2025 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Programs

To work as a substance abuse counselor, you'll need to earn a degree in the fields of substance abuse or addictions counseling.

These programs are available on campus as well as online. Keep reading to discover the top online substance abuse counseling programs.

Top Online Substance Abuse Counseling Programs

Several colleges and universities throughout the United States offer substance abuse counseling degrees and certificates online.

We've listed our top picks for online substance abuse counseling programs below in alphabetical order.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, Arizona. It offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in substance abuse online.

At the undergraduate level, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in counseling and applied psychological sciences with a concentration in substance abuse and addictions.

Graduate students can earn a Master of Science in addiction psychology. Those earning a related graduate degree can also earn a 21-credit graduate certificate in addiction and substance use-related disorders.

2. Drexel University

Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It offers an online Master of Science in addiction counseling.

This program provides students with the ability to apply evidence-based practices to meet the needs of an ever-growing population of people experiencing drug and alcohol use disorders.

Upon graduation, students will be prepared to sit for the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) or Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) certification exams.

3. Empire State University

Empire State University is a public university in Saratoga Springs, New York. It's part of the State University of New York system. It offers a Bachelor of Science in addiction studies online.

Students learn the fundamental aspects of how addiction affects individuals, families, and communities while examining the assessment, treatment, and prevention of substance abuse.

The program requires 124 credits and is guided by the competencies model from the US Department of Health and Human Service.

4. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is a private evangelical Christian university in Marion, Indiana. It offers a bachelor's degree and graduate certificate in addiction counseling online.

The Bachelor of Science in addictions counseling prepares students to work in the court system, domestic violence shelters, inpatient facilities, and their state's Department of Correction.

The graduate certificate in addiction counseling is an 18-credit program for those with a bachelor's degree who are looking for specialized preparation in addiction counseling.

5. Ottawa University

Ottawa University is a private Baptist university in Ottawa, Kansas. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in addiction counseling.

The Bachelor of Science in addiction counseling is an accelerated degree focused on the integration of research, theories of addiction, and counseling theories.

The Master of Science in addiction counseling is also accelerated and prepares students to pursue careers as addiction counseling professionals.

6. Purdue Global

Purdue Global is the online campus of Purdue University, a public research university in Indiana. It offers a bachelor's and master's in addictions.

Undergraduate students can earn a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a concentration in addictions. This program also includes a peer recovery support specialist micro-credential.

Graduate students can earn a master's in psychology with a concentration in addictions or a one-year graduate certificate in addictions.

7. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private research university based in Manchester, New Hampshire. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in human services with a concentration in substance abuse.

This program provides specialized training and tools so students can support sufferers of alcoholism, drug addiction and other substance use disorders.

This online substance abuse counseling program serves as an important educational first step toward becoming a drug and alcohol counselor.

An online bachelor's in psychology with a concentration in addiction studies is also available.

8. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas. It offers a Bachelor of Science in counseling and addiction recovery sciences online.

The concentration in addictive disorders and recovery studies focuses on the assessment and treatment of addictive disorders, understanding family dynamics of addiction, and eating disorders.

This program helps students develop practical skills to make a positive impact on other peoples' lives while building the foundation for a rewarding career or graduate study.

9. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is a public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in substance abuse counseling.

This is a cutting-edge, research-oriented program that offers proven practical course content to help students become qualified clinicians.

The program is available to both full-time and part-time students. Full-time students may be able to graduate in as little as three years.

10. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is a public research university in Vermillion, South Dakota. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in addiction counseling online.

At the undergraduate level, students can earn a Bachelor of Science or certificate in addiction counseling and prevention. Degree students can specialize in either treatment or prevention.

Graduate students can earn a Master of Arts in addiction counseling and prevention or a graduate certificate.

FAQs About Online Substance Abuse Counseling Programs

Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about online substance abuse counseling programs.

How Long Are Online Substance Abuse Counseling Programs?

The length of an online substance abuse counseling program depends on the degree. Bachelor's degrees usually take four years, while master's average about two.

How Much Do Online Substance Abuse Counseling Programs Cost?

Online degree programs usually cost about the same or a little less than in-person degrees.

While the cost of a degree can depend on many factors, the average undergraduate degree is $17,251 per year and the average graduate degree costs $19,749 per year.

Do I Need a Master's Degree to Work as a Substance Abuse Counselor?

While it depends on where you want to work and what, specifically you want to do, many substance abuse counseling positions require an advanced degree.

Find Online Substance Abuse Counseling Programs

Students can earn substance abuse counseling degrees online through many colleges and universities. Check out the programs above to find the right fit for you today.