Best Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling

Addiction and substance use counselors use their expertise to help those in need. Certified substance use counselors typically hold a bachelor’s degree in substance use counseling and work with people living with drug and alcohol abuse challenges. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the the field will grow 18% from 2022-2032.

If this seems like the right job for you, a master’s in substance use counseling can help you take the next step in your career. For those interested in studying this subject online, there are plenty of online programs in the field. Read on for our list of the best online master’s in substance use counseling programs in the United States.

Online master’s in substance use counseling programs are tailored to counseling students interested in helping people who are living with drug and alcohol abuse challenges. To prepare for this area of counseling, learners develop skills in cultural sensitivity, critical thinking, and substance use counseling ethics. Aspiring counselors learn to design and conduct treatment plans to help patients overcome drug and alcohol use challenges.

Many substance use roles only require a bachelor’s degree, but students who earn a master’s can specialize and seek more advanced roles. This degree also attracts established counselors looking to bolster their credentials or switch specialties.

When shopping for a program that suits your unique goals and needs, consider enrollment options, curriculum requirements, and how each program aligns with relevant certifications. You can find tips about choosing an online master’s in substance use counseling at the link below.

A master’s in substance use counseling prepares you for licensed counselor work and an addiction counselor’s specialized responsibilities. Coursework for this degree typically covers addiction in diverse populations, addictive family counseling, and legal and ethical issues. Some degree tracks may award you a certificate in substance use counseling upon graduation.

Becoming an independent counselor in most specializations begins with pursuing licensure. Once licensed, you can start the process of earning optional certifications in specialties like addictions or substance use counseling.

Private practice substance use counselors must be licensed, and the number of required clinical hours 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 (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination, administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors.

After licensure, you can then earn optional certifications, such as a master addictions counselor (MAC) 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, though actual agreements vary by state, and less-established applicants may need to fill in gaps in clinical hours or education requirements.

Earning a master’s in substance use counseling opens the door to careers helping people overcome addiction challenges and achieve independence. Some graduates transition directly into substance use counseling work, while others branch off into other mental health roles, like rehabilitation counseling or social work.

The following list touches on some career choices applicable to substance use counseling graduates, though there are many other career options also available.