Online Degree in Addiction Counseling

Undergraduate and graduate addiction counseling degrees are awarded at Washburn University. Four year degrees that future and current counselors could get include a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services with an Addiction Counseling specialization and the Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services with an Integrative Practice specialization. Degree requisites generally require students to take at least 45 credits in core courses and addiction related classes. Addiction treatment, counseling methods and research strategies blend long standing and developing addiction therapies and strategies. To pass the entire program, students need to earn at least a 2.0 GPA.

Brescia University is a school located in Owensboro, Kentucky that awards several undergraduate counseling degrees. At the four year level, there is the Bachelor of Science in Addictions Counseling. This four year degree is a part of the university's online programs. Approximately 42 credits are devoted to addiction counseling. Courses that make up the 42 credits include theories and addiction, psychology of addictions, recovery and relapse prevention and group addiction counseling. There are two field placement and seminar practice courses. The program's admissions process is competitive. In addition to completing prerequisites, the school screens applicants.

Students who earn a graduate certificate in addiction counseling will be able to enter or advance in the fields of criminal justice and behavioral health. The program is available only at the Tiffin campus and can not be completed online. Like all graduate certificates the college offers, the program will prepare students to start a new career or path in the field, seek a promotion in a current career, continue lifelong learning goals or apply the courses they complete to a Tiffin graduate program. The certificate is offered in both the post-bachelor and post-masters formats.

The University of Cincinnati offers two specialty fellowship programs, one in addiction psychiatry and another in VA addiction medicine research. The psychiatry fellowship, for which there are two positions, readies the student for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Added Qualifications in Addiction Psychiatry. The VA research fellowship has one position, and it's open to both clinical and research physicians from a variety of backgrounds. Upon completion, the student will be prepared for the Addiction Medicine certification from the American Board of Addiction Medicine. Candidates will be exposed to a wide range of research opportunities, as well as instruction from a variety of disciplines.

Coursework for the substance abuse counseling degree not only covers material needed to earn a bachelor's degree, but also satisfies the state's classroom education requirements for substance abuse counselor licensure. Students will have opportunities for field internships and have access to labs with video technology. Some candidates may be able to earn credit for prior learning, and the most promising students may be selected to apply to the MS in mental health counseling 4+2 bachelor's to master's degree program. Faculty members have backgrounds working in the field, and students will be qualified to begin work upon graduating.

The bachelor's degree in addiction studies from Northwestern State University of Louisiana not only gives students insight into addiction-related behavior and mentality, but it chronicles changes and advancements in the field of counseling. Students will benefit from the Freshman Connection program, which prepares them for their first year of college life. They will also get help along the way through academic advising, library resources, tutoring services, counseling and career services. There are a wide range of organizations and activities open to students of all academic levels, and prospective students are invited to take a tour of the campus.

The City Vision College addiction studies counseling program culminates in a fully accredited bachelor's degree. The degree, which can be earned 100 percent online, prepares students for careers as certified addiction counselors. Courses, which follow an eight-week format, start five times a year, so students can start at their convenience. Students may transfer in as many as 90 credits, and some may be eligible for prior learning credit. Upon graduation, students will have a full understanding of the 12 core functions of addiction counselors. The program instructs students through coursework that is based on Christian counseling fundamentals.

Students can pursue a master of arts with a major in clinical addictions counseling at Indiana Wesleyan University. Students will get hands-on experience in clinical settings while under the supervision of PhD faculty with varied backgrounds and specialties. 48 credit hours are required to complete the program, which addresses not just chemical dependence, but behavioral issues pertaining to gambling, sex and food addiction. The program incorporates a Christian worldview, and students are encouraged to apply their faith into the learning process. Upon graduation, students will be ready to pursue both national certification and state licensure.

Addiction studies degree programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at the University of South Dakota. Both the BS and an undergraduate certificate can be completed 100 percent online. The program, which is accredited through the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission, prepares students for careers in a variety of fields. Graduates may work in settings like treatment centers, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, employee assistance programs, schools, outpatient facilities and community mental health centers. Hands-on learning formats include supervised field experiences, service learning and shadowing. Seniors are invited to attend a state conference called the South Dakota Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals.

The addiction studies program at Virginia Commonwealth University results in a master of science degree. Students will be exposed to addiction treatment, research, prevention and policy as it applies to a variety of cultures. The university has a partnership with the University of Adelaide in Australia and King’s College London, which students will take advantage of through the use of distance learning technology. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to enter the field locally, nationally or internationally in leadership positions, such as program managers and policy creators. The program is delivered through the School of Medicine.

Ohio Christian University offers a bachelor of arts degree in substance abuse counseling. Students can choose to pursue the program both on campus or online. The program satisfies that state's requirement of 180 hours of chemical dependency instruction needed to attain licensure. Once students have completed 40 clock hours, which is not the same as semester hours, of specialized chemical dependency training, they will be eligible to apply for status as an Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals board for Certified Chemical Dependency Assistant. Coursework and instruction integrates Christian principles throughout the learning experience.

The addiction studies graduate program at Governors State University is available in a nonspecific format, or with a concentration in addictions counseling. Both result in a master of health science degree. All master's programs at Governors State are unique in that they allow students to communicate with other students pursuing similar degrees from around the country. Students can choose to complete the program online, in class or through a blended hybrid format. Either way, they will receive a perspective based in cultural sensitivity and understanding. The program is accredited by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification.