Substance Abuse Counseling Degree and Licensure Guide

Earning a degree in substance abuse counseling, also known as addiction counseling, will provide you with formal training in recognizing and treating addictions. Many states offer credentials with a high school diploma or associate’s degree, but most states recognize the master’s degree as the minimum requirement for independent professional licensure in substance abuse counseling. Continue reading to learn more about degree programs in substance abuse counseling as well as career opportunities and licensing options with this degree.

Table of Contents

Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Requirements and Coursework

Associate’s

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Doctorate

Certificate

Licensure for Substance Abuse Counselors

Substance Abuse Counseling State Credentials by Degree Level

Certifications for Degree Holders

Jobs With a Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Facts

• There are 363 not-for-profit colleges and universities with substance abuse/addiction counseling programs.¹
• 221 schools offer a certificate in substance abuse/addiction counseling.¹
• 165 schools offer an associate’s degree in substance abuse/addiction counseling.¹
• 36 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in substance abuse/addiction counseling.¹
• 75 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in substance abuse/addiction counseling.¹

Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Requirements and Coursework

The level of degree you need to work as a substance abuse counselor varies by state and license type.

Associate’s Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling

An associate’s degree in substance abuse counseling is commonly the entry-level education requirement for a license in this field. This degree may qualify you for a licensed technician or a licensed substance abuse counselor credential. This may allow you to practice direct substance abuse treatment and counseling services under supervision or with a recognized treatment provider. Some states allow you to become fully licensed after completing the required supervised experience, while others require that you work under supervision until you earn a bachelor’s degree or complete equivalent substance abuse counselor training.

An associate’s degree typically requires 60 credit hours, which takes most students two years of full-time study to complete. Many schools also allow for part-time study, which may take three to five years to earn. Admissions requirements typically include a high school diploma or GED. Depending on the school, you may also need to have a minimum score on the ACT or SAT.

At the associate’s degree level, addiction counselor training combines courses in substance abuse recognition and treatment with general education courses in the liberal arts and sciences. The coursework will help you improve your communication skills while you hone your knowledge in the field of addiction treatments and lay the groundwork for further study and substance abuse counselor training. Common courses in an associate’s in substance abuse counseling program include:

• Addiction and the Family
• Assessment and Case Management
• Assessment of Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
• Community Mental Health
• Counseling Ethics
• Counseling Skills and Practice
• Counseling Theories
• Crisis Identification and Resolution
• Dynamics of Group Counseling
• Understanding Addictions

Bachelor’s Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling

While each state has different requirements for licensure in substance abuse counseling, completing a bachelor’s-level substance abuse counselor program is the minimum education required to earn a professional license in many states. Depending on the state, this may give you a range of clinical privileges including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and case management for those who are struggling with chemical dependencies and substance abuse. Before qualifying for a license, however, you will usually also need to complete supervised work experience and pass a professional exam in addition to holding your bachelor’s degree. With this type of drug counselor degree, you may qualify for a license as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADC) and licenses that require an associate’s degree as a minimum requirement.

The minimum requirement for admission to a bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling is a high school diploma or GED. Schools also commonly require applicants to provide ACT or SAT scores. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to earn with full-time study.

Compared to associate’s degree holders, bachelor’s degree holders will have completed more courses specific to addiction counselor training, especially in the areas of assessment, treatment planning, and intervention methodologies. The greater scope of practice typically associated with a bachelor’s-level drug counselor degree can allow for more career opportunities. Courses common in bachelor’s-level addiction studies degree programs include:

• Abnormal Psychology
• Addiction and Substance Use Counseling Theories
• Assessment and Diagnosis of Addiction and Substance Abuse
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
• Intergroup Relations
• Methods of Counseling
• Principles of Addictions Counseling
• Study of Alcohol Use and Addiction
• Study of Drug Use and Addiction
• Substance Abuse Internship/Practicum

Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling

Earning a master’s in substance abuse counseling will typically qualify you for independent state professional licensure as a substance abuse counselor and also for professional certification. At this level, a master’s degree and a license are often prerequisites for the positions available.

