Substance abuse counselors are in demand in most of the country, especially those affected by the opioid crisis. Learn about the top bachelor's programs for substance abuse counselors and how to become a substance abuse counselor.
Understanding Online Bachelor's Programs in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
Online bachelor's programs in substance abuse and addictions counseling prepare you for a career as a substance abuse counselor. The curriculum includes information on the biological and psychological nature of addictions, different types of addictions, the role of counseling in helping people overcome addictions, and how the healthcare and other systems work together on matters related to addictions.
Note that each state has its own requirements for becoming a substance abuse counselor and earning the appropriate license. To work as a substance abuse counselor in private practice, you need a master's degree and a specific license. Depending on your state, however, a bachelor's degree can prepare you for different roles.
Some roles that you can perform with a bachelor's include:
- Case manager (roles may include intake, tracking records, or supporting a substance abuse counselor)
- Advocate
- Substance abuse counselor
- Public or community health specialist
- Parole officer
Program Details
- Program Length: Four years for full-time students with a high school or GED diploma, less if you have an existing associate or bachelor's degree with transferable or AP credits.
- Average Annual Tuition and Fees: $17,250 per year for all four-year undergraduate programs in 2022, according to the NCES
- Accreditation: The program should be accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC).
- Application Requirements: High school or GED diploma, GPA of 2.5 or higher (some programs require 3.0 or higher), at least two references.
You may need a criminal background check, either to enter the program, for fieldwork, or for licensing. Conviction for serious crimes may be an obstacle to becoming a substance abuse counselor. Talk to the program admission staff if you have concerns, and they may be able to answer your question or refer you to the proper authority.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
Explore our ranking of 2023's best online bachelor's programs in substance abuse and addictions counseling.
Read our ranking methodology
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
Ottawa University-Online
- Ottawa, KS
- 4 years
- Online
Christian-based Ottawa University in Kansas offers an online bachelor of science in addiction counseling through an asynchronous, accelerated format. The curriculum integrates research with theories of addiction and counseling that help clients overcome various forms of substance misuse. Included are on-site, supervised practicums with direct client contact.
The program meets the licensing and certification requirements in most U.S. states, but students should confirm requirements with their state's licensure board.
Undergraduate applicants should submit an online application and official high school transcripts, along with transcripts from any colleges and universities attended. Ottawa accepts up to 80 hours of transfer credits and recommends meeting with an enrollment advisor.
Courses Include
- Clinical addiction counseling issues
- Group counseling in addiction
- Introduction to substance abuse disorders and addictions counseling
- Mulit-cultural competencies in addiction counseling
- Theories of personality and addiction
Program Details
- Credits Required: 39
- Cost: $419 per credit
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
Bay Path University
- Longmeadow, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
At Bay Path University's American Women's College in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, students can earn an online bachelor of arts in psychology: foundations of alcohol and drug abuse counseling. The curriculum teaches effective interviewing, counseling, and intervention skills that help clients recover from substance misuse.
The program's asynchronous coursework takes three-and-a-half years to complete, and enrollees can opt to earn graduate credits toward a master's degree in mental health counseling. No clinical hours are required to earn the bachelor's degree.
Admission requires an online application, a 2.0 GPA, and official high school transcripts (and college transcripts, if applicable). Bay Path accepts up to 90 transfer credits.
Courses Include
- Drugs and behavior
- Health psychology
- Individual and family treatment of substance abuse disorders
- Interviewing and counseling
- Psychology of cultural diversity
Program Details
- Credits Required: 120
- Cost: $410 per credit
- Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
University of South Dakota
- Vermillion, SD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The bachelor of science in addiction counseling and prevention at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion features online courses and hands-on supervised field experiences. The curriculum focuses on the etiology, nature, prevention, and treatment of substance misuse disorders and prepares graduates for South Dakota addiction/prevention credentials.
The program reports a two-year 100% pass rate on the national licensure and certification exam.
