A Full State-by-State Directory of Accredited Programs for 2025, Complete with Key Details On Everything from cost to Credentialing
You don’t go looking for a master’s degree in addictions counseling unless you have a clear idea of what you can do with it.
You’re almost certainly going to be pursuing advanced licensure in clinical practice so you can better support clients through treatment planning, medication-assisted treatment, and care coordination.
It’s also entirely possible that you’re pursuing credentials outside the substance use disorder domain, aiming instead for LMHC, MFT, or social work licensure, but with a specialized focus in treating addictions.
To you a master’s might be your chance to pivot into leadership at the clinic you’re already working for, or to go independent by starting a practice of your own.
Maybe it’s work outside of clinical practice that moves you to action, advocating for communities in the halls of legislation and petitioning for better accessibility to treatment services in communities that need it most.
There’s a good chance you’re here because you know the weight of addiction—maybe you’ve carried it yourself, or have seen it bear down on the lives of people you love. That pain, that struggle, it’s what drives you to show up every day to help others find a way out.
No matter how big your ambitions to help may be, a master’s degree in substance abuse and addictions counseling can help you do it all. This list gives you a solid base for getting started.
Helping You Feel Confident Choosing a Master’s Program in Addictions Counseling
Ever looked at a list of schools online and wondered if you were seeing the whole picture… or if it’s just the ones that paid to advertise.
This list leaves nothing out. Every accredited state school and private university in the country offering a master’s degree related to addictions counseling can be found right here.
Some are counseling programs with an addictions emphasis that meet CACREP accreditation standards for mental health counseling licensure. Others are CSWE-accredited MSW programs with a focus on substance use disorders for those going into social work. Plenty of them are psychology degrees with a concentration in substance use and addictions.
All of them hold the intuitional accreditation required to qualify for federal financial aid, and all of them meet the standards for advanced licensure in substance use disorder counseling.
This List is Organized by Region, But with Online Options You’re Not Limited to Just the Schools Within Driving Distance
Having a list organized by region is obviously helpful for anybody looking for a traditional campus-based experience. But many of these schools offer hybrid and fully-online options too. That fact means students have more options than ever, giving you the freedom to consider schools from neighboring states and even other parts of the country.
Historically, schools have designed curriculum and practicum arrangements to align with credentialing standards only in the state where they operate. But with online master’s programs now being the standard choice for working addictions professionals, colleges and universities are accommodating students from more states by accounting for differences in credentialing requirements. They do this by offering more flexible curriculum plans that can be tailored to the requirements of different states and by establishing relationships with clinics in other states to serve as practicum sites.
If you’re interested in an online program from a state other than where you plan to practice, it’s well worth inquiring to see if the program aligns with your state’s credentialing requirements. There’s a good chance it does.
Reference Key for Accreditation Agencies Noted for Each School on This List
Basic regional and national institutional accreditors ensuring programs are eligible for Title IV Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and loan assistance:
- NWCCU – Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- HLC – Higher Learning Commission
- WASC – Senor College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- SACSOOC – Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges
- MSCHE – Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- NECHE – New England Commission on Higher Education
- DEAC – Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Additional specialty program-level accreditation generally required of programs that meet state licensing requirements in mental health counseling and social work.
- CSWE – Council on Social Work Education
- CACREP – Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Note: advanced state-level credentials in addictions counseling only do not require that your master’s program hold any specialized programmatic accreditation.
All the Information You Need to Nail Down the Right Program is Right Here on this List
For each school featured, we give the total cost of tuition, the institutional accreditor and any specialty program-level accreditation it might have. You’ll also find practicum hours, delivery method (online, campus, hybrid), state median salary, salary range, and any additional programs offered at the school related to substance use disorder counseling.
It’s everything you need to start a serious review of your options, all in one place.
A Look at the Dollar Value of Earning a Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Addictions counselors build entire careers around thinking about what’s best for others. So it felt only natural to include a component in this list that puts the focus on the financial needs of counselors. That’s why we’re including a simple calculation on the return on investment substance use disorder counselors can expect in the first ten years after earning a master’s.
We know you’re not in this for the money; nobody gets into substance abuse counseling to get rich. But it’s important to understand what you can expect to earn with a master’s degree, and nice to know it’s a sound investment.
Our ten-year return on investment (ROI) calculation is simple: For each school we feature, we’ve taken the median salary for addictions counselors in the state, multiplied it by ten and subtracted the total tuition cost. It’s about as straightforward as it gets:
Median Salary
X 10
– Total Tuition Cost
Ten-Year ROI
It’s an easy way to see a snapshot of how much the degree is worth in straight dollars, offering a sense of how long it might take to pay down any student loans you need to take out.
Our calculation assumes a consistent median salary over ten years, providing a very conservative estimate. We figured it’s better to moderate than to pad it with inflated figures. But to give you a better sense of just how high your salary potential is, we also include the full state salary range, from median to top 10%.
Within each region, programs are sorted by ROI in descending order, but what you’ll quickly notice is that they all provide comparable returns. That means the return on investment is very unlikely to be what you base your decision on, but it’s still a valuable bit of information that will help you plan for your future.
WEST REGION
Out here on the west coast, we continue to face a severe opioid crisis, with California reporting 7,000 opioid-related deaths and Washington 1,800 in 2024 alone (CDC). Fentanyl drives 80% of overdoses, increasing demand for counselors with advanced credentials who are able to offer medication-assisted treatment services.
Eastern Washington University (WA, Public)
College of Professional Programs, School of Social Work
MA in Addiction Studies
- Accreditation: CACREP, NWCCU
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $14,283
- Median Salary: $64,220
- ROI: ($64,220 × 10) – $14,283 = $627,917
Also Offers: BA in Addiction Studies, Minor in Addiction Counseling and Prevention, Undergraduate Certificate in Addiction Studies-Suicide Assessment Treatment and Management, Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies, Graduate Certificate-Addiction Studies for Licensed Professionals
Seattle University (WA, Private)
College of Education
MA.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-WA State Substance Use Disorder Certification track
- Accreditation: CACREP, NWCCU
- Delivery: Campus, online
- Practicum Hours: ~700
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $66,180
- Median Salary: $64,220
- ROI: ($64,220 × 10) – $66,180 = $576,020
Antioch University (WA, Private)
Seattle Campus
MA in Counseling-Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Addiction Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP, HLC
- Delivery: Low residency hybrid
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $78,120
- Median Salary: $64,220
- ROI: ($64,220 × 10) – $78,120 = $563,880
Also Offers: BA in Liberal Studies-Addiction Studies (Los Angeles campus), Certificate in Addiction Studies (Graduate level)
Touro University Worldwide (CA, Private)
School of Behavioral Health and Applied Sciences
MA in Counseling-Addiction Counseling specialization
- Accreditation: WASC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $30,000
- Median Salary: $61,310
- ROI: ($61,310 × 10) – $30,000 = $583,100
Western Seminary (CA, Private)
MA in Counseling with an Addiction Studies Certificate included
- Accreditation: NWCCU
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~500
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $51,224
- Median Salary: $61,310
- ROI: ($61,310 × 10) – $51,224 = $561,876
Also Offers: Addiction Studies Certificate (Graduate level)
Loma Linda University (CA, Private)
School of Behavioral Health
MS in Counseling combined with an MS in Marital and Family Therapy plus a Graduate Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate
- Accreditation: WASC
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Practicum Hours: ~700
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $71,118
- Median Salary: $61,310
- ROI: ($61,310 × 10) – $71,118 = $541,982
Also Offers: Graduate Certificate in Drug and Alcohol
SOUTHWEST REGION
The Southwest’s opioid crisis actually managed to get even worse in 2024, with Arizona reporting 1,900 deaths and Texas 3,000 according to CDC data. Fentanyl is linked to 75% of overdoses, and nearly all the ones that proved fatal.
Western New Mexico University (NM, Public)
College of Education
MA in Counseling-Addiction Counseling specialty
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $20,580
- Median Salary: $70,770
- ROI: ($70,770 × 10) – $20,580 = $687,120
Also Offers: BS/BA in Chemical Dependency Counseling, Undergraduate Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling, Minor in Chemical Dependency Counseling, Graduate Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling
Grand Canyon University (AZ, Private)
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
MS in Addiction Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP, HLC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $21,240
- Median Salary: $63,830
- ROI: ($63,830 × 10) – $21,240 = $616,060
Also Offers: BS in Counseling with an emphasis in Addiction Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse, Graduate Certificate-Post MS in Counseling-Addiction Counseling Certificate
Arizona State University (AZ, Public)
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
MS in Addiction Psychology
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $38,340
- Median Salary: $63,830
- ROI: ($63,830 × 10) – $38,340 = $599,960
Also Offers: Graduate Certificate-Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders
Texas Tech University (TX, Public)
School of Health Professions
Master’s in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy – Specialization in Substance Abuse in Adults and Adolescents
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~500
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $10,320
- Median Salary: $60,630
- ROI: ($60,630 × 10) – $10,320 = $595,980
MOUNTAIN REGION
The ongoing fentanyl crisis has led to 1,500 deaths in Colorado and 200 in Montana in just one year (CDC, 2024). Rural areas are in dire need of better access to treatment, increasing demand for telehealth counselors.
