collageAddiction counselors help people with substance abuse issues. Aspiring professionals in this field can specialize their master’s degree in substance abuse counseling, eating disorders, or chronic gambling, among other harmful behaviors.
Most state licensure boards require each addiction counselor to hold a master’s degree. A master’s in addiction counseling prepares graduates to become licensed substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors through classwork and clinical experience. The programs listed in our rankings offer affordable online learning that delivers the same educational quality as on-campus programs.
An online addiction counseling degree provides learning options that can accommodate students’ work and family obligations and learning styles. Distant learners can study the foundations of addiction counseling on their own schedules through an asynchronous format, while synchronous classes require virtual attendance at specific times.
Programs may combine both course methods and offer a hybrid delivery of online and in-person classes. Clinical practicums and internships typically require on-site attendance.
Master’s in addiction counseling programs prepare graduates to provide direct therapeutic services to clients with substance use and behavior issues. Addiction counseling emphasizes compassion, understanding, acceptance, and accountability. Counselors often provide referrals and collaborate with medical professionals and social workers in designing treatment plans.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn a median annual salary of $46,240. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 25% between 2019-2029. Graduates with a master’s in addiction counseling degree can also pursue roles like social worker and social and community service manager.
Top 7 Low-Cost Online Master’s Degrees in Addiction Counseling
| RANK | SCHOOL | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washburn University of Topeka | Topeka, KS |
| 2 | Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA |
| 3 | Wright State University | Dayton, OH |
| 4 | Prescott College | Prescott, AZ |
| 5 | Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA |
| 6 | Ottawa University | Ottawa, KS |
| 7 | University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg, KY |
Career and Salary Outlook for Addiction Counselors
Addiction counselors received a projected employment growth rate of 22% in 2018-28 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicating an increasing demand for trained professionals. These counselors earned a median annual wage of $46,240 in 2019. Government employees bring in the most at $52,720, while counselors in hospitals, individual and family services, and outpatient centers earn salaries around $40,000. Residential facility counselors earn $39,690.
Utah tops the 50 states for highest annual pay at $67,410, followed by Nevada, Oregon, Alaska, and New Jersey, which also boast salaries above $60,000. Addiction counselors in Lewiston, Idaho, get paid the most compared to their metropolitan-area peers, earning a mean annual wage of $81,600, followed by Salt Lake City and Reno at $76,710 and $75,920, respectively.
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