Admission requires sophomore standing with a minimum of 32 undergraduate credits earned. Applicants need a 2.5 GPA and C grades in courses covering the study of alcohol/drug use and addiction and fundamental skills of individual and group counseling for addiction.
Courses Include
- Addictive family systems and family counseling
- Adolescence and substance abuse and addiction
- Ethical and legal issues in the addiction profession
- Native americans and substance abuse and addiction
- Psychopharmacology of addiction
Program Details
- Credits Required: 45
- Cost: $259 per credit for South Dakota residents; $376 for out-of-state students
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
- Marion, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Indiana Wesleyan University, located in Marion, offers an online bachelor of science in addictions counseling that students can complete in 22 months. The curriculum integrates faith- and evidence-based learning processes and prepares graduates for careers in the criminal justice system, domestic violence shelters, and healthcare facilities.
Synchronous classes combine with supervised experience at local practicum sites. Students learn to apply addiction counseling techniques to assessment and treatment planning and discuss pharmacological properties of drugs and their impacts on human behavior.
Program admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED certificate; official college transcripts; and the completion of 60 transferable college credits, including a general psychology course.
Courses Include
- Addictions counseling skills
- Addictions theory
- Counseling addicted and dysfunctional families
- Intergroup relations
- Psychology of abnormal behavior
Program Details
- Credits Required: 48
- Cost: $398 per credit
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Natchitoches, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online bachelor of science in addiction studies at Natchitoches-based Northwestern State University of Louisiana prepares students for positions in communications, addiction counseling, and human resources. Primarily asynchronous coursework covers data collection and analysis, understanding human behavior, and bachelor's-level general education topics.
Distance learners can access online resources, such as a student help desk, tutoring, and information technology services. Each student is assigned an academic advisor.
Admission for online students requires an online application, SAT/ACT scores (for English and math placement purposes), and official high school transcripts for first-year students or college transcripts for transfer students.
Courses Include
- Addiction counseling skills
- Co-occurring disorders
- Introduction to addiction disorders
- Family dynamics
- Seminar in alcoholism
Program Details
- Credits Required: 120
- Cost: $375 per credit hour up to 12 hours, then $100 per credit hour thereafter
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Manchester's Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an online bachelor of arts in psychology with a concentration in addictions. The curriculum covers the cycle of addiction — whether to substances, gambling, video games, or shopping — and explores the application of theories and research to the treatment of addictive behaviors.
The degree plan includes asynchronous courses, experiential learning, and an embedded data literacy in psychology certificate that focuses on synthesizing data and communicating findings to various audiences.
SNHU also offers an online substance abuse degree concentration.
Admission requires an undergraduate application and prior transcripts. SNHU can obtain transcripts at no cost to applicants.
Courses Include
- Abnormal psychology
- Contemporary issues in addictions
- Foundations of addictions
- Health psychology
- Lifespan development
Program Details
- Credits Required: 120
- Cost: $330 per credit
- Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Students Enrolled
134,345
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#7 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
Ohio Christian University
- Circleville, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ohio Christian University, located in Circleville, prepares Ohio-credentialed chemical dependency counselors through its online bachelor of arts in substance misuse counseling program. The curriculum integrates Christian principles into the critical thinking and decision making skills needed to assess and counsel patients coping with substance misuse.
Designed for busy adults, the program features asynchronous coursework and a choice of in-person field placements or completion of a capstone project online.
Admission for online students requires 30 college-level credits earned at an accredited school; a 2.5 GPA for regular admission (2.0 for probationary admission); and official transcripts.
Courses Include
- Family dynamics in substance abuse
- Preparation for the state test
- Prevention strategies
- Spiritual dimensions of illness and recovery
- Trauma and addiction
Program Details
- Credits Required: 120
- Cost: $425 per credit
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
71%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#8 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
Alvernia University
- Reading, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Alvernia University, a Catholic institution in Reading, Pennsylvania, offers an online bachelor of arts in addiction and mental health treatment. The curriculum features asynchronous coursework that develops broad-based skills and prepares graduates for certified drug and alcohol counselor certification. Alvernia accepts up to 75 transfer credits, and the program takes 2-4 years to complete.