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (UT, Private)
Department of Counseling
MS in Addictions Counseling
- Accreditation: NWCCU
- Delivery: Online with limited residency
- Practicum Hours: ~500
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $44,280
- Median Salary: $65,920
- ROI: ($65,920 × 10) – $44,280 = $614,920
Also Offers: Post-Master’s Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Colorado State University-Fort Collins (CO, Public)
College of Natural Sciences
Master of Addiction Counseling in Psychology (MACP)
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~500
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $34,572
- Median Salary: $60,510
- ROI: ($60,510 × 10) – $34,572 = $570,528
Also Offers: Major in Psychology with an Addictions Counseling concentration, Major in Social Work with an Addictions Counseling concentration, Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorder Identification and Treatment
Montana State University (MT, Public)
Department of Counseling
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling included
- Accreditation: CACREP, NWCCU
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $24,300
- Median Salary: $58,660
- ROI: ($58,660 × 10) – $24,300 = $562,300
Also Offers: Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Colorado Christian University (CO, Private)
College of Adult and Graduate Studies
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Substance Use Disorders emphasis
- Accreditation: CACREP, HLC
- Delivery: Campus, hybrid, online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $48,162
- Median Salary: $60,510
- ROI: ($60,510 × 10) – $48,162 = $556,938
University of Providence (MT, Private)
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addictions Counseling concentration
- Accreditation: NWCCU
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~500
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $64,284
- Median Salary: $58,660
- ROI: ($58,660 × 10) – $64,284 = $522,316
Also Offers: AA in Addictions Counseling, Undergraduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
MIDWEST REGION
The opioid epidemic hasn’t spared the Midwest, responsible for 4,000 deaths in Ohio and 2,500 in Michigan in 2024 alone (CDC, 2024). Counselors are vital for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and peer support in rural areas.
University of Mary (ND, Private)
MS in Counseling-Addiction Counseling Concentration
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $38,400
- Median Salary: $66,450
- ROI: ($66,450 × 10) – $38,400 = $626,100
Also Offers: Minor in Addiction Counseling, BA/BS in Addiction Counseling, Undergraduate Certificate in Addiction Prevention, Graduate Certificate-Addiction Counseling
University of Illinois Springfield (IL, Public)
School of Public Management and Policy
MA in Human Services with an Alcohol and Substance Abuse concentration
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $12,078
- Median Salary: $59,570
- ROI: ($59,570 × 10) – $12,078 = $583,622
Also Offers: Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Governors State University (IL, Public)
College of Health and Human Services
Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery: Campus, hybrid, online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $12,256
- Median Salary: $59,570
- ROI: ($59,570 × 10) – $12,256 = $583,44
Also Offers: Minor in Addictions Studies, Graduate Certificate in Addictions Screening Assessment and Referral
City Vision University (MO, Private)
Master’s in Addiction Counseling
- Accreditation: DEAC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $9,612
- Median Salary: $56,640
- ROI: ($56,640 × 10) – $9,612 = $556,788
Also Offers: AS in Addiction Counseling, Undergraduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling, BS in Addiction Counseling, Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Washburn University (KS, Public)
School of Applied Studies
MA in Family and Human Services-Addiction Counseling Emphasis
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $22,248
- Median Salary: $57,760
- ROI: ($57,760 × 10) – $22,248 = $555,352
Also Offers: Undergraduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling, BAS in Family and Human Services-Addiction Counseling Emphasis
Ottawa University (KS, Private)
MS in Addiction Counseling
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery: Campus, online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $23,364
- Median Salary: $57,760
- ROI: ($57,760 × 10) – $23,364 = $554,236
Also Offers: BS in Addiction Counseling
Minnesota State University Moorhead (MN, Public)
MS in Counseling with an Addiction Counseling emphasis
- Accreditation: CACREP, HLC
- Delivery: Campus, online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $35,700
- Median Salary: $58,720
- ROI: ($58,720 × 10) – $35,700 = $551,500
Also Offers: Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
St. Cloud State University (MN, Public)
College of Health and Wellness Professions
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Addictions Specialist Graduate Certificate included
- Accreditation: CACREP, HLC
- Delivery: Campus, online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $35,979
- Median Salary: $58,720
- ROI: ($58,720 × 10) – $35,979 = $551,221
