The most recent statistics (from a 2014 study) by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that 21.5 million Americans aged 12 years and older experience addiction and substance abuse. Mental health professionals with a specialty in addiction and substance abuse are in high demand. Best Medical Degrees has researched "19 Best Value Bachelor Degrees in Addiction and Recovery" that can help you find a degree that is the right fit for you.
19 Best Value Bachelor Degrees in Addiction and Recovery
In an attempt to meet the critical demand for qualified addiction and abuse counselors, universities and colleges are offering online undergraduate Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology, Social Work or Sociology. These programs generally require 120 credit hours (4 years) for completion and will include General Education courses (English, History, General Science, Math, etc.) in addition to specific coursework in the field. Coursework specifically in Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling will include skills, techniques, research, and theories. Before choosing an online program make sure it meets certification and licensing requirements for your state or participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) with your state.
The majority of online undergraduate degrees also qualify for federal student assistance and may provide scholarships. Undergraduate students should file Free Application for Federal Financial Aid. Several schools require FAFSA results for admission.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 320,500 Substance Abuse Counselors are needed by 2026. The job growth for this profession is 23 percent – a much faster rate than other professions. Annual salary ranges for this profession vary from $37,000-$50,600, with an average of $43,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment opportunities can be found in government agencies, addiction rehabilitation residence centers, private family or individual clinics, or outpatient clinics.
Methodology
There are many factors to consider in choosing a best value school. Best Medical Degrees reviewed the following criteria in developing this ranking: 1) Tuition costs (not including additional school fees) and length of program, 2) program accreditation by a Department of Education approved organization, 3) rankings, where applicable, from publications such as Forbes Magazine, Kiplinger Report, U.S. News and World Report, and Washington Monthly, and 4) programs which are offered completely online or hybrid (requiring a minimum of on-campus attendance).
1. Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer this online Bachelor of Science in Addictions Counseling. Admission to the program requires prior completion of 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university. Also required for admission are, official transcripts, and high school diploma or completion of the GED program. Before graduation, students are required to complete 350 practicum hours under direct supervision in an IWU approved agency or professional counseling practice. U.S. News and World Report ranks IWU in its Regional Universities ratings as a Best Value School.
Program Length: 45 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour $384
Curriculum Snapshot: Addictions Theory, Addictions Counseling Skills, Psychology of Abnormal Behavior, Addiction Programs and Professional Development, Principles of Addiction Counseling, Psychopharmacology, Intergroup Relations, Theory and Practice of Group Counseling, General Psychology, Addiction Counseling Practicum
Program Website: Indiana Wesleyan University
2. Aspen University
This is an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Counseling. Aspen University (AU) is accredited by the Department of Education, and approved by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) to award undergraduate degrees. AU also provides a $250 monthly tuition payment plan to help with paying for this degree which is estimated to take 40 months for completion. Applicants are required to have a minimum 2.0 GPA demonstrated on high school or college transfer transcripts.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $150
Curriculum Snapshot: Psychology of Addiction Counseling, Counseling Skills, Healthcare Ethics, Group Therapy, Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Counseling, Assessment Procedures in Addiction Counseling, Pharmacology, Substance Abuse Counseling, Families and Health Psychology, Senior Capstone, etc.
Program Website: Aspen University
3. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University (FHSU), is designated one of U.S. News and World Reportâs Best Online Bachelor's Programs in 2018 and a Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans. The school has also been named "Military Friendly ®" by VIQTORY (a veteran run publication). The BA or BS in Sociology can lead to licensure as an Addictions Counselor in Kansas (students should contact their state boards to verify the program will meet state requirements). Students must complete General Education core courses as part of this degree.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $218.67
Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Sociology, Sociological Theory and Literature, Social Inequality, Principles of Culture, Introduction to Addictions, Ethics in Addictions Counseling, Group Counseling with Addiction Populations, Pharmacology & High-Risk Medical Issues, Client Management Procedures, Individual Counseling in Addictions, Addictions Practicum, etc.
