The Best Online Master’s in Addiction and Recovery Counseling Programs for 2025
Addiction and recovery counselors are in high demand. Discover how an online addiction counseling master’s degree can advance your career.
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Addiction and recovery counselors play a critical role in the mental health field and are in high demand. With a master’s degree, you can become a licensed counselor and guide clients through recovery. An online addiction counseling master’s degree offers the flexibility to advance your career.
Best Online Master’s Degrees in Addiction and Recovery Counseling
Bay Path University
- Longmeadow, MA
- 4 year
- Online
Why We Chose This School:
The master of science in clinical mental health counseling at Bay Path University features an entirely online format with a concentration in alcohol and drug use counseling. The 60-credit curriculum comprises 48 credits in counseling foundations and electives and 12 credits in practicum and internship placements.
We like that Bay Path offers flexible options that allow you to study at your own pace. You can finish the degree in three years and two semesters by taking only two courses per semester. If you take four courses per semester, you can earn your master's in two years.
Highlights:
- No GRE required
- Practicum completed through videotaped practice counseling interviews with no in-person field placements
- Meets the educational and practicum requirements to sit for the licensing exam to become a certified alcohol and drug use counselor
Considerations:
- Working knowledge of statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, personality, and development strongly recommended for admission
- Cannot complete 600-hour internship requirement at more than one placement site
- Highest rate of tuition of the schools listed; $925 per credit hour
78%
Yes
76%
N/A
$19,235
$19,235
70%
2,465
Private
Central Michigan University
- Mount Pleasant, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
CMU's master of arts in counseling allows you to pursue an addiction counselor concentration in a hybrid or fully online format. We like this master's program because it prepares students for Michigan's limited licensed counselor (LLC) or the certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor (CAADC) credential. The 60-credit degree, accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), takes 3.5 years to complete for full-time students or 2.5 years if attending part time.
The addiction counselor curriculum supplements foundational counseling coursework and field experiences with specialized classes in areas such as the etiology of addiction, addiction-oriented treatments and systems of care, and multicultural counseling.
Highlights:
- No GRE required
- May complete practicum requirement on campus at the Center for Community Counseling and Development, a mental health training facility for counseling graduate students
- Accepts up to 15 credits from other CACREP-accredited programs
Considerations:
- Practicum and internship placements completed during regular daytime work hours; no weekend or evening options
- Fixed program plan of study requiring students to complete courses in a specific developmental sequence
- Relatively expensive tuition rate compared to other schools on this list ($793 per credit hour)
52%
Yes
91%
N/A
$808
$808
73%
14,423
Public
Governors State University
- University Park, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
If you are looking for an addiction counseling program that accommodates your busy schedule,Governors State University's master of health science in addictions studies offers convenient options designed for adult learners. We like the program's flexible choice of study plans that include in-person, fully online, or hybrid options.
The 60-credit addiction counseling concentration offers an evidence-based curriculum with a strong multicultural focus, providing you with the cultural understanding and sensitivity required to offer counseling services to diverse client populations.
Students who complete the master's in addiction counseling meet the academic requirements for the certified alcohol and drug counselor (CADC) credential.
Highlights:
- Accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC), the only accrediting body that represents addiction-focused educators and practitioners
- Offers qualified students a criminal justice internship option to meet certified criminal justice addictions professional requirements
- One of the lowest tuition rates compared to other schools on the list ($383 per credit hour)
Considerations:
- Must first be admitted to the 32-credit master of health science in addictions studies program to apply for the addictions counseling concentration
- Prerequisites for admission: six hours of study in behavioral sciences; six hours of biological sciences or chemistry; and a statistics or research methods course
- No electives
76%
Yes
48%
N/A
$6,354
$12,708
59%
4,338
Public
Touro University Worldwide
- Los Alamitos, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Touro University's master of arts in counseling features an online addiction counseling specialization based on a scholar practitioner approach. The 60-credit program explores the treatment of addiction from a clinical counseling perspective in courses, such as psychopathology, counseling diverse populations, and trauma and addiction counseling.
We find the required capstone course makes a great addition to the curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) practice exams.
The affordably priced program typically takes two years to complete, and it includes 42 courses in eight-week sequences and 700 hours of field experiences.
Highlights:
- No GRE required
- Six start dates annually
- Graduates are eligible to become licensed substance use and behavioral disorder counselors in California and other states
Considerations:
- Must complete all program requirements within five years
- Students must find their own practicum and internship sites
- A $49.99 material fee to access NCMHCE and addiction counselor study materials and exam preparation for capstone
99%
Yes
N/A
N/A
$9,000
$9,000
90%
2,249
Private
Union College
- Barbourville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
The master of science in substance use at Union College is delivered in a fully online or hybrid format. Students take 26 credits in core counseling courses, 25 credits in psychology foundations, and nine hours of electives.
The curriculum addresses the psychology of addiction, chemical dependency treatment, and recovery and relapse, along with required field placements that provide the professional experience you need to qualify for licensure as a substance use counselor.
We like the program's commitment to online student support services. Throughout the program, each student has access to a personal academic advisor and 24/7 tech assistance.
Highlights:
- No GRE required
- Six start dates throughout the academic year
- Most affordable tuition rate of the schools on this list ($370 per credit hour)
Considerations:
- Admission requires 12 prerequisite credits for non-psychology majors in abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, and physiological psychology
- Passing grade on comprehensive exam required for graduation
69%
Yes
53%
N/A
$11,040
$11,040
59%
970
Private
What to Consider When Choosing an Online Addiction and Recovery Counseling Master’s
To find the right online counseling master’s program, consider cost, accreditation, and career goals.
Accreditation
Accreditation recognizes schools and programs that meet high academic standards. That’s one reason you should always choose an accredited institution for your online master’s program. A school’s accreditation status can also impact your financial aid opportunities, employment prospects, and licensure options.
For master’s programs in counseling, look for programmatic accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). Choosing an accredited program ensures your education aligns with industry best practices and can help streamline state licensure processes.
Career Relevance
A master’s degree helps you develop specialized counseling and addiction treatment skills. However, you’ll want to find a program that matches your interests and career goals.
If you plan to work as a substance use counselor, ensure the program meets your state’s licensure requirements. Or, if you plan to apply to Ph.D. programs, look for master’s programs with a strong graduate placement rate.
Review the program’s courses, electives, and graduation requirements to make sure they fit your goals. You can also look for faculty with experience in addiction and recovery counseling.
Hybrid and Online Options
Addiction and recovery counseling master’s programs offer fully online and hybrid delivery formats. What’s the difference? In a 100% online program, you’ll complete all your classes online, while a hybrid program includes both online and in-person classes.
As you research programs, consider which format works best for your schedule and learning style. And make sure to review program requirements carefully––even in a fully online program, you may still need to complete an in-person practicum or internship.
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of a master’s in counseling can vary widely depending on the school type, credit requirements, and tuition discounts. In the 2021-2022 school year, graduate tuition and fees averaged $12,596 for public schools and $29,391 for nonprofit schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. You’ll also need to factor in supplies, textbooks, and other expenses when figuring out the total cost of your degree.
Common forms of financial aid for graduate students include loans, merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and assistantships or fellowships. Look for these funding opportunities from your university or department, nonprofit organizations, industry associations, and state and federal government agencies.
Practical Experience Requirements
Graduate-level addiction and recovery counseling programs often incorporate hands-on experiences working with clients. These can include observing experienced counselors, supervised internships, and clinical practicums.
Experiential learning can prepare you for licensure and the workforce. Some programs help set up these experiences for grad students, while others require students to find their placements. Research each program’s requirements and student support services to find an option that matches your needs and career goals.
Applying to an Online Addiction and Recovery Counseling Master’s Degree
While the specific admission requirements vary by program, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Programs may also require prerequisite courses in counseling.
Common application materials include:
Official transcripts- Letters of recommendation
- A resume or CV
- A statement of purpose
Some online programs also require standardized test scores or conduct interviews as part of the admissions process. For more, check out our graduate application guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction and Recovery Counseling Degrees
Earning a master’s in addiction counseling can increase your salary potential and employment opportunities. While you can practice as an addiction counselor without a master’s degree in most states, this degree can help you become a licensed professional counselor.
