Here's a stunning statistic from the Centers for Disease Control: 115 Americans die every day from drug overdoses from legal and illegal opioids. That figure represents nearly 50,000 preventable deaths in the U.S. each year. This trend has been growing since the 1990s but has exploded since 2013 due to the growth of synthetic opioids. Another equally appalling statistic is that approximately 22,000 Americans die each year from acute alcoholism. There are professionals with graduate degrees who are working to stem the tide. We've researched "20 Best Value Online Master's Degree in Addiction and Recovery" for you to start your search for the right program for you.
20 Best Value Online Master's Degrees in Addiction Recovery
There are several educational paths, such as psychology, social work, or sociology, which will prepare you to become a counselor to work with people with addictions. The program you choose should match your specific professional goals; but, in general, coursework will include studies in research, theory, and techniques. Many states require professionals working in addiction counseling hold a license or certification. Before you enter an online master's program in this field, you'll want to verify that the program meets requirements for your state regulatory board.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career outlook for master's prepared Addiction Counselors is quickly growing. Substance Abuse Counselors will see a 23% employment increase between 2016-2026. Annual salaries range from $37,000-$50,000 with the median salary around $43,000 a year. Employment opportunities can be found in residential mental health and substance abuse facilities, outpatient recovery centers, hospitals, government agencies or other social services agency such as halfway houses, employee assistance programs (EAP), etc.
Methodology
Best Medical Degrees considered several factors in developing this ranking. Most prominent among the methodology include: 1) program length and tuition costs as published on the school website (additional school fees are not included), 2) Department of Education approved accreditation standing of the program or institution, 3) national rankings, where applicable, as found on U.S. News and World Report, Forbes Magazine, Washington Monthly, etc., and 4) programs that are offered online (or hybrid, requiring a minimum amount of on-campus attendance), and 5) internships or field practicum is conducted in the student's home community.
1. The University of Oklahoma Extended Campus
This online graduate program culminates with a Master of Prevention Science degree and which can lead to the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium's Certified Prevention Specialist (IC & RC CPS). The program takes 15 months for completion and focuses on theory and practice to prepare graduates to work with clients in alcohol and drug abuse prevention. Oklahoma University holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. Oklahoma University ranks in the top 200 in U.S. News and World Report‘s National Universities, top 100 in its Best Colleges for Vets and Top Public Schools.
Program Length: 33 credit hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $213 (in-state/military/Homeland Security); $824 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: Prevention Across the Lifespan, Foundations in Prevention Science, Interdisciplinary Foundations, Cultural, Social and Diversity Issues in HHSA, Cross-Cultural Health Issues in Human and Health Services Administration, Ethics in Human and Health Services Administration, Cultures of Organizations, etc.
Program Website: Oklahoma University Extended Campus
2. Aspen University
Aspen University (AU) has an online Master of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Counseling. The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) approves AU to provide this degree. Students will need to either complete a capstone project or a practicum experience to finish this degree. The Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC) accredits this program. If you're seeking licensure, you will want to check with your state licensing board to verify this program qualifies in your state.
Program Length: 48 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $325
Curriculum Snapshot: Addiction Counseling Theory and Practice, Psychology of Addiction, Neurobiology of Addiction, Counseling Ethics, Addiction Counseling and Families, Diagnosis and Treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders, Advanced Addiction Counseling Skills, Psychological Counseling, Research in Counseling, Counseling Capstone, etc.
Program Website: Aspen University
3. Emporia State University
Emporia State University (ESU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has an online Master of Science in Clinical Counseling with an addiction counseling concentration. The MS in Clinical Counseling program is also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Students may choose between a thesis or non-thesis option for this degree. Admission requires a completed undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and employment or education history. ESU is ranked in the top 200 in U.S. News and World Report‘s Regional Universities: Midwest and in the top 30 of its Top Public Schools ranking. Washington Monthly lists ESU in the top 200 of its Best Bang for the Buck: Midwest.
Program Length: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour $350.86 (Kansas Resident); $480.82 (Non-Resident)
Curriculum Snapshot: Multicultural Counseling, Career Counseling, and Development, Professional, Ethical & Legal Issues In Counseling, Lifespan Development & Disability, Group Processes in Counseling, Counseling Theories, Multicultural Counseling, Substance Abuse in Counseling, etc.