Program Website: Fort Hays State University
4. Union College
Union College (UC) is ranked in several categories by U.S. News and World Report as a National Liberal Arts College, Best Value School, Most Innovative School. It is one of Washington Monthlyâs "Best Bang for the Buck" colleges. This is a Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling offered through the Department of Psychology which is entirely online. The BS in Substance Abuse Counseling is approved by the VA for veterans and active duty military.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $225
Curriculum Snapshot: Ethical Issues in Chemical Dependency, Cross Cultural Psychology, Psychology of Addiction, Foundations of Chemical Dependency, Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Drugs and Society, Social Psychology, Substance Abuse Internship, etc.
Program Website: Union College
5. Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global (PUG) is part of the renowned Purdue University. PUG awards an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in Addictions that is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) and Purdue University holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. PUG benefits from the university's ranking as one of the top 10 public universities by The Wall Street Journal-Times Higher Education and is ranked as one of Kiplingerâs Best Colleges Values.
Program Length: 180 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $250
Curriculum Snapshot: Psychology of Addiction, Ethical Practice in a Diverse World, Psychopharmacology of Alcohol and Drugs, Clinical Psychology, Stress – Critical Issues in Management and Prevention, Introduction to Psychology, Interpersonal Communications, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Abnormal Psychology, Bachelor's Capstone in Addiction
Program Website: Purdue University Global
6. Western New Mexico University
Western New Mexico University (WNMU) offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Dependency Counseling through it's School of Behavioral Sciences. Admission requires a $30 fee, high school or GED transcripts and SAT/ACT scores) are required for first-time students (not required for transfer students with transcripts from another college or university), and a completed FASFA application.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $257 (Resident); $537 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Addiction Counseling, Codependency, Substance Abuse & Crime, Chemical Dependency & Family, General Psychology, Group Dynamics, Pharmacology, Trauma & Addiction, Counsel the Military, Advanced Help Skills in Chemical Dependency, Research Methods, Psychopathology, Social Problems, etc.
Program Website: Western New Mexico University
7. University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) awards an online Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies that offers two tracks: Prevention or Treatment. U.S. News and World Report ranks UCA as a Best Colleges for Veterans, Regional Universities: South, Best Online Bachelor's Program, and its Top Public Schools rankings. Washington Monthly rates UCA a "Best Bang for the Buck: South" schools.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $285
Curriculum Snapshot: Mental Health, Drug Education, Theory and Practice of Prevention, Abnormal Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Research Methods, Prevention Practicum, The Health Education Profession, Epidemiological Research, Community Health Problems, Addiction Counseling: Theory and Practice, Etiology and Epidemiology of Addiction, Group Counseling Skills, Legal and Ethical Issues in Addictions, Practicum in Substance Abuse, etc.
Program Website: University of Central Arkansas
8. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree with an Addiction Studies concentration. U.S. News and World Report ranks SNHU in its National Universities ratings, but also #1 in its Most Innovative Schools. The school website indicates this degree can prepare graduates for careers in case management, treatment specialist, victims advocate, or researcher, among others.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $320; $225 Military and Spouses of Active Duty Military
Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Psychology, Statistics for Psychology, Foundation of Addictions, Contemporary Issues in Addictions, Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, Scientific Investigation, Biopsychology, and a Capstone Project, etc.
Program Website: Southern New Hampshire University
9. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU) has an online Bachelor of Science degree in Addiction Studies. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) provides institutional accreditation for NSU, and U.S. News and World Report ranks NSU as having one of the Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs, as well as a Regional Universities South ranking. Admission to NSU undergraduate programs includes admission application, high school or college transcript (for transfer students), acceptable scores on the SAT or ACT, and an application fee.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $375
Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Addiction Studies, Screening and Assessment, Case Management, Addiction Counseling Skills, Co-Occurring Disorders, Ethics, Pharmacology of Addiction, Family Dynamics, Dynamics of Group Counseling, etc.