To be considered for admission to a master’s in addiction counseling program, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s in psychology, counseling, or a related field is usually preferred, though graduates of other programs may be able to complete prerequisites to be admitted into a master’s program. A minimum GPA of 3.0 or above is another common admissions requirement, as are minimum test scores on the GRE or equivalent. A master’s in addiction counseling typically takes two to three years to complete.

At the master’s level, degree programs in addiction counseling typically focus on direct clinical skills and evidence-based practice following up-to-date scientific models of human psychology and behavior. Typical courses in a master’s in substance abuse counseling program include:

• Advanced Co-Occurring Disorders & Addictions Counseling
• Advanced Developmental Psychology
• Advanced Skills in Counseling and Intervention
• Biological Factors of Addiction
• Crisis & Trauma Counseling
• Leadership in Agency Settings
• Psychopharmacology for Addiction Counselors
• Recovery and Relapse
• Research and Theories in Addiction Counseling
• Techniques of Counseling & Psychotherapy

Doctorate in Substance Abuse Counseling

For those who are interested in careers in academia or research, earning a PhD in substance abuse may be the right path. A PhD provides you with a solid understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods as well as a strong background in counseling theory. While counseling licenses require a minimum of a master’s degree in counseling, a counseling-related PhD can qualify you for licensure if your master’s degree is in another subject.

As an advanced degree, the coursework for a PhD in substance abuse counseling is academically rigorous. In addition to challenging coursework, you should also expect to write and defend a thesis. The thesis process typically takes between one and three years. Doctoral programs will also likely include a fieldwork component. Academic courses typical for a doctoral-level drug and alcohol counselor degree plan include:

• Advanced Assessment Techniques
• Advanced Family Systems Theory
• Advanced Research Design
• Advanced Statistics
• Counseling Leadership and Supervision
• Qualitative Research
• Theories and Methods of Counselor Education

Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling

A post-graduate certificate in substance abuse counseling can also qualify you for professional certification, depending on your state’s requirements. Possible job titles will vary widely according to the level of the drug and alcohol counselor training program (undergraduate or graduate) as well as other aspects of your education and work history. Generally, a certificate program will lead to license titles similar to those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Certificate programs in substance abuse counseling are typically shorter than undergraduate or graduate programs and can lead to state licensure. At the undergraduate level, a high school diploma or associate degree is a common admissions prerequisite. At the graduate level, certificate programs will require prospective students to hold a bachelor’s degree.

Certificate programs typically take between 15 and 20 credit hours to complete, which equates to three to five courses (though some certificate programs are longer). This can allow students to complete the program in as little as a semester, though a two-semester program is not uncommon. Certificates can provide a faster route to this career compared to a two-to-four-year drug and alcohol counselor degree program, especially if you already hold a college degree. Courses in substance abuse certificate programs tend to focus on the fundamentals of substance abuse counselor training and may include:

• Alcohol, Drugs, and Behavior
• Case Management and Treatment Planning
• Contemporary Issues in Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
• Counseling Individuals and Families
• Group Skills in Substance Abuse Counseling
• Interviewing and Counseling Theories
• Relapse Prevention and Crisis Management
• Substance Abuse Counseling Internship
• Theories of Chemical Dependency
• Treatment Strategies and Interventions

Licensure for Substance Abuse Counselors

Earning a degree in substance abuse counseling will lead to a career as a substance abuse counselor in most states. Many states have a tiered license structure, which means candidates with higher degree levels qualify for a more advanced licensure level. The required amount of supervised experience for each license level corresponds to the degree level. Therefore, in states that grant licensure for candidates with a high school diploma, those individuals generally need to complete more supervised experience than candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Since the licensing requirements for substance abuse counselors vary from state to state, we suggest checking your state’s requirements as you evaluate substance abuse counselor programs.

Substance Abuse Counseling State Credentials by Degree Level

In the table below, we outline the typical minimum educational requirements for each state-issued substance abuse counseling credential. Please be aware that some states require the degree to be in a specific field and/or with specific coursework. Credentials marked with an asterisk (*) require counselors to work under supervision. For additional details on substance abuse counselor licensure in your state, refer to the state licensure page.