Also Offers: BS in Addiction Counseling, Graduate Certificate-Addictions Specialist
Crown College (MN, Private)
Graduate School of Counseling
MA in Counseling with an Alcohol and Drug Counseling Emphasis
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~500
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $38,100
- Median Salary: $58,720
- ROI: ($58,720 × 10) – $38,100 = $549,100
Also Offers: Minor in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Internship Emphasis (undergraduate), AS in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, BS in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
Central Michigan University (MI, Public)
College of Education and Human Services
MA in Counseling-Addiction Counseling concentration
- Accreditation: CACREP, HLC
- Delivery: Campus, online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $47,580
- Median Salary: $59,530
- ROI: ($59,530 × 10) – $47,580 = $547,720
Also Offers: Minor in Substance Use Disorders
Wayne State University (MI, Public)
School of Social Work
MSW with a Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Use Studies
- Accreditation: CSWE, HLC
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $47,820
- Median Salary: $59,530
- ROI: ($59,530 × 10) – $47,820 = $547,480
Also Offers: Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Use Studies
University of Detroit Mercy (MI, Private)
College of Liberal Arts and Education
MA in Addiction Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP, HLC
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $57,540
- Median Salary: $59,530
- ROI: ($59,530 × 10) – $57,540 = $537,760
Also Offers: BS in Addiction Studies, Minor in Addiction Studies, Undergraduate Certificate in Addiction Studies, Post-Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
Kent State University (OH, Public)
College of Education Health and Human Services, School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling included
- Accreditation: CACREP, HLC
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $31,152
- Median Salary: $56,220
- ROI: ($56,410 × 10) – $31,152 = $562,948
Also Offers: Undergraduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling, Graduate Certificate in Social Work
Wright State University (OH, Public)
School of Education and Leadership, Human Services Department
MS in Counseling-Addictions Counseling concentration
- Accreditation: CACREP, HLC
- Delivery: Campus, online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $38,682
- Median Salary: $56,990
- ROI: ($56,990 × 10) – $38,682 = $531,218
Also Offers: Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Walsh University (OH, Private)
Master’s in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization) with a Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling included
- Accreditation: CACREP, HLC
- Delivery: Campus, online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $49,170
- Median Salary: $56,990
- ROI: ($56,990 × 10) – $49,170 = $520,730
Also Offers: Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
University of South Dakota (SD, Public)
School of Health Sciences, Department of Addiction Counseling and Prevention
MA in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery: Campus, online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $21,150
- Median Salary: $53,400
- ROI: ($53,400 × 10) – $21,150 = $512,850
Also Offers: BS in Addiction Counseling and Prevention, Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
Purdue University Global (IN, Public)
MS in Psychology with an Addictions concentration
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $26,479
- Median Salary: $49,280
- ROI: ($49,280 × 10) – $26,479 = $466,321
Also Offers: BS-Psychology in Addictions
Indiana University Bloomington (IN, Public)
School of Education
MS.Ed in Mental Health Counseling and Counselor Education-Addictions Track
- Accreditation: CACREP, HLC
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $28,140
- Median Salary: $49,280
- ROI: ($49,280 × 10) – $28,140 = $464,660
Also Offers: Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Graduate Certificate in Addiction Intervention
Indiana Wesleyan University (IN, Private)
School of Nursing and Health Professions
MA in Addiction Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP, HLC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $28,896
- Median Salary: $49,280
- ROI: ($49,280 × 10) – $28,896 = $463,904
Also Offers: Associate’s in Addiction Counseling, Bachelor’s in Addictions Counseling, BS in Addiction Counseling Addictions specialization, Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Indiana University Northwest (IN, Public)
College of Health and Human Services
MSW with a concentration in Mental Health and Addictions
- Accreditation: CSWE, HLC
- Delivery: Campus, online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $45,420
- Median Salary: $49,280
- ROI: ($49,280 × 10) – $45,420 = $447,380
SOUTHEAST REGION
With 7,800 opioid-related overdose deaths in Florida and another 4,000 in North Carolina alone according to 2024 CDC data, the southern US is one of the areas hardest hit in recent years. There is hope in the fact that counselors and peer support professionals are there to offer help, and reverse the grim trend of fentanyl-driven fatal overdoses.
