If you want to help solve one of our nation's most pressing issues, consider pursuing a bachelor's in addiction or substance use counseling.
Substance use affects relationships, careers, finances, and communities. There is a high demand for trained, compassionate professionals to address this issue. If you want to be part of the solution, a bachelor's degree in addiction and substance use can give you the necessary tools.
Students gain hands-on experience and learn to evaluate clients, design and implement effective treatment plans, and counsel groups and individuals. Online addiction and substance use programs prepare you to save lives and make a difference.
Popular Online Counseling Bachelor's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Online Addiction and Substance Use Counseling Degrees
Why Get an Online Addiction and Substance Use Counseling Degree
Online delivery formats offer unique advantages that can further enhance your learning experience.
Major benefits of online counseling degrees include:
Convenient preparation for a fast-growing career
Ready access to high-quality programs based at schools outside your local area
Scheduling flexibility, especially in asynchronous courses
Significant savings compared to the cost of face-to-face learning
The opportunity to build familiarity with virtual environments as the industry continues to embrace telecounseling
What Are the Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree in Addiction Counseling?
To apply to these programs, you need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Applications may ask for transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and SAT or ACT scores.
Like other bachelor's degrees, the programs on this list require about 120 credit hours for graduation. You may take courses in sociology, psychology, anatomy and physiology, research methods, counseling best practices, prevention and treatment, ethics, and criminal justice. Most addiction/substance use programs require a practicum and/or an internship in the field.
Most programs fulfill licensing requirements in their state. However, you should check your state's licensing requirements to ensure your program meets education and supervised work requirements.
How Much Do Addiction and Substance Use Counselors Make?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes addiction counselors in its category for substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. BLS data from May 2023 indicates median annual pay rates of $53,710 per year for these professions.
Factors, including work settings, location, and the counselor's reputation, impact earning potential. Looking at salary ranges, counselors at the 10th percentile earned $36,700 per year, while those at the 90th percentile earned $89,920 per year, according to the BLS.
BLS data also lists these destinations as the top-paying states for substance use counselors:
Alaska
Utah
District of Columbia
New Jersey
New York
From 2022-2032, the BLS expects rapid job growth of 18% for substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counseling professionals. This is a significantly larger percentage of change compared to the national increase of only 3% for all U.S. occupations.
How to Become an Addiction and Substance Use Counselor
The requirements to become an addiction and substance use counselor vary by state. Substance use counseling is unique because it is the only specialty that does not require a master's degree. Some states may certify undergraduate-level substance use counselors with an associate or bachelor's degree. This applies to counselors outside of private practice in a state where licensure is not required.
Addiction and substance use counselors in private practice must be licensed. Licensure allows substance use counselors to diagnose mental health disorders, including addiction disorders. Licensing requirements vary, but broad similarities apply to the general process of becoming a counselor. You must earn a master's in counseling, or a closely related field. You also need to complete a field training experience under the supervision of a licensed counselor.
Once you meet all licensing eligibility requirements, you take a standardized exam and, if you pass, receive an initial license. You then must undergo continuing professional development education each year to keep your license active.
Questions About Online Addiction and Substance Use Counseling Degrees
No, undergraduate substance use counselors do not need to be licensed. They must only meet state requirements for certification as a substance use counselor. Those who seek licensure must earn a master's degree. Licensed counselors will be eligible to diagnose mental health disorders and work independently.
