19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor’s Online for 2021

bachelor degree in addiction counseling
Great Value Colleges - Most Affordable

In this article ranking the 19 most affordable Bachelor’s degrees in Addiction Studies online, we will explore a few degrees like:

  • Online BA in Psychology–Addiction and Substance Abuse
  • Online BA in Psychology–Counseling Foundations
  • Online Bachelor’s in Drug and Alcohol Counseling
  • Online Bachelor’s Degree in Addictions Counseling
  • Online BS in Social and Behavioral Science
  • Online BS in Addiction Studies

Now more than ever, the marketplace needs highly trained professionals who can work with people who suffer from addiction and substance abuse issues. So if you’re looking for a career that will positively impact people, their loved ones, and their surrounding communities, think about getting an affordable online Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies. In addition, you’ll examine the social, cultural, and behavioral factors that impact addiction. With a low-cost Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies online, you can pursue various careers, including a Drug Abuse Counselor. In this ranking, we will show you how to earn your cheap online degree in Addiction Studies at an affordable price, so you can focus on your education and promising career.

Are you undecided as to what major to pursue? Check out our article 5 of the Easiest Online Bachelor’s Degrees. If you are looking for a way to find high-quality, online degree programs for the best price, check out our ranking of the Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees.

Rating and Ranking Methodology

To develop this ranking of the top affordable Bachelor’s in Addiction Studies online programs, our editors searched for schools that offered cheap online undergraduate programs in addiction studies.  To rate and rank these programs, we applied the methodology below using information from Google, the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), Payscale.com, and each program’s website. In cases of a tie, the more affordable school pulled the higher rank. If the information didn’t fit within the parameters, zero points were awarded for that category.

Online Ranking Methodology

Tuition

  • Net Price Below $10,000: 4 points
  • Net Price Below $15,000: 3 points
  • Net Price Below $18,000: 2 points
  • Net Price Below $20,000: 1 point

Student to Faculty Ratio

  • Less than 20:1: 1 point
  • Less than 15: 1: 2 points
  • Less than 10: 1: 3 points

Return on Investment (ROI) According to Payscale.com

  • Top 500: 1 point
  • Top 300: 2 points
  • Top 150: 3 points

Flexibility of the Program (asynchronous course delivery, hybrid options, part-time/full-time schedule, etc. ) – 1 point per item

Online Student Support Network (faculty mentors/advisors, etc.) — 1 point per item

Concentrations/Specializations – 1 point per item

Accreditation (School-Wide and Program-Specific) – 1 point per item

“Wow” Factor – 1 point

#19 New England College

Henniker, New Hampshire

Online BA in Psychology with a concentration in Addiction and Substance Abuse

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 4

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: New England College

The cheap online Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies at New England College was designed with you in mind. Offered through a 7-week accelerated course format, NEC specializes in creating a thriving online presence for distance learners. You will earn your Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and then specialize in Addiction and Substance Abuse. The program will examine the biological, sociological and psychological factors that contribute to addiction. sample courses include:

  • Counseling and Therapy
  • Understanding Trauma and Addiction
  • Substance Abuse
  • Advanced Topics in Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse

Graduates will be able to pursue careers as:

  • Drug and Alcohol Counselor
  • Social Service Manager
  • Recovery Support Specialist
  • Probation Officer

Whatever path you choose, your degree from NEC will help you make a huge impact on the lives of addicts and their loved ones. New England College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Net Price Tuition: $27,800

#18 Crown College

Bonifacius, Minnesota

Online Bachelor’s in Alcohol and Drug Counseling

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 6

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: Crown College

If you’re looking for a Christ-centered program that will help addicts find healing, check out Crown College’s affordable online bachelor’s in addiction studies. The program will give you a solid foundation in counseling and allow you to examine the emotional, cognitive, cultural, professional, financial and spiritual factors that impact those that suffer from addiction. Not only will you learn how to recognize the symptoms of addiction, but you’ll also learn the tools to guide your clients to recovery as well as how faith can play a role in healing. Students will participate in an internship experience, and be prepared to become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) through the MN Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT). As for your classes, you’ll take both a general education core and a Christian studies core. Then you’ll move on to your major core, including classes like Diversity Issues in Counseling, Assessment and Treatment Planning, and Case Management for Drug and Alcohol Counseling. Crown College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Net Price Tuition: $24,220

