By BCD Staff
August 2018
These accredited online associate degrees will be a good fit for students with their high school diploma or general equivalency diploma who would like to explore the field of substance abuse and addictions counseling. When you graduate with your associate's degree from one of these programs you may choose to pursue an entry-level position in the field of substance abuse and addictions, or perhaps decide to continue your education by using the credits gained through your associate's degree and applying them towards your bachelor's degree. This ranking is part of our series on Online Degrees in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling.
#5 Central Texas College
Killeen, TX
Online Associate of Applied Science in Chemical Dependency Specialization
Central Texas College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Chemical Dependency Specialization online for 60 credits. The program coursework focuses on training students to be prepared to work with individuals and families across the lifespan with an awareness of how addiction can impact any family at any time. Central Texas College has a strong history of serving military personnel over the last 50 years. Central Texas College works to help all students be successful and strives to make associate degrees convenient and accessible for all students, wherever they are in the world, through their online programming.
Courses include: Interviewing and Communication Skills; Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders; Pharmacology of Addiction; Learning Frameworks; Health Psychology; Problems of Children and Adolescents; Assessment Skills of Alcohol and Other Drug Addictions; Crisis Intervention; Addicted Family Intervention; Counseling Theories; Abnormal Psychology; Dynamics of Group Counseling; Principles of Behavior Management and Modification; and Counseling Alcohol and Other Drug Addictions.
- Cost: $235 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 60
#4 Rio Salado College
Tempe, AZ
Online Associate in Applied Science in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders
An Associate in Applied Science in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders is offered online at Rio Salado College. The program coursework is designed to support students in learning to work professionally in the field of addiction and substance use disorders. Professionals currently working in the field may also enroll in courses for continuing education and professional development. Courses are comprehensive and designed to support graduates in entering the field of human services ready to work directly with individuals and families working to recover from the impact that addiction has had on their health, relationships, and personal growth. The program includes a Certificate of Completion in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Level I and II.
Courses include: Foundations of Addictions and Substance Use Disorders; Communication Skills in Treating Addiction; Pharmacology of Substances of Abuse and Dependency; Professional Ethics in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders; Principles of Self-Help Groups; AIDS and Addiction; Beginning Clinical Documentation Skills; Theories and Techniques in the Treatment of Addictions; Family Dynamics and Addiction; Therapeutic Intervention Models; Introduction to Psychology; Counseling Multicultural and Diverse Populations; Relapse, Recovery and Addiction; Co-Occurring Disorders; and Group Interventions.
- Cost: $215 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 61 – 65
#3 Iowa Lakes Community College
Estherville, IA
Online Associate of Applied Science in Substance Abuse Counseling
Iowa Lakes Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Substance Abuse Counseling online. Students will complete the required coursework and supervised practicum experiences in two years to successfully complete the certification examination and pursue certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Certification requirements may vary by state, all applicants are encouraged to consult their home state license and certification board for more information. Graduates will be prepared to provide direct services to individuals and families struggling with addiction and will also be well positioned to work towards a bachelor's degree and an advanced degree at the college or university of their choice.
Courses include: Drug Use and Abuse; Counseling Techniques; Counseling Skills; Developmental Psychology; Introduction to Ethics; Minority Group Relations; Abnormal Psychology; Substance Abuse and Treatment Planning; and Substance Abuse Practicum.
- Cost: $184 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 68
#2 Kansas City Kansas Community College
Kansas City, KS
Online Associate of Applied Science in Addiction Counseling
An Associate of Applied Science in Addiction Counseling is available online at Kansas City Kansas Community College. This program is designed to be accessible for all students while also meeting the educational needs of students with diverse goals. Students can complete this program coursework to earn their associates degree and then go on a four-year college or university for continued study and mastery in the field. Additionally, some professionals working in the human services field may find it useful to complete coursework from the program in order to pursue additional certification or licensure as an addiction counselor.
Courses include: Interpersonal Communication; Psychology; Victim/Survivor Services; General Biology; Introduction to Addiction; Individual Counseling Methods; Family Therapy; Ethics: Addiction Counseling; Problem and Compulsive Gambling; Pharmacology: Addiction Counseling; Group Dynamics and Addictions; Counseling and Services Coordination; Addiction Counseling Field Practicum; and Abnormal Psychology.
- Cost: $88 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 61
#1 Allen Community College
Iola, KS
Online Associate in Applied Science in Addiction and Prevention Studies
Allen County Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree with an emphasis in Addiction and Prevention Studies online. Students in this program will complete coursework in preparation for entry-level positions in the field of addiction counseling and will be well prepared to transfer to a university to earn their bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling or a related field. Allan Community College has a reputation for offering comprehensive and challenging coursework to support students in being successful in their future academic and career pursuits. Graduates will be prepared to continue their education and pursue careers in professional roles as licensed clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists with the educational foundation to support individuals, couples, and families impacted by the disease of addiction.
Courses include: Substance Abuse Awareness in Addiction and Prevention; Introduction to Group Counseling; Multicultural Aspects of Counseling; Introduction to Social Work; Introduction to Counseling; Ethics/Confidentiality in Addiction and Prevention; General Psychology; Cultural Anthropology; Family and Addictions; Medical High Risk Issues in Addiction and Prevention; and Dual Diagnosis.
- Cost: $85 / Credit Hour
- Credits Required: 60 – 65
Methodology: For the Top 5 Online Associates Degrees in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling, a list of schools was gathered from College Navigator. Schools were selected that had programs in "substance abuse/addiction counseling" and offered the programs as distance education. These programs were then checked for regional accreditation by the Council for Higher Education, and only those that were regionally accredited were retained on the list. Next, each school's website was searched for associate degree programs offered in an online format. Finally, schools were ranked by tuition (per credit hour) as listed on the program's website for online/distance education degrees.