A Full Directory of Substance Abuse Counselor Schools Online
Online education in addictions and substance abuse counseling is a long-established option with a number of clear advantages for today’s students:
- More options allows students to pick the programs that are the best fit for them
- Flexible attendance, including asynchronous classes, make it easier to fit online classes around work and family obligations
- Costs can be lower with schools passing on the savings that come with less overhead than brick and mortar institutions
Yet there are a lot of questions about how this new wave of learning works in a field where old-school face-to-face interaction is the key to successful recovery. Even as large parts of our lives have moved so far online that we hardly think about it anymore, the issue of education and training for interpersonal work like addiction counseling still makes people think twice when it’s happening on a screen.
So we’ve decided to go beyond the usual offer here of just throwing you a list of schools with online addiction counseling degrees and letting you sort it all out. Instead, we’re going to break it all down, degree by degree, and help you understand how online substance abuse counseling training works.
We’ll go through:
- The pros and cons of drug counseling schools online
- Impacts on professional preparation and competency
- Licensing and certification considerations
- The basics of getting quality online training in addiction counseling with minimum face-to-face encounters
The Kind of Experience You Can Expect to Get in an Online Addiction Counseling Degree Program
Assessing Whether Studying Substance Abuse Counseling Online is the Right Path for You
Addiction Counseling Schools With Certificate or Diploma Programs Available Online
Addiction Counseling Schools With Associate Degrees Available Online
Addiction Counseling Schools With Bachelor’s Degrees Available Online
Addiction Counseling Schools With Master’s Degrees Available Online
Addiction Counseling Schools With Graduate Certificates Available Online
Questions People Also Ask About Online Schools for Addiction Counseling
The Kind of Experience You Can Expect to Get in an Online Addiction Counseling Degree Program
Most of the concerns that people have when thinking about online education is quality. But there’s nothing magical about sitting in a classroom with an instructor making tiny scratches on a distant whiteboard and speaking too softly for people in the back of the classroom to hear. Online education can alleviate a lot of the problems that many people experience in traditional college classes.
At the same time, your process for evaluating online schools for addiction counseling won’t be all that different from looking at traditional programs.
You’ll be interested in factors such as:
- Quality and Experience of The Instructors – A qualified, experienced instructor makes a world of difference in any sort of class, online or off. The ability to break down concepts and feed them to students so they make sense is key; that usually comes with a combination of academic preparation and real-world expertise. This factor can be even more important for drug counseling schools online, since teaching in the online format is a specialized role itself.
- Academic and Counseling Support Services – Every student will eventually run into obstacles where a helping hand can work wonders. Schools that offer strong mentorship, counseling, advising, and tutoring services for online students are a must.
- Addiction Treatment Community Connections – Although not all online degrees offer practicum or internship placements, it’s always a good idea to look for schools that maintain close real-world ties to treatment, policy, and enforcement organizations. Even if you’re not directly engaged with those groups, the back and forth of community involvement builds addiction counseling programs that have a realistic understanding of substance abuse and other issues and practical training in meeting regional needs.
- Resources and Research in Substance Use Disorders – Particularly for higher-level online studies, a school that has the funding and the research activities to expose you to the latest developments in addiction treatment is always a good choice. These are colleges where you can take part in full and informative projects that will truly enhance your understanding of the mechanisms of addiction and unlock new ideas about how to treat it.
What Are Online Drug Counseling Schools Really Like?
Everyone knows what a day in the classroom is like for traditional on campus studies. But for many, a typical day in an online drug counseling school is a mystery.
When you are studying at the college level, however, you’ll notice that things aren’t actually so different.
The major change is just in the ways you interact with fellow students and professors—although for members of the digital generation, that’s going to seem pretty familiar. Instead of face-to-face discussion and lectures, it’s going to be happening through online discussion forums, text chains, or chat rooms.
If you’re comfortable with Discord or Reddit, you’re going to be just fine working with the typical Learning Management System (LMS) platforms used for online addiction counseling classes.
You’ll view lectures through streams that aren’t much different than watching YouTube, whether live or recorded. You may collaborate on homework through Google Docs or similar apps.
Often, you can handle almost all of this work through a tablet or phone, not even needing your computer to get the job done.
Assessing Whether Studying Substance Abuse Counseling Online is the Right Path for You
If the advantages to online learning in drug counseling schools is clear, some of the drawbacks are less obvious.
What Level of Motivation and Support Will You Need to Complete Online Addiction Studies?
When you are doing most of your studying and attending class all by yourself, it’s pretty clear that the drive and motivation to get the work done also has to come from inside. This isn’t a foreign concept in the addiction counseling profession, since it mirrors a major challenge faced by those trying to escape addiction. But if you’re the sort of person who doesn’t do well as an independent self-starter, online programs can be tough.
Will Your Online Degree in Addiction Counseling Count Toward the State Credentials You Need?
There are no truly universal requirements or standards for licensure qualification for addiction counselors in the United States. Each state sets their own processes for certification; they have different levels of credentials, different educational requirements, and different numbers of hours needed to prepare to sit the licensure exam.
The good news is that college addiction counseling programs in each state have evolved to meet the specific standards in the state where they are located. That’s part of the reason we organized this directly list by state.
To be clear, programs offered in one state can certainly meet the requirements in other states, too. It’s not hard to verify by checking with the certification board or licensing body in your state.
Do I Have Strong Enough Internet and the Right Device For Online Classes?
In our constantly connected world, it can seem like it’s more the exception than the rule to find ourselves without internet service. But streaming video and interactive conferencing require fast and stable connections, which can put some cellular or less robust home connections on the questionable list for sustaining schoolwork.
Also, although most people use their phones for internet these days, it often isn’t practical to use such a small screen for such a big job. In fact, some drug counseling schools online require that you have a laptop at a minimum.
The bottom line is that keeping up with online learning relies entirely on a reliable computer and internet connection, so the anytime and anywhere adage around online programs isn’t always entirely true for everyone all the time.
Is The Level of Interpersonal Contact in an Online Addiction Counseling Degree Good Enough To Hone Your Clinical Skills?
Even if it’s not a factor in your motivation for completing your coursework, you still need to be thinking about some level of interpersonal skill development in your online addiction counseling program. Afterall, these degree programs are all about learning how to connect with people enough to be able to help them overcome addiction.
Schools that offer or require fieldwork as part of the program are also set up to arrange those internships locally for students. In some cases, your school will line the entire thing up for you, and in others you will be expected to do some calling yourself to make those arrangements, with the school offering you the support and guidance on how to initiate those calls. And you won’t exactly be cold-calling. This is a field where pre-professional supervised experience is a standard part of career preparation, so private clinics and state agencies that hire addiction counselors are very much accustomed to supporting and bringing in students who are on the path to becoming certified.
For some, online studies add another layer of separation that make it trickier to build interpersonal skills. If you’re the type of person that is better at connecting with people face-to-face in the same room, then look for programs that include local internship or other work placement hours.
Addiction Counseling Schools With Certificate or Diploma Programs Available Online
For many new addiction counselors, a quick diploma or certificate program may be the only education required to get started in the field. Typically taking a year or less to complete, these are almost entirely built around required coursework for certification at entry-level credentials in the field.
In many cases, credits earned in a certificate may be applied toward an associate degree in addictions counseling at the same school, so they are worthwhile investment at a low cost.
Although they are very popular entry points to addiction counseling careers, online certificate options are still few and far between. You won’t find them in every state; even states that have online certificates may have only one or two options.
Online, however, is almost a perfect fit for this level of addiction training:
- The curriculum is largely fixed around state certification requirements, so there aren’t major differences besides cost and access between programs.
- The instruction is fairly basic, so you don’t get a lot of benefit from in-person participation.
- The timelines are short, so it’s easy to fit online classes into your current schedule
It’s not uncommon for these programs to offer a perfect fit for people who are already working as techs or peer support specialists and trying to move up to the next level of licensure.
What To Expect in Online Certificate or Diploma Programs in Drug and Alcohol Counseling
Certificates can be yours by completing only around 20 credits of coursework, usually stuffed into a very manageable seven or eight separate classes. These are all very basic subjects, in areas like:
- Introduction to Addiction Services
- Group Counseling Processes
- Interviewing Techniques
- Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling
- Psychopharmacology
Frequently, certificates are built specifically around licensing requirements specific to the states in which they are located. Unlike higher level degrees, they tend not to attract a lot of interest from out-of-state students and may not have verified if the credits can apply elsewhere.
Mohave Community College – AZ (online)
- Substance Abuse Counseling Post-Degree Certificate
Rio Salado College – AZ (online)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Substance Use Prevention and Interventions
- CCL in Workforce Development-Foundations in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders
- CCL in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Level I
- CCL in Addictions and Substance Use Disorders Level II
- CCL in Professional Addictions Counseling
Woodland Community College – CA (online)
- Certificate of Achievement-Chemical Dependency Counselor
East Los Angeles College – CA (online)
- Skills Certificate in Addiction Studies Prevention Specialist
- Skills Certificate in Addiction Studies Recovery Specialist
- Addiction Counselor Certificate of Achievement
- Addiction Studies Specialist/Chemical Dependence Specialist in Criminal Justice Certificate of Achievement
- Substance Abuse Assessor Certificate of Achievement
San Joaquin Delta College – CA (online)
- Certificate of Achievement Substance Abuse Counselor
InterCoast Colleges – CA (online, hybrid)
- Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies
California Nurses Educational Institute – CA (online)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Assistant Counselor
California Southern University – CA (online)
- Certificate in Addiction Studies
National University – CA (online)
- Undergraduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling
Connecticut State Community College – CT (hybrid)
- Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselor Certificate
Pasco Hernando State College – FL (online)
- Certificate in Addiction Services
Broward College – FL (online)
- Technical Certificate in Addiction Services
Florida SouthWestern State College – FL (online, hybrid)
- College Credit Certificate (CCC) in Addiction Studies
College of Lake County – IL (online)
- Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Treatment
- Accelerated Addictions Counseling and Treatment Certificate
Holyoke Community College – MA (online)
- Addiction Studies Certificate
Quincy College – MA (online) 
- Substance Addiction Certificate
- Substance Addiction Assistant Certificate
Wor-Wic Community College – MD (online)
- Chemical Dependency Counseling Certificate
Chesapeake College – MD (online)
- Addiction Counseling Certificate
University of Maine at Augusta – ME (online)
- Certificate-Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Technician
Beal University – ME (online)
- Diploma in Addiction Counseling
Mott Community College – MI (online)
- Substance Abuse Services Certificate
Bemidji State University – MN (online)
- Addictions Certificate
Minnesota North College – MN (online, hybrid)
- Certificate in Addiction Studies
Bethel University – MN (online)
- Addiction Studies Certificate
- Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate
Drury University – MO (online)
- Certificate in Substance Use and Behavioral Addictions
City Vision University – MO (online)
- Certificate in Addiction Counseling
University of Montana – MT (online)
- Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) in Addiction Studies
University of Providence – MT (online)
- Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) in Addiction Studies
Central Carolina Community College – NC (online)
- Addiction and Recovery Studies Certificate
Guilford Technical Community College – NC (hybrid)
- Human Services Technology-Addiction and Recovery Studies Certificate
Davidson-Davie Community College – NC (online, hybrid)
- Certificate in Human Services-Addiction and Recovery Studies
Richmond Community College – NC (online)
- Addiction and Recovery Studies Certificate
Wake Technical Community College – NC (online, hybrid)
- Addiction and Recovery Studies Counseling Certificate
- Addiction and Recovery Studies Intervention Certificate
Stanley Community College – NC (online)
- Human Services Technology Substance Abuse Certificate
University of Mary – ND (online)
- Addiction Prevention Undergraduate Certificate
Northeast Community College – NE (online)
- Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate
NHTI-Concord’s Community College – NH (online)
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment Certificate
Camden County College – NJ (online)
- Certificate of Achievement in Addictions Counseling
Western New Mexico University – NM (online)
- Chemical Dependency Certificate
Central New Mexico Community College – NM (online, hybrid)
- Certificate of Completion-Substance Abuse Counselor
Great Basin College – NV (hybrid)
- Certificate of Achievement in Substance Abuse Counselor Training
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine Counselor
University of Nevada, Reno – NV (online, hybrid)
- Certificate in Addiction Treatment Services
Jamestown Community College SUNY – NY (hybrid)
- Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Jefferson Community College SUNY – NY (online)
- Addiction Studies Certificate
Tompkins Cortland Community College – NY (hybrid)
- Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling
- Microcredential-Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant
- Microcredential-Residential Aide
Kingsborough Community College CUNY – NY (online)
- Addiction Studies Certificate
University of Cincinnati – OH (online)
- Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate
- Substance Abuse Prevention Certificate
Kent State University – OH (online, hybrid)
- Undergraduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Belmont College – OH (online)
- Certified Chemical Dependency Assistant Certificate
Sinclair Community College – OH (online)
- Short Term Technical Certificate-Chemical Dependency Counseling
- Short Term Technical Certificate-Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) Preliminary
- Short Term Technical Certificate-Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) Renewable
Pennsylvania College of Technology – PA (online)
- Competency Credential in Chemical Dependency
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College – PA (hybrid)
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Technician Certificate
Community College of Allegheny County – PA (hybrid)
- Drug and Alcohol Certificate
Seton Hill University – PA (online)
- Addictions and Substance Abuse Certificate
Misericordia University – PA (online)
- Addictions Counseling Certificate
University of South Dakota – SD (online)
- Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
Central Texas College – TX (online)
- Certificate of Completion in Chemical Dependency Counseling
- Certificate of Completion in Criminal Justice Addictions
- Certificate of Completion-Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
Texas State Technical College – TX (online)
- Certificate of Completion in Chemical Dependency Counseling CER1
- Certificate of Completion in Chemical Dependency Counseling CER2
Tyler Junior College – TX (hybrid)
- Certificate in Addiction Counseling
University of North Texas – TX (online)
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment Certificate
San Jacinto Community College – TX (online)
- Occupational Certificate-Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
- Level 2 Certificate-Substance Use Disorder Counseling
- Occupational Certificate-Substance Use Disorder Counseling
University of St. Thomas – TX (online)
- Undergraduate Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling
University of Utah – UT (online)
- Substance Use Disorder Counselor Certificate
- Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor Certificate
Utah Valley University – UT (online)
- Certificate of Proficiency-Substance Use Disorder Counseling
- Certificate of Proficiency-Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counseling
Old Dominion University – VA (online)
- Certificate in Addiction Prevention and Treatment
Southwest Virginia Community College – VA (online)
- Certificate-Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Counselor
Eastern Washington University – WA (online)
- Certificate in Addiction Studies Suicide Assessment-Treatment and Management
Northcentral Technical College – WI (online)
- Technical Diploma in Substance Abuse Counselor Education
Northwood Technical College – WI (hybrid)
- Technical Diploma in Substance Abuse Counselor Education
Blackhawk Technical College – WI (online)
- Embedded Technical Diploma in Substance Abuse Education
Madison Area Technical College – WI (hybrid)
- Technical Diploma in Addiction Studies
Mountwest Community and Technical College – WV (online)
- Certificate of Applied Science in Addiction Studies
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College – WV (online, hybrid)
- Certificate in Addiction Studies
West Virginia Northern Community College – WV (online)
- Certificate of Applied Science (CAS)-Substance Abuse Intervention Technician
Casper College – WY (online)
- Addiction Studies Certificate
Northern Wyoming Community College District – WY (online)
- Addictions Practitioner Certificate
Addiction Counseling Schools With Associate Degrees Available Online
Associate degree are a step up from certificate programs that maintain the educational content in addiction studies but also expand into more traditional college coursework.
Frequently, you’ll find it’s the same schools that offer undergraduate certificates in addiction studies that are granting associate degrees. In fact, the core drug and alcohol therapy courses at the heart of these degrees are often the same ones you can get with the certificate.
So why pick an associate degree instead of just a faster and probably less expensive certificate in addiction treatment? It’s all about the classes that are packed in around that core.
What To Expect in Online Associate Degree Programs in Drug and Alcohol Counseling
An associate degree is essentially the first half of a longer four-year bachelor’s program. That means about 60 credits over the course of two years, although online programs often come with the option of completing your studies on a part-time basis.
It comes with extra courses designed to shape your communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and general professional capabilities. Employers notice the difference. So may your patients.
*Insert Associate List*
Addiction Counseling Schools With Bachelor’s Degrees Available Online
It’s one thing to sign up for a certificate or associate degree in drug counseling online when they will take you only a year or two to get through. It’s something else to commit to a full four-year bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling through remote studies.
That’s because a bachelor’s degree goes much further than just the essentials. It’s a full-blown liberal arts education that covers not just professional addiction treatment, but a wide range of other kinds of courses:
- Arts and Culture
- History and Social Studies
- Math, English, and Communication Skills
- Physical and Biological Sciences
It’s a degree designed to produce well-rounded scholars, citizens, and professionals, and it’s a major factor in shaping your life and career.
What To Expect in Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Drug and Alcohol Counseling
There are fewer schools offering bachelor’s-level studies in addiction studies in the first place than at the associate level, but the good news is that a larger percentage of them offer their programs mostly or entirely online.
Because the coursework covers far more than just addiction and counseling, you need a deeper commitment to getting through class than merely becoming a counselor. It’s also more likely that your courses will be offered in a variety of formats that best fit the material, including both synchronous and asynchronous classes.
Of course, four years of college studies, even online, typically requires some significant adjustments even for non-traditional students. You’re more likely to need to tap into some of the support and counseling systems these schools have in place for online students. But you’re also more likely to make solid connections with classmates and build relationships that will last throughout your career.
University of Central Arkansas – AR (online)
- BS in Addiction Studies (Prevention concentration, Treatment concentration) Minor in Addiction Studies
Grand Canyon University – AZ (online)
- BS in Counseling with an emphasis in Substance Use Disorder
- MS in Addiction Counseling
- MS in Christian Counseling of Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
- Post-MS in Counseling-Addiction Counseling Certificate
InterCoast Colleges – CA (online, hybrid)
- Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Addiction Studies
- AAS in Substance Use Disorder Counseling
- Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion – IN (online, hybrid)
- BS in Addictions Counseling
- Bachelor of Social Work-Addictions Specialization
- Minor in Addictions Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
- Master’s in Counseling-Clinical Addictions Counseling
- Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Ottawa University – KS (online)
- BS in Addiction Counseling
- MS in Addiction Counseling campus
Union College – KY (online)
- BS in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Master of Substance Abuse Counseling
- Chemical Dependency Counselor Graduate Certificate
Northwestern State University of Louisiana – LA (online)
- BS in Addiction Studies
- BS in Psychology with a concentration in Substance Abuse
University of Holy Cross – LA (online)
- BS in Addictions Counseling
- AS in Addictions Counseling
Springfield College – MA (online)
- BS in Human Services-Addiction Studies
- Minor in Addiction Studies
Bay Path University – MA (online)
- BA in Psychology-Foundations of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling
University of Maine at Augusta – ME (online)
- BS in Mental Health and Human Services-Addiction Counseling concentration
- Minor in Addiction Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorders
- Certificate-Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Technician
Beal University – ME (online)
- BS in Addiction Counseling
- Diploma in Addiction Counseling
- AAS in Addiction Counseling
Bemidji State University – MN (hybrid)
- BS in Social Work with an Addictions Certificate included
- Addictions Certificate
- Minor in Addictions
St. Cloud State University – MN (hybrid)
- BS in Addiction Counseling
- Addictions Specialist Graduate Certificate
Crown College – MN (online)
- BS in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
- Minor in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
- AS in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
- MA in Counseling with an emphasis in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
City Vision University – MO (online)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Addiction Counseling
- Master’s in Addiction Counseling
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
- Associate’s Degree in Addiction Counseling
- Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Minot State University – ND (online)
- BS in Addiction Studies
- Minor in Addiction Studies
University of Mary – ND (online)
- BS/BA in Addiction Counseling
- Minor in Addiction Counseling
- Minor in Addiction Prevention
- MS in Counseling-Addiction Counseling concentration
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
- Addiction Prevention Undergraduate Certificate
Great Basin College – NV (online, hybrid)
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services-Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine emphasis Certificate of Achievement in Substance Abuse Counselor Training
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Substance Abuse and Addiction Medicine
- AAS in Human Services with a Certificate of Achievement in Substance Abuse Counselor Training included
University of Cincinnati – OH (online)
- BS in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate
- Substance Abuse Prevention Certificate
Tiffin University – OH (hybrid)
- BA in Psychology-Addictions Counseling
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
- Minor in Addictions Counseling
Ohio Christian University – OH (online)
- BA in Substance Abuse Counseling
Alvernia University – PA (online)
- BA in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment
- Minor in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment
- Certificate in Addictions and Mental Health Treatment
Clarks Summit University – PA (online)
- BS in Addictions Counseling
- Minor in Addictions Counseling
- AA in Addictions Counseling
University of South Dakota – SD (online)
- BS in Addiction Counseling and Prevention (Treatment Specialization, Prevention Specialization)
- Minor in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- MA in Addiction Counseling and Prevention (option for Co-Occurring specialization)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – TX (online)
- BS in Addiction Studies
Eastern Washington University – WA (online)
- BA in Addiction Studies
- Minor in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
- MA in Addiction Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies Licensed Professionals
- MA in Advanced Addiction Therapies
- Certificate in Addiction Studies Suicide Assessment-Treatment and Management
Addiction Counseling Schools With Master’s Degrees Available Online
Master’s degrees in addiction studies aren’t even available in every state, which makes online options even more valuable for counselors reaching toward the peak clinical education credential in the field. Graduate studies in the field are far more specialized than at the undergrad level, with research and advanced practice options dominating the curriculum.
Master’s degrees are most commonly required for the highest levels of licensure in the field.
You’re learning how to be a leader as well as a clinical expert in diagnosing and treating a range of addictions.
At this level, the degree majors are most commonly in counseling, human services, social work, or psychology with a concentration in addiction therapy. So you can also expect to develop more general skills in those areas as well, depending on the degree. This can make your choice quite important, as a clinical mental health perspective on addiction can deliver a very different skillset than a social work strategy.
What To Expect in Online Master’s Degree Programs in Drug and Alcohol Counseling
Master’s programs are often close-knit, allowing students to build a closer rapport with instructors, whether studying in-person or online. The additional research work that is common in graduate studies results in a lot of independent effort in any case, so keeping up with your professors and cohort online doesn’t present a major challenge.
There will likely be fewer lectures and more direct contact through chat, video conferencing, and email. At this level, it’s also more likely that you will encounter programs that include at least some on campus participation, in the form of on-site intensives, and requirements for practicum or internship placements.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – AR (online)
- MS in Addiction Studies (Graduate Addiction Studies Program-GASP)
Arizona State University – AZ (online)
- MS in Addiction Psychology
- BS in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science-Substance Abuse and Addictions concentration
- Graduate Certificate-Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders
Grand Canyon University – AZ (online)
- MS in Addiction Counseling
- MS in Christian Counseling for Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
- BS in Counseling with an emphasis in Addiction Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse
- Graduate Certificate-Post MS in Counseling-Addiction Counseling Certificate
Loma Linda University – CA (online)
- MS in Counseling combined with an MS in Marital and Family Therapy plus a Graduate Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling
- Certificate (two master’s degrees plus certificate for a total of 121 quarter credits; option to combine the Graduate Certificate with each individual degree as well)
- Graduate Certificate in Drug and Alcohol hybrid (MS programs are on-campus, graduate certificate program is online)
Touro University Worldwide – CA (online)
- MA in Counseling-Addiction Counseling specialization
Colorado State University-Fort Collins – CO (hybrid)
- Master of Addiction Counseling in Psychology (MACP)
- Accelerated Masters in Addiction Counseling (this program is only available to students attending partner community colleges)
- 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
Post University – CT (online)
- MS in Counseling and Human Services with an Alcohol and Drug Counseling concentration
- Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
Florida Atlantic University – FL (online)
- MSW with a Graduate Certificate in Addiction
University of Illinois Springfield – IL (online)
- MA in Human Services with an Alcohol and Substance Abuse concentration
- Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Adler University – IL (online)
- MA in Psychology with a specialization in Military Psychology-Addiction Studies concentration
- Psy.D in Psychology with a Substance Abuse Treatment emphasis
- Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling (Graduate level)
Indiana University Northwest – IN (online)
- MS in Clinical Counseling
- MSW with a concentration in Mental Health and Addictions
Purdue University Global – IN (online)
- MS in Psychology with an Addictions concentration
- BS-Psychology in Addictions
Indiana Wesleyan University – IN (online)
- MA in Addiction Counseling Associate’s in Addiction Counseling
- Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling
- BSW-Addictions specialization
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Washburn University – KS (online)
- MA in Family and Human Services-Addiction Counseling Emphasis
- Undergraduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
- BAS in Family and Human Services-Addiction Counseling Emphasis
Ottawa University (duplicate entry with WI) – KS (online)
- MS in Addiction Counseling BS in Addiction Counseling
University of Kentucky – KY (online, hybrid)
- MSW with a Substance Use Disorder Graduate Certificate (certificate is only available online, however the MSW is available in online and hybrid formats)
Union College – KY (online)
- MS in Substance Abuse
- BS Substance Abuse Counseling
- Minor in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Undergraduate Chemical Dependency Certificate
- Graduate Certificate-Chemical Dependency Counselor
