We've compiled the most up-to-date information on these fully or mostly online Online Substance Abuse Counseling degree programs across the U.S. This data is accurate as of March 21, 2025. We carefully reviewed quality, affordability, and student outcomes to bring you the best options. Explore our updated rankings below to find the program that's right for you.
With a degree in addictions counseling from Indiana Tech, you can make a real difference in your community by helping those struggling with addiction find roads to recovery. This program will equip you with the knowledge, competencies and skills needed to begin a rewarding and high-demand career working with addicted persons. You will develop an entry-level mastery of knowledge about substance use, misuse and effective treatment options for addiction problems. You will become proficient with state and federal regulations, ethical practices and client-rights issues as they pertain to the counseling field. You will acquire skills in the engagement and implementation of addiction recovery strategies. When you complete this degree, you will have completed all undergraduate requirements leading toward a licensed addictions counselor position in the State of Indiana.
["Knowledge about substance use, misuse and effective treatment options", "Proficiency with state and federal regulations and ethical practices", "Skills in addiction recovery strategies"]
This online Christian Bachelor's degree in Addiction Counseling is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in addiction counseling and treatment centers. The program covers core courses such as Introduction to Christian Addiction Counseling, Family Issues & Recovery, Case Management, Theories of Psychology and Counseling, Addiction Counseling Assessment & Treatment Planning, and Mental Illness, Addiction & Dual Diagnosis. Students must select one concentration: Clinical Counseling, Christian Recovery Ministry, or a Diversified Concentration allowing them to customize their coursework. The curriculum follows TAP 21 Addiction Counseling Competencies provided by SAMHSA, focusing on clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referral, service coordination, counseling, client education, documentation, professional ethics, and transdisciplinary foundations. Degree outcomes include Christian integration, addiction counseling foundations, case management, clinical counseling skills, and psychology. Graduates will be prepared to integrate Christian principles and counseling theories, describe the core functions of addiction counselors, develop case management plans, utilize clinical skills, and describe psychology concepts.
["Integrate Christian principles and counseling theories", "Describe core functions of addiction counselors", "Develop case management plans", "Utilize clinical skills for addiction counseling", "Describe foundational concepts of psychology"]
The Bachelor of Science in Addictions Counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University is designed to help students pursue a career helping others overcome their addictions through effective counseling. This online program allows students to continue their education without slowing down their current career or family responsibilities. The evidence-based program produces practitioners who want to apply their Christian faith to their careers, helping individuals defeat their addictions. This B.S. in Addictions Counseling can be completed in as little as two years, with students focusing on just one course at a time. IWU provides the support and mentorship to be successful in this program while focusing on self-development and lifelong learning grounded in IWU’s Christian faith.
["Communicate treatment plans and techniques for rehabilitation effectively with clients and their families", "Apply current techniques in assessment, treatment planning, and client/system change processes", "Understand and treat individuals based on the context of their individual addiction and family system", "Integrate Christian principles into a career helping others overcome their addiction"]
The online Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling program provides an in-depth understanding of addictive behaviors in society and the dynamics of addiction. It prepares students for licensure in North Dakota and provides a foundation for achieving licensure goals in other states. The program covers prevention, treatment planning, and evidence-based practices. Students will gain an understanding of core competencies, facilitate screening and assessment, develop treatment plans, educate clients and communities, coordinate services, and adhere to professional ethics.
["Facilitate the Screening and American Society of Addiction Medication Assessment (ASAM).", "Assess client needs and develop a treatment plan.", "Educate clients, families, and communities about addictive behaviors.", "Coordinate service for your client and provide referral, discharge, and continuing care.", "Strictly adhere to the code of Professional Ethics and Responsibilities."]
The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley’s School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling offers a fully online undergraduate major designed to prepare students to become addiction counseling specialists. All major courses are available online, allowing students to learn from anywhere in the world and meet the qualifications to become an addiction professional. The program focuses on preparing graduates to enter the field of substance abuse prevention and treatment, assisting individuals to overcome their addictions and lead healthy, independent lives. It also notes the need for substance use counselors is on the rise and that this program leads to a profession requiring an occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001, necessitating a criminal background check for licensure.
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The Bachelor of Science Degree in Addiction Studies program at the University of Central Arkansas is designed to provide education, technology, and clinical training needed to prepare students wanting to work in an addiction health care setting. Providers of addiction counseling and addiction prevention in the State of Arkansas and throughout the nation have expressed a need for certified addiction counselors and certified addiction professionals to work in the treatment and prevention of substance abuse. Students that complete the Bachelor of Science Degree in Addiction Studies will be prepared to work in settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, employee assistance programs, schools, the criminal justice system, governmental agencies and drug courts. They are also eligible for the Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification which is offered by the Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board.
