Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling of 2025

Addiction counselors play a vital role in helping people living with substance use or behavior disorders. They use their counseling training in various environments, such as mental health centers, family service organizations, residential facilities, and hospitals.

Working as an addiction counselor can provide a very rewarding career for people hoping to give back to their communities. Plus, job demand remains high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 19% increase in addiction counselor employment from 2023-2033 — almost five times the average job growth rate.

Consider pursuing a career in addiction counseling for a rewarding career with job security. After a bachelor’s degree, the next step is a master’s in addiction counseling. Discover common coursework, tuition costs, and which schools offer the best programs in the field in this helpful guide.

A master’s in addiction counseling — also called a drug and alcohol counselor degree, addiction studies, or addiction counseling and prevention program — immerses students in the causes and nuances of addiction. It helps equip graduates to support individuals with addiction challenges, often as rehabilitation counselors and social workers.

These professionals typically need licensure or certification, depending on where they want to work. Addiction counseling programs usually prepare students to pursue formal credentials, including the following:

While most addiction studies curricula align with licensing and certification standards, the exact courses vary across schools. Many programs focus on alcohol and substance use addiction, but some include courses exploring behavioral addictions.

Licensing and certification boards typically require clinical or supervised counseling hours, so most programs include at least one internship or practicum requirement, if not more. Explore other standard addiction counseling courses below.

Many schools offer online master’s in addiction counseling programs — some with completely online courses and others with minimal residency requirements or hybrid models. No matter the format, the curriculum usually remains the same and just as rigorous.

The flexibility of online courses can help graduate students balance their education with their careers and personal lives. For example, distance learners might select part-time, full-time, or accelerated programs, often with asynchronous classes.

Online programs also allow students to enroll in schools nationwide without relocating or (usually) paying extra out-of-state tuition. However, addiction counseling learners might consider potential differences in licensing or certification requirements. They should check that the curriculum aligns with credential standards in the state where they want to work.

Two organizations typically accredit addiction counseling graduate programs: the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Master of social work programs focusing on substance use may receive accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.

Each accrediting body focuses on slightly different aspects — like counseling or social work. Regardless, accreditation from any of these organizations demonstrates that an addiction studies program has undergone a rigorous evaluation and met high standards of academic excellence.

While degree-seekers might prefer programmatic and institutional accreditation, they may not need to attend accredited programs to become addiction counselors. It depends on the post-graduation license and credential requirements.

Some state licensing boards only expect aspiring counselors to hold a degree from an accredited institution, not necessarily an accredited program. In other states, like Florida, mental health counselor candidates must complete a master’s degree program accredited by the CACREP or a similar organization. This difference makes it crucial to verify your state’s licensing requirements before enrolling in an online program, especially if the program is in another state.

Programmatic accreditation may also affect a student’s national certification eligibility. For example, the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) requires national certified counselor candidates to present transcripts from CACREP-accredited programs. Graduates from non-CACREP-accredited programs must present extra documentation and wait for a curriculum review.

Becoming an independent counselor in most specializations begins with pursuing licensure. Once licensed, you can pursue optional certifications in specialties like addiction or substance use counseling.

Private practice substance use counselors must be licensed, and clinical hour requirements for licensure vary by state, ranging from 1,000-6,000 hours. Most states also require substance use counselors to pass a state exam for licensure — either the National Counselor Examination or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination administered by the NBCC.

After licensure, you can earn optional certifications, such as the master addictions counselor certification or additional certifications from the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals, like nicotine dependence specialist.

State reciprocity generally guarantees that an established professional moving from another state can gain licensure by endorsement. Agreements vary by state, and less-established applicants may need to fill in gaps in clinical hours or education requirements.

Source: BLS

According to the BLS, addiction counselors earn a median salary of $59,190 as of May 2024. However, the pay varies based on work environment and location.

Counselors who work in hospitals report the highest median wage at $61,930, followed by health practitioner workers with a $59,570 median annual wage. Residential facilities workers earn the lowest median salary in the field at $49,610.

Geographical location also affects salary. The BLS reports that Alaska addiction counselors report the highest average salary of $77,430, followed by Utah with a $70,310 average wage. Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and New York also report above-average salaries ($67,750, $67,250, and $67,240, respectively).

The highest-paying metropolitan areas differ slightly. Boulder, Colorado, tops the list with an $87,030 average salary. California cities like San Jose, San Francisco, and Modesto also rank high, with average wages between $72,000 and $78,000.

Regardless of location, addiction counselors can earn higher salaries with experience and extra certifications. They may also pursue advanced positions as clinical supervisors, case managers, and practice managers.