Bay Path University – MA (online)
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Foundations of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Concentration
- BA in Psychology-Foundations of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling
Wayne State University – MI (online)
- MSW with a Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Use Studies
Central Michigan University – MI (online)
- MA in Counseling-Addiction Counseling concentration
- Minor in Substance Use Disorders
St. Cloud State University – MN (online)
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Addictions Specialist Graduate Certificate included
- BS in Addiction Counseling
- Graduate Certificate-Addictions Specialist
Minnesota State University Moorhead – MN (online)
- MS in Counseling with an Addiction Counseling emphasis
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
University of Minnesota – MN (hybrid)
- Master of Professional Studies in Addictions Counseling Graduate
- Minor in Addictions (with further coursework can be combined with master’s degrees like nursing or social work)
Walden University – MN (online)
- MSW with a focus in Addictions
- MSW with an Embedded Certificate in Addictions
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Addiction Counseling specialization
- BS in Human Services-Addictions concentration
- BS in Psychology-Addiction Studies concentration
- PhD in Counselor Education-Addiction Counseling specialization
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School – MN (online, hybrid)
- MA in Counseling with an Addiction Counseling Specialty
- Graduate Certificate-Integrated Clinical Supervision
- Graduate Certificate-Certified Prevention Professional
Capella University – MN (online)
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addiction Treatment and Recovery specialization
- Graduate Certificate in Counseling-Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior
Crown College – MN (online)
- MA in Counseling with an Alcohol and Drug Counseling Emphasis
- Minor in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Internship Emphasis (undergraduate)
- AS in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
- BS in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
City Vision University – MO (online)
- Master’s in Addiction Counseling (Clinical Addiction Counseling Concentration, Christian Recovery Ministry Concentration, Pre-LPC Concentration)
- AS in Addiction Counseling
- Undergraduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
- BS in Addiction Counseling
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
University of Providence – MT (online)
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addictions Counseling concentration
- AA in Addictions Counseling
- Undergraduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
East Carolina University – NC (hybrid)
- MS in Clinical Counseling-Addictions emphasis
- Minor in Alcohol and Drug Studies
- Graduate Certificate-Addictions Prevention and Treatment Studies
University of New Hampshire – NH (online)
- MSW with a Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorders included
- 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
Antioch University New England – NH (online)
- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addictions Counseling
- Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addictions Counseling (Graduate level)
The College of New Jersey – NJ (online)
- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addiction Counseling specialization
Western New Mexico University – NM (online)
- MA in Counseling-Addiction Counseling specialty
- BS/BA in Chemical Dependency Counseling
- Undergraduate Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling
- Minor in Chemical Dependency Counseling
- Graduate Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling
University of Nevada, Las Vegas – NV (hybrid)
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies included
- Minor in Addictions Prevention
- Minor in Addictions Treatment
- Minor in Problem Gambling
- Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
Wright State University – OH (online)
- MS in Counseling-Addictions Counseling concentration
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Walsh University – OH (online)
- Master’s in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization, School Counseling specialization) with a Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling included
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Drexel University – PA (online)
- MS in Addictions Counseling
Waynesburg University – PA (online, hybrid)
- MA in Counseling-Addictions Concentration
- Certificate in Substance Use Disorder Counseling (Graduate level)
University of South Carolina – SC (online, hybrid)
- MSW with a Graduate Certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies included
- MSW-MPH, MSW-JD
- Graduate Certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies
Columbia International University – SC (online)
- MA in Clinical Counseling with a specialization in Addictions
University of South Dakota – SD (online)
- MA in Addiction Counseling and Prevention (No specialization, Co-Occurring Specialization)
- BS in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions – UT (online, limited residency)
- MS in Addictions Counseling
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Liberty University – VA (online)
- MA in Addictions Counseling
- MA in Pastoral Counseling-Addictions and Recovery
- MA in Human Services Counseling-Addictions and Recovery specialization
- BS in Psychology-Addictions and Recovery
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
Eastern Washington University – WA (online)
- MA in Addiction Studies
- MA in Behavioral Health
- 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
Antioch University – WA (low residency)
- MA in Counseling-Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Addiction Counseling
- Certificate in Addiction Studies (Graduate level)
Seattle University – WA (online)
- MA.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- WA State Substance Use Disorder Certification
Ottawa University (duplicate entry with KS) – WI (online)
- MS in Addiction Counseling BS in Addiction Counseling
Addiction Counseling Schools With Graduate Certificates Available Online
Just as undergraduate certificates in addiction counseling are usually found at drug counseling schools online that also offered associate programs, most of these online grad certificates come from universities that also offer master’s studies in the field. And just as with the undergraduate programs, typically the core substance use disorder education courses are identical.