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The Bachelor of Applied Science in Family & Human Services - Addiction Counseling program prepares students for a rewarding career as an addiction counselor. Addiction counselors are licensed professionals who help people overcome substance abuse through evidence-based interventions, practices and assessments. Graduates may work in various settings, including clinics, halfway houses, hospitals, prisons, residential treatment facilities, and outpatient rehabilitation centers. The program equips students with skills and knowledge, preparing them to earn a marketable credential as a licensed helping professional. The program is customizable to individual needs, offering options to complete the degree entirely online or through a mix of online and on-campus courses. Full-time and part-time options are available, as well as a fast-track schedule. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices and addresses critical challenges in the field, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.
["Solution finder", "Empathetic", "Advocate", "Strong communicator", "Collaborative", "Nonjudgmental"]
The addiction counseling and prevention program at USD provides students with the educational foundation and skills to support individuals dealing with substance use disorders. The program emphasizes critical thinking, respect, and teamwork, preparing students to join health care teams. Students gain hands-on experiences alongside future practitioners in various disciplines, developing confidence to be effective leaders and team members. Graduates meet the academic standards for this field in South Dakota and are prepared to work in detoxification, inpatient and outpatient care facilities, transitional living, correctional facilities, and prevention education programs. The curriculum covers the nature, etiology, prevention, and treatment of substance use disorders, providing a valuable foundation for a wide range of careers. Graduates will be eligible for addiction/prevention credentialing through the South Dakota Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (SDBAPP).
["Counseling individuals experiencing substance use disorders.", "Critical thinking.", "Teamwork.", "Leadership.", "Application of theoretical knowledge regarding the nature, etiology, prevention and treatment of substance use disorders."]
A bachelor’s degree in addiction studies offers an understanding of the human mind, addictive behaviors, and advances in addiction counseling. Students have the opportunity to join one of the fastest growing job fields. There is great demand for graduates with psychology degrees. Employers need people with communication skills; the ability to collect, organize, analyze and interpret data; and an understanding of human behavior. Psychology and addiction studies graduates often work in human resources or communications positions.
["Communication skills", "Ability to collect, organize, analyze and interpret data", "Understanding of human behavior"]
The Bachelor of Science in Substance Use and Treatment is a new major offering a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the biological, psychological, and social aspects of substance use disorders and related behaviors. Students learn how to engage, assess, and treat individuals, families, groups, and communities. Students learn human behavior theory and evidence-practice skills in the growing field of substance use treatment and counseling. Required courses satisfy the education requirements for the Texas Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern (LCDCi). Students must complete 120 credit hours to finish the program. This includes 18 hours of field internship, 42 hours of required BSSUT courses, and 18 hours of outside electives, allowing many students to complete a minor.
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The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice offers an interdisciplinary foundation within the liberal arts and sciences. This major requires a minimum of 42 credits and allows for students to choose a concentration. Students enrolled in the Criminal Justice Major choose one of these Concentrations (15 credits): General Criminal Justice and Victim Advocacy.
["Explain the scope and nature of the three major components of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections.", "Apply the theoretical models that attempt to explain the causes of crime.", "Explain how the fair and just operation of the criminal justice system is dependent upon the ethical and professional behavior of those working in the criminal justice system.", "Apply research and statistics to the analysis of data.", "Communicate effectively."]
This program prepares students for entry-level positions in a wide variety of community and social service related settings. Students learn the roles and functions of the human service profession; characteristics of human growth and development; personal, social, and environmental factors affecting individual development; characteristics of human service agencies; theories and skills of human services; and how ethical issues, legal issues, and multicultural issues affect the work of the human service profession. Graduates are prepared to assist clients in coping successfully with developmental tasks of normal growth and in solving problems caused by personal, social, and environmental stress.
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The Bachelor of Science in Human Services is designed for students with career interests in human services. This program offers graduates the opportunity to provide access to assistance programs, offer support, and improve the quality of life for those in need while working with individuals and the community at both the local and state level. The addictions studies option introduces students to the issues associated with supporting people involved with addictive behaviors. The program provides a flexible online learning environment, allowing students to specialize their learning experience by selecting an option that aligns with their professional interests and goals. The curriculum includes core courses in human services, psychology, sociology, and specialized courses focusing on addiction and related issues. Students complete a practicum or project-based experience, applying their knowledge in a real-world setting. Graduates are prepared for various career paths in substance abuse counseling, social work, and human services.
["Providing access to assistance programs", "Offering support to individuals in need", "Improving the quality of life for those in need", "Working with individuals and the community at both the local and state level", "Supporting people involved with addictive behaviors"]
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