Program Website: Northwestern State University of Louisiana
10. Ottawa University
Ottawa University provides an online Bachelor of Science in Addictions Counseling. This program is online and meets a majority of states' licensing/certification requirements for several states. Students should verify with their state's licensing/certification boards. Studies cover a wide array of substance abuse issues ranging from alcoholism, drug abuse disorders, dual-diagnoses, and others. U.S. News and World Report ranks this school as one of the Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest.
Program Length: 124 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $375; $250 Military
Curriculum Snapshot: Theories of Personality and Addiction, Introduction to Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Counseling, Clinical Addiction Counseling Issues, Psychopathological and Co-Occurring Disorders, Families and Addiction, Seminar in Addiction Counseling, Group Counseling in Addiction, Professional Responsibility: Legal and Ethical Issues of Addiction Counseling, Practicum Experience (Clinical Licensing only), etc.
Program Website: Ottawa University
11. University of Cincinnati
This is a Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling offered 100% online by the University of Cincinnati (UC) online programs. UC is a highly regarded university, recognized as one of America's Top Colleges by Forbes Magazine, a "Best Bang for the Buck" designated school by Washington Monthly, and U.S. News and World Report ranks UC as Best Online Bachelor's Programs, Best Colleges for Veterans, Best Value Schools and Top Public Schools. The Higher Learning Commission accredits the University of Cincinnati.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $389
Curriculum Snapshot: Crisis Management Skills, Substance Abuse Counseling for Families and Other Relationships, Maintenance Strategies for Long-Term Substance Abuse Recovery, Clinical Supervision Perspectives in Substance Abuse Counseling, Case Management and Treatment Planning in Substance Abuse Counseling, Group Skills in Substance Abuse Counseling, etc.
Program Website: University of Cincinnati
12. Liberty University
Liberty University's Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an addiction and recovery concentration is offered 100% online. Students who complete Children in Healthcare will be eligible to seek Child Life Specialist Certification. The university is one of U.S. News and World Reportâs Best Online Bachelor's Programs. Forbes Magazine recognized Liberty University as one of America's Top Colleges.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $390; $250 Military
Curriculum Snapshot: General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Behavioral Modification, Psychology & Christianity, Developmental Psychology, Overview Theory and Treatment of Substance Abuse, Treatment & Recovery of Addictions, Internship, etc.
Program Website: Liberty University
13. New England College
The New England Commission of Higher Education accredits New England College (NEC) to award its Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an Addiction and Substance Abuse focus. This program not only includes studies in addiction and recovery but in biology and sociology aspects of substance abuse. The school suggests graduates will be qualified to work as drug and alcohol counselors, probation officers, recovery support specialists, and social service managers, among others. The U.S. News and World Report rates NEC in its Best Online Bachelor's Programs ranking for 2018.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $405
Curriculum Snapshot: Understanding Trauma & Addiction, Advanced Topics in Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse, Understanding Trauma & Addiction, Substance Abuse, Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods, Issues in Professional Practices: Psychology, Counseling and Therapy, Advanced Topics in Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse, etc.
Program Website: New England College
14. Eastern Kentucky University
The psychology bachelor degree, with a substance abuse concentration, at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). EKU is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Best Online Bachelor's Programs and Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans. EKU has also been named a "Best Bang for the Buck: South" by Washington Monthly and one of America's Top Colleges by Forbes Magazine.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $409 ($250 per credit for active duty military)
Curriculum Snapshot: Statistics-Research Methods, Introduction to Psychology Psychology of Personality, Psychological Interviewing and Reporting, Introduction to Behavior Therapy, Psychological Perspectives on Substance Abuse, Clinical Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Physiological Psychology, etc.
