12 Accredited Addiction Counseling Masters Programs
Addiction counseling masters programs provide a pathway to one of healthcare’s fastest-growing careers. Employment is projected to grow 23% from 2020 to 2030. The need is urgent: over 800,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses between 1999 and 2023 in the U.S.. The right program matters for your career success. We’ve compiled 12 accredited addiction counseling master’s programs that will help you choose the best option to line up with your goals and budget.
1. University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling
Program Overview and Accreditation
UNC Charlotte’s Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling holds CACREP accreditation and stands among the best addiction counseling master’s programs in North Carolina. The program requires 60 credit hours of coursework spread across core counseling classes, addiction-specific courses and clinical experiences. In the last 10 years, 100% of graduates passed the licensure exam for addictions on their first attempt.
The program is one of only five in North Carolina approved by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Practice Board (NCSAPPB), the state’s credentialing body for addiction counselors. This approval provides students a fast track to licensure as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS). The International Association of Addiction & Offender Counseling (IAAOC) recognized the program twice as the Outstanding National Program of the Year in addictions, in 2008 and again in 2011.
Students complete a practicum consisting of 150 hours of on-site work during one semester, with 60 hours expected in direct client contact. The internship experience spans two consecutive semesters and requires 600 hours of on-site work, with 240 hours in direct client contact. Both experiences must occur in addiction counseling facilities.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
| Residency Status | Annual Tuition |
| North Carolina Residents | $4,841 |
| Out-of-State Students | $20,627 |
The Department of Counseling offers three scholarships to current students: The Mary Thomas Burke Scholarship, The Jim Patterson Scholarship, and The Sheila McCullough Memorial Scholarship. Students must complete at least one full semester to qualify. Graduate assistantships provide paid, part-time employment positions on campus that may include tuition funding and health insurance.
Career Outcomes and Licensure Pathways
Completing the Addiction Counseling Concentration makes graduates eligible to apply for dual licensure as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) within the first two years of practice. The program’s membership in the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) gives graduates portable skills, with 38 states, Puerto Rico, and D.C. participating in the Consortium.
Graduates pursue careers in outpatient care centers, mental health facilities, individual and family services, Veterans Affairs hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, probation agencies, halfway houses and employee assistance programs.
Admission Requirements
The program maintains a competitive acceptance rate between 17-35%. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and an overall GPA of 3.0, with occasional exceptions. The application deadline is October 15 to begin coursework the following summer or fall.
GRE or GMAT scores are not required. Applications require responses to four short answer questions that explain your interest in the program, three letters of recommendation from professional references, official transcripts from all universities attended, a resume or curriculum vitae, and a completed application with paid application fee.
2. University of Minnesota – Master of Professional Studies in Addictions Counseling
Program Overview and Accreditation
The University of Minnesota offers a Master of Professional Studies in Addictions Counseling through dual modality formats. Working professionals gain flexibility through this structure. Students choose between a full online option or a hybrid format that combines in-person classes at the Saint Paul campus with online coursework. The program requires 30 total credits and must be completed within five years of admission.
The full online track delivers three types of courses: asynchronous courses with no live sessions, remote synchronous courses with scheduled video conferencing, and blended courses combining both approaches. This structure allows you to balance professional and personal commitments while you progress through the curriculum.
All students complete a minimum of 880 hours of supervised internship at an approved agency. The curriculum addresses biological, social and psychological factors of addiction through nine core courses. These include co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, applied psychopharmacology, cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. The Council for Higher Education Association (CHEA) accredits the program via the University of Minnesota.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
Program tuition costs for full-time students at the University of Minnesota is $10,640 for residents and $16,776 for non-residents. The university provides merit-based scholarships from $1,250 to $2,000 for select fall applicants. Need-based scholarships support qualified students, and one-time awards assist those with unpaid internships. Students work while attending classes to cover living expenses and tuition.
Career Outcomes and Licensure Pathways
Minnesota expects 22.9% employment growth for substance use and mental health counselors from 2020 to 2030. Graduates earn between $45,000 and $70,000 each year. With dual licensure as both a Minnesota Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MNLADC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), salaries range from $56,000 to $75,000.