This makes them an easy fit for post-master’s professionals who are already engaged in a counseling career to get the necessary coursework to qualify for licensure or certification. In some cases, this coursework is actually identical to the undergraduate requirements. However, a grad certificate will ensure that the material is being taught at an advanced level and takes advantage of your educational attainment.
What To Expect in Online Graduate Certificate Programs in Drug and Alcohol Counseling
While the core coursework for graduate certificates will pick right off the master’s degree menu, you will typically skip the research and theoretical background and go right into practical skill-building and knowledge work. Most grad certificates also come without practicum or internship placements.
This means that earning a cert at the graduate level can be very similar to an undergraduate certificate. You can expect more straightforward lectures and class assignments with less of the close, collaborative engagement that comes in full master’s programs.
Arizona State University – AZ (online)
- Graduate Certificate-Addiction and Substance-Use Related Disorders
- BS in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science-Substance Abuse and Addictions concentration
- MS in Addiction Psychology
Grand Canyon University – AZ (online)
- Graduate Certificate-Post MS in Counseling-Addiction Counseling Certificate
- BS in Counseling with an emphasis in Addiction Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse
- MS in Addiction Counseling
- MS in Christian Counseling for Substance Use and Addictive Disorders
- Loma Linda University CA Graduate Certificate in Drug and Alcohol MS in Counseling combined with an MS in Marital and Family Therapy plus a Graduate Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling Certificate online
Colorado State University-Fort Collins – CO (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorder Identification and Treatment
- Major in Psychology with an Addictions Counseling concentration
- Major in Social Work with an Addictions Counseling concentration
- Master of Addiction Counseling in Psychology (MACP)
- Accelerated Masters in Addiction Counseling
Southern Connecticut State University – CT (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Post University – CT (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
- MS in Counseling and Human Services with an Alcohol and Drug Counseling concentration
Governors State University – IL (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Screening Assessment and Referral
- Minor in Addictions Studies
- Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies
Indiana University Bloomington – IN (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling (Program is only available for Indiana residents only)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Intervention MS.Ed in Mental Health Counseling and Counselor Education-Addictions Track
University of Southern Indiana – IN (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Science
Indiana Wesleyan University – IN (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
- Associate’s in Addiction Counseling
- Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling
- BSW-Addictions specialization
- MA in Addiction Counseling
Western Kentucky University – KY (online, hybrid)
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Education
Union College – KY (online)
- Graduate Certificate-Chemical Dependency Counselor
- BS in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Minor in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Undergraduate Chemical Dependency Certificate
- MS in Substance Abuse
Lindsey Wilson College – KY (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling
Regis College – MA (hybrid)
- Transdisciplinary Addiction Professional Certificate (Graduate level) MA in Counseling-Addictions Counseling track
Cambridge College – MA (hybrid, online)
- Post-Baccalaureate (Graduate) Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
- BS in Wellness and Health Promotion-Addiction Studies concentration
Notre Dame of Maryland University – MD (hybrid)
- Post-Bac Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
University of Maine at Augusta – ME (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorders
- Minor in Addiction Studies
- Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Technician Certificate (Undergraduate)
- BS in Mental Health and Human Services-Addiction Counseling concentration
Western Michigan University – MI (hybrid, online)
- Clinical Addiction Certificate (Graduate level)
- Addiction Specialization (Graduate level-can be added to graduate degree programs in counselor education and counseling psychology, occupational therapy, psychology, public health, biological sciences, social work, sociology or other related disciplines; can also be stand-alone to fulfill continuing education reqs for licenses)
St. Cloud State University – MN (online)
- Graduate Certificate-Addictions Specialist
- BS in Addiction Counseling
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Addictions Specialist Graduate Certificate included
Minnesota State University Moorhead – MN (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
- MS in Counseling with an Addiction Counseling emphasis
Winona State University – MN (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – MN (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
- MA in Counseling and Psychological Services with a dual Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies included
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School – MN (online)
- Graduate Certificate-Certified Prevention Professional
- Graduate Certificate-Integrated Clinical Supervision
- MA in Counseling with an Addiction Counseling Specialty
Capella University – MN (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Counseling-Contemporary Theory in Addictive Behavior
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addiction Treatment and Recovery specialization
City Vision University – MO (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
- AS in Addiction Counseling
- Undergraduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
- BS in Addiction Counseling
- Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Montana State University – MT (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling included
East Carolina University – NC (online)
- Graduate Certificate-Addictions Prevention and Treatment Studies
- Minor in Alcohol and Drug Studies
- MS in Clinical Counseling-Addictions emphasis
University of New Hampshire – NH (online)
- Graduate Certificate-Substance Use Disorders
- 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
- MSW with a Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorders included
Antioch University New England – NH (online)
- Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addictions Counseling (Graduate level)
- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addictions Counseling
University of Nevada, Reno – NV (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Treatment Services
- Minor in Addiction Treatment
