The 7 Best Online Bachelor's in Addiction Recovery Programs

1. Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, Indiana

Based in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University is both a liberal arts school rooted in the Wesleyan Church and the largest private college in the state. The school offers an online BS in addictions counseling with a uniquely Christian perspective on treating addicts and their families.

Students in the online bachelor’s in substance abuse counseling complete 30 credits of liberal arts courses in biblical studies, philosophy, English, mathematics, arts and humanities, and the sciences. Core coursework focuses on traditional psychology and psychopharmacology theories and practices and includes 45 credits in topics such as developmental psychology, abnormal behavior, addictions theory, and principles of addiction counseling. Students complete the degree with four addiction recovery practicums that blend psychological theory with real–world application. Practicums take place near a student’s home and under the direct supervision of a licensed professional.

To gain admission, prospective students need at least 60 transfer credits from an accredited institution and may be subject to background checks and drug testing. IWU features several online start dates throughout the year, and students complete the program in approximately 22 months. Students work in cohort groups to provide support to one another throughout the program.

2. University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio

As one of the premier research universities in the country, the University of Cincinnati has developed a robust online presence. The school offers 95 online degree and certificate options taught by many of the same faculty as on–campus programs. UC’s BS in substance abuse counseling prepares graduates to combat substance abuse and addiction, and to confront the growing number of overdose deaths.

The 120–credit curriculum of UC’s bachelor’s in substance abuse counseling features core coursework in crisis management, long–term abuse recovery, and substance abuse counseling for families and other relationships. Students usually complete the program in two–to–four years, though students may take up to five courses at a time — including in the summer — to accelerate program completion. Graduates fulfill the requirements for licensure in the state of Ohio, and those living elsewhere can contact their state’s licensing board to determine their specific licensing requirements. Additionally, while this BS degree leads to careers in mental health and addiction, the degree also prepares students for further studies.

Prospective students must submit an application, high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and letters of recommendation. Transfer students must have at least 24 semester credits from a previous institution and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better to qualify for admission.

3. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Located in Natchitoches, LA, Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers over 40 online degrees and certificates at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The fully online BS in addiction studies — housed in the department of psychology and addiction studies — offers training in both the psychological and physiological makeup of addiction.

The 120–credit bachelor’s degree includes 42 credits in english, mathematics, science, and the humanities, and 18 credits of electives. Major coursework features 30 credits in addiction studies and covers topics like intro to addiction disorders, screening and assessment, case management, and addiction counseling skills. Students may earn additional credit in developmental psychology, physiological psychology, statistics, and abnormal psychology.

To gain admission into NSULA’s substance abuse counselor online degree program, students must submit an application, high school transcripts, and ACT/SAT test scores. Transfer students must include transcripts from all previous colleges attended. Online students pay in–state tuition rates. Coursework is delivered via Moodle, and includes a mixture of online lectures, readings, and online meetings. NSULA also features fast–track coursework in the fall and spring; the program offers classes in eight–week sessions to allow working and busy adult learners to focus on one or two courses at a time.

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Established in 1932, SNHU is one of the largest and fastest–growing online universities. The school offers a BA in psychology – addiction studies that explores the acts and behaviors that lead to addiction. The program prepares graduates for careers in psychiatry, law enforcement, and research, among others.

SNHU’s online substance abuse counseling degree is available 24/7, and students take coursework fully online during eight–week terms that occur six times per year. The 120–credit curriculum includes 45 credits of general education courses in english, mathematics, science, history, and the humanities. Coursework in the major includes intro to psychology, foundations of addictions, abnormal psychology, and counseling process and techniques. The program culminates with a senior capstone project that combines previous coursework with a current issue in psychology. An optional internship is also available, providing 150 hours of supervised, career–related work experience.

Students enter SNHU on a rolling basis and can begin their program during any one of the school’s six terms throughout the year. Once admitted, online students receive support services including access to 24–hour tech support, the writing center, academic advising, tutoring, and career services. Tuition rates at SNHU are some of the lowest in the nation. U.S. service members receive additional discounts.

5. Ohio Christian University

Circleville, Ohio

Founded in 1948, Ohio Christian University boasts a student body of nearly 4,000, with most students enrolled in an online undergraduate, graduate, or certificate program. The BA in substance abuse counseling provides a uniquely Christian approach to the field by integrating principles of faith into a counselors’ critical thinking and decision making.

OCU’s 120–credit substance abuse degree curriculum features required courses such as introduction to substance abuse, psychopharmacology, prevention strategies, abnormal psychology, and chemical dependency counseling. Students complete nine credits of coursework that explore Christian ethics, worldviews, and theology, and a culminating course that prepares graduates to sit for the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professional Board’s state licensure examination.

Eligible students who reside in Ohio apply for Certified Chemical Dependency Assistant status upon completing their degree. Those residing outside Ohio should consult with their home state to learn more about licensure requirements.

Online students complete the program in a cohort format, taking one class at a time and moving through the degree with the same group of students. Instructors deliver coursework asynchronously, and students complete assignments on a weekly basis. To apply, prospective students need at least 50 credits from a previous accredited institution, a cumulative GPA of a 2.0 or better, and copies of official transcripts. Military members receive additional tuition discounts.

6. University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota

Founded in 1862 in Vermillion, SD, the University of South Dakota features an enrollment of over 10,000 students, making it the largest institution of higher education in the state. USD also offers 40 online programs to accommodate students who work full–time. Students take the BS in addiction studies fully online and focus on science–based addiction education with real–world experience. Taught by on–campus faculty, this 120–credit bachelor’s degree makes students eligible for addiction/prevention credentialing through the South Dakota Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals. Degree–seekers living outside of South Dakota should check with their state’s licensing board for licensing requirements.

After fulfilling 33 credits of general education requirements, students complete 30 credits of major coursework in the study of alcohol and drug use and abuse, ethical and legal issues in the substance abuse profession, working with families on alcohol/drug issues, psychopharmacology, and trauma and addiction. Students earn the remaining credits by completing electives and a minor. Learners complete the program by participating in a supervised field experience on site at a facility near their home.

Students must pass a criminal background check and formally apply to the major upon completion of their general education requirements. The program provides online students with access to computer/tech support, academic services, dedicated library resources, and a writing center. Degree–seekers living outside of South Dakota should check with their state’s licensing board for licensing requirements.

7. City Vision University

Kansas City, Missouri

Founded in 1998, City Vision University offers eight undergraduate and graduate degrees fully online. The B.A. in addiction studies counseling is an affordable program that prepares graduates for effective, faith–based counseling that emphasizes the spiritual aspects of recovery in addition to the physical aspects.

The 120–credit bachelor’s degree curriculum meets eight areas of competency and 12 core functions defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Required courses include case management, mental illness and addiction, drugs of abuse, family issues and recovery, and counseling foundations. Students complete their degree with a year–long, 300–hour addiction studies practicum at a site near their home and under the supervision of a licensed or certified counselor.

To apply, prospective students must submit an application and a copy of their high school diploma or GED; transfer students must also include transcripts from all previous institutions. CVU accepts up to 90 credits from any accredited college for incoming students.

Once enrolled, CVU provides online students access to an online library, bookstore, academic counseling, and disability services. Many students receive financial aid via the Pell Grant, and military service members receive additional tuition discounts.