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; it also holds accreditation from the New York State Education Department. It is possible to sit for licensure as a certified rehabilitation counselor. The online program is available as a part-time plan of study and can be completed in three years or less. Students will find that courses are held asynchronously or synchronously and in 16-week sessions. This master’s degree requires 48 credit hours of coursework, 800 experiential contact hours, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Courses include Rehabilitation Foundations, Foundations of Counseling Theory, and Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disability.

12. Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Online Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $7,980

The accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that is available from Liberty University is a great option for working professionals who are interested in completing a degree in two years. This program meets the education in most states to prepare students to sit for national and state certification and licensure as a professional counselor. This is a 100 percent online course of study, although there are options for students to complete intensives on campus. All courses, however, are available through the school’s virtual portal and feature asynchronous and synchronous courses that are delivered in 16-week sessions. This master’s degree requires that students complete a minimum of 48 credit hours of coursework, a counseling internship, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Addiction and the Recovery Process, Treatment and the Recovery Process, and Biological Aspects of Addiction and Recovery.

11. Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Online Master of Science in Addiction Studies

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $14,767

Capella University confers an accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that can be completed in less than one year. This program is available as a low-residency plan of study; students will need to take up residency just once during their entire time with the school. Students will note that this degree will not lead to eligibility to sit for the professional licensure exam in any state; they are encouraged to contact their state’s licensure board to learn more. All courses in this program are available online and are offered in on-demand sessions that last 10 weeks. A student who completes three courses every term will graduate in less than one year. This master’s degree requires a minimum of 48 quarter credit hours of coursework, an internship, and a scholarly project. Sample courses include Group Therapy in Addiction Treatment, Assessment of Addiction, and Principles of Integrated Addiction and Mental Health Treatment.

10. Adams State University

Alamosa, Colorado

Online Master of Arts in Counseling, Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $4,590

Professionals interested in a degree that can be completed in three years will need to look no further than Adams State University. The school’s accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree was built to prepare counselors to work as addiction specialists in a variety of settings. Students will find that this degree will meet the educational, but not work experience, a requirement in order to become a professional licensed counselor. This is a 100 percent online degree that offers students the chance to complete their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and in 16-week sessions. Students will also be required to complete a practicum and two internships, all of which will be done within a student’s community. This master’s degree plan follows the traditional academic term format, meaning that students who study full-time all year round will graduate within three years. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Foundations of Addiction Counseling, Clinical Addiction Counseling, and Counseling Theories and Helping Relationships.

9. Drexel University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Online Masters in Addiction Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $35,181

Drexel University has the perfect program for professionals who are interested in completing an accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree within three years. This program will prepare working students to sit for the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor or the Master Addiction Counselor certification exams; it can also lead to licensure as a professional counselor. This is also one of the only programs on this list in which practicums and internships are optional; students who are already licensed can skip the work experience if they so choose. All courses in this master’s degree can be found online and are offered asynchronously in 10-week terms. Students who study part-time will be able to graduate in three years. This degree requires that students complete 51.5 quarter credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Approaches to Substance Abuse Disorders, Treatment Planning and Relapse Prevention, and Addictions and the Family.

8. The University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, Kentucky

Online Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, Concentration in Addiction Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $5,670

The accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree available from the University of the Cumberlands is a great choice for students who are interested in completing a program in three years or less. This program is available online and is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. This degree’s coursework is available wholly online and can be accessed through the school’s virtual portal; courses are asynchronous or synchronous and are delivered in 16-week sessions. Students will also complete a practicum and two internships totaling 700 clinical hours that they can use towards the requirements for professional counselor licensure in their state. This master’s degree requires that students additionally complete 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Psychopharmacology and Addictions, Family Therapy in Addiction Treatment, and Spirituality and Values in Counseling.

7. Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, Indiana

Online Master of Arts in Counseling with a Concentration in Clinical Addictions Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $13,440

Indiana Wesleyan University has an incredible accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that is perfect for students who are interested in becoming licensed as Master Clinical Addiction Counselors. This degree is offered online with no residency requirements attached to graduation. Students will complete their work experience requirements in their community and all of their coursework online; courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students who study full-time will be eligible to graduate in three years. This master’s degree requires that students complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, two internships, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Issues in Addiction Recovery, Counseling Addicted Families, and Theories and Treatment of Addiction.

6. California Southern University

Irvine, California

Online Master of Science in Psychology, Concentration in Advanced Addiction Studies

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Tuition: $545 (per credit hour)

The accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree available from California Southern University provides students with a scholar-practitioner degree that will help them either work as a clinical psychologist or move into graduate study. This online master’s degree can be completed in two years if students choose to study full-time. Students will complete all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal. All courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously and are held in 16-week terms. Students will be expected to complete 63 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, two internships, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Substance Abuse and Related Disorders, Dual Diagnosis, and Advanced Psychology of Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors.

5. Union College

Barbourville, Kentucky

Online Master of Science in Substance Abuse

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $9,600

Union College confers an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that was designed to be completed 100 percent online and in three years. This degree was created for counseling professionals who are interested in sitting for licensure as a substance abuse counselor; this program only meets the educational criteria for the state of Kentucky. All other students are encouraged to check with their home state to ensure that this program will fulfill the requirements for licensure. Courses for this online master’s degree are available through the school’s online learning management system; courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and in 16-week sessions. Students will be required to complete 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written exit exam; practicums and internships are strongly encouraged but optional. Sample courses include Foundations of Chemical Dependency Treatment, Psychology of Addiction, and Biological Systems of Chemical Dependency.

4. Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona

Online Master of Science in Addiction Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $10,175

Students at Grand Canyon University are offered the chance to graduate with an accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that can be completed in just two and a half years. This degree is offered wholly online; the only requirement that cannot be fulfilled online is the practicum, which is completed in a student’s community. Students will take all of their courses as asynchronous or synchronous courses through the school’s virtual portal. Courses follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. This online master’s degree requires that students complete 36 credit hours of coursework, a practicum or internship, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Counseling Chemical Dependency Adolescents, Family Issues and Addictive Disorders, and Psychopharmacology and Addictions.

3. North Carolina Central University

Durham, North Carolina

Online Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $4,740

North Carolina Central University delivers an accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that is offered 100 percent online and can be completed in three years or less. This degree is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Educational Programs and is currently an endorsed member of the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs. This online master’s degree is designed to prepare students to apply for the Licensed Professional Counselors qualification in North Carolina. All coursework for this degree can be found online through the school’s learning management system; courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and are offered in 16-week sessions. This degree requires that students complete 60 credit hours of coursework, a practicum, an internship, and an educational research project. Sample courses include Theories and Techniques, Introduction to Mental Health Counseling, and Introduction to Substance Abuse Counseling.

2. The University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota

Online Master of Arts in Addiction Studies

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $6,062

The accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree that is provided by the University of South Dakota was created to prepare students to become licensed counseling professionals in the state of South Dakota. This degree is approved by the South Dakota Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals and holds accreditation through the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission. Students will complete all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are delivered synchronously and in the evenings to accommodate working professionals. This degree plan follows the traditional 16-week academic term structure. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 33 credit hours, an internship, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Relapse Prevention, Alcohol and Drug Use in Diverse Populations, and Foundations of Alcohol and Drug Prevention.

1. The University of Oklahoma

Online Master of Prevention Science

Top 25 Most Affordable Accelerated Master's in Addiction Counseling Online for 2018

Website

Tuition: $6,583

The University of Oklahoma is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling degree program that was designed to prepare students to become addiction specialists in the counseling field in two years or less. This 100 percent online program will prepare students to sit for the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium’s Certified Prevention Specialist credential. All courses for this online master’s degree are available online through the school’s learning management system and are delivered in asynchronous or synchronous sessions offered in 16-week terms. Students will find that this master’s degree does not require an internship for graduation; it also does not meet the educational requirements to earn professional counseling licensure in any state. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 33 credit hours of coursework, such as a graduate level course in multicultural counseling, a research project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Prevention Across the Lifespan, Foundations in Prevention Science, and Research Methods in Interdisciplinary Studies.

This ranking was updated in July 2020.

What are the Career Options for an Accelerated Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling Degree?

  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Licensed Addiction Counselor
  • Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Clinical Services Director
  • Detox Specialist
  • Clinical Supervisor
  • Substance Abuse Case Manager
  • Crisis Counselor
  • Community Service Managers
  • Addiction Counseling Professor
  • Recovery Coach
  • Behavioral Health Counselor
  • Outpatient Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Addiction Treatment Facility Owner
  • Motivational Speaker

How Much Can You Earn in this Field?

The current median salary for addiction counselors is $41,070, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salary range for counselors in this field is between $30,000 to $65,080. There are some career options, such as private practice, that offer a substantial salary that can top $100,000; these careers are often attainable after having a decade of work experience in the field.

Prospective students with a bachelor’s degree should consider financial aid options for their online master’s programs. Your continuing education should not put you in debt. A master’s degree in addiction can lead to high-paying careers.

What are the Various Disciplines of Addiction Counseling?

Addiction counseling is a transdisciplinary field that takes into account a variety of disciplines that work in tandem to help clients beat their addiction, whatever it may be. Psychologists consider drug addiction a behavioral disorder to be treated. This requires an understanding of addiction, recovery, counseling, psychology, sociology, and biology. Professionals in the field will generally focus on addiction counseling as their sub-discipline during their education, which focuses on psychology.

Students will note that because America is a diverse country, other disciplines and sub-disciplines are increasingly at play in the field. In some parts of the country where a foreign language is common, understanding that language is essential to helping clients. Knowledge of culture and anthropology will help counselors discern the correct recovery path for their clients; addiction has different implications in each culture and having an understanding of the role culture plays is imperative in ensuring that clients will complete their treatment plan.

There has been an unfortunate rise in drug use in America; this includes both narcotics and alcoholism, among other forms of addiction. While much can be written about the factors that contribute to addiction, what’s equally important is ensuring that professionals are well prepared to work as addiction counselors in the field.

Regardless if a professional chooses to work in clinical practice in one specific addiction field or work as a generalist, it is increasingly clear that graduate education will prepare all professionals for the important work of helping clients through their recovery process. An online education for your graduate studies gives you a convenient way to take graduate level coursework from home.

While traditional addiction counseling programs may be out of the question for the majority of professionals, an accelerated online Master’s in Addiction Counseling is an affordable and accelerated option that is now available in America; addiction counselors should take advantage of it in order to build a rewarding career in the field. Choosing an online degree program to get your degree in addiction counseling is a great choice.

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