2025 Substance Abuse & Addiction Counseling Programs

Substance abuse is a problem across the United States. To work as a substance abuse counselor, you'll need a degree.

Keep reading to discover the top substance abuse counseling programs in the United States.

Top Universities With Substance Abuse Counseling Programs

Many colleges and universities throughout the United States offer substance abuse counseling programs, sometimes called addiction studies programs.

We've listed our top picks below in alphabetical order.

1. Drexel University

Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It offers an undergraduate minor and a master's degree in addictions counseling.

The undergraduate minor requires 24 credits and can be earned alongside several different majors, such as psychology and sociology.

The Master of Science in addictions counseling is an online program that trains students in best treatment practices related to substance abuse and co-occurring behavioral disorders.

2. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is a private evangelical Christian university in Marion, Indiana. It offers a bachelor's and a master's in addictions counseling.

The Bachelor of Science in addictions counseling prepares students to become knowledgeable, ethical, and competent licensed addiction counselors.

The Master of Arts in clinical addictions counseling is available on campus or online. A five-year bachelor's to master's program is also available.

3. Ottawa University

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

The Bachelor of Science in addiction counseling is an accelerated online program that studies the factors that influence the delivery of addiction counseling and substance use disorder services.

The Master of Science in addiction counseling prepares students to pursue careers as addiction counseling professions and puts them on track for career advancement.

4. Purdue Global

Purdue Global is the online branch of Indiana's public Purdue University. It offers bachelor's and masters' degrees in addictions for students looking to earn their degree online.

The Bachelor of Science in psychology in addictions prepares students to help those with substance use disorders and addictions.

Students can also earn a peer recovery support specialist microcredential as part of their bachelor's degree program.

At the graduate level, a Master of Science in psychology with a concentration in addictions is available.

5. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas. It offers a bachelor's degree and a doctorate degree in addiction.

The Bachelor of Science in counseling and addiction recovery sciences can be done online or in person and offers a specialization in addictive disorders and recovery studies.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in addictive disorders and recovery studies is a research degree that is designed to produce addiction recovery scientists.

6. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is a public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio. It offers a bachelor's degree and two certificates in substance abuse counseling.

The Bachelor of Science in substance abuse counseling is available online or in a hybrid format. The curriculum is grounded in current research and proven practice in the field of substance abuse.

The substance abuse prevention certificate is available online, while the post-bachelor's certificate in substance abuse counseling is in-person. Both take a year to complete.

7. University of Detroit Mercy

The University of Detroit Mercy is a private Roman Catholic university in Detroit, Michigan. It offers a bachelor's degree, master's degree, and certificates in addiction studies.

The Bachelor of Science in addiction studies teaches the knowledge and skills required when providing prevention, assessment, referral, and treatment services for addictive disorders.

The Master of Arts in addiction counseling provides cutting-edge education related to substance and behavioral addiction counseling.

A post-bachelor's and a post-master's certificate in addiction studies are also available for those who have received degrees in related fields.

8. University of Maine at Augusta

The University of Maine at Augusta is a public college in Augusta, Maine. It offers a bachelor's degree and a graduate certificate in substance use counseling.

The Bachelor of Science in mental health and human services offers a concentration in addiction counseling that covers topics like crisis intervention, trauma, and models of addiction.

The graduate certificate in substance use disorders offers current professionals the flexibility to obtain a recognized credential that can lead to career advancement and become a pathway to a master's degree.

9. University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is a public research university in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. It offers a Master of Professional Studies degree in addiction counseling.

This program provides strong theoretical and practical foundations in evidence-based treatment modalities, clinical skills, professional and ethical responsibilities, and client advocacy.

A 12-credit addictions minor is available for students earning a related graduate degree, such as a degree in social work or nursing.

10. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is a public research university in Vermillion, South Dakota. It offers a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and certificates in addiction counseling.

The Bachelor of Science in addiction counseling and prevention is available on campus and online and offers two concentrations: a treatment concentration and a prevention concentration.

The Master of Arts in addiction counseling and prevention is only available online and prepares students to achieve an advanced level of competency in addressing current and future addiction.

FAQs About Top Substance Abuse Counseling Programs

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

Are Substance Abuse Counseling Programs Available Online?

Some substance abuse counseling programs, including several listed above, are available online.

How Long Are Substance Abuse Counseling Programs?

The length of a substance abuse counseling program depends on what level of degree you're earning. Bachelor's degrees take about four years while master's degrees average two.

What Will I Learn in a Substance Abuse Counseling Program?

Substance abuse counseling programs often cover a range of topics, including the science behind addiction, addiction recovery, addiction prevention, and methods of counseling.

Find the Best Substance Abuse Counseling Programs

Many excellent colleges and universities offer substance abuse counseling programs. Check out the ones above to find the right program for you today!