Notes:
*Typically supervised practice.
^At least 60 credits toward a bachelor’s degree.

Certifications for Degree Holders

Most professional certifications for substance degree counselors require a master’s degree. Some of the credentials available include:

• National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP): Offers several credentials for substance abuse counseling professionals at all levels, from the National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I (NCAC I) for high school graduates to the NCAC II for bachelor’s degree holders to the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) for master’s degree holders, plus other specialty certifications.
• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Offers the Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) credential, which requires a master’s degree and National Certified Counselor (NCC) certification.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling?

A degree in substance abuse counseling or addictions counseling qualifies you for various jobs working with clients living with addictions. The jobs you qualify for will depend largely on the state you live in and your degree level. With a master’s degree, most jobs will focus on the clinical treatment of addiction disorders. You may find it helpful to check current job listings in your area to get an idea of common requirements.

Be sure to check out our guide to substance abuse counselor careers for more details on possible careers with a substance abuse degree.

Other Degrees in Counseling

• Mental Health Counseling
• Marriage and Family Therapy
• Rehabilitation Counseling
• School Counseling

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you earn a substance abuse counselor associate’s degree online?

Yes! A number of schools offer online addiction counseling degrees. You may also be interested in an online human services associate’s degree, which in some states may fulfill the education requirements for a substance abuse counseling license.

What courses will I need to take to be a substance abuse counselor?

While the specifics of the addiction counselor training you will need to complete may vary based on your state’s requirements and your substance abuse counselor degree program, you should expect to take courses in counseling theory, case management, and treatment planning. You may also need to take a course in pharmacology. As part of an undergraduate substance abuse counselor program, you should also plan to take general education courses including communications, biology, and mathematics.

What degree do you need to be an addiction counselor?

The degree level and courses required to become an addiction counselor vary by state. Many states recognize apprentice-level or entry-level substance abuse counselors beginning at the associate’s degree level, but many others require a bachelor’s degree for licensure. A master’s in addiction counseling will allow you to practice independently (once you achieve appropriate licensure) in most states.

Do I need to go to graduate school for substance abuse counseling?

Unlike many other specialties, substance abuse counselors can typically become licensed with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. However, there can be more job opportunities for graduate-level counselors specializing in substance abuse. In addition to checking licensure requirements for your state, it’s a good idea to research current job listings to find out typical requirements in your area. If you’re already working, there are a variety of online addiction counseling degree programs that can be a good fit for a busy schedule.

Can you complete drug and alcohol counselor certification online?

States vary in their requirements for drug and alcohol counselor training. Depending on your state’s requirements and your educational background, you may be able to complete drug and alcohol counselor certification online through a certificate or degree program.

Can you get licensed with an online substance abuse counseling degree?

Absolutely! Provided that your substance abuse counselor program is appropriately accredited and meets state requirements, completing an online addiction studies program offers the same level of preparation as an on-campus program. You will likely need to complete an in-person clinical experience or practicum even if you do study online, but this can typically be completed in your local area.

Do I need a master’s to become a substance abuse counselor?

Most states offer options for certification or licensure as a substance abuse counselor at the associate’s and bachelor’s degree levels, meaning that a master’s degree is not strictly required. However, with a master’s degree, you will typically qualify for a higher level of licensure due to the higher level of substance abuse counselor training that this degree represents, which can expand your career opportunities as well as increase your earnings potential.

Do I need a master’s in order to earn a PhD in counseling?

The degree required for admission to a PhD program varies. Some programs only admit those who already have a master’s in a counseling-related discipline or equivalent formal substance abuse counselor training; these programs tend to focus more heavily on research and theory. Other programs will consider applicants who have a bachelor’s degree; these programs will likely include a deeper focus on counseling practice and may qualify the graduate for first-time counseling licensure.

Does an AA sponsor need training in substance abuse counseling?

No, an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) sponsor does not need certification or formal training in addiction counseling. They only need to be sober, have worked the 12 Steps, and be committed to sobriety.

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/