Liberty University (VA, Private)
School of Behavioral Sciences
MA in Addictions Counseling
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $27,120
- Median Salary: $58,410
- ROI: ($58,410 × 10) – $27,120 = $556,980
Also Offers: BS in Psychology-Addictions and Recovery, Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
William & Mary University (VA, Public)
School of Education
M.Ed in Counseling-Clinical Mental Health and Addictions concentration
- Accreditation: CACREP, SACSCOC
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $27,240
- Median Salary: $58,410
- ROI: ($58,410 × 10) – $27,240 = $556,860
Virginia Commonwealth University (VA, Public)
School of Medicine
MS in Addiction Studies
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $32,400
- Median Salary: $58,410
- ROI: ($58,410 × 10) – $32,400 = $551,700
Also Offers: Graduate Certificate in International Addiction Studies-Intermediate concentration, Graduate Certificate in International Addiction Studies-Advanced Concentration
Florida Atlantic University (FL, Public)
College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
MSW with a Graduate Certificate in Addiction
- Accreditation: CSWE, SACSCOC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $22,320
- Median Salary: ($56,830 × 10)
- ROI: ($56,830 × 10) – $22,320 = $545,980
Also Offers: Graduate Certificate in Addiction
Western Carolina University (NC, Public)
College of Health and Human Services, Department of Social Work
MSW with an Addiction Studies (Graduate) Certificate included
- Accreditation: CSWE, SACSCOC
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $19,768
- Median Salary: $56,470
- ROI: ($56,470 × 10) – $19,768 = $544,932
Also Offers: Addiction Studies (Graduate) Certificate
East Carolina University (NC, Public)
Department of Addictions and Rehabilitation Studies
MS in Clinical Counseling-Addictions emphasis
- Accreditation: CACREP, SACSCOC
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $19,778
- Median Salary: $56,470
- ROI: ($56,470 × 10) – $19,778 = $544,922
Also Offers: Minor in Alcohol and Drug Studies, Graduate Certificate-Addictions Prevention and Treatment Studies
Union College (KY, Private)
Department of Psychology
MS in Substance Abuse
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $22,200
- Median Salary: $51,790
- ROI: ($51,790 × 10) – $22,200 = $495,700
Also Offers: BS Substance Abuse Counseling, Minor in Substance Abuse Counseling, Undergraduate Chemical Dependency Certificate, Graduate Certificate-Chemical Dependency Counselor
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (AR, Public)
School of Arts and Sciences
MS in Addiction Studies (Graduate Addiction Studies Program-GASP)
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $6,156
- Median Salary: $49,990
- ROI: ($49,990 × 10) – $6,156 = $493,744
University of Kentucky (KY, Public)
College of Social Work
MSW with a Substance Use Disorder Graduate Certificate
- Accreditation: CSWE, SACSCOC
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $26,460
- Median Salary: $51,790
- ROI: ($51,790 × 10) – $26,460 = $491,440
University of South Carolina (SC, Public)
College of Social Work
MSW with a Graduate Certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies included
- Accreditation: CSWE, SACSCOC
- Delivery: Campus, online, hybrid
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $32,976
- Median Salary: $50,720
- ROI: ($50,720 × 10) – $32,976 = $474,224
Also Offers: MSW-MPH, MSW-JD, Graduate Certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies
Columbia International University (SC, Private)
MA in Clinical Counseling with a specialization in Addictions
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Delivery: Campus, online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $36,300
- Median Salary: $50,720
- ROI: ($50,720 × 10) – $36,300 = $470,900
University of Memphis (TN, Public)
College of Education
MS in Counseling-Addiction Counseling Concentration
- Accreditation: CACREP, SACSCOC
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $27,660
- Median Salary: $48,170
- ROI: ($48,170 × 10) – $27,660 = $454,040
Also Offers: Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Substance Abuse
NORTHEAST REGION
The opioid crisis has claimed 5,168 lives in Pennsylvania and another 2,893 in New Jersey in 2024 alone, according to the CDC. Only counselors with advanced credentials and the authority to incorporate medication-assisted treatment and coordinated care with other healthcare professionals will be able to stem the tide of tragedy here.
