Best Undergraduate Schools for Substance Abuse Counseling

Substance abuse counselors are responsible for working with people who are struggling with the use and abuse of drugs to help them stop using these substances and live a better life. Counselors will need to know how to handle situations that may be urgent, and their coursework will prepare them for that.

What Undergraduate Programs Are Offered for Substance Abuse Counseling?

There are two types of undergraduate degrees that students can earn in the area of substance abuse counseling, and those are associate's and bachelor's degrees. Completing an associate's degree program will take around two years, whereas a bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete. Programs for students to become substance abuse counselors can be completed either on campus in a traditional setting or online. Both online and on-campus programs will require students to complete either an internship or a practicum so that they can demonstrate their skills prior to graduation.

What Schools Have Associate's Degree Programs in Substance Abuse Counseling?

Across the United States there are a large number of schools that offer associate's degree programs in substance abuse counseling. Some of these schools include:

• Austin Community College in Austin, Texas - Associate of Applied Science in Addictions Counseling
• Iowa Lakes Community College - Associate's Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling
• Kansas City Kansas Community College - Associate's Degree in Addiction Counseling
• Central Texas College - Associate of Applied Science in Chemical Dependency

What Schools Have Bachelor's Degree Programs in Substance Abuse Counseling?

There are a variety of different schools in the U.S. that offer programs for students to earn a bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling. A list of these schools include:

• University of Cincinnati - Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling
• Ohio Christian University - Bachelor of Arts in Substance Abuse Counseling
• Ottawa University in Phoenix, Arizona - Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling
• Crown College in Minnesota - Bachelor of Science in Alcohol and Drug Counseling

What Are Some Core Courses in Substance Abuse Counseling Undergraduate Programs?

Whether students are entering into an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree program, there are some core courses that all students should expect to see over the course of their studies. These courses include ethics, counseling, and an internship or practicum. Ethics courses are designed to help future counselors make ethical decisions in their line of work, along with introducing them to ethical codes and legal standards. Counseling classes will educate students in the different techniques used in counseling sessions and how to set up a counseling session. Internships or practicums give students a chance to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they have acquired over the course of their schooling.

What Are Possible Jobs for People Holding a Substance Abuse Counseling Degree?

The degree that a student earns will affect the jobs that he/she will be able to pursue upon completion of the program. Upon graduation from an associates degree program for substance abuse counseling, students may choose to work as either substance abuse counselors, behavioral disorder counselors, or mental health counselors. Those who hold a bachelor's degree could choose to work in the previously listed positions, as probation officers, or as social service managers. The variety of available jobs may be a determining factor when deciding between earning an associate's or bachelor's degree.