University of Nevada, Las Vegas – NV (online)
- Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
- Minor in Addictions Prevention
- Minor in Addictions Treatment
- Minor in Problem Gambling
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies included
Syracuse University – NY (online)
- Certificate of Advanced Study in Addiction Studies
- Minor in Addiction Studies
Wright State University – OH (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
- MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Addictions Counseling concentration
Walsh University – OH (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
- Master’s in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization, School Counseling specialization) with a Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling included
Malone University – OH (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling
- Minor in Chemical Dependency Counseling
Pennsylvania Western University – PA (online)
- Substance Use Disorder Level 1 Post-Bac Certificate (Graduate level)
- Substance Use Disorder Level 2 Post-Bac Certificate (Graduate level)
Carlow University – PA (online)
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Addiction Counseling
- MS in Professional Counseling-Addictions Counseling
Immaculata University – PA (hybrid)
- Addiction Studies Graduate Certificate
- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Certificate in Addictions Studies and Therapeutic Practice included
Waynesburg University – PA (online)
- Certificate in Substance Use Disorder Counseling (Graduate level)
- MA in Counseling-Addictions Concentration
University of South Carolina – SC (hybrid)
- Graduate Certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies
- MSW-MPH
- MSW-JD
- MSW with a Graduate Certificate in Drug and Addiction Studies included
South Carolina State University – SC (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction and Trauma
University of South Dakota – SD (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- BS in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- MA in Addiction Counseling and Prevention (No specialization, Co-Occurring Specialization)
The University of Memphis – TN (online)
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Substance Abuse
- MS in Counseling-Addiction Counseling Concentration
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions – UT (hybrid)
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Addictions Counseling
- MS in Addictions Counseling
Virginia Commonwealth University – VA (online)
- Graduate Certificate in International Addiction Studies-Intermediate Concentration
- Graduate Certificate in International Addiction Studies-Advanced Concentration
- MS in Addiction Studies
Liberty University – VA (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
- BS in Psychology-Addictions and Recovery
- MA in Addictions Counseling
- MA in Pastoral Counseling-Addictions and Recovery
- MA in Human Services Counseling-Addictions and Recovery specialization
Eastern Washington University – WA (online)
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies
- Graduate Certificate-Addiction Studies for Licensed Professionals
- BA in Addiction Studies
- Minor in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
- Undergraduate Certificate in Addiction Studies-Suicide Assessment Treatment and Management
- MA in Addiction Studies
- MA in Behavioral Health
Antioch University – WA (online, hybrid)
- Certificate in Addiction Studies (Graduate level)
- BA in Liberal Studies-Addiction Studies (Los Angeles)
- MA in Counseling-Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Addiction Counseling
Questions People Also Ask About Online Schools for Addiction Counseling
Now you’ve got the lists and the links, but chances are you’ve also got even more questions than you did when you started looking. Not to worry—we have a list of some of the most commonly asked questions about drug and alcohols counseling options online, and the answers you need.
Do I Have To Pick a Drug and Alcohol Counselor School in My Own State for Licensing or Certification?
No, it’s not any kind of official requirement that you attend a program, even online, in your own state for your education to account for certification or licensure purposes. However, it may simplify your application for credentials, since many schools do tailor their classes to match local standards.
Many online schools do, however, keep track of various states where their coursework has been accepted. So even though it’s technically on you to ensure that your education meets the requirements, someone else may have already done the legwork to match up all the specifics—consult your school, and your state licensing organization, to make sure.
Will Employers Care That I Got My Addiction Counseling Training Online?
There is usually nothing on a certificate or degree to indicate that it was earned online versus through traditional programs, so unless you tell them, future employers or your clients won’t even know. That said, studying online is hardly unusual these days. Since the same coursework is approved for licensure, or even transfer credits for other degree programs, it’s considered every bit the equal of any on campus programs in addiction counseling.
How Can I Build the Interpersonal Skills Needed To Be Successful in Counseling Through Online Counseling Degrees?
Concerns about developing the critical face-to-face interaction and communication skills you need to connect with clients are a big consideration for counselors considering online programs. But there are plenty of opportunities built into the counselor certification pipeline to perfect those skills outside the classroom.
It’s important to realize that your classroom training is mostly theory. You are picking this up from books and lectures in both online and on campus courses. You learn to apply this through the required on-the-job experience needed to get licensed or certified. Since you are looking at thousands of hours of that direct contact even after you earn a degree, you will have plenty of time to hone the interpersonal counseling techniques you need.
Do Online Schools for Addiction Counseling Cost Less Than Brick and Mortar Schools?
There isn’t any hard and fast rule about the tuition costs for online versus on campus addiction counseling training. Most of the differences between schools will depend on regional variations in educational costs as well as other factors like public versus private ownership and overall demand for the program.
- Still, when you come back to your total out-of-pocket expenses for attending school, it’s almost always the case that you’ll pay less for an online program. Avoiding the cost of commuting to class can result in significant savings
- You can dodge relocation costs if you don’t happen to have an option nearby—often the case with limited numbers of colleges offering addiction studies degrees
- Finally, you can save money just by the flexibility of online studies, which can allow you to keep working a regular schedule or avoiding costs like childcare that otherwise come up when you have to go to class.