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15 Best Online Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling Degree Programs

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: March 22, 2024, Reading time: 25 minutes

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“After losing my son, Jordan, to addiction, I was tempted to go into the field of addiction counseling. I witnessed firsthand the horror of watching a loved one suffer through their mental illness as countless others do every single day. Counselors who are on the front lines of this epidemic are, in my opinion, heroic and if you choose to go into this amazing career, you are doing what so many of us couldn’t achieve by ourselves. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get my adult son to choose therapy. I’m certain it would have made a difference.”

Linda Weems

The latest data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health disclose that 19.7 million adults in America aged 12 and above battled a substance abuse disorder. This has caused the country to lose over $740 billion in healthcare expenses, crime-related costs, and lost workplace productivity.

Best Online Bachelor's in Addiction Counseling - fact

The issue of substance abuse is complex and multifaceted, and it now requires professional treatment and support. Thankfully, seeking medical intervention to win one’s fight against addiction is now easier. This is because there are now many addiction counselors within easy reach today.

If you’re passionate about helping others overcome their addiction problems, you can take up one of the best online Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling degree programs. They are designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of addiction, its causes, and effective treatment strategies.

Students learn how to assess and diagnose individuals with substance abuse disorders, develop and implement treatment plans, and provide ongoing support and Counseling to help individuals achieve lasting recovery.

Listen to the summary of this article here:

The Lowdown

The best online Bachelor’s in Substance Abuse Counseling degree programs offer students the opportunity to acquire the competencies to make a difference in the lives of people struggling with addiction.

Graduates of these programs are well-equipped to work in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations. They can also pursue advanced degrees in related fields, such as social work or psychology.

The demand for addiction counselors is expected to rise because of the ongoing opioid epidemic and the increased awareness of the importance of mental health. Graduates of the best online bachelor’s in addiction counseling degree programs can expect to find rewarding careers in this field.

Methodology

We compiled the best online Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling degree programs that, owing to their features, suit student needs and goals.

Each online undergraduate program has been researched and analyzed using these factors:

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

15 Best Online Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling Degree Programs

Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global

BS in Psychology – Addictions

Purdue University Global offers BS in Psychology – Addictions to prepare students for the National Certified Addition Counselor (NCAC) Levels I and II certification examinations. If you’re someone whose main goal in life is to create a positive change in people’s lives, then this program is for you.

As a student in this program, you will be at the forefront of a battle to save lives and restore hope. By gaining the skills and knowledge, you will be equipped to make a real difference in your community and the world.

What Makes This Program Unique:

Purdue University Global’s BS in Psychology – Addictions is accredited by the NASAC-National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission and approved by the NAADAC-Association for Addiction Professionals. This university is a smarter way to go back to school because of the following reasons:

Did You Know?

One of the most important requirements you must comply with to be able to enroll in this course is your official college transcripts. International students will need proof of English language proficiency. The university has a program called the Purdue Global Commitment, which gives interested individuals a chance to take undergraduate courses for three weeks without paying any tuition yet.

University of South Dakota

University of South Dakota

BS in Addiction Counseling and Prevention

The BS in Addiction Counseling and Prevention degree program offered by the University of South Dakota is one of the few four-year courses of its kind in the state. It continuously provides a positive impact on one of the country’s biggest health concerns – alcohol and drug abuse.

What Makes This Program Unique:

This bachelor’s in substance abuse degree program has been ranked number one as the Best 2022 Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degree in the nation. Graduates of this course have achieved a 100% passing rate on national examinations for certification and licensure. This university has been a national leader in substance abuse counseling and prevention for almost 50 years.

Did You Know?

The University of South Dakota recommends prospective students take either 30 credits within a year or 15 credits per semester to complete the program in 4 years. The school has developed community partnerships and gained hands-on experiences over the years.

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University

BS/BA in Sociology – Addictions Counseling Track

Fort Hays State University offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Addictions Counseling Track to help those who want to help those with substance abuse problems find free themselves from the shackles of addiction.