#17 Florida National University

Hialeah, Florida

Online BS in Psychology with concentration in Addiction Studies

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Points: 6

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: Florida National University

Florida National University offers its low-cost Bachelor’s in addiction studies online by way of a BS in Psychology with a concentration in Addiction Studies. After taking a solid amount of core coursework in the foundations of Psychology, students will deepen their knowledge with their area of focus. Sample classes in the Addiction Studies specialization include Substance Abuse Prevention, Relapse Prevention, Introduction to Group Counseling, and Assessment and Treatment Planning in Addiction. In total, you’ll take 120 credits. If you already have a degree or are pursuing a different degree, the concentration in Addiction Studies can also be earned as a stand-alone certificate. Florida National University is accredited by the SACSCC.
Net Price Tuition: $21,401

#16 Bay Path University

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Online BA in Psychology—Counseling Foundations

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Points: 7

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: Bay Path University

Through Bay Path’s online American Women’s College, you can earn an affordable undergraduate degree in addiction studies that results in a BS in Psychology–Counseling Foundations. While you won’t specifically pursue a concentration in Addiction Studies, your coursework in counseling will prepare you to become a Drug and Substance Abuse Counselor. And if you’re worried that being an online student means you won’t have support, Bay Path’s SOUL online program will prove that wrong. In fact, BPU is one of only 24 US institutions to receive a FIPSE grant (Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education) from the U.S. Department of Education. So if you’re a woman, want to earn your degree online, and are interested in becoming a drug and abuse counselor, take a good look at BPU’s program. Bay Path University is accredited by the NECHE.
Net Price Tuition: $21,100

#15 University of Providence

Great Falls, Montana

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Addiction Counseling

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Points: 7

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: University of Providence

If you know that becoming a counselor for people with a chemical dependency is your goal, then you should check out the University of Providence’s cheap online degree in Addiction Studies. You’ll earn your Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling and be ready to make a difference in the lives of addicts and people with substance abuse issues. You can complete this program 100% online and will not be required to travel to the campus at all, which makes getting your degree in Addiction Studies easy for those who do not have time to attend a physical class on-campus. If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, you can choose to earn a certification in Addictions Counseling instead. With additional supervised internship hours, graduates will meet the requirements for licensure in Montana, Washington, Oregon, California, and Texas. The University of Providence is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Net Price Tuition: $19,435

#14 Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Online BS in Addiction Studies

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Points: 8

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: Northwestern University

Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers a low-cost online BS in Addiction Studies. NSUL recognizes that this field, as well as the field of Psychology, is projected to grow significantly, meaning more jobs will be available for people interested in this field. While your degree will be vital, so will developing the necessary skills to succeed in your career. And NSUL’s Addiction Studies program promises to do that. You’ll learn marketable skills like how to communicate effectively and how to collect, organize, and analyze relevant data. Major classes include Co-Occurring Disorders, Addiction Counseling Skills, Family Dynamics, Pharmacology of Addiction, and Ethics for PSYCH and Addiction. Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Net Price Tuition: $10,448

#13 Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Online BS in Psychology with a focus in Addictions and Recovery

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 9

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: Liberty University

At Liberty University, you can study for your affordable Addiction Studies online degree and earn a BS in Psychology Online with a focus in Addictions and Recovery. Plus, you can do it at an accelerated rate. While most Bachelor’s degree programs last 4 years, at Liberty, you can earn your cheap Addiction Studies online degree in just 3.5 years. Classes will be presented in an 8-week format, and you won’t have any set log-in times, which means this asynchronous program can be completed on your own time. After taking foundational core classes in Psychology, you’ll take specialized coursework in the field of Addictions and Recovery, including classes like Theory of Treatment and Substance Abuse, Treatment of Recovery and Addictions, Social Psychology, and Behavior Modification. Liberty University is accredited by the SACSCC.
Net Price Tuition: $27,432