The program prepares students to meet educational and internship requirements for the Minnesota Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor (LADC). Credentials are evaluated case-by-case for other states to determine additional requirements.
Admission Requirements
The program uses a holistic review process and does not require GRE scores. You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Applications below 3.0 require a statement of extenuating circumstances. The application requires a two-to-three-page professional statement addressing career goals, multicultural competency, relevant experience and personal strengths. You must also include examples of collaboration skills. You’ll submit a current resume and recommendations from instructors or supervisors familiar with your work.
3. Ottawa University – Master of Science in Addiction Counseling
Program Overview and Accreditation
Ottawa University’s accelerated online Master of Science in Addiction Counseling holds accreditation from the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). This positions it among specialized addiction counseling master’s programs with dedicated field-specific credentials. The program also earned approval from the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators (CAADE). This makes it especially valuable when you have students in California and Western states that recognize CAADE-approved education for substance use disorder credentials.
The curriculum integrates theory, research and practice through 13 courses. These cover clinical foundations, addiction theories, patient identities, ethics, group practices, research methods, assessment, psychopharmacology, co-occurring disorders, trauma treatment and family systems. Students complete practicum experiences in addiction counseling settings. They achieve CAADE classroom and practicum requirements that prepare you to take the certification examination offered by the Addiction Counselor Certification Board of California. The Higher Learning Commission provides institutional accreditation for the university.
The program operates with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This provides close mentorship for career-changers and working adults. So, you receive individualized attention while progressing through the online format designed for professional schedules.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
Online tuition runs $659 per credit for this program. Financial aid strategies for graduate students include federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans up to $20,500 each year and Graduate PLUS Loans for additional expenses. About 60% of graduate students depend on federal student loans for financing. You can combine scholarships from professional associations like the National Association for Addiction Professionals with employer tuition assistance programs. These may provide up to $5,250 each year in tax-free educational funding under IRS Section 127. Institutional fellowships offer another funding option.
Career Outcomes and Licensure Pathways
The program meets educational requirements for Arizona’s Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC) credential. It satisfies requirements in most states for licensure or certification. Requirements vary by state, so you must contact your state’s licensure authority to confirm the degree meets local standards. Graduates who complete the CAADE requirements and pass the certification exam become eligible for the CATC III (Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor III). This requires completing 2,240 supervised internship hours.
Employment settings include private practices, substance abuse clinics, group practices, hospitals, mental health clinics and rehabilitation facilities. Ottawa University operates as an Approved Academic Education Provider through the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC).
Admission Requirements
You need an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Your minimum GPA should be 3.0 in field-related coursework and upper-level work (final 60 hours). The program requires prerequisite courses in abnormal psychology, developmental psychology and theories of personality. You’ll complete a prerequisite or a graduate clinical foundations course after admission if you lack an undergraduate statistics course.
Applications require three reference forms from professors, mental health professionals or work supervisors. You must submit a two-page essay on career development that explains how past experiences influenced your decision to pursue counseling. A current resume is also required. An interview may be requested for some applicants. Students must reside in states whose licensure requirements are satisfied by the curriculum.
4. Texas Tech University – Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Program Overview and Accreditation
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center launched its Master of Science in Addiction Counseling in Spring 2017. The program was among the first counselor education programs in the United States to train practitioners in clinical counseling skills and distance service provision techniques like telehealth at the same time. College Factual ranked the program No. 2 in the United States and No. 1 in Texas. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs granted full accreditation for eight years, the maximum period allowed.
The 60 semester credit hours include addiction-specific clinical experiences delivered online. Students receive a certificate in telehealth upon completion. This builds upon the F. Marie Hall Institute for Rural and Community Health at TTUHSC. Graduates possess competencies to take the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification as a Nationally Certified Counselor. They can apply for licensure as a Professional Counselor in many states.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
The tuition cost with fees for this program is $21,162. Financial aid applicants submit FAFSA by September 1. Federal student loans and institutional grants provide funding options. Students may access scholarships through the Center for Students in Addiction Recovery. Graduate assistantships offer tuition remission and stipends for part-time research or clinical roles.
