Online Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling Program Guide

Earning a bachelor’s in addiction counseling can open the door to a meaningful career in helping people deal with substance use disorders. Potential jobs for graduates with this degree include substance use counselor, correctional treatment specialist, and social and human services assistant.

Addiction counseling majors learn about counseling theories and techniques, the psychology of addiction, and professional ethics and responsibilities. Even students who earn addiction counseling degrees online get real-world experience by completing counseling internships. Learn more about online addiction counseling programs below.

A bachelor’s in addiction counseling is typically a four-year, 120-credit degree that helps students learn about substance use and how it impacts individuals, families, and communities. Awarding a bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS), addiction counseling programs prepare students for entry-level careers in addiction counseling.

These programs may go by other names, such as addiction studies or substance abuse counseling, though their curricula generally cover the same topics:

Schools offer in-person and online addiction counseling degrees. Online and in-person addiction counseling programs usually cover the same topics and help students develop the same competencies. Like in-person learners, online students typically must complete an in-person internship to get hands-on experience in the field. Some programs help learners find an internship site in their local area.

A bachelor’s in addiction counseling can prepare you to work in the addiction counseling field. It can also give you the skills and knowledge to work in other areas of behavioral health, human and social services, and the criminal justice system. Below, we describe some potential careers to consider exploring with a bachelor’s in this subject.

Substance use or addiction counselors provide treatment to clients with substance use disorders. They offer counseling and therapy in individual and group settings. They also help clients work on personal relationships and career issues affected by their substance use.

Someone pursuing a substance use counselor role usually needs at least a bachelor’s degree. However, education requirements vary by state, employer, and position. All states require that substance use counselors in private practice are licensed, and licensure requires a master’s degree. Licensure requirements for substance use counselors outside of private practice vary by state.

Social and human service assistants help clients connect with services and benefits in various fields, including social work, rehabilitation, and psychology. Some social and human service assistants work specifically with people with addictions. Potential duties include helping clients with daily activities, filling out paperwork, and researching benefits and available services.

Coursework in case management would be useful for someone in this role. Social and human service assistants typically need at least a high school diploma, although requirements vary by employer and position. A bachelor’s in addiction counseling can lead to career advancement in this role.

Correctional treatment specialists help people who have broken the law get back on track by creating rehabilitation plans for them to follow. Some focus on casework with people dealing with substance use. Typical tasks include planning education and training programs, writing case reports about inmates, and setting up counseling and substance abuse treatment options.

Correctional treatment specialists usually need a bachelor’s degree. Most must also complete a government training program and pass a certification test. An internship or volunteer work in the criminal justice field provides good preparation for this role.

An online addiction counseling degree can lead to an annual salary of around $50,000 — or potentially much higher.

Factors that impact salaries in this field include years of experience, certifications, geographic location, and industry. For example, the BLS reports the top-paying metro areas for substance use counselors include Bend, Oregon; Ogden, Utah; and Anchorage, Alaska — all with median salaries around $80,000.

NCES reports that the average annual cost for a bachelor’s degree in the health professions — which includes substance use and addiction counseling — is almost $34,000 for full-time students attending an in-person program. Online programs prove more affordable, costing $22,513 on average.

Part-time online and in-person programs cost less annually, but students take longer to graduate. Attending a public school typically costs less than a private one.

Financial aid like grants and scholarships can often cover some or all expenses for an online addiction counseling degree.

Prospective addiction counseling online students must fill out an application for the program and meet admission criteria. Typical undergraduate admission requirements include:

Specific admission criteria vary by program and school. For example, not all programs require letters of recommendation, and many schools are now test-optional, which means they don’t require ACT or SAT scores.

Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s in addiction counseling, consider continuing your education by pursuing further degrees or certificates in counseling. Earning an additional credential can lead to different and better career opportunities, promotions, and salary increases.

For example, social workers and counselors typically need a master’s degree and a state-issued license to practice without supervision. Consider a master’s in counseling or a master’s in social work to advance in these fields and earn a higher salary.

If you’re interested in research or teaching at the college level or want to pursue advanced studies in addiction counseling, consider earning a psychology doctorate.