A bachelor’s degree and relevant credentials are sufficient for many entry-level addiction counseling and social service positions. And some states don’t even require a bachelor’s degree, only a high school diploma and relevant certification. Even if your degree is offered online, you should still consider the location of your graduate program. Plus, many schools allow online students to access to on-campus services, like facility labs and the library. And as mental and behavioral health awareness continues to grow, along with access to treatment, so does the demand for qualified substance abuse counselors, also known as addiction counselors. This master’s in addiction counseling online begins with studies in ethical and legal counseling issues, multicultural counseling, and spirituality and counseling.
Becoming an Addiction Counselor: Review
Online degrees can offer more flexibility and affordability than in-person degrees. However, applicants should consider additional fees that come with earning an addiction counseling degree online. Extra fees include the cost of technology, such as a reliable computer and stable internet connection. Online counseling degree-seekers may also need to pay for tech support if anything goes wrong. The Education Data Initiative reports that a master’s degree averages $59,684 total.
Overview of an Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree in Substance Use Counseling
Having accreditation is like getting a stamp of approval for your degree, showing that it’s credible to employers. It’s also usually necessary to qualify for financial aid and to transfer credits between schools. Additionally, familiarize yourself with each institution’s standardized test policies — while many schools have moved to test-optional policies, others still require SAT or ACT scores.
Step 4: Apply for Licensure or Certification in Your State
Several states have started recognizing the need for master’s-degree-level addiction counseling licensure and certification. But there are other reasons a graduate program is your best option if you’re looking for a long-term career in the substance use disorder (SUD) counseling field. You will gain valuable real-world experience working with highly qualified counselors. Most addiction counseling careers require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, or addiction counseling. Criteria vary by state, but most require counselors in private practice to hold a master’s degree.
Once you have completed your supervised experience, you can apply for a counseling license in your state. With hard work, you can become a successful counselor and make a positive impact on substance abuse counseling the lives of others. Our online master in addiction counseling degree program can provide the opportunity for you to obtain certification as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC).
- Before applying, it’s crucial to consult with an admissions counselor from your chosen program.
- On average, those who work in hospital settings tend to earn more, with an average income of $54,740.
- If you enter the workforce after earning a bachelor’s in addiction counseling, you can find entry-level careers that provide work experience and paychecks ranging from $35,330 to $74,240.
- Graduates with an online bachelor’s in addiction counseling can pursue roles like social worker and substance use counselor.
- Most states require a license and a master’s to work with clients independently.
Addiction counselors work with clients struggling to overcome substance abuse. Those drawn to this profession are passionate about helping people recover from their addictions and live better lives. If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree. If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree. If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree. If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.
- If you have ever been close friends with a clinical mental health counselor, you know that the work and home balance can be tedious to manage.
- Still, online programs have lots of different students, which makes learning more interesting.
- Thomas University is located in the historic and gorgeous city of Thomasville, Georgia.
- The curriculum requires at least 15 Christian credits along with major classes such as General Psychology, Assessment and Treatment Planning, and Diversity Issues in Counseling.
- Generally, you’ll need a master’s degree to become a mental health counselor, behavioral counselor, or school and career counselor.
- To become a top expert in applied behavior analysis, you’ll need to earn a doctoral degree.
- There’s no universally recognized accreditor for substance use counseling programs.
- Social Cognitive Processing, Surveys and Questionnaires, and Influence of Culture are some of the courses that may be required for this doctoral program.
- As the prevalence of substance use disorder increases, many addiction counselors pursue an additional license as a mental health counselor.
- An undergraduate addiction counseling degree focusing on assessment, treatment, and prevention provides a strong foundation for aspiring social workers who want to provide clinical services.
The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a regional accrediting body. The school holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. After graduating and obtaining state certification, you should be able to start working in an entry-level position. This type of accreditation is the first and most important mark of a quality school. Joining a professional organization can help you connect to others who work in this field. You may take classes like Human Lifespan Development, Social Justice, and Working with Individuals and Families.
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
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