50 Best Master’s Degree Programs in Addiction Counseling
Every year, more than 46 million Americans struggle with substance use disorders, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. With demand for specialized support continuing to rise, addiction counselors are playing a more vital role than ever before. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will grow by 18% through 2032—more than double the national average for all occupations.
If you’re passionate about helping others through recovery, earning a master's degree in addiction counseling can be a powerful way to launch or grow your career. This guide explores 50 of the most respected and accredited graduate programs in the U.S., each designed to prepare you for licensure and impactful work in clinical, community, or private practice settings. Whether you're just beginning your career or making a professional pivot, the right program can equip you with the tools to create lasting change in individuals, families, and communities.
What to Look for in an Addiction Counseling Master's Program
With dozens of master's programs available, it's essential to find one that aligns with your licensure goals, career aspirations, and life circumstances. Below are the key elements to consider when evaluating your options.
Accreditation
Enrolling in a program with proper accreditation ensures that your education meets high national standards. Look for programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or regionally accredited universities. These programs help streamline the path to licensure and improve employment prospects.
Licensure Preparation
A strong program will clearly outline how its curriculum meets the educational requirements for state licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), or related credential. Most states require specific coursework and supervised clinical hours—typically gained through a practicum and internship built into the program.
Curriculum Quality
Look for programs that offer a well-rounded curriculum including:
- Substance use and co-occurring disorders
- Trauma-informed care
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
- Group counseling and family systems
- Ethics and multicultural counseling
- Evidence-based therapies like CBT and motivational interviewing
Practical Experience
Field training is a cornerstone of professional readiness. Most top programs include 700–1,000 hours of supervised practicum and internship experience in settings like rehab centers, mental health clinics, or correctional facilities.
Flexibility and Delivery Format
Many students balance graduate school with work or family. Online and hybrid options make it easier to complete a degree without relocating or pausing your career. Look for programs with synchronous or asynchronous delivery depending on your learning preferences.
Top 50 Master's in Addiction Counseling Programs
To help you navigate your options, we've compiled a list of 50 top master's programs across the country. All programs are accredited, offer a relevant addiction counseling curriculum, and prepare students for licensure.
Below is the complete list of 50 accredited master’s programs in addiction counseling. Each entry includes key details to help you evaluate and compare your options based on location, delivery format, and accreditation. These programs were selected for their academic rigor, licensure preparation, and flexible delivery formats.
| School | Program Name | Format | Accreditation | Location |
| Adler University | MA in Counseling – Specialization in Substance Abuse Counseling | Online & On-Campus | CACREP | Chicago, IL |
| Antioch University New England | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Substance Abuse Counseling Focus | On-Campus | CACREP | Keene, NH |
| Antioch University Seattle | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Addictions Counseling Focus | On-Campus | CACREP | Seattle, WA |
| Arizona State University | MS in Addiction Psychology | Online | HLC | Tempe, AZ |
| Bay Path University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Alcohol and Drug Use Counseling Specialization | Online | NECHE | Longmeadow, MA |
| Boston University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Substance Use Specialization | On-Campus | CACREP | Boston, MA |
| California State University, Fullerton | MS in Counseling with Emphasis in Substance Abuse | On-Campus | CACREP | Fullerton, CA |
| Capella University | MS in Addiction Studies | Online | CACREP | Minneapolis, MN |
| City University of New York (CUNY) | MA in Mental Health Counseling – Substance Use Track | Hybrid | MSCHE | New York, NY |
| College of William and Mary | MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Addictions Counseling Track | On-Campus | CACREP | Williamsburg, VA |
| Colorado State University | MS in Addiction Counseling | Online | CACREP | Fort Collins, CO |
| East Carolina University | MS in Clinical Counseling with Substance Abuse Emphasis | Hybrid | CACREP | Greenville, NC |
| Emory University | MA in Addiction Counseling | On-Campus | SACSCOC | Atlanta, GA |
| Florida State University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | On-Campus | CACREP | Tallahassee, FL |
| Governors State University | Master of Health Science in Addiction Studies | Online & On-Campus | NASAC | University Park, IL |
| Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School | MA in Counseling – Addiction Counseling Specialty | Online | CACREP | Center City, MN |
| Liberty University | MA in Addiction Counseling | Online | CACREP | Lynchburg, VA |
| Loyola University Chicago | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Addictions Counseling Specialization | On-Campus | CACREP | Chicago, IL |
| Marquette University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Addictions Counseling Track | On-Campus | CACREP | Milwaukee, WI |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | MS in Clinical Behavioral Health – Addictions Counseling Emphasis | On-Campus | CACREP | Denver, CO |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | MS in Professional School Counseling – Alcohol and Drug Counseling Emphasis | On-Campus | CACREP | Mankato, MN |
| National University | MS in Counseling – Alcohol and Drug Counseling Specialization | Online | WSCUC | San Diego, CA |
| New York University (Steinhardt) | MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness | Online | MPCAC | New York, NY |
| North Carolina Central University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Addictions Counseling Concentration | On-Campus | CACREP | Durham, NC |
| Northwestern University | MA in Counseling – Addictions Counseling Specialization | Online | CACREP | Evanston, IL |