Resources for distance learners include an online library, bookstore, and career development office.
Admission requires a high school diploma, transcripts, or a GED certificate (waived with a college transcript showing completion of 15 credits). Transfer students need official transcripts showing a 2.0 GPA in college-level courses.
Courses Include
- Crisis intervention
- Foundations of addictions
- Legal and ethical issues in counseling
- Multicultural issues in psychology
- Theories of counseling and psychotherapy
Program Details
- Credits Required: 123
- Cost: $640 per credit
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
Crown College
- Saint Bonifacius, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Crown College, a Christian school in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, includes a bachelor of science in alcohol and drug counseling among its online options for working adults. The program emphasizes the consequences of addiction, including cognitive, cultural, financial, and spiritual effects.
Asynchronous coursework and internship experiences prepare graduates to become Minnesota Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors. The curriculum also meets licensure requirements in more than 30 other states. The college assists students in finding internship sites, and all students are paired with an academic advisor.
Admission requires an online application and college or vocational school transcripts. Applicants with fewer than 24 college credits submit high school transcripts.
Courses Include
- Assessment and treatment planning
- Case management for alcohol and drug counseling
- Diversity issues in counseling
- Psychopharmacology
- Theories of counseling and psychotherapy
Program Details
- Credits Required: 125
- Cost: $440 per credit
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Percent Online Enrollment
69%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
University of Holy Cross
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded by a Catholic women's congregation in New Orleans, Louisiana, the University of Holy Cross offers a bachelor of science in addictions counseling that students can earn online. Enrollees gain foundational assessment, counseling, interviewing, and research skills and develop an understanding of human behavior throughout the lifespan.
The program features asynchronous coursework supported by access to electronic library materials and technology assistance.
First-year student admission requires an online application and a high school diploma with a 2.5 GPA or GED scores. Transfer students must have 12 or more college credits with a 2.0 GPA.
Courses Include
- Crisis intervention
- Introduction to addictive behaviors
- Juvenile delinquency
- Recovery counseling
- Sexual trauma
Program Details
- Credits Required: 120
- Cost: $585 per credit
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor
How to become a substance abuse counselor and who is eligible varies by state. You must have a master's degree in counseling and earn a license to work as a substance abuse counselor in private practice. However, requirements for other roles and settings may range from a certificate to a bachelor's degree to a master's degree.
To become a substance abuse counselor in private practice, you must earn a master's in counseling, complete a period of supervised experience (typically about two years), and pass a licensure examination. Many states require certification as a National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II) or Master Addiction Counselor (MAC).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor jobs could increase 22% between 2021 and 2031. The average annual salary is $48,420. Nationally, 80% of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn between $30,870 and $77,980 annually.
In addition, if you work in a designated mental health professional shortage area, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness.
Frequently Asked About Online Bachelor's Programs in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling
What is the best degree to become a substance abuse and addictions counselor?
The best degree to become a substance abuse and addictions counselor is a master's degree, since that degree has the widest scope of practice. All states require you to have a master's degree in counseling to become a licensed counselor.
What is the salary range for substance abuse and addictions counselors?
The salary range for substance abuse and addictions counselors is between $30,870 and $77,980 annually, according to the BLS. Salaries vary based on state requirements, qualifications, local demand, and cost of living.
What is the difference between an online and in-person substance abuse and addictions counseling program?
In terms of your diploma and degree, there is no difference between an online and in-person substance abuse and addictions counseling program. However, online programs and in-person programs have different challenges. An on-campus program requires commuting or living on campus, while an online program can make it more difficult to build a network and relationships with peers, faculty, and staff.
What are related fields to substance abuse and addictions counseling?
Some related fields to substance abuse and addictions counseling include clinical mental health counseling, psychology, public health, public policy, social work, nursing, and medicine. Becoming a substance abuse counselor is just one path to help address the problem of substance abuse and addiction.
