Online Addiction Counseling Degrees and Programs

Addiction counseling focuses on treating the emotional, mental, and behavioral issues related to alcohol and substance abuse. It includes assessment, diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of contributory behaviors, and helps individuals overcome their addiction.
To work in addiction counseling, you'll need a bachelor's or master's degree. An addiction counseling degree will best prepare you for working with clients in this capacity. There are many options for online learning, and getting a degree online is easier now than ever. To learn how you can earn a degree in addiction counseling, continue reading below.
Choosing the Right Online Addiction Counseling Degree Program
Becoming a licensed addiction counselor requires attaining a master's degree. You can begin working in the field with just a bachelor's, however, or go on for a doctorate.
Whatever degree you enroll in, it's important to make sure the online program you pick is properly accredited. The Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, and the American Psychological Association are two widely recognized accrediting bodies.
Bachelor's Degree
An online bachelor's degree can qualify you for lower-level (non-licensed) positions. You'll likely be able to work directly with clients, but not necessarily in an official counseling capacity.
Many colleges and universities offer a bachelor's in addiction counseling or a bachelor's in addiction studies. These degree programs cover the core courses that most bachelor's do. They then delve into classes that explore addictions from a scientific and counseling perspective. Completing a bachelor's degree online takes most students four years.
Master’s Degree
To practice as a licensed counselor, you'll have to complete a master's degree in counseling. You can do a general counseling program or an addiction counseling program that'll better prepare you for working with clients who have alcohol and substance abuse habits.
An online master's degree in addiction counseling will cover counseling basics and then delve into addiction counseling at a deeper level. The program should take one to two years, and involve a practicum.
Graduate Certificate
A graduate certificate allows you to specialize in a particular type of counseling, such as addiction counseling. You might pursue a certificate in addictions counseling if this is the field you want to work in, but you’re master's is in general counseling.
Alternatively, a certificate might allow you to do more work with a bachelor's degree. You could complete a bachelor's, a certificate, and then a master's.
Most online certificate programs take six months to one year, and they cover only courses directly related to addiction counseling.
Doctorate
An online doctorate degree in addiction counseling allows you to study and practice at the highest levels. The coursework is the most advanced of any degree program, narrowly focused on addiction counseling, and prepares you for research, teaching, and leadership positions.
There are two potential doctorates that addiction counselors can pursue. The first is a Ph.D., which is a research-based program that takes four to six years. The second is a Psy.D., which is a clinical program that takes three years. The Psy.D. has a substantial practicum component, while the Ph.D. has a large research paper. Either program can qualify for licensure if you skip the masters.
Which Addiction Counseling Degree Program Is Best for Me?
Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Graduate Cert | Ph.D. or PsyD | |
I am interested in gaining entry-level experience in addiction counseling | x | |||
I want to get started in my addiction counseling career before I pursue more education | x | |||
I want to become a licensed professional counselor | x | |||
I want to pursue or switch to a niche counseling specialty | x | x | ||
I already have a counseling degree and want to gain specialized knowledge | x | x | ||
I want to work in academia, administration, or clinical practice | x |
Addiction Counseling Degree Program Curriculum
These degrees' coursework includes an extensive study on addiction counseling. The bachelor's also includes general studies. Some examples of classes are:
- Bachelor’s Degree: ~120 credits; Intro to Substance Abuse Disorders, Theories of Personality and Addiction, Group Counseling in Addiction
- Master’s Degree: ~30-60 credits; Co-Occurring Disorders, Diagnostics, Assessment and Treatment, Counseling Chemical Dependency Adolescents
- Graduate Certificate: ~12-20 credits; Co-Occurring Disorders, Diagnostics, Assessment, and Treatment, Counseling Chemical Dependency Adolescents
- Doctorate Degree: ~80-120 credits; Drug Abuse and Human Behavior, Addiction Programs and Professional Development, Psychological Psychology
Addiction Counseling Degree Program Clinical Requirements
Addiction counseling degree programs have a clinical placement component, also known as a “practicum.” It provides students with hands-on experience in a supervised setting, where they can directly work with clients struggling with addiction.
Accredited master’s programs in counseling psychology generally require at least 600 hours of clinical experience, while Psy.D. programs in the field mandate a minimum of 1,500 hours. Bachelor's programs might not have an official requirement, but will likely encourage students to gain practical experience. Ph.D. programs usually have a practicum that's between that of a master's and a Psy.D.
Faculty can provide valuable guidance to students looking for clinical placements in addiction treatment facilities. Because you’ll be enrolled in an online program, you will likely be completing these clinical hours within your own community.
List of Addiction Counseling Degree Programs
Looking for an online or campus-based addiction counseling degree program near you? Browse our state-by-state school listings below.
Jump to Your State Listings
Arizona
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 85017
(800) 800-9776
Mohave Community College
- Substance Abuse Counseling Online
Kingman, AZ 86409-1238
(928) 757-4331
Ottawa University
Phoenix, AZ 85021
(602) 371-1188
California
Cerro Coso Community College
- Addiction Counseling Studies Online
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-9571
(760) 384-6100
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA 94112-1898
(415) 239-3000
College of the Desert
- Alcohol and Drug Studies AS Campus
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 346-8041
East Los Angeles College
- Addiction Counselor Campus
Monterey Park, CA 91754-6099
(323) 265-8650
Glendale Community College
- Addiction Studies Counseling Campus
Glendale, CA 91208-2894
(818) 240-1000
Imperial Valley College
Imperial, CA 92251-0158
(760) 352-8320
Lake Tahoe Community College
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 541-4660
Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 953-4000
Los Angeles Southwest College
Los Angeles, CA 90047-4899
(323) 241-5225
Colorado
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, CO 80523-0100
(970) 491-1101
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
(719) 255-3000
Connecticut
Post University
Waterbury, CT 06723
(800) 345-2562
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT 06515-1355
(203) 392-5200
Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, CT 06810-6826
(203) 837-8200
Florida
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 392-1202
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL 33620-9951
(813) 974-2011
Georgia
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602
(706) 542-3000
University of North Georgia
- Addictions Counseling Track Campus
Dahlonega, GA 30597
(706) 864-1400
Hawaii
Atlantic International University
Honolulu, HI
(808) 521-1868
Illinois
Aurora University
Aurora, IL 60506-4892
(630) 892-6431
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 329-6600
Indiana
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN 47405-7000
(812) 855-4848
Indiana University-East
Richmond, IN 47374-1289
(765) 973-8200
Indiana University-Kokomo
- Alcohol and Drug Counseling Online
Kokomo, IN 46902-9003
(765) 453-2000
Indiana University-Northwest
Gary, IN 46408-1197
(888) 968-7486
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, IN 46953
(765) 677-2870
Martin University
Indianapolis, IN 46218-0567
(317) 543-3235
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN 47906
(866) 522-7747
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN 46323
(219) 989-2400
Kansas
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, KS 66062-1899
(913) 782-3750
Washburn University
- Addiction Counseling Online
Topeka, KS 66621-0001
(785) 670-1010
Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY 40475-3102
(859) 622-1000
Midway University
Midway, KY 40347-1120
(859) 846-4421
University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY 40769
(606) 549-2200
Western Kentucky University
- Addictions Education Campus
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1000
(270) 745-0111
Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA 71497-0002
(318) 357-6011
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA 71209-0000
(318) 342-1000
Maryland
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD 21532-1099
(301) 687-4000
Massachusetts
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA 01106
(413) 565-1000
Regis College
Weston, MA 02493-1571
(781) 768-7000
Worcester State University
Worcester, MA 01602-2597
(508) 929-8000
Minnesota
Adler Graduate School
Minnetonka, MN 55343
(612) 861-7554
Bemidji State University
- Addictions Certificate Campus
Bemidji, MN 56601
(800) 475-2001
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3389
(866) 808-4080
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies
Center City, MN 55012-0011
(888) 257-7800 x4175
Minnesota State University-Mankato
- Alcohol and Drug Studies, BS Campus
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 389-1866
Saint Cloud State University
- Addiction Counseling BS Online
Saint Cloud, MN 56301-4498
(320) 308-0121
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(866) 492-5336
Winona State University
- Addiction Counseling Online
Winona, MN 55987-5838
(507) 457-5000
Montana
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT 59717
(406) 994-0211
Nebraska
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, NE 68849-1212
(308) 865-8441
Nevada
Nevada State College
Henderson, NV 89002
(702) 992-2000
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV 89154
(702) 895-3011
New Hampshire
Granite State College
Concord, NH 03301-3471
(603) 228-3000
New Jersey
Ramapo College of New Jersey
- Substance Use Disorders Campus
Mahwah, NJ 07430-1680
(201) 684-7500 x7500
New York
CUNY City College
New York, NY 10031
(212) 650-7000
CUNY Lehman College
Bronx, NY 10468
(718) 960-8000
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
(516) 463-6600
Mercy College
- CASAC-T Program Campus
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
(800) 637-2969
SUNY Brockport
Brockport, NY 14420-2919
(585) 395-2361
North Carolina
Appalachian State University
- Addictions Counseling Campus
Boone, NC 28608
(828) 262-2000
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC 27411
(336) 334-7500
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
(704) 687-2000
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
(910) 521-6000
North Dakota
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND 58504
(701) 255-7500
Ohio
Ashland University
Ashland, OH 44805
(800) 882-1548
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH 44118-4538
(888) 388-2977
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, OH 44242-0001
(330) 672-3000
Malone University
- Addictions Counseling Online
Canton, OH 44709-3308
(330) 471-8100
Ohio Christian University
Circleville, OH 43113-9487
(740) 474-8896
Sinclair Community College
Dayton, OH 45402-1460
(937) 512-3000
University of Cincinnati Online
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0063
(513) 556-6000
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0063
(513) 556-6000
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH 45469
(937) 229-1000
University of Toledo
Toledo, OH 43606-3390
(800) 586-5336
Wright State University-Main Campus
Dayton, OH 45435-0001
(937) 775-1000
Oklahoma
Cameron University
Lawton, OK 73505-6377
(580) 581-2200
Mid-America Christian University
Oklahoma City, OK 73170-9797
(405) 691-3800
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Substance Abuse Counseling Campus
Stillwater, OK 74078-1015
(405) 744-5000
University of Central Oklahoma
- MA in Addictions Counseling Campus
Edmond, OK 73034
(405) 974-2000
Oregon
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, OR 97219-7899
(503) 768-7000
Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301-2999
(570) 422-3117
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown, PA 19530-0730
(610) 683-4000
Misericordia University
Dallas, PA 18612-1098
(570) 674-6400
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA 19131-1395
(610) 660-1000
Villanova University
Villanova, PA 19085-1699
(610) 519-4500
Widener University
Chester, PA 19013-5792
(610) 499-4000
Rhode Island
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI 02908
(401) 456-8000
Salve Regina University
Newport, RI 02840-4192
(401) 847-6650
Tennessee
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-1000
University of Memphis
- Addiction Counseling Campus
Memphis, TN 38152
(901) 678-2000
Texas
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce, TX 75429-3011
(888) 868-2682
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
(956) 665-2011
University of North Texas
- Addiction Studies (BS) Campus
Denton, TX 76203-1277
(940) 565-2000
Vermont
Northern Vermont University
Johnson, VT 05656-9464
(802) 635-2356
Virginia
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(434) 582-2000
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
(800) 373-5504
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
(757) 221-4000
Washington
Antioch University-Seattle
Seattle, WA 98121-1814
(206) 441-5352
Eastern Washington University
- Addiction Studies (MA) Campus
- Advanced Addiction Therapies (MA) Campus
- Addiction Studies Campus
Cheney, WA 99004-2496
(509) 359-6200
Wisconsin
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 288-7710
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI 53190-1790
(262) 472-1234
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.