Program Website: Emporia State University
4. Union College
This is a Master of Science in Substance Abuse which Union College (UC) offers completely online through it's Department of Psychology. Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited school with at least a 2.5 GPA. The school application, acceptable GRE score, transcripts, statement of goals and letters of recommendations. Graduates are required to sit for the Co-Occurring Disorders Competency Exam (CDCC). Union College has received high rankings by U.S. News and World Report in the areas of its National Liberal Arts Colleges, Best Value Schools, and most Innovative Schools.
Program Length: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $400
Curriculum Snapshot: Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Social and Community Psychology, Foundation of Chemical Dependency Treatment, Psychology of Addiction, Recovery and Relapse, Biological Systems of Chemical Dependency, Multicultural and Diversity Issues, Personality Theories, Family Systems Theory, Ethics and Professional Practice, practicum internship, etc.
Program Website: Union College
5. University of South Dakota
This program prepares graduates to provide counseling, techniques for avoiding drug and alcohol addiction, client education and treatment options for addicted or addiction-prone individuals. USD has provided prevention and addiction counseling education for over 40 years. USD has consistently been ranked by U.S. News and World Report in its Top Public School and National University rankings. Forbes Magazine rates USD in the top 500 of its America's Top Colleges ranking. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the Master of Arts in Addiction and Studies is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). Out of state students are advised to verify with their state's certification and licensing board that this program will meet state requirements.
Program Length: 33-45 credit hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $420.95 (regardless of residency)
Curriculum Snapshot: Fundamentals Skills of Individual Counseling and Addiction, Addictive Family Systems and Family Counseling, History & Culture of Addiction, Ethical and Legal Issues in the Addiction Profession, Theory & Practice of Substance Use and Addiction Prevention in Communities, Addiction and Substance Use Counseling Theories, Relapse Prevention, Rural Telehealth, etc.
Program Website: University of South Dakota
6. California Southern University
California Southern University (CSU) offers an online Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in advanced addiction studies. This program requires students to complete core psychology courses and a thesis. The MS in Psychology is intended to enhance the student's communication and critical thinking skills, along with providing an ability to apply cultural and social understanding in the treatment of patients.
Program Length: 42 credit hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $495
Curriculum Snapshot: Psychopathology, Group Counseling, Social Psychology, Applied Studies or Advanced Supervised Practicum and Fieldwork in Addiction Studies, Dual Diagnosis, Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology of Addiction, Substance Use and Related Disorders, Advanced Case Management: Assessment, Treating Planning, Relapse Prevention and Aftercare, and a Master's Thesis
Program Website: California Southern University
7. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University (GCU) provides an online Master of Science in Addiction Counseling degree. This program focuses on all aspects of addiction, evaluation, assessment, counseling skills and techniques, cultural diversity, ethics, and addiction theories and research. GCU is ranked in the top 200 in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report and is considered a Best Bang for the Buck: West by Washington Monthly.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $515
Curriculum Snapshot: Group Counseling Theory and Practice, Social and Cultural Diversity Issues in Counseling, Psychopharmacology and Addictions, Introductions to Addiction and Substance Abuse Disorders, Co-Occurring Disorders, Diagnostics, Assessment and Treatment, Family Issues and Addictive Disorders, Professional Counseling Orientation and Ethics, Practicum/Internship, etc.
Program Website: Grand Canyon University
8. Capella University
Capella University offers an online Master of Science in School Counseling – Addiction Treatment and Recovery. Studies include skills and practices in dealing with addiction, substance abuse, and compulsive behaviors. Students are responsible for identifying and submitting for approval locations to complete the residency and internship components of the degree. It's also recommended that you check with your state licensing board to see whether this degree qualifies you to practice in your state.
Program Length: 90 total quarter credits
Tuition: $497 per credit
Snapshot Curriculum: Life Planning and Career Development, Theories of Addiction Treatment, Interventions for Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders, Psychopharmacology and Medication Management, Group Therapy and Treatment of Substance-Related and Addictive Behaviors, etc.
Program Website: Capella University
9. Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report in both Regional Universities: Midwest and a Best Value Schools; and, in the top 100 of Washington Monthly's Best Bang for the Buck: Midwest. The Master of Arts in Clinical Addictions Counseling program holds accreditation from both the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) and The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). The MA prepares students as counselors for work with addictive behaviors, including substance abuse, sexual addiction, eating disorders, etc. Students are required to participate in a supervised internship which is conducted in an approved location in the student's home community. Basic admission requirements include a baccalaureate degree, successful completion of the GRE, prerequisites in Bible studies and psychology, three letters of recommendation, and more.
Program Length: 48 credit hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $546
Curriculum Snapshot: Psychopharmacology, Theories, and Treatment of Addiction, Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues, Issues in Addiction Recovery, Multicultural Counseling, Counseling Addicted Families, Appraisal of Individuals and Families, Psychopathology, Integration of Christian Faith in Professional Counseling, etc.
Program Website: Indiana Wesleyan University
10. Liberty University Online
Through its online programs, Liberty University offers a Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling. Liberty University is ranked as one of Forbes Magazine's America's Top Colleges and U.S. News and World Report rate the school #230-#301 in its National Universities ranking. Admission requires an application and fee, official undergraduate transcripts, English proficiency and three credit hours of statistics. This program qualifies graduates to qualify for licensure in many states, but you should verify with your state board.
Program Length: 48 credit hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $565 (full-time); $615 (part-time)
Curriculum Snapshot: Assessment Techniques in Counseling, Theories of Counseling, Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling, Addiction and Recovery Process, Biological Aspects of Addiction and Recovery, Treatment and the Recovery Process, Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexual Addiction (elective), Psychopathology and Counseling, Counseling Techniques & the Helping Relationship, Group Counseling, etc.
Program Website: Liberty University
11. Morehouse State University
Morehouse State University (MSU) awards an online Master of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in chemical dependency. Admission to this program requires 18 undergraduate credit hours in Sociology with a minimum 3.0 GPA in those courses. U.S. News and World Report ranks MSU in the top 100 of its Regional Universities South, as well as Best Colleges for Veterans, Best Value Schools, and Top Public Schools. MSU is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This program offers thesis and non-thesis options.
Program Length: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $570
Curriculum Snapshot: Introduction to Chemical Dependency Counseling, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Chemical Dependency, Approaches to Chemical Dependency, Social Thought, and Theory, Quantitative Research for Social Sciences, Qualitative Research for Social Sciences, Thesis or Practicum
Program Website: Morehouse State University
12. Post University
Post University has an online Master of Science in Counseling and Human Services with a concentration in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. The university has ranked in the top 200 of U.S. News and World Report‘s Regional Universities: North and Washington Monthly has named Post University one of its Best Bang for the Buck schools. Admission requirements include: graduate admission application, baccalaureate transcript, one-year work experience in the field, etc. Students are urged to check with their state licensing board to assure that this program will qualify you for licensure and/or certification.
Program Length: 37 credit hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $570
Curriculum Snapshot: Counseling and Human Services Policy, Counseling and Humans Services Management, Applied Research Methods, Ethics and Diversity, Biology of Addiction, Psychopathology of Addiction, Group and Family Counseling in Addictions, Theories of Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Field Practicum and a Capstone Project.
Program Website: Post University
13. Regent University
Regent University has an online Master of Science in General Psychology degree with an emphasis on addiction. This is a nonlicensure degree. Applicants for this program must hold a baccalaureate degree and a minimum of an undergraduate 2.74 GPA, along with the school's graduate application (and fee). The program does not require the GRE. Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Regent University has ranked in the top 200 of U.S. News and World Report‘s National Universities.
Program Length: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $650
Curriculum Snapshot: Addictive Behaviors & Substance Abuse, Psychopathology, Addiction Intervention, Process Addictions, Social Psychology, Research Methods in Psychology, Integrative Psychology, Biological Bases of Behavior, Statistics, Information Research & Resources, etc.
Program Website: Regent University
14. Wright State University
The Wright State University (WSU) in Ohio offers an online Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling (MRC) with a chemical dependency concentration. U.S. News and World Report ranks this graduate rehabilitation program at #37, and the university is in the top 500 of its National Universities. The Military Times named WSU in its Best Colleges in 2018 for military personnel. The MRC program holds accreditation from The Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE), and WSU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Length: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $660
Curriculum Snapshot: Techniques of Counseling, Counseling Theory and Practice, Professional Orientation, Ethical Standards and Legal Issues in Counseling, Biopsychosocialspiritual Aspects, Assessment and Evaluation in Counseling, Theory, and Epidemiology of Addictions, Treatment and Prevention of Addictions, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Counseling: Practicum, Rehabilitation Counseling: Internship
Program Website: Wright State University
15. Online@VCU
Virginia Commonwealth University offers a unique Master of Science in Addiction Studies which is in collaboration with the University of Australia, Adelaide and King's College London and is offered entirely online and is identified as The International Programme in Addiction Studies. This collaboration allows students in all three countries a rare, cross-cultural learning experience while providing an international perspective on addiction and prevention. Graduate's of this program are prepared to use evidence-based practices to provide efficacious prevention and treatment plans for patients as well as training in research and policy development. Virginia Commonwealth University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and has been highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report in its National Universities and Top Public Schools rankings.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $674 (in-state); $1,386 (out-of-state)
Curriculum Snapshot: Addiction Policy, The Biological Basis of Addiction, Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addictions, Treatment of Addiction: Critical Issues, Treatment of Addiction: Pharmacotherapies, Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions, Research Project in Addictions, etc.
Program Website: Online@VCU
16. University of Louisville
The University of Louisville (UL), through its Kent School of Social Work, has an online Master of Social Work (MSW) that offers an Alcohol and Drug Counseling concentration. This program holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education, and UL is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. UL is ranked in the top 200 of Washington Monthly‘s Best Bang for the Buck, and U.S. News and World Report ranks the university in the top 200 of National Universities and the top 40 of Social Work graduate programs. The MSW practicum for online students is completed in an appropriate organization in the student's home community.
Program Length: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $714; $250 (Military Discount)
Curriculum Snapshot: Social Welfare Institutions, Policies & Services, Social Justice Practice, Research Methodology & Design, Motivation & Change, Group Methods, Introduction to Family Therapy Practice, Psychopathology, Advanced Issues in Substance Abuse Treatment, Practicum Seminar, etc.
Program Website: University of Louisville
17. Ohio State University
This Master of Arts in Sociology (MSW) degree from Ohio State University (OSU) is ranked #17 by U.S. News and World Report, and OSU is ranked in the top 100 of National Universities. The College of Social Work offers two options for this degree in its traditional MSW and an advanced standing track. Both provide a Mental Health and Substance Misuse emphasis. The College of Social Work holds program accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and OSU holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Length: 60 Credit Hours (Traditional); 30 Credit Hours (Advanced Standing)
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $764.50
Curriculum Snapshot: Social and Economic Justice, Engaging with Evidence, Diversity and Cultural Competence, Organizational and Community System, Evaluating Social Work Practice, Advanced Practice Methods, Field Placement, Integrative Seminar on Mental Health & Substance Abuse, etc.
Program Website: Ohio State University
18. Nova Southeastern University Florida
Specifically designed for the working professional, Nova Southeastern University – Florida's Master of Science in Counseling offers a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling. The school also offers an MS degree in Substance Abuse Counseling and Education degree which is Administered by the College of Psychology. MS program admission requirements include: an undergraduate or master's degree in behavioral science, psychology, social work or education (or related field). Nova Southeastern University – Florida holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC). U.S. News and World Report ranks Nova Southeastern University – Florida in the top 200 of National Universities.
Program Length: 48 credit hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $755
Curriculum Snapshot: Human Growth and Development, Ethical, Legal and Professionals Issues for Counselors, Research and Evaluation for Counselors, Substance Abuse, Psychological Testing for Individual Evaluation, Foundations of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counseling in Community Settings, Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders, Psychopharmacology of Illicit and Licit Drugs, Issues in Clinical Supervision and a practicum
Program Website: Nova Southeastern University – Florida
19. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
Perhaps an untraditional educational program, the Hazeldon Betty Ford Foundation (HBFF) offers an online Master's of Arts in Addiction Studies: Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders through its Graduate School of Addiction Studies. HBFF is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A degree from HBFF can lead to credentials from the IC&RC (International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium) and NAADAC (The Association for Addiction Professionals). Students should check with their state licensing board to determine that this program meets their states specific requirements.
Program Length: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $776
Curriculum Snapshot: Ethics and Professionalism, Ethics and Professionalism, Evidence-Based Practice for Co-Occurring Disorders, Medical Issues, Psychopharmacology, and Medication Management, Treatment and Recovery Planning for Co-Occurring Disorders, Research and Clinical Practice, Family Psychoeducation and Counseling for Co-Occurring Disorders, Crisis, and Trauma, etc.
Program Website: Hazeldon Betty Ford Foundation
20. Prescott College
Prescott College confers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that offers core coursework along with an emphasis in addiction counseling. This is a hybrid program that requires an on-campus orientation and campus attendance once each semester in Prescott, Arizona. U.S. News and World Report rates Prescott College in the top 100 of Regional Universities West ranking. Admission to the program is straightforward, requiring official transcripts, application, resume, letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
Program Length: 60 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour: $874
Curriculum Snapshot: Counseling Theories, Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, Helping Relationships: Basic Counseling Skills, Group Work: Clinical Theory and Practice, Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse, Counseling Theories, Assessment: Psychological Testing and Appraisal in Counseling, Professional Counseling Ethics, Social and Cultural Diversity in Counseling, etc.
Program Website: Prescott College