Career Outcomes and Licensure Pathways
Texas faces an acute shortage of addiction counselors. This shortage is projected to worsen over the next 10 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for addiction counselors to continue growing much faster than other occupations. Opportunities span private practice, agency counseling, substance abuse treatment centers and rehabilitation facilities. CACREP accreditation allows graduates licensure eligibility in most states.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The program prefers degrees in psychology, sociology, rehabilitation, occupational therapy, social work, special education or nursing. The program recommends a minimum overall GPA of 2.7 from all previous institutions or cumulative GPA of 2.7 in the last 60 semester hours. Applicants with lower GPAs may be admitted based on three or more years of work experience in addiction-focused or human services fields. GRE scores are not required.
Applications operate on a rolling basis with deadlines of June 1 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission. You’ll submit an online application, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation (three preferred), a resume and an essay. The acceptance rate shows 12 students accepted from 17 applications, with all 12 enrolling.
5. Drexel University – Online Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Program Overview and Accreditation
Drexel University in Philadelphia structures its online Master’s in Addiction Counseling around four 10-week quarters per year. This provides an accelerated path through evidence-based practices for treating substance use disorders. The curriculum addresses alcohol and drug use disorders among behavioral addictions. It covers approaches to substance use disorders, ethical issues in addictions counseling, human development, motivational enhancement strategies, and treatment planning with relapse prevention.
The curriculum meets requirements in most states for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) or Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) certification exams. Additional state-specific requirements may apply. Drexel holds R1 research Carnegie classification and maintains an 89% retention rate with 69% graduation rate.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
The annual tuition total for this graduate program, including fees, is $36,021. Financial aid has need-based scholarships that average $40,401 for first-year students. 75% receive need-based assistance. Merit-based awards average $23,607. Federal work-study creates part-time employment opportunities. The university met 72% of students’ financial aid needs.
Career Outcomes and Licensure Pathways
Graduates work in treatment centers, community mental health agencies, hospitals, clinics, correctional facilities, and independent practice settings. Substance abuse counselors earn an average of $65,100 per year. Medical and health services managers reach $137,730. Employment growth for substance abuse counselors projects at 17% through 2034.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.25 GPA, though 3.5 is preferred. GRE scores are not required. Submit three letters of recommendation from people familiar with your academic performance, an essay that describes career goals and research interests, a scholarly writing sample, and a current resume. Qualified applicants participate in virtual, in-person, or telephone interviews. Clinical or volunteer experience isn’t mandatory, but it strengthens your application.
6. College of William and Mary – Clinical Mental Health and Addictions Concentration
Program Overview and Accreditation
William & Mary delivers its Online Master of Education in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling centered on social justice principles and cultural responsiveness. The CACREP-accredited curriculum prepares you to work as a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner (LSATP) and pursue professional counselor licensure. The program achieved CACREP accreditation for campus delivery in July 2015. It expanded to online delivery with accreditation in January 2018, maintaining accreditation through October 2032.
You’ll complete 60 credit hours over three years while working full-time. The program combines theoretical foundations with 700 hours of supervised clinical experience. The practicum requires 100 hours of client contact. A 600-hour internship follows during your final year. Students achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCE and NCMHCE exams in Fall 2023.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Per Credit Hour | $825 |
| Total Program Cost (60 credits) | $49,500 |
| Graduation Fee | $145 |
| LiveText Fee (one-time) | $150 |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Enrollment Deposit | $360 |
The university connects students with employer tuition assistance and military benefits. Federal student loan programs are also available. Graduate assistantships provide tuition funding opportunities to qualify.
Career Outcomes and Licensure Pathways
Virginia licensure as a Professional Counselor requires 3,400 post-master’s clinical residency hours and successful completion of the licensure examination. The curriculum fulfills classroom and clinical instruction requirements to get licensed in Virginia and most other states. It also meets National Board of Certified Counselors certification requirements. Graduates work in community mental health centers, hospitals, Veterans Affairs clinics, and treatment centers. Some enter private practice.
Admission Requirements
The online Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration maintains an acceptance rate around 40%. You need a completed bachelor’s degree from any academic background and three letters of recommendation. A personal essay, official transcripts, and a current resume are also required.
7. Duquesne University – Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Program Overview and Accreditation
Pittsburgh’s Duquesne University, rooted in Catholic tradition since 1878, delivers its Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with CACREP accreditation preparing you to work in addiction settings among broader mental health practice. The 60 semester hour program requires completion within 2.5 years and fulfills academic requirements for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania.
You’ll develop skills to work with anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, grief, and substance use issues through a curriculum featuring experiential learning, self-reflection papers, case study analysis, and group activities. The program has a 3-credit, 100-hour practicum followed by 6 credits totaling 600 hours of internship. Graduates join an alumni base of 1,200 professionals leaving their mark as leaders and innovators in mental health.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
The annual tuition cost for both In-State and Out- of-State students is $23,580. Students enrolling in six or more credits per semester receive a 25% tuition award. Current full-time lay teachers in Catholic schools within Pittsburgh, Greensburg, or Altoona-Johnstown Dioceses qualify for a 60% tuition discount. Need-based scholarships average $33,711, with 67% of first-year students receiving need-based financial aid.
Career Outcomes and Licensure Pathways
Duquesne reports 94% of recent graduates work in positions related to their major, with a 95% career outcomes rate covering employment and continuing education. Graduates work in community mental health centers, private practice, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, outpatient therapy, and behavioral specialist consultant roles. Pennsylvania retains 72% of graduates.
Admission Requirements
The program accepted 97 of 106 applicants, with all 53 enrolled students matriculating. Applications require letters of recommendation, an essay, interview, and bachelor’s degree with no undergraduate prerequisites. Fall applications are due April 2, while spring applications close September 1.
8. Colorado State University – Master’s in Addiction Counseling
Program Overview and Accreditation
Colorado State University’s Master of Addiction Counseling in Psychology operates as a terminal master’s degree. You can enter professional practice immediately without pursuing doctoral education. The two-year program divides into one year of on-campus coursework in Fort Collins and a full year completing an addiction counseling internship at an off-campus location. Hours you accumulate during internship count toward your Colorado licensure requirements.
The program follows a Plan C format and eliminates the traditional thesis requirement. You demonstrate competency through successful internship completion and passing a written examination. First-year coursework covers all instruction required for Colorado’s Licensed Addiction Counselor credential. The university maintains a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
| Program Format | Tuition |
| Online (per credit) | $448 |
| [Annual (regular program) | $35,020 |
Colorado residents who pursue addiction counselor credentials qualify for scholarships up to $5,000 through the Colorado Health Service Corps Program. This requires a six-month service commitment at an approved site after licensure. The Office of Financial Aid website provides financial aid resources, and your department may offer additional funding opportunities.
Career Outcomes and Licensure Pathways
Colorado’s Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) requires a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, plus 2,000 hours of post-master’s supervised addiction counseling experience over at least 12 months. You must pass the NAADAC Master Addiction Counselor examination and Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination. CSU reports that 85% of graduates secure career-related employment within six months.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree that emphasizes behavioral health fields such as psychology, social work, nursing, or human development and family studies. The program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, TOEFL score of 80, and IELTS score of 6.5.
9. Virginia Commonwealth University – Master of Science in Addiction Studies
Program Overview and Accreditation
VCU partners with King’s College London and the University of Adelaide to deliver a Master of Science in Addiction Studies online, making it a unique global collaboration among addiction counseling master’s programs. The 36-credit curriculum covers scientific methodology, treatment recommendations, public health issues, prevention findings, and addiction policy through international views. You can complete the program full-time in 12 months or part-time over 24 months. VCU ranks 4th among master’s level rehabilitation and mental health training programs nationally.
The program requires a research project that analyzes addiction-related topics through secondary data analysis or meta-analyzes. Graduation brings you a single diploma conferred by all three partner universities.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
| Fee Type | Cost |
| Per Credit Hour | $900 |
| Total Program (36 credits) | $32,400 |
The Robert L. Balster Scholarship provides $15,000 for IPAS tuition once funding is complete.
Career Outcomes and Licensure Pathways
Graduates pursue leadership positions in addiction research and policy development, along with prevention and treatment program administration in international settings.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. No standardized tests are required. Submit two letters of recommendation, a one-page letter of intent explaining your program interest and professional goals, and a current curriculum vitae.
10. University of Denver – Clinical Behavioral Health with Addiction Counseling Emphasis
Program Overview and Accreditation
The Morgridge College of Education at University of Denver structures its MA in Counseling Psychology with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) and lines up with CACREP standards. The 90-credit-hour curriculum spans 24 months. It has a 150-hour practicum, a 600-hour internship, and two quarters of counseling in the university’s in-house clinic. Therefore, 100% of admitted students receive some form of tuition assistance from the Morgridge College of Education.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Per Credit Tuition (2025-2026) | $1,102 |
| Total Program Cost (90 credits) | $99,180 |
Grad PLUS Loans will no longer be offered for new borrowers starting July 1, 2026. Most graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 per year, with total lifetime loans capped at $100,000.
Career Outcomes and Licensure Pathways
Graduates work in mental health centers, private practices, substance abuse centers, hospitals, correctional facilities, and hospice services. The median annual wage for substance abuse and mental health counselors was $59,190 in May 2024. Employment is projected to grow 17% from 2024 to 2034.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and two letters of recommendation. A 2-3 page statement that covers your experiences and professional objectives is also required.
Capella University – Master’s in Addiction Studies
Program Overview and Accreditation
Capella University’s online Master of Science in Addiction Studies requires 48 quarter credits and 300 internship hours. The program holds approval as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider and lines up with standards developed for the addiction counseling profession at the national level. The curriculum lines up to Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) certification and prepares you for an original license as a Master’s level Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Per Credit Tuition | $565 |
| Resource Kit | $175 |
| Licensure Cost | $451 |
Federal financial aid covers the first repeat of any course, whatever the grade. Financial aid recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible.
Career Outcomes and Licensure Pathways
Graduates pursue positions as addiction counselors, intake counselors, case managers, chemical dependence professionals, correctional substance abuse counselors, and clinical directors. Employment settings include inpatient and outpatient facilities, mental health centers, government agencies, and private practice.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.5 GPA. The application requires a goal statement with five short-answer responses about your professional objectives, a resume, official transcripts, and valid photo identification. GRE and GMAT scores are not required.
11. Nova Southeastern University – Counseling with Substance Abuse Counseling Concentration
Program Overview and Accreditation
Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale offers the M.S. in Counseling through its College of Psychology with five concentration options, including a Substance Abuse Counseling concentration among the CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling track. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration received eight-year CACREP accreditation valid through October 31, 2029, covering Fort Lauderdale/Davie, Miami Regional, Orlando Regional, Palm Beach Regional, Tampa Regional campuses, and online delivery. You’ll complete 48-60 total credits depending upon your chosen concentration and undergraduate coursework.
Online students in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling concentrations attend two three-day Residential Institutes at NSU’s Fort Lauderdale/Davie or Orlando campus. These institutes focus on hands-on skill development through simulated counseling practice and faculty feedback.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
Financial support reaches 85% of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with over $100 million in scholarships offered each year. On top of that, 92% of undergraduate students receive scholarships and grants.
Career Outcomes and Licensure Pathways
Graduates qualify for Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credentials. Professional counselors work in mental health agencies, hospitals and private practices.
Admission Requirements
You need a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA in your last 60 semester hours or a master’s degree with 3.0 GPA. Submit an 800-word statement of professional goals, two recommendations, and official transcripts. An interview is required, while GRE scores are not.
Next Steps
You need to evaluate accreditation status, delivery format and tuition costs when you choose the right addiction counseling master’s program. State licensure alignment matters too. Programs on this list offer distinct advantages. You might want CACREP accreditation, telehealth training, an international point of view or accelerated timelines.
Employment growth projections show a 23% increase and critical workforce shortages exist. Your investment in specialized addiction counseling education positions you for a meaningful career. You will address the nation’s substance use crisis. Match program requirements against your professional goals and financial capacity. Contact admissions offices at programs that arrange with your needs and career aspirations as your next step.