Post University (CT, Private)
John P. Burke School of Public Service and Education
MS in Counseling and Human Services with an Alcohol and Drug Counseling concentration
- Accreditation: NECHE
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $24,531
- Median Salary: $62,960
- ROI: ($62,960 × 10) – $24,531 = $605,069
Also Offers: Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
Montclair State University (NJ, Public)
College for Community Health, Department of Counseling
MA in Counseling-Addictions Counseling concentration
- Accreditation: CACREP, MSCHE
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $51,480
- Median Salary: $64,710
- ROI: ($64,710 × 10) – $51,480 = $595,620
Also Offers: Graduate Certificate-Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Albertus Magnus College (CT, Private)
Department of Psychology
MS in Human Services and a Certificate in Addiction Counseling
- Accreditation: NECHE
- Delivery: Campus, hybrid, online
- Practicum Hours: ~500
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $46,569
- Median Salary: $62,960
- ROI: ($62,960 × 10) – $46,569 = $582,031
Also Offers: Post Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling (Graduate level)
The College of New Jersey (NJ, Public)
School of Education
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addiction Counseling specialization
- Accreditation: CACREP, MSCHE
- Delivery: Campus, online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $67,740
- Median Salary: $64,710
- ROI: ($64,710 × 10) – $67,740 = $579,360
Coppin State University (MD, Public)
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
MS in Addiction Counseling
- Accreditation: HLC
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $15,015
- Median Salary: $57,820
- ROI: ($57,820 × 10) – $15,015 = $563,185
University of New Hampshire (NH, Public)
College of Health and Human Services
MSW with a Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorders included
- Accreditation: CSWE, NECHE
- Delivery: Campus, online
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $30,008
- Median Salary: $58,520
- ROI: ($58,520 × 10) – $30,008 = $555,192
Also Offers: Minor in Addictions Studies, BS in Applied Psychology-Addictions Studies Option, AS in Behavioral Science-Addictions Studies Option, BS in Human Services-Addictions Studies Option, Graduate Certificate-Substance Use Disorders
Plymouth State University (NH, Public)
Counselor Education and School Psychology
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addictions Treatment concentration
- Accreditation: CACREP, NECHE
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $35,040
- Median Salary: $58,520
- ROI: ($58,520 × 10) – $35,040 = $550,160
Waynesburg University (PA, Private)
Graduate and Professional Studies Department
MA in Counseling-Addictions Concentration
- Accreditation: CACREP, MSCHE
- Delivery: Campus, online, hybrid
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $42,900
- Median Salary: $58,320
- ROI: ($58,320 × 10) – $42,900 = $540,300
Also Offers: Certificate in Substance Use Disorder Counseling (Graduate level)
Immaculata University (PA, Private)
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Certificate in Addictions Studies and Therapeutic Practice included
- Accreditation: CACREP, MSCHE
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $45,440
- Median Salary: $58,320
- ROI: ($58,320 × 10) – $45,440 = $537,760
Also Offers: Addiction Studies Graduate Certificate
Antioch University New England (NH, Private)
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addictions Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP, HLC
- Delivery: Online (low residency)
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $48,960
- Median Salary: $58,520
- ROI: ($58,520 × 10) – $48,960 = $536,240
Also Offers: Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addictions Counseling (Graduate level)
Drexel University (PA, Private)
College of Nursing and Health Professions
MS in Addictions Counseling
- Accreditation: MSCHE
- Delivery: Online
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $47,775
- Median Salary: $58,320
- ROI: ($58,320 × 10) – $47,775 = $535,425
Carlow University (PA, Private)
College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology Counseling and Criminology
MS in Professional Counseling-Addictions Counseling
- Accreditation: CACREP, MSCHE
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $57,420
- Median Salary: $58,320
- ROI: ($58,320 × 10) – $57,420 = $525,780
Also Offers: Post-Master’s Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Hofstra University (NY, Private)
School of Health Sciences, Department of Counseling and Mental Health Professions
MA in Mental Health Counseling with an Advanced (Graduate) Certificate in Addiction and Substance Abuse included
- Accreditation: CACREP, MSCHE
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~600
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $101,700
- Median Salary: $62,070
- ROI: ($62,070 × 10) – $101,700 = $519,000
Also Offers: Advanced (Graduate) Certificate in Addiction and Substance Abuse
JWU | Johnson & Wales University (RI, Private)
Counselor Education Department
MS in Addiction Counseling
- Accreditation: NECHE
- Delivery: Campus
- Practicum Hours: ~300
Ten-Year Return on Investment:
- Total Cost: $46,440
- Median Salary: $49,770
- ROI: ($49,770 × 10) – $46,440 = $451,260
Also Offers: Option for BS in Psychology combined with an MS in Addiction Counseling