What Makes This Program Unique:

Undergraduate students who are taking 600-level courses will be automatically registered as such. Graduate students will be registered for a graduate-level version of the degree program containing assignments beyond the said level.

Did You Know?

Fort Hays State University allows students to apply to college any time of the year. To be able to enroll in the addictions counselor degree you must:

City Vision University

City Vision University

BS in Addiction Counseling

City Vision University’s BS in Addiction Counseling program will help prepare those who wish to become Certified Addiction Counselors in their state. It will also give them the necessary knowledge and skills to work in substance abuse counseling and treatment centers.  

What Makes This Program Unique:

The BS in Addiction Counseling Degree Program offered by City Vision University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education

Did You Know?

City Vision University is an accredited nonprofit Christian university. They accept undergraduate students with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Applicants do not need to take standardized tests (ACT, SAT, etc.) to enroll. They also allow students to transfer up to 75% of their degree from an accredited college for undergraduate courses and 25% for graduate programs.

University Of Central Arkansas

University Of Central Arkansas - Health Sciences

BS in Addiction Studies

The University of Central Arkansas is the state’s only school that offers a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies. This online program prepares those who want to help resolve one of America’s biggest social problems by being an addiction counselor.

What Makes This Program Unique:

Students taking up the Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies will need to finish 110 total credit hours to complete the course:

Did You Know?

The University of Central Arkansas ranks number 27 in the top addiction Counseling programs in the United States of America. Students who have earned an Associate’s degree must take up Addiction Studies Treatment track to complete the degree. They will be required to have a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA or an Associate Degree from one of the university’s community college partners, have met the school’s lower-division core requirements, or have accomplished the State Minimum Core.

Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University

BS in Addictions Counseling (Major)

The Indiana Wesleyan University – Bachelor of Science with a major in Addictions Counseling teaches the psychological, social, spiritual, and biological aspects of substance abuse and recovery. They will also develop an appreciation for the importance of research, practice, and theory about addiction.

What Makes This Program Unique:

One of the things that make this program unique is that students can choose to work with their professors as research assistants to participate in important research projects. By doing so, they will be able to develop skills sought after by most graduate programs and employers. Students can double major in Psychology and Addictions Counseling to finish the degree program a semester early.

Did You Know?

Indiana Wesleyan University can help you find the best options to make your IWU education more affordable. They have a financial aid estimator so you can have a good idea of how much you will be spending if you enroll in this online addiction Counseling program.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor’s in Human Services –  Concentration in Substance Abuse

Graduates of the Bachelor’s in Human Services –  Concentration in Substance Abuse at  Southern New Hampshire University are well equipped to make a positive impact on their respective communities.

What Makes This Program Unique:

Students can expect to get support from faculty and administration from day one to graduation and beyond. They will be given access to the online classroom 24 hours a day. They will also have learning resources and everything they need to know to reach their goals.

Did You Know?

SNHU sets no class meeting schedules. The school has also maintained some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. Students may transfer as many as 90 credits from other institutions toward their bachelor’s degree, saving up to 75% in tuition costs.

Liberty University

Liberty University - Online

BS in Psychology – Addictions and Recovery

If you are helping people end their suffering from substance abuse, you can study BS in Psychology – Addiction and Recovery degree program at Liberty University. This university can give you access to the training, education, and tools necessary to guide those who need help recovering from addiction.

What Makes This Program Unique:

Liberty University offers its BS in Psychology – Addictions and Recovery program fully online. Students will be able to earn a degree at their own pace and achieve a work-life balance. This university is accredited by the SACSCOC-Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Professors and faculty members have years of experience working in public clinics, rehabilitation centers, private practices, and other facilities. Plus, they work closely with the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) to offer completion certificates for most of their online psychology classes.

Did You Know?

Liberty University is recognized by various institutions for its affordability, accessibility, and academic quality. This has led them to rank among the top three online schools in America, ensuring that students will have an edge in their chosen fields. They are also committed to keeping their tuition fee low for more than eight years now.

