WordPress Website

Find a school

Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Programs

Get Matched to an Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degree for FREE!

What is a Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Online program?

In an online sustainability degree program, students undertake a multidisciplinary study that centers on environmental concerns at the local, regional, and global levels. This program emphasizes not only the scientific aspects of the environment but also incorporates social sciences, humanities, business, and mathematics. By taking relevant coursework and conducting research, students acquire skills in identifying and analyzing environmental challenges. They also learn how to propose and implement effective solutions.
 
Students who pursue a sustainability degree often acquire skills in management or leadership that they can apply in various sectors, including public, private, or non-profit agencies. Alternatively, they may develop knowledge and skills as economic analysts or engineers and apply this expertise to address environmental issues in diverse contexts. Regardless of the program, students in these programs analyze the complex intersections of multiple systems and their impact on daily life on our planet. They use their education to develop solutions and improve the quality of life worldwide.

Types of Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Programs

TYPES OF ONLINE HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAMS

Associate of Science Degree with an emphasis in Addiction and Prevention Studies

In an Environmental Science Bachelor’s of Arts program, you will gain knowledge on intricate environmental, cultural, and social issues on both a local and global scale.

Course Examples:

B.A. in Human Services with a concentration in Substance Abuse

With a minor in environmental studies, you can acquire practical skills, valuable knowledge, and essential tools for leadership roles in not-for-profit organizations. This minor program enables you to concentrate on how environmental issues can impact not-for-profit operations and how you can effectively address those concerns as a leader in the field.

Course Examples:

M.S. in Clinical Mental Health with a concentration in Addiction Counseling

Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead policy and action that prioritizes the well-being of both businesses and individuals, as well as the health of the planet.

Course Examples:

SUSTAINABILITY DEGREE PROGRAMS

Sustainability degree programs are available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels for those interested in starting or advancing their career in this field. Each degree level has its own set of requirements and provides a different level of study, ranging from introductory to advanced.

If you’re starting your academic journey and not ready to pursue a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree could be a suitable option. An associate’s degree can be earned in two years, with the first year dedicated to general education courses and the second year covering the fundamentals of the field.

Having a bachelor’s degree is often required for employment in the environmental science field. Therefore, an associate’s degree can serve as a stepping stone towards obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

If you do not have a degree yet and want to pursue a career in the field, a bachelor’s degree is the starting point. These programs usually take four years to complete, including two years of general education courses and two years of courses in your chosen major. You can major in environmental science or opt for a different major such as business, with a minor in sustainability or environmental science.

Examples of bachelor’s degrees you might go for could be:

  • BA or BS in Sustainability
  • BA or BS in Environmental Science
  • BS in Engineering

These degree programs, along with others, will typically require general education courses covering a wide range of subjects such as writing, math, psychology, biology, and art. These courses will not only enhance your writing and speaking skills but also broaden your knowledge across multiple fields.
Courses for your major in this field or a closely related one will cover subjects such as:

  • Sustainability and society
  • Policy and governance
  • Sustainable food and farms
  • Energy tech
  • Sustainability systems
  • Ecosystems

Once you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree, you become eligible to pursue a master’s degree.

If your goal is to obtain the highest degree in the field, you can pursue a Ph.D. program. This program can equip you with the skills to conduct extensive research and present your findings in academic papers, books, and lectures. In a PhD program, you may gain expertise in:

  • Uncertainty and decision making in the field
  • Int’l development
  • Ecosystems, food systems
  • Applied robustness analysis
  • Research methods

 

PhD students may have opportunities to apply what they learn in practice through workshops and seminars, in addition to taking classes. Some programs may also offer teaching and research fellowships as part of their curriculum or after graduation.
Some types of PhD degrees you might go for are:

  • PhD in Sustainability
  • PhD in Environmental Studies
  • DBA w/ a focus in Sustainability Management

To complete a PhD degree, you may need to dedicate four to six years to complete the program. During this time, you will spend some years attending coursework, some years attending workshops, and a significant amount of time conducting research. Finally, you will be required to present your research findings and demonstrate your expertise in the field to graduate.

WHAT DO ONLINE SUSTAINABILITY DEGREE COURSES LOOK LIKE?

Some common courses include:

Intro to Sustainability: An introduction to sustainability course provides an overview of the various forces and issues encompassed by this broad field. Students can expect to learn about how sustainability intersects with society, law, public health, and other areas.

The Oil Industry: This course delves into the intricacies of the petroleum business. Students may study the historical, cultural, and significant topics of the oil industry.

Integrative Biology: In Integrative Biology, you will explore the fundamental components of living organisms and their interrelationships. Additionally, this course will cover methods of protecting vulnerable ecosystems, plants, and animals.

The Sustainable City: Explore the concept of sustainable cities in this course. Investigate how cities can coexist in harmony with the earth, and examine the necessary changes that must be implemented to ensure urban spaces are sustainable.

Natural Resource Management: The course "Natural Resource Management" focuses on the laws, policies, and practices related to the sustainable management of natural resources. Through this course, you will learn about the importance of sustainable management of natural resources and the potential consequences of unsustainable practices.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO EARN A SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR DEGREE?

Earning a substance abuse counseling degree online may you take about four years full time. But many online colleges will offer you transfer credit. So, if you have an associate degree already, your path may be shorter. That said, if you prefer to take longer, there are part time options available to you, too.

HOW MUCH DOES A SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR DEGREE PROGRAM COST?

The average cost of tuition for substance abuse counseling degree programs in public colleges within the state is $5,427. However, if you decide to enroll in a private college outside of your state, the average cost of tuition jumps up to $26,230. Below are some examples of the costs of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in this field.

School # of Credits Required Cost Per Credit Total Tuition Cost
Southern New Hampshire University 120 $320 $38,400
Purdue University Global 180 $371 $41,400
Liberty University 120 $390 $46,800

THE AVERAGE COST OF AN ONLINE HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM

For in state public colleges, the average tuition cost for substance abuse counseling degree programs is $5,427. If you choose an out of state private college, the average tuition is $26,230. Here are a few cost examples for a bachelors degree.

TOP SCHOOLS THAT OFFER SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR DEGREE PROGRAMS

According to DataUSA, there are over 379 schools that offer Substance Abuse Counseling programs, and approximately 5,145 degrees in Substance Abuse Counseling were awarded to students. The majority of these degrees were associate degrees.

School2017  Degrees Awarded2019/20 Tuition (Out Of State Unless *)
Grand Canyon University256$17,800*
Rio Salado College152$7,854
Palo Verde College150$9,330
Capella University81$14,540*
Allan Hancock College75$7,504
InterCoast Colleges Anaheim74N/A
Mt San Antonio College71$9,610
San Antonio College70$14,220
Camden County College63$4,440
City Colleges Of Chicago Kennedy King College60$11,544

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE AN ACCREDITED SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR DEGREE PROGRAM?

It’s worth noting that many regionally accredited schools offer online substance abuse counseling degree programs that have undergone peer review. If you’re interested in pursuing one of these programs, you may be eligible for federal financial aid if you choose a school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, many accredited colleges allow you to transfer credits, which can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree or even graduate school.

Opting for an accredited program may enhance your chances of obtaining a professional license. Hence, employers tend to verify the credibility of your degree. Program accreditation is another benchmark you might come across. What is the significance of program accreditation? It ensures that the courses and skills imparted align with industry standards for substance abuse counselors.

CACREP

CACREP is the primary accrediting organization for substance abuse counseling programs in the US. They accredit counseling programs and specializations at the Master’s and PhD levels. The accreditation cycle of CACREP lasts for eight years. To obtain accreditation, schools need to submit a self-study report that is reviewed by CACREP against their standards, which are established by counselors and counselor educators. These standards encompass core areas that should be included in the study plan, which covers skills for professional counselor identity and practice.

 

NAADAC

Are you familiar with the phrase “Approved NAADAC Education Providers?” NAADAC represents addiction counselors, educators, and other healthcare professionals who specialize in addiction. They are based in the US, Canada, and other countries. The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) is responsible for accrediting higher education addiction studies programs for NAADAC. The accreditation cycle lasts for 7 years.

NASAC’s mission is to ensure that addiction studies programs cover a wide range of content beyond drug and alcohol abuse. NASAC’s accreditation process is voluntary, although some state licensing boards require a degree from a NASAC-accredited program.

Top Salaries by State for Substance Abuse Counselors

StateEmploymentAnnual Mean Wage
Utah3,270$67,410
Nevada1,180$63,910
Oregon5,550$60,960
Alaska960$60,830
New Jersey10,130$60,120

WHAT KIND OF JOBS CAN YOU GET WITH AN ONLINE SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR DEGREE?

SUBSTANCE ABUSE, BEHAVIORAL DISORDER, AND MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide support to individuals struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol, as well as those affected by behavioral disorders such as anxiety and depression. As a counselor, you would work directly with patients as well as collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists and social workers, to assess and treat patients.

Median Salary: $44,630 per year

Job growth through 2028: 22% (Much faster than avg.)

Typical Entry Level education: B.S.

REHABILITATION COUNSELORS

Rehabilitation counselors specialize in providing personalized support to clients with emotional and physical disabilities, helping them live independently and with ease. They may work in a variety of settings, such as mental health centers, prisons, or in private practice. Employers often require rehabilitation counselors to hold a Master’s degree.

Median Salary: $35,630 per year

Job growth through 2028: 1o% (Much faster than average)

Entry Level education: M.S.

SOCIAL WORKERS

Social workers have a broader scope of responsibilities compared to substance abuse counselors. They are tasked with identifying individuals who require assistance and providing them with resources to improve their overall well-being. Their duties may involve understanding a diverse range of challenges faced by individuals such as addiction, divorce, unemployment, illness, and other obstacles. They develop plans to help individuals cope with these issues and overcome them.

Median Salary: $49,470 per year

Job growth through 2028: 11% (Much faster than avg.)

Entry level education: As a social worker, you may only need a B.S. in social work. However, as a clinical social worker, you must have an M.S. and 2 years of experience in a supervised clinical setting.  You must also be licensed by your state.