Program Website: Eastern Kentucky University
15. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University (GCU), through its College of Humanities and Social Sciences, has an online Bachelor of Science in Counseling. The program has a chemical dependency, substance abuse and addiction focus which can lead to state certification or licensure. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Washington Monthly named GCU a national university "Best Bang for the Buck." This degree is Veterans Administration approved.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $420
Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Counseling Theories, Foundations of Addiction and Substance Abuse Disorders, Co-Occurring Disorders and HIV/AIDS, Relapse Prevention in the Treatment of Addiction and Substance Abuse Disorder, Trauma, Addiction, and Substance Abuse Use Disorders, Spirituality and Addiction, Process Addictions, Case Management and Crisis Intervention Skills for Addiction and Substance, etc.
Program Website: Grand Canyon University
16. University of Michigan-Flint
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University of Michigan-Flint (UM-F) awards a Bachelor of Science in Substance Use Treatment and Intervention through its Office of Extended Learning. UM-F is ranked as one of U.S. News and World Reportâs Regional Universities Midwest, a Top Public School and Best Online Bachelor's Program. The University of Michigan is one of Kiplinger's Best College Values. Admission requirements for UM-F include an application, submission of official transcripts (high school or previous college coursework), and ACT/SAT scores (for high school applicants).
Program Length: 124 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $450 (Resident); $895 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Substance Abuse Theory, Treatment and Special Populations, Intervention Strategies and Methods in Substance Abuse, Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Substance Abuse Theory, Treatment and Special Populations, Substance Abuse Treatment and the Dual Disorder Community, Substance Use Treatment and Interventions in Group Settings, etc.
Program Website: University of Michigan-Flint
17. Drexel University
Drexel University (DU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science program with a minor in Addictions Counseling. Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Drexel University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report in National Universities, Best Colleges for Veterans and Best Value Schools. Washington Monthly has named DU a "Best Bang for the Buck" university. Admission to DU requires the submission of an application (and $50 non-refundable fee), high school transcript, test scores for the SAT or ACT exam, a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation.
Program Length: 180 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $501
Curriculum Snapshot: Addictions Counseling with Special Populations, Assessment and Treatment Planning, Group Counseling, Problem Gambling Interventions, Counseling Theory and Practice, Recovery and Relapse Prevention, Co-Occurring Disorders, Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Psychopharmacology for Counselors, Introduction to Addictive Disorders, Advanced Counseling Intervention, etc.
Program Website: Drexel University
18. Florida National University
This is a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in addiction studies. Florida National University (FNU) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Admission requirements for FNU include completion of an application, submission of IDs such as Social Security Card, Driver's License, Passport or Citizenship Papers. Students must also submit high school or applicable college transcripts, as well as the confirmation page of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FNU has received the Military Friendly ® Schools distinction from VIQTORY media.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $550; $250 Military
Curriculum Snapshot: Substance Abuse Prevention, Introduction to Human Services, Addiction Counseling, Relapse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Aging, Assessment and Treatment Planning in Addiction, Introduction to Group Counseling, Substance Abuse and the Family, Psychopharmacology, Dual Diagnosis and Substance Abuse, etc.
Program Website: Florida National University
19. University of Providence
This four-year online program offered by the University of Providence ends with a Bachelor of Arts in Substance Abuse Counseling. U.S. News and World Report names the university one of it's Best Regional Colleges West. Admission requirements include official academic transcripts and acceptable ACT/SAT scores. Once admitted, students will need to pay a $150 tuition deposit and complete the FAFSA.
Program Length: 120 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $814
Curriculum Snapshot: Theories of Helping, Co-occurring Disorders in Addictions Counseling, Ethical Issues & Multicultural Competency for Addictions Counselors, Abnormal Psychology, General Psychology, Addiction Theory & Counseling, Casework Methods & Practices, Psychology, Sociology and Pharmacology of Drug Use, Assessment and Appraisal, Gambling, etc.
Program Website: University of Providence