Northwestern State University Of Louisiana

Northwestern State University Of Louisiana

BS in Addiction Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies helps students develop a deeper understanding of the human mind, advances in addiction counseling, and addictive behaviors.

Addiction Studies students will take the following courses:

What Makes This Program Unique:

After completing the BS in Addiction Studies online program, students will have access to the fastest-growing job fields in the country. They will also be licensed to work as addiction counselors and help make a difference in people’s lives.

Students of BS in Addiction Studies at Northwestern State University will need to complete 120 total credit hours to graduate. For Biology requirements, students must take a combination of two lectures and two labs.

Did You Know?

The Northwestern State University of Louisiana was ranked 7th by the SR Education Group for the 2017 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees. Then, in 2018, they were ranked 6th in the same category.

Ohio Christian University

Ohio Christian University

BA in Substance Abuse Counseling

Ohio Christian University offers on-campus and online classes for those who want to take a Bachelor of Arts in Substance Abuse Counseling. Students can choose fully online classes so they can attend school while on the go.

What Makes This Program Unique:

After completing 40 clock hours of chemical dependency training, students taking the BA in Substance Abuse Counseling may apply to the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board for their Certified Chemical Dependency Assistant status. Meeting this requirement will allow students to seek entry-level employment, which is required to take the state licensure examination.

Did You Know?

Students must complete 45 total credit hours with 30 credit hours at the 3000-level or above to finish the major. To be licensed in the chemical dependency counseling field in Ohio, students taking the BA in Substance Abuse Counseling must meet the following requirements:

Alvernia University

Alvernia University

BA in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment

Alvernia University offers Bachelor of Arts in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment to provide addiction counselor aspirants a solid core of knowledge and skills necessary for being a professional in case management, Counseling, administration, prevention, and other areas in the field.

All of Alvernia University’s degree programs are Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania-approved and Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools-accredited.

What Makes This Program Unique:

Alvernia University’s Addictions and Mental Health Treatment undergraduate programs complement classroom education with 400 hours of hands-on experience in approved agencies. This gives them relevant exposure to actual clinical environments before graduation.

Did You Know?

Alvernia University has 40 years of experience in the addictions and mental health treatment degree program. It is hailed as one of the oldest (and the best!) of its kind at the university or college level, dominating many rankings.

Catholic University Of America

Catholic University Of America

BA in Human Services Administration

The Catholic University of America offers Bachelor of Arts in Human Services Administration, which is the online degree program of choice for students who dream of landing a rewarding career in substance abuse counseling, law enforcement, and human service organizations.

What Makes This Program Unique:

The Catholic University of America accepts up to 84 credit hours from students’ previous colleges. Students can graduate in two years with transfer credits. The school also accepts DSST and CLEP exams, ACE military training and evaluated courses, and professional experience portfolios to allow students to complete the program as quickly as possible.

Did You Know?

Applicants for the BA in Human Services Administration are required to submit their high school diploma at least five years before taking the undergraduate program. For transfer credits to be accepted, official transcripts from previous university or college must also be furnished. Aside from that, applicants must submit their resume, letter or recommendation, statement explaining the reason for applying, and a 250-500 word statement of intent.

University Of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati - Online

BS in Substance Abuse Counseling

Students of the Online Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling will have a bright future ahead of them as this degree program will prepare them for a career in helping treat the nation’s most harmful disorders.

Enrollees of this addiction study will learn the following at the end of the program:

What Makes This Program Unique:

University of Cincinnati’s BS in Substance Abuse Counseling has ranked number 10 for Best Online Accredited Counseling Programs and is considered Best Online Programs by US News & World Report in 2022. This addiction counseling online program is perfect for full- and part-time students.

Did You Know?

This program is 100% online. Students are given financial aid options, including financial aid packages, scholarships, and grants. Applicants can also offset their tuition by applying for FAFSA every year before they enroll. Upon enrollment, students’ aid eligibility will be evaluated to determine whether it matches their registration. The disbursement may be adjusted if an enrollee attends less than full-time.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University

BS in Counseling –  Emphasis on Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse

Grand Canyon University’s BS  in Counseling – Emphasis on Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse is offered through its College of Humanities and Social Sciences. It is an online program that prepares aspirants to serve families, private individuals, and communities with genuine compassion and competence.