| Nova Southeastern University | MS in Counseling – Substance Abuse Counseling Track | Online & On-Campus | CACREP | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
| Ohio University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Addictions Counseling Emphasis | On-Campus | CACREP | Athens, OH |
| Oregon State University | MS in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Addictions Focus | Online & On-Campus | CACREP | Corvallis, OR |
| Palo Alto University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Addictions Counseling Emphasis | Online | CACREP | Palo Alto, CA |
| Pepperdine University | MA in Clinical Psychology – Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy with Addictions Counseling | Online | WSCUC | Malibu, CA |
| Purdue University Global | MS in Psychology – Addictions Specialization | Online | HLC | West Lafayette, IN |
| Rutgers University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Addictions Counseling Track | On-Campus | CACREP | New Brunswick, NJ |
| Saybrook University | MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Addictions Counseling Focus | Online | WSCUC | Pasadena, CA |
| Seattle University | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Addictions Counseling Specialization | On-Campus | CACREP | Seattle, WA |
| South Dakota State University | MS in Counseling and Human Resource Development – Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Addictions Counseling | On-Campus | CACREP | Brookings, SD |
| Southern New Hampshire University | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling Concentration | Online | CACREP | Manchester, NH |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | MS in Addiction Counseling | Online | CACREP | Lubbock, TX |
| Touro University Worldwide | MA in Counseling – Addiction Counseling Specialization | Online | WSCUC | Los Alamitos, CA |
| University of Central Arkansas | MS in Mental Health Counseling – Addictions Counseling Emphasis | On-Campus | CACREP | Conway, AR |
| University of Colorado Denver | MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Addictions Counseling Focus | On-Campus | CACREP | Denver, CO |
| University of Massachusetts Boston | MS in Mental Health Counseling – Addictions Counseling Track | On-Campus | CACREP | Boston, MA |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Master of Professional Studies in Addictions Counseling | On-Campus | HLC | Minneapolis, MN |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Substance Abuse Counseling Concentration | On-Campus | CACREP | Charlotte, NC |
| University of North Texas | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Substance Abuse Counseling Emphasis | On-Campus | CACREP | Denton, TX |
| University of South Dakota | MA in Addiction Counseling and Prevention | Online | NASAC | Vermillion, SD |
| University of Southern California | MS in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Addictions Counseling Focus | Online | WSCUC | Los Angeles, CA |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout | MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Emphasis | On-Campus | CACREP | Menomonie, WI |
| Wake Forest University | MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Addictions Counseling Specialization | Online | CACREP | Winston-Salem, NC |
| Washburn University | MA in Family and Human Services – Addiction Counseling Concentration | Online | CACREP | Topeka, KS |
| Waynesburg University | MA in Counseling – Addictions Counseling Specialization | On-Campus | CACREP | Waynesburg, PA |
| Western Michigan University | MA in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Addictions Counseling Focus | On-Campus | CACREP | Kalamazoo, MI |
| William James College | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Substance Use and Addictions Counseling Emphasis | On-Campus | NECHE | Newton, MA |
Programs were selected based on accreditation, curriculum quality, flexibility, licensure alignment, and student outcomes.
Career Opportunities for Addiction Counseling Graduates
Graduates of master's programs in addiction counseling are qualified to work in a variety of clinical and community-based settings. These roles may include:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
- Case manager or clinical coordinator in substance abuse recovery programs
- Therapist in outpatient or residential treatment centers
- Behavioral health specialist in hospitals or correctional facilities
- Private practice counselor (after licensure and supervision)
Real-World Example
Jessica, a graduate of an online MS in Addiction Counseling program, now leads a harm-reduction program for adolescents in her community. Her clinical internship during grad school allowed her to gain firsthand experience working with at-risk youth, which ultimately shaped her long-term career path.
Licensure and Certification: Your Next Steps
Most states require counselors to earn a license to practice independently. While requirements vary, most include:
- Completion of a CACREP-accredited (or equivalent) master's degree
- 2,000–3,000 supervised post-graduate clinical hours
- A passing score on a national exam, such as the NCMHCE or IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam
Choosing the Right Program for You
Every student's needs are different. Use these questions to help narrow your list:
- What are the licensure requirements in my state? Start by checking your state board's guidelines and match them to the program's curriculum.
- Do I need a flexible format? Consider online or hybrid programs if you're working or caregiving.
- Is there a faculty-to-student mentorship model? Strong advising and supervision can significantly improve your clinical training.
- What kind of field placements does the program offer? Practical experience in diverse treatment settings helps you build confidence and competence.
Your Future Starts Here
A career in addiction counseling offers both personal fulfillment and professional growth. With the right master's program, you'll gain the knowledge, clinical experience, and credentials to support individuals through recovery—and help shape healthier communities in the process.
Whether you’re looking for in-person mentorship or the flexibility of an online degree, the programs featured here represent the best of what addiction counseling education has to offer. Explore your options, connect with admissions teams, and take the next step toward a meaningful career in this high-demand field.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Substance Abuse Counselors
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – NSDUH
- National Board for Certified Counselors – NCMHCE
- International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)
