The Best Master's in Addiction Studies Online

The M.A. in addiction studies has a comprehensive series of curriculum topics, some of which include psychopathology, substance

Updated August 28, 2023 · 2 Min Read

BestCollegeReviews.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Addiction Counseling is an Increasing Specialization

For those establishing a future in counseling, addiction studies are proving to be an increasingly popular specialization. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a steadily increasing need for qualified addiction counselors who can make a difference. Addiction counselors can be found in numerous settings, some of which include inpatient clinics, outpatient clinics, halfway houses, prisons, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, among others.

The following ranking represents the top 5 online master's degrees in addiction studies; these schools were selected through a systematic research process, focusing on the essential features of this course of study.

For more general information regarding distance learning, visit our ranking of the top online colleges.

In determining the order of this ranking, we awarded points based on:

The following list of ranked colleges represents the top 5 online master's degrees in addiction studies.

Featured Online Master's in Addiction Counseling

Best Master's in Addiction Studies Online

true Monmouth University $1,100 per-credit-hour 21

Based in New Jersey, Monmouth University’s academics receive consecutive accolades from the Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report. MU attracts diverse, distinguished faculty members holding terminal degrees in their respective fields. Monmouth’s distance learning offers an online master of arts in addiction studies; this 33-credit graduate program is designed for aspiring licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor (LDDC). The M.A. in addiction studies has a comprehensive series of curriculum topics, some of which include psychopathology, substance awareness in schools, psychopharmacology, and group counseling. Graduates of the addiction studies master’s program find careers in settings such as criminal justice programs, halfway houses, intensive outpatient programs, inpatient settings, and more. Monmouth University has fully online and online/classroom hybrid options for its graduate students.

Programs Website

true University of South Dakota $600 per-credit-hour (non-resident rate) 20

The state’s flagship school, the University of South Dakota is a popular choice for career-driven students. USD is repeatedly named a “Best National University” by U.S. News and World Report, and publications including Princeton and Forbes have recognized their campus and online academics. USD has an online master of arts in addiction studies, a program that, depending on your background, can be completed in either 33 (standard track) or 45 (advanced track) credits. Graduate students enrolled in the addiction studies MS complete key coursework in the field, some of which includes the history and culture of addiction, trauma, and addiction, relapse prevention, research, public policy, and more. Each semester, students complete an internship related to their addiction counseling coursework.

Programs Website

true The University of Oklahoma $824 per-credit-hour (non-resident rate) 19

Counted among the top schools both online and on-campus, the University of Oklahoma holds high academic standards. OU’s extended campus is home to a school of professional and continuing studies; this school is where graduate students will find an online master of prevention science. The master of prevention science is a fitting choice for online addiction studies students; this 33-credit graduate degree that leads to careers in alcohol and drug abuse prevention studies, behavioral health, public health administration, substance abuse counseling, and more. Graduates of Oklahoma’s master of prevention science have the versatility needed for a longterm career in the field. Although there is a considerable tuition gap between Oklahoma residents and non-residents, this college still offers graduate degrees at average to below-average tuition rates.

Programs Website

true University of the Cumberlands $25,000.00 (total tuition and fees) 18

Established over 125 years ago in Kentucky, University of the Cumberlands is a Christian-based school with a dedicated personalized approach. Although a relatively small school, Cumberlands has an extensive range of academic offerings, both on undergraduate and graduate levels. The online master’s in addiction counseling is the only program in the nation accredited by the accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); this provides the opportunity to become dually licensed as a professional counselor and addiction specialist. Students enrolled in the online addiction studies degree learn important field areas that include psychopharmacology, family therapy in addiction treatment, spirituality in counseling, and much more.

Programs Website

true Governors State University $706 per-credit-hour (non-resident rate) 18

A flexible, affordable education, Governors State University has top-notch academics and instructor faculty. GSU’s distance-learning division provides the same challenging curriculum, and graduate students will find numerous programs suited to their career interests. Governor State’s graduate degrees include an online master of health science in addiction studies; this degree is an evidence-based program, including the necessary skills and resources needed to meet multiple addiction client needs. GSU’s online addiction studies students are given coursework in pharmacology, counseling, group therapy, prevention, and much more. Throughout the MHS program, graduates complete an internship that aligns with their professional goals.

Programs Website

Featured Online Master's in Addiction Counseling

Related Rankings

See all posts