What Makes This Program Unique:

Earning a BS in Counseling with an Emphasis on Addiction, Chemical Dependency, and Substance Abuse at Grand Canyon University is your first step toward chasing your dream of becoming a successful addiction counselor. Once you graduate, you will be eligible for licensure or certification to practice.

In Arizona, there are three levels of licensure:

Did You Know?

This online bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling degree program has a total degree requirement of 120 credit hours:

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University - Community, Family, and Addiction Sciences

BS in Counseling and Addiction Recovery Science

Texas Tech University offers a Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Addiction Recovery Science to teach students about human services administration and service delivery, including management of community service and outreach organizations, case management, non-profit administration, and substance abuse prevention and counseling.

What Makes This Program Unique:

Texas Tech University’s BS in Counseling and Addiction Recovery Sciences degree program offers two optional specialized concentrations:

Did You Know?

Texas Tech University’s BS in Counseling and Addiction Recovery Sciences degree is taught by faculty members who are also professional practitioners of psychology and marriage and family therapy.

Studying at Texas Tech gives you an opportunity to get involved in the university’s pioneering programs in undergraduate research conferences and student organizations to expose you to real-world situations.

Career Prospects for Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling Degree Programs

If you’re interested in helping people overcome addiction and substance abuse issues, pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling can open up many career opportunities.

Because more and more people are now aware of mental health and addiction issues here and in the rest of the world, the demand for addiction counselors is rising, making it a promising field for those who want to make a difference in people’s lives.

Salary

The median yearly salary for counselors specializing in behavioral disorders, substance abuse, and mental health is $48,520, according to official statistical data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Salaries can vary depending on location, years of experience, and employer.

The median salary of substance abuse counselors for top industries is as follows:

Job Opportunities

Graduates of online bachelor’s degree programs in addiction counseling can pursue a variety of roles, including the following:

Job Stability and Outlook

Because of the ongoing opioid epidemic and increased awareness of mental health issues., the job prospects for addiction counselors, mental health counselors, and similar experts in related fields are expected to be favorable.

Addiction Counseling can be challenging and emotionally demanding, but it can also be rewarding for those passionate about helping others. Successful addiction counselors should have strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to work well under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can graduates work as Addiction Counselors with only a bachelor’s degree?

A master’s degree in Substance Abuse Counseling is essential to fully develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective support and guidance.

Many undergraduate counseling degree programs help individuals get a headstart on this noble career path. Whether starting or looking to solidify your expertise, certificate programs offered by community colleges and other career training institutions can prepare you for the road ahead.

These certificate programs can serve as a stepping stone toward earning an associate’s degree or as a way to enhance your knowledge and abilities after obtaining a master’s degree in Counseling or Social Work.

By investing in your education and committing yourself to the cause, you can become a skilled and compassionate substance abuse counselor equipped to provide the support and guidance necessary for individuals to overcome addiction and reclaim their lives. The journey may not be easy, but with dedication and the right educational background, you can make a difference in the lives of addiction sufferers who need it most.

What courses are typically offered in a Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling?

What are some of the key skills and traits to succeed as an Addiction Counselor?

Why is accreditation necessary for an Addiction Counseling program?

Accreditation not only allows students to access federal financial aid and state entitlement programs but also provides the flexibility to pursue further education at other accredited institutions.

A degree from an accredited school sets the foundation for achieving certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), demonstrating your commitment to the highest standards of professionalism in Counseling.

Being recognized in the industry is also a plus. Psychology and Counseling programs seek accreditation from the Society of Addiction Psychology (SOAP), the primary leadership body of the American Psychological Association (APA), for reviewing and providing the definition of a doctoral level state licensed psychologist to be proficient in treating addiction.

Summary Points

Additional Information: