15 Top Picks for Addiction Counseling Masters Programs

The job market for substance addiction counselors shows remarkable growth, with a projected 23% increase from 2020 to 2030 – significantly higher than other occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this upward trend to continue through 2034.

A master’s degree in addiction counseling opens doors to a field with strict accreditation standards and professional recognition. Ottawa University’s program received the ‘Outstanding Addiction/Offender Program of the Year’ award from the International Association of Addiction and Offender Counselors. The program also earned accreditation from the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). Students can find programs at various price points. The University of Minnesota’s tuition ranges from $17,580 for in-state students to $27,204 for out-of-state students.

This guide examines 15 of the best programs that can help shape your educational path, whether you’re beginning your counseling journey or seeking specialization. You’ll find options from 50+ year old institutions that train adult learners to programs that rank as their state’s best. Each program offers unique opportunities that match your career goals and financial considerations.

1. Ottawa University – MS in Addiction Counseling

Ottawa University offers a fully online Master of Science in Addiction Counseling (MSAC) as an accelerated program. The program helps professionals advance their careers in addiction counseling. Students learn to work with people who struggle with substance abuse and dependency disorders.

The program earned recognition as the ‘Outstanding Addiction/Offender Program of the Year’ from the International Association of Addiction and Offender Counselors in 2017. This award shows the program’s excellence in addiction counseling education.

Students gain skills needed for doctoral studies or professional practice in related fields. Graduates can work in private practices, substance abuse clinics, group settings, or hospitals.

Curriculum overview

The MSAC program requires 36 credit hours of coursework that blends theory, research, and practical applications. The curriculum has:

• Core courses in clinical foundations, introduction to addictions, and multicultural concerns
• Advanced topics covering psychopharmacology, co-occurring disorders, and trauma treatment
• Professional skills development through law and ethics, assessment practices, and family systems approaches
• Hands-on experience via required practicum components

This structured approach will give a solid foundation in theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for addiction counseling. The program concludes with a practicum that applies classroom concepts in real-life situations.

Accreditation and licensure

The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) accredits Ottawa University’s addiction counseling programs. The California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE) also accredits the program.

The MSAC meets educational requirements for the Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC) in Arizona. Students who complete CAADE requirements can take certification exams offered by the Addiction Counselor Certification Board of California.

Students who pass certification exams and complete 2,240 supervised internship hours qualify for the CATC III (Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor III) credential. Licensure requirements differ by state, so check with your state’s certification authority to verify that Ottawa’s addiction counseling masters program meets your regional requirements.

2. Texas Tech University – MS in Addiction Counseling

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s Master of Science in Addiction Counseling (MSAC) program has been around since Spring 2017. The program leads the way in addiction counseling education. TTUHSC’s curriculum trains practitioners in both clinical counseling skills and distance service provision techniques.

Students complete a detailed 60-hour course of study that prepares entry-level addiction counselors through evidence-based practices. The program offers a flexible online format so you can earn your degree while managing your work and family life.

The curriculum emphasizes:

• Psychopathology and diagnosis
• Treatment planning and case management
• Multicultural counseling
• Neurobiology of addiction
• Clinical training experiences

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows addiction counselors will be in high demand, with jobs expected to grow by 17% from 2024 to 2034.

Telehealth and rural care focus

TTUHSC’s program uniquely focuses on telehealth. This makes it one of America’s first counselor education programs to blend distance-based service techniques into clinical training.

Graduates receive a telehealth certificate that gives them state-of-the-art skills valued across the country. This training becomes crucial since most Texas rural counties don’t have even one child and adolescent psychiatrist.

The program builds on the F. Marie Hall Institute for Rural Health’s strengths to help you serve people in various communities, especially in underserved rural areas. Your practical experiences will teach you to overcome geographic barriers that limit access to addiction treatment services.

Licensure and certification

The MSAC program gives you skills to take the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). You can qualify as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and apply for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in many states.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits the program, which ensures high educational standards. Notwithstanding that, licensure requirements differ by state, so check specific state information on the National Board for Certified Counselors website.

TTUHSC gives you both theoretical knowledge and clinical skills you need to succeed in this faster-growing field through detailed preparation and hands-on training experiences.

3. University of Minnesota – MPS in Addictions Counseling

The Master of Professional Studies in Addictions Counseling at the University of Minnesota prepares you for clinical work with substance use disorders through a rigorous curriculum. Students must complete 30 total credits within five years of admission. The program has flexible learning options:

• Fully Online Option: You can take asynchronous courses at your own pace, attend live video conferencing sessions, or choose blended courses that combine both approaches
• Hybrid Format: You’ll mix in-person classes at the Saint Paul campus with online coursework

Students learn evidence-based treatment methods that address biological, social, and psychological aspects of addiction. The coursework covers professional ethics, diversity training, and co-occurring assessment interventions. The university doesn’t require GRE scores and uses an all-encompassing approach to evaluate applications.

Internship opportunities

The field experience requirement is essential to this masters addiction counseling program. Students need to complete a minimum of 880 hours of supervised internship at an approved area agency. This practical component helps you become skilled at the Twelve Core Functions of substance use disorder counseling while working directly with clients.

Licensed counselors guide you through internships where you’ll develop skills in assessment, treatment planning, and case management. This hands-on experience shapes your professional identity and sharpens your counseling techniques in real-life settings.

Tuition and ROI

The university’s graduate tuition follows a credit band structure. Full-time enrollment (6-14 credits per semester) costs $10,640 for residents and $16,776 for non-residents. The university supports students financially through:

• Merit-based scholarships between $1,250-$2,000 (available to select fall applicants)
• Need-based scholarships for qualified students
• One-time awards for students with unpaid internships

Your investment can lead to promising returns in the growing field of addiction counseling. Minnesota expects 22.9% employment growth for substance use and mental health counselors from 2020-2030. Graduates typically earn between $45,000-$70,000 per year.

4. College of William and Mary – MA in Counseling

The College of William and Mary is among top-tier addiction counseling masters programs. Their Clinical Mental Health & Addictions Concentration strikes a perfect balance between wellness and psychopathology approaches. Students need 60 credit hours to complete this CACREP-accredited program, which typically takes two academic years. The curriculum blends core counseling theories with specialized addiction treatment methods.

Students get extensive hands-on experience through a structured progression at William and Mary. The program starts with a 150-hour practicum and moves on to two 300-hour internships. This preparation sets you up for licensure as both a Professional Counselor and a Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner in Virginia, though state requirements might differ.

Certificate option

The school also offers a 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling. This focused program teaches students to:

• Learn about biological, cultural, economic and psychological aspects of substance abuse
• Take a closer look at how addiction disrupts families and society
• Use effective techniques to help clients struggling with substance abuse
• Support clients facing addiction challenges

Core courses like “Substance Abuse and Society,” “Addictions Counseling,” and “Contemporary Issues in Clinical Mental Health Counseling” are the foundations of both the certificate and full program. Students can also gain real-world experience at the department’s New Leaf Clinic, where they provide substance abuse counseling to various clients.

Small class benefits

Small classes are a key advantage of William and Mary’s counseling programs. Students receive personal attention and mentoring from faculty members who bring extensive clinical experience to the classroom. The close-knit learning environment helps build strong peer relationships and creates plenty of chances to work with faculty during coursework and clinical experiences.

The faculty team brings expertise in trauma, resilience, social justice, and specialized knowledge in neurodiversity-affirming counseling. This student-focused approach will give you personalized guidance to build both skills and confidence needed in this demanding field.

5. Washburn University – MA in Family and Human Services

Washburn University is known among addiction counseling masters programs with its integrated approach to addiction counseling education. The Master of Arts in Family & Human Services with an Addiction Counseling emphasis requires 36 credit hours that you can complete online. You can choose between full-time and part-time options to finish your degree in two to three years based on your schedule.

The curriculum tackles key field challenges like wellness, harm reduction, diversity, aging, and trauma-informed care. Teachers bring their ground experience to the classroom and prepare you for situations you’ll face in practice. You can complete your fieldwork training in your community while keeping your current lifestyle and commitments.

Licensure pathway

The program prepares you to become a Licensed Master’s Addiction Counselor (LMAC) in Kansas. NAADAC and the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) have approved the program, which means the curriculum meets industry standards.

We focused on Kansas requirements, but students from other states are welcome too. You’ll need to check your state’s educational requirements and sign an attestation form about licensure expectations if you’re from outside Kansas.

You can also become a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) in Kansas, which opens up more career opportunities.

Tuition and regional benefits

The Graduate Distance Education tuition rates stay the same whatever state you live in. Out-of-state students pay about $944 per credit, which comes to $28,320 for the whole program. Kansas residents get a better deal at roughly $504 per credit, making the total program cost about $15,120.

Washburn University ranked #8 on the 2023 Best Value Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling Schools list for the Plains States Region. Students can also apply for Minority Fellowships funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

6. Waynesburg University – MA in Counseling

Waynesburg University’s Addictions Counseling Program is a leader among addiction counseling masters programs. The program has earned national recognition by ranking No. 4 in the country from Addiction Counselor for two consecutive years (2021-2022). This difference highlights the program’s quality in preparing addiction counseling specialists.

Waynesburg’s Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialized concentration in Addictions Counseling holds the distinction of being Pennsylvania’s first CACREP-accredited Addictions Counseling program. The program is available online, making it convenient for working professionals who want to advance their credentials.

Process addiction focus

The program’s curriculum goes beyond traditional substance use disorders and gives you the skills to handle process addictions and compulsive disorders like gambling addiction. Graduates develop a complete set of skills that work with both addicted and non-addicted populations.

Students who complete the program meet all academic requirements for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC). They also prepare for the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certification. These versatile qualifications allow graduates to work in a variety of clinical settings.

Admission requirements

The program requires these items for application:

• Application form
• Bachelor’s degree verification from a regionally accredited institution (minimum 3.0 GPA)
• Official transcripts from all previous institutions
• Current resume
• Personal statement
• Writing sample
• Complete an Admissions Committee interview

Students whose native language isn’t English must provide TOEFL scores or equivalent proof of English proficiency. The program offers regular and conditional admission paths. Conditional admits can enroll in up to four courses (12 credits) before full program evaluation.

7. The College of New Jersey – MA in Counseling

The College of New Jersey provides a detailed 60-credit Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program with two distinct tracks: generalist practice and addiction counseling. Students can shape their educational path based on their career goals in addiction counseling. Students start with an orientation where they get a detailed Student Manual that outlines curriculum, policies, and procedures.

The program combines classroom learning with community-based internships, independent studies, and research opportunities with faculty. Students looking for flexibility can choose an online option that includes a 90-minute synchronous session each week.

Accreditation

TCNJ’s Department of Counselor Education is distinguished from newer addiction counseling masters programs. The department has managed to keep continuous accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) since 1991. The program’s current accreditation runs until October 31, 2030 after a rigorous evaluation.

This long-standing accreditation shows the program’s steadfast dedication to exceptional educational standards in counselor preparation. CACREP recognition will give a qualification that professionals respect nationwide.

Licensure outcomes

TCNJ prepares you for several professional credentials along with your degree:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
• Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) in New Jersey
• National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential

The department makes this easier by offering the National Counselor Examination (NCE) yearly to eligible students, usually in April. This detailed preparation has shown results – 100% of 2022 graduates who responded to TCNJ’s career survey reported working in the counseling field. The program gives graduates the skills they need for various roles in businesses, community agencies, colleges, and substance abuse organizations.

8. University of North Carolina Charlotte – MA in Addiction Counseling

UNC Charlotte’s addiction counseling masters programs is one of only five institutions approved by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Practice Board (NCSAPPB). Students benefit from a quick path to Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) certification. The 60-credit curriculum equips students with skills for treatment settings of all types through assessment methods, treatment planning, goal-setting, and critical resource referral.

The program maintains CACREP accreditation that ensures high professional standards. Students learn to handle various addictive behaviors and involve families in the recovery process.

Internship hours

Clinical experience serves as the foundation of professional development through:

• 150 hours of practicum (one semester) including 60 hours of direct client contact
• 600 hours of internship across two consecutive semesters with 240 hours of direct client interaction

These clinical experiences connect classroom knowledge with professional practice and take place in addiction counseling facilities.

Licensure pass rate

The program’s results tell a compelling story. Every graduate has passed the addiction licensure exam on their first try in the last decade. Graduates go on to work at respected facilities like McLeod Treatment Center, Anuvia, Charlotte Rescue Mission, and Phoenix Counseling Center. Official data shows the program achieves a 90% completion rate, 95% licensure examination pass rate, and 90% job placement rate for graduates seeking employment.

9. Cornerstone University – MA in Mental Health Counseling

Cornerstone University offers a 60-credit Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program targets students who want to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). Students can complete their studies online while learning scientific methods and hands-on counseling skills to tackle ground challenges. The department tracks student growth through four Professional Development Gates as they progress through their degree.

Students benefit from a curriculum that goes beyond Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) standards. The program stays flexible enough to fit the needs of working professionals. Students receive support with licensure and job placement after graduation. This makes the program valuable especially when you have career changes in mind or want to advance in counseling.

Addictions certificate

Cornerstone’s addictions counseling concentration shines among addiction counseling masters programs with its focused six-credit hour specialization. This compact program gives you the practical skills in assessment, treatment planning, and relapse prevention. Students must complete two courses:

• COU-651: Clinical Diagnostic Assessment of Addictions
• COU-652: Sociology of Addictions

These specialized courses prepare students to practice and get licensed in a variety of clinical settings.

Christian integration

The program weaves a Christian worldview throughout its curriculum. Cornerstone takes an integrated approach that combines scientific counseling methods with Christian views on healing and wellness. Students wanting deeper theological knowledge can choose a separate 15-credit Christian Counseling concentration through Cornerstone Theological Seminary.

10. Duquesne University – MA in Addiction Counseling

Duquesne University provides a 60-credit Master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that prepares students for the addiction counseling field. The program is distinguishable from other addiction counseling masters programs by delivering courses in a traditional classroom setting instead of online learning. Students benefit from direct interaction with professors and peers, which enhances their educational experience through instant feedback and shared learning opportunities.

The program combines theory with real-world applications through hands-on learning, reflection papers, case studies, and group work. Graduates can work with clients who face various challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use disorders.

Part-time flexibility

The program maintains a traditional learning environment while offering exceptional flexibility. Students can finish their degree in 2 years or choose a part-time schedule that fits their work and personal life. Working professionals seeking career growth or specialization in addiction counseling will find this adaptability particularly valuable.

Evening classes help students balance their work commitments with academic goals. The program offers full-time, half-time, and part-time enrollment options so students can progress at their preferred pace.

Catholic heritage

The program reflects Duquesne’s Spiritan mission by weaving Catholic values throughout the curriculum. The university’s counselor education program wants to “prepare professional counselors who promote the well-being of individuals, families, organizations, and communities” while serving “God by educating counselors who value social justice”.

This values-based approach develops students’ moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social capabilities alongside their professional skills. Graduates end up with strong clinical abilities, ethical foundations, and the cultural awareness needed to be effective counselors.

11. Colorado State University – MS in Addiction Counseling

Colorado State University offers an action-oriented Master of Addiction Counseling in Psychology that prepares you directly for licensure. This NASAC-accredited program (through 2028) covers all required coursework for Colorado licensure within the first year. You become eligible for the Master’s Addiction Counseling exam right after graduation without additional post-master’s requirements. Your internship hours count toward licensure, which gives you a clear advantage.

CSU takes a different approach from traditional research-focused degrees. The university uses a Plan C Masters approach where you develop competency through supervised practice and complete exams instead of writing a thesis. You can qualify for professional counselor licensure exams by taking four additional courses.

Community integration

The program’s strong community connections create excellent opportunities for clinical experience. Students complete 360-480 supervised clinical hours each semester at addiction treatment sites. These valuable placements often turn into jobs. Many students find positions before they graduate because of their specialized knowledge.

Licensed Addiction Counselors are in high demand throughout Colorado and nationwide. CSU graduates have built outstanding professional reputations. Industry experts often describe them as “some of the most revered in the field”.

Tuition and ROI

This program proves to be a smart investment. Tuition costs vary between in-state students at $10,520 and out-of-state students at $25,791. Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) residents can qualify for in-state rates.

Graduates can expect promising financial returns. They earn an average annual salary of $68,542 with a ten-year ROI of $651,834. Students can access various financial aid options through university and department resources.

12. Drexel University – Online MS in Addiction Counseling

Students can complete their degree faster with Drexel’s online MS in Addiction Counseling program. The program requires 45.5 total credits and runs in 10-week quarters. You’ll study essential topics like ethical issues, treatment planning, relapse prevention, and counseling for special populations. The program’s admission needs a Bachelor’s degree with minimum 2.5 GPA, two recommendation letters, a personal statement that lines up with the university’s mission, and a current resume.

Behavioral addiction focus

The program goes beyond substance use disorders to cover behavioral addictions and specialized populations deeply. Students learn to work with underserved groups through courses like “Addictions Counseling with Special Populations,” which includes work with adolescents and elderly individuals. Graduates gain skills to diagnose addiction problems, suggest proper treatments, create ongoing care plans, and understand what triggers relapse. The program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on techniques effectively.

Certification preparation

The program helps students meet requirements for the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) or Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) certification exams in most states. Graduates should check any additional state-specific requirements before applying for certification. The complete curriculum gives you the skills needed for professional certification while helping you become skilled at diagnosing, treating, and reporting on addiction treatment processes.

13. John Carroll University – MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

John Carroll University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is notable among addiction counseling masters programs with a remarkable 100% employment rate. Students can choose an optional Substance Use Disorder concentration by completing three specialized electives. These courses qualify you for dual licensure as both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC). The program’s unique distinction comes from being Ohio’s only curriculum designed with the state licensing board that lets students bypass the LICDC exam.

Fieldwork opportunities

Students start gaining hands-on experience in their third semester through a practicum lab at Moore Counseling and Mediation Services, a leading behavioral health center. The program provides over 700 clinical hours in various treatment areas that include group counseling, individual counseling, assessments, dual diagnosis services, and medicated assisted treatment. Students benefit from a dedicated practicum instructor and internship coordinator who help find meaningful placements through JCU’s network of 80+ top employers.

Alumni network

The university’s network includes more than 40,000 alumni who maintain lifelong connections to the institution. Alumni work at prestigious organizations like Cleveland Clinic, LifeStance Health, Bellefaire JCB, and Akron Children’s Hospital. Program Chair Martina Moore shares, “I get calls every day from people wanting to know if I have alumni looking for positions”. Many graduates advance to doctoral studies and later become college-level educators.

14. Montclair State University – MA in Counseling

Montclair State University offers a 60-credit CACREP-accredited Addictions Counseling program that gives you the specialized skills to support people recovering from substance use and behavioral addictions. The program received its first accreditation in 2009 and earned reaccreditation in 2017 for the full 8-year cycle. Students become culturally competent counselors ready to work in a variety of treatment settings such as transition homes, outpatient facilities, and addiction treatment centers.

Career outcomes

The program’s professional outcomes clearly show its success. Graduates consistently achieve a 100% pass rate on the National Counselor Examination. Alumni surveys reveal a job placement rate of 62%. Most graduates qualify to become both Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LCADC). These dual credentials open doors to careers in addictions facilities, community agencies, and private practice settings.

Program flexibility

The program works well with busy schedules by offering:

• Evening classes throughout the academic year
• Summer courses to speed up your progress
• Full-time and part-time enrollment choices

Students who attend full-time usually finish their degree in 2½ to 3 years. You can switch between full-time and part-time status by simply notifying your advisor – no extra paperwork needed. This flexible structure makes the program available to working professionals who want to advance their careers while managing other responsibilities.

15. Virginia Commonwealth University – MS in Addiction Studies

Virginia Commonwealth University’s MS in Addiction Studies stands out from other masters addiction counseling programs. The program brings together VCU, King’s College London, and the University of Adelaide in Australia through a groundbreaking international partnership. Students receive a single diploma awarded jointly by these three prestigious institutions. The program has trained more than 100 addiction specialists from 28 countries across six continents in its 15-year history.

Online delivery

Students worldwide can access the program through distance-learning technologies without campus visits. Students can choose between full-time (12-month) and part-time (24-month) completion paths. The 36-credit curriculum includes six credits for a final research project that looks at relevant addiction-related topics. This setup helps professionals advance their education while keeping their current jobs.

Licensure preparation

The program equips graduates for career paths in the addiction field. Students gain expertise for policy positions at local, national, and international levels, prevention/treatment program management, and leadership roles. Students compare addiction approaches from different cultures and use this knowledge to create better prevention strategies, treatment practices, and evidence-based policies in their home countries. Graduates have succeeded in developing addiction treatment programs, improving law enforcement approaches, and advising global leaders on addiction issues.

Get Started in Your Career

Picking the right master’s program in addiction counseling puts you on track for a rewarding career in this faster growing field. These programs give you different ways to reach your educational and career goals – you can choose online learning, traditional classrooms, or a mix of both. Each program comes with its own focus areas. Texas Tech specializes in telehealth and rural care, while Drexel University excels in behavioral addiction treatment.

Graduates can look forward to excellent job prospects. The growth rate is nowhere near the average for other careers, which means plenty of job openings in private practices, treatment centers, hospitals and community agencies of all sizes.

Quality markers play a key role when you pick your program. You should look for CACREP or NASAC accreditation, high pass rates on licensure exams, and reliable clinical experience options. The program’s flexibility, costs, and how well it prepares you for your state’s license requirements need careful review.

These featured programs show impressive results. UNC Charlotte and John Carroll University both report 100% success rates – one in licensing exams and the other in job placement. Students who invest in this education see great returns, both in their bank accounts and job satisfaction.

New research keeps changing how we understand substance use and behavioral disorders. Programs that focus on proven methods and detailed skill development help you stay ahead in your career. These chosen programs are a great way to get started in counseling or advance your expertise. You’ll make real changes in people’s lives while moving forward in your career.