Best Master's In Addictions And Recovery Degrees

Overview

Indiana Wesleyan University is a private Christian university that was founded in 1920. With its liberal arts education, students get to study a variety of courses that intertwine their Christian faith. Students are encouraged to live out their faith through their various internships, discussions with other peers and faculty, and in the classroom. Since 1985, Indiana Wesleyan began to offer its adult education program, which includes offering completely online degrees. These degrees are affordable, with over $146 million worth of aid given out from 2013 to 2014.

Program Features

Through Indiana Wesleyan’s online MA in Clinical Addictions Counseling, students will be certified to work with patients who are battling with drug and alcohol abuse.

• 48-credit hours
• Integrates Christian principles and theories of counseling
• Accredited with the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission

Notables

Through the NAADAC Minority Fellowship Program for Addiction Counselors, students will get the opportunity to serve underprivileged groups and receive a stipend of up to $20,000.

Overview

Union College is a private college located in Barbourville, Ky. that was established in 1879. As a small liberal arts school, Union has been serving the educational needs of the Appalachian Mountains for over 120 years. Its rich history dates back to its longstanding partnership with the city, which allowed the institution to grow over time. Today students, even distance learning ones, can gain a rich education through one of many Union’s programs.

Program Features

Union College offers a fully online MS in Substance Abuse Counseling degree that is run through its Department of Psychology.

• 60 credit-hours
• Ability to apply for the Chemical Dependency Certification
• Sample Courses: Recovery and Relapse, Techniques of Counseling & Psychotherapy, Statistics for Mental Health Professionals

Notables

The curriculum for this program follows the Kentucky State Board Certification/Licensure requirements. Students should also contact a mentor to plan out the other necessary requirements.

Overview

Monmouth University is a private university that is located along the state of New Jersey’s northern coastline. Its three core principles are to provide a challenging liberal arts curriculum to all students, to teach knowledge that will go beyond the classroom, and to prepare students for life after college. With a student-to-teacher ratio of only 13:1, students are sure to get the attention and one-on-one instruction they need. In 2018, the U.S. News & World Report ranked Monmouth among the best Regional Universities in the North.

Program Features

Monmouth’s MA in Addiction Studies is the ideal program for those who wish to become licensed counselors.

• 33-credit hours

• Prepares students to be a Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor
• Ability to be a full or part-time student

Notables

This is a fully flexible program, with the ability to take summer courses or hybrid courses where students can alternate between online and in-person instruction.

Overview

Virginia Commonwealth University is the state’s premier public research university, with over 175 years of history. VCU was founded in 1838 originally as the Medical College of Hampden-Sydney, which later became the Medical College of Virginia. Over time the school expanded to offer other disciplines. Today VCU is known for its amazing innovation, diversity and inclusion, and groundbreaking “firsts” in the state. It is also the third top research university within the state.

Program Features

VCU’s online MS in Addiction Studies degree provides students with a cross-cultural understanding of prevention, treatment, and research strategies for the issue of addiction.

• Can be completed in 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time)

• Collaboration with King’s College London and the University of Adelaide in Australia
• Sample Courses: Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addictions, The Biological Basis of Addiction

Notables

This university is part of the International Programme in Addiction Studies where students learn via advanced technology about international addiction policies.

Overview

Located in Chicago’s Southland, Governors State University was founded in 1969. Currently over 5,500 students are enrolled in GSU’s 64 degree and 24 certificate programs. Due to its prime location only 40 miles south of Chicago, students have all the perks of living close to a big city with opportunities to connect with local businesses. One of GSU’s core values is to provide opportunities and access to education to the state’s citizens. Through its many online degrees, students are able to get the experience they need in a flexible manner.

Program Features

Through its multicultural perspective, students can become leaders in producing change by enrolling in GSU’s online Master of Health Science degree in Addictions.

• Hybrid version available
• Pharmacology-based courses
• Internship program

Notables

Students have the option of concentrating in Addictions Studies Counseling. This 60-hour concentration teaches students the newest forms of therapies for patients with addictions.

Overview

Liberty University is a private Christian university whose main campus is located in Virginia. It was founded in the 70s originally as the Liberty Baptist College. Since its founding, Liberty has held on to its strong Christian roots and encourages students to grow in their faith as they study their passion. Liberty is dedicated to creating strong new leaders for the next generation. Through its many online programs, students can earn their advanced degrees at a fraction of the cost and in a time frame that works with their schedule.

Program Features

Students can be prepared to earn their certification or licensure as an addiction and/or substance abuse counselor through Liberty’s online MA in Addiction Counseling.

• 48 credit-hours
• 2-year completion
• Up to 50% of credits can be transferred

Notables

Through the internship program, students can get credit that counts towards their graduation. These programs focus on gaining addiction-related counseling competencies.

Overview

Established in 1890, Post University has been providing students with flexible degrees for more than 125 years. Students come first here, with individualized attention and supportive faculty throughout each student’s college career. This excellent teaching does not just apply to its on-campus programs, but also to its many online distance learning degrees. Using the latest technologies, students are able to get their degree on their own time and with excellent staff.

Program Features

An online MS in Counseling and Human Services degree with a concentration in Alcohol and Drug Counseling at Post University will teach you how to assess, diagnose, and treat those with addictions.

• Use credits towards professional counseling licensure
• Sample Courses: Psychopathology of Addiction, Group and Family Treatment in Addictions, Human Services Policy
• Field practicum, internship, and capstone research project

Notables

Because the primary goal of this program is to achieve state licensure, students are able to take courses and requirements for the state they want to be licensed in, not just the state of Connecticut.

Overview

Capella University is an online university that was curated for the adult learner. With various learning formats, students can choose which method and time-frame is right for them. The main formats Capella offers is Flex Path and Guided Path. While Flex Path is a self-paced pay-per-session format, Guided Path is a more directed pay-per credit format. Capella’s Master’s in Addiction Studies degree program is fully online with supportive staff.

Program Features

If you are interested in helping those who struggle with a substance use disorder, an online MS in Addiction Studies at Capella may be right for you.

• Residency and internship program
• Aligned with the Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor certification
• Numerous ways to save on tuition money

Notables

The residency program for this major is embedded within a six-week online course that also requires an in-person component. The internship program requires 300 hours of professional work in an addiction treatment institution.

Overview

The University of South Dakota is the state’s flagship university with over 10,000 students. Although the campus is huge, students can experience a small-campus feel with its 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. USD is known for its excellence as a whole, having been continuously ranked among the Best National Universities in the country by the U.S. News & World Report for over a decade. It is also known for its flexible and affordable online degrees.

Program Features

USD’s online MA in Addiction Studies prepares graduates for the highest level of licensure within the state of South Dakota.

• 33-credit hours (advanced track) or 45-credit hours (standard track)
• Competitive tuition rates
• Sample Courses: Alcohol & Drug Counseling Theories, Relapse Prevention, Trauma and Addiction

Notables

The advanced track is for professionals who already have a Level II or Level III Chemical Dependency Certification and are licensed addiction counselors who have completed a related bachelor’s degree. The standard track is for those who may have the certification, but may not have any related academic background.

Overview

West Virginia University is a well-known research institution in the city of Morgantown. Academic excellence is a major thing that makes WVU stand out among other schools. It has been ranked nationally for various prestigious scholarships. Although its main campus is located in the “No. 1 Small City in America,” WVU also has other campuses throughout the state and online courses. There are currently more than 600 online courses and 30 online degrees offered.

Program Features

Through WVU’s online program, students can get their MS in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and learn how to work with a diverse set of communities.

• $594 per-credit hour
• Accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education
• Comprehensive System for Personnel Development scholarship available funded by the U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration

Notables

This program qualifies for professional licensure in many states. Students should check which state they wish to be licensed in before starting the program.