#12 Bethel University Indiana

Mishawaka, Indiana

Online BS in Behavioral and Social Science

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Points: 9

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: Bethel University Indiana

At Bethel University, located in Indiana, you can earn your low-cost online Bachelor’s in Addiction Studies through their BS in Behavioral and Social Science. You will get a solid foundation in the social sciences, and then choose a cognate in Addictions, meaning you’ll get an additional 12 credit hours focusing on the field of addiction and substance abuse. While all of your classes will be delivered digitally, you will be required to attend workshops once a year. At these annual on-campus sessions, you’ll gain real-world experiences to help prepare you for your career, including group facilitation, crisis intervention, and interviewing and people-helping skills. Students will complete an internship. Sample cognate courses could include Principles of Addiction, Theories of Addiction Treatment, and Principles of Mental Health. To work with your flexible schedule, BU offers 6 start dates per year. Bethel University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Net Price Tuition: $19,000

#11 Ohio Christian University

Circleville, Ohio

Online Bachelor of Arts in Substance Abuse Counseling

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Points: 10

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: Ohio Christian University

Ohio Christian University offers an affordable online Bachelor’s in Addiction Studies that will prepare you for licensure in the state of Ohio. At OCU, you’ll learn to treat and aid addicts through a Christian perspective. Major coursework includes:

  • Chemical Dependency Counseling
  • Spiritual Dimensions of Illness and Recovery
  • Introduction to Substance Abuse
  • Family Dynamics in Substance Abuse
  • Prevention Strategies

To help you with your standardized licensure testing, OCU’s program also offers classes in preparing for the state test. All coursework will add up to 120 credit hours. Ohio Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Net Price Tuition: $25,075

#10 University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio

Online BS in Substance Abuse Counseling

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 11

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati online offers an affordable online Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies that is designed to prepare graduates to help people with drug and alcohol addiction issues. The good news about this program is that its flexibility is in the fore-front. You can choose to pace yourself quickly and earn your degree in just 2 years. Or, if your life is a little more demanding, you can space your coursework out a little more and take 4 years to graduate. Your courses will include Crisis Management, Ethics in Substance Abuse Counseling, Stress Management in Clinical and Community Settings, and Case Management and Treatment Planning in Substance Abuse Counseling. All students will also take an internship for real-world application. With three start times per year, you can get started on your education at a time that’s right for you. The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Net Price Tuition: $20,085

#9 University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota

Online BS in Addiction Studies

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points:12

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: University of South Dakota

If you’re looking for licensure in the state of South Dakota, check out the University of South Dakota’s low-cost Bachelor’s degree program in Addiction Studies online. You’ll get a science-based addiction education that results in an online BS in Addiction Studies. In addition, the program will provide a strong academic foundation merged with real-world experiences in both counseling and prevention strategies. While you’ll be on track for licensure in South Dakota, the program cannot confirm that you will be for other states. Make sure to check the details in the program for your state’s requirements before applying. The University of South Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Additionally, the Addiction Studies programs are specially accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC).
Net Price Tuition: $17,354

#8 University of Michigan

Flint, Michigan

Online BS in Substance Use Treatment and Intervention

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Points: 12

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: University of Michigan Flint

If a profession in substance use treatment is on your radar, check out the University of Michigan-Flint’s affordable Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies online. You’ll earn a science-based education that results in an online BS in Substance Use Treatment and Intervention. Among the 124 credits, include the following breakdown of coursework:

  • 20 credits in elective courses
  • 40 credits of General Education requirements
  • 64 credits of substance use courses
  • additional complementary courses

You’ll work with an advisor to take the elective coursework that best serves you. The program takes a multi-disciplinary approach that combines studies in social work, substance abuse and prevention, intervention, and criminal justice. The University of Michigan Flint is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Net Price Tuition: $12,519

#7 Union College Kentucky

Barbourville, Kentucky

Online Bachelor’s in Substance Abuse Counseling

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Points: 13

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: Union College

At Union College in Kentucky, they have a long history of inspiring students to think ahead and think big. And the low-cost undergraduate degree in Addiction Studies will do just that. Benefits of the program include a fully online curriculum, 24/7 technical support, and convenient 8-week course schedules. And at just $225 per credit hour, you can earn your degree without breaking the bank. Among the 120 credits in the program include classes like Foundations of Chemical Dependency, Psychology of Addiction, Recovery and Relapse, and Ethical Issues in Chemical Dependency. All students will participate in a real-world internship experience in the substance abuse field. Union College is accredited by the SACSCC.
Net Price Tuition: $17,445

#6 SUNY Empire State College

Saratoga Springs, New York

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Community and Human Services with a concentration in Substance Abuse Services

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 13

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: SUNY Empire State College

At SUNY Empire State College, you can earn a low-cost Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies. You’ll actually major in Community and Human Services and then get a concentration in Substance Abuse Services. In addition, ESC has a unique option for you–to create an interdisciplinary concentration that combines several subjects. The goal is to deepen and widen your educational perspective. Therefore, you could combine your focus in Substance Abuse Services with other options like:

  • children and family services
  • criminal justice services
  • disability services
  • health and human services

Online library services are available. SUNY Empire State College is accredited by the Middle State Commission on Higher Education.
Net Price Tuition: $13,415

#5 Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, Kentucky

Online Bachelor’s in Psychology with a concentration in Psychiatric Rehabilitation

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 14

19 Most Affordable Addiction Studies Bachelor's Online: Eastern

Eastern Kentucky University’s low-cost online Addiction Studies degree takes a different, but impactful approach. Enrolled students will earn an online Bachelor’s in Psychology with a concentration in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Graduates will be ready for a variety of entry-level mental health and social services careers, as well as eligibility to sit for the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) certification examination. Or, you’ll also be prepared to continue on to graduate school for deeper study. With 6 start times per year, you can begin your education when you’re ready. Online student services include online tutoring and career assistance. Classes are 100% online and are presented in an 8-week format. Each student will also create an individualized graduation plan. Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the SACSCC.
Net Price Tuition: $14,273

#4 University of Maine at Augusta

Augusta, Maine

Online Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Human Services with a concentration in Addiction Counseling

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Points: 14

The University of Maine at Augusta offers a cheap online Bachelor’s in Addiction Studies. In fact, the tuition is one of the lowest on this ranking list, coming in under $10,000 net-price per year. Through the College of Professional Studies, students enrolled in this program will pursue their online BS in Mental Health and Human Services with a concentration in Addiction Counseling. The Addiction Counseling focus will feature courses like:

  • Models of Addiction
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Adolescence, Sub. Abuse & Criminality
  • Counseling for Substance Use Disorder
  • Addiction: Diversity and Rehabilitations
  • Addiction and the Family
  • Trauma and Addiction

In addition, studies will take a Writing Intensive course. All students are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA to remain in good standing with the program. The University of Maine at Augusta is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Net Price Tuition: $9,899

#3 University of Central Arkansas

Conway, Arkansas

Online BS in Addiction Studies

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Points: 15

At the University of Central Arkansas, you’ll get your affordable online BS in Addiction Studies, and then be able to hone in your passion on one of two tracks: Prevention or Treatment. This degree comes from the Department of Health Sciences. Among the 120 credits are required courses like Mental Health, Theory and Practice of Prevention, and Drug Education. Next, you’ll take targeted courses in your area of focus, as well as a practicum and an internship. The remaining 18 credits will be dedicated to an accompanying minor, which you will choose with your advisor. The University of Central Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Net Price Tuition: $14,241

#2 Fort Hayes State University

Hays, Kansas

Online BS/BA in Sociology with a concentration in Addiction Counseling
fort-hays-state-university

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Points: 15

At Fort Hays State University, you will be able to customize your affordable online Addiction Studies degree. First of all, you will choose either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, which means you can choose between a liberal arts or a science-based curriculum. Then you will specialize in Addiction Counseling. You will receive a solid foundation in your sociology core, taking classes like Methods of Social Research and Social Inequality. Next, you’ll start your Addiction Counseling coursework, including:

  • Individual Counseling in Addictions
  • Addictions Counseling with Families
  • Ethics in Addictions Counseling
  • Group Counseling with Addiction Populations
  • Pharmacology & High Risk Medical Issues
  • Psychopathology & Addictions
  • Client Management Procedures

Graduates can pursue careers like an Alcohol and Drug Counselor or in Crisis and Intervention. Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Net Price Tuition: $12,420

#1 City Vision University

Kansas City, Missouri

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Addiction Counseling

Website
Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Points: 16

City Vision University’s low-cost Bachelor’s in Addiction Studies online landed the top spot on our ranking for its unique benefits. First of all, you can earn your degree at a faster pace through earning credit for previous knowledge (like for military service or experience). CVU also places a huge emphasis on supporting non-profits by partnering with thousands of ministries that serve the poor. Your online degree in Addiction Counseling will be taught through a Christian worldview and will prepare you to be credentialed as a Certified Addiction Counselor in your state. In addition, the program meets NAADAC Addiction Counseling standards. Note that students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to graduate. City Vision University is accredited by the Distance education Accrediting Commission.
Net Price Tuition: $5,004

What is an affordable online Bachelor’s in Addiction Studies?

An online Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies is a 4-year higher education degree that (most times) utilizes a foundation of psychology coursework. The curriculum will then hone in on the area of Addiction and Substance Abuse, focusing on the causes of addiction and the impact addiction has on the person, family, and society as a whole.

When you get a degree in Addiction Studies, you will be examining the external, internal, social, cultural, and behavioral components that affect addictive behaviors, and how those behaviors can then affect the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of the person.

While many graduates of these programs walk people through drug and alcohol abuse counseling, those aren’t the only kinds of addictions you could be counseling people through. They are the most common, but also consider gambling addictions, relational addictions, lying addictions, and more.

Generally speaking, you will choose between a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. The main difference between the two would be the types of foundational coursework you will take. A BS degree is a science-based education while a BA degree utilizes a liberal arts curriculum.

What classes can I expect to take in my cheap online Addiction Studies Bachelor’s degree?

Typically, the core of most Addiction Studies program will be based in Psychology. A few on this list use Sociology as their foundation. But typically, after completing your general education requirements, you will take coursework rooted in psychology and add additional coursework that specifically addresses issues of addiction and substance abuse.

Your coursework will cover popular topics in the Addiction Studies field, like:

  • effects on family
  • group counseling
  • crisis intervention
  • trauma
  • recovery and relapse
  • one-on-one counseling
  • psychology of addiction
  • case management
  • treatment planning
  • prevention
  • diversity in addiction
  • social, behavioral, and cultural influences on addiction

How will I get admitted to my Addiction Studies Program?

Admission to all programs vary from school to school. But on a basic level, here are some requirements you can expect:

  • high school diploma/equivalent/GED
  • transcripts (transfer students)
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • letters of recommendation
  • entrance essay

Check the details of your program to see exactly what you need in order to apply. Pay close attention to application deadlines to ensure that you’re submitting your application on time!

Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree in Addiction Studies FAQ:

Q: Is getting my online degree in Addiction Studies worth it?

Yes, absolutely. According to data presented by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 22 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. And as awareness and acceptance for mental health issues continues to emerge, the need for highly trained professionals in this field are in high demand. Therefore, getting your low cost online degree in Addition Studies is a wise investment.

Q: What resources are available for online students?

We know it can be scary to take online classes, and it might make you feel like you won’t have the support you need to succeed. However, most schools with distance learning options also provide a wide spectrum of online student services, which could include online tutoring, online writing centers, online advising, online library resources, and even online counseling services.

Q: Will I need to travel to campus?

If you are taking your degree 100% online, no you will not need to travel to campus. However, you will want to check the details of your program because some schools require a once a year seminar on-campus or have a hybrid model that combines both distance learning and on-site classes.

Q: How long will it take to get my cheap online Addiction Studies degree?

The answer to this question will depend on several factors. First, what are your program details? Does the program offer accelerated coursework or summer programs? Next, are you taking classes on a part-time basis or full-time? Lastly, what family life or work hours could impact your productivity or focus? All of these factors can impact the time it takes to earn your degree. If taken on a full-time basis traditional schedule, earning your online Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies should take 4 years. Some programs offer accelerated programs and allow students to graduate in even sooner. It is important to note that if you take your coursework on a part-time basis, it will lengthen the time it takes to earn your degree.

Q: Do I need to take a standardized test like the SAT or ACT to be admitted?

Most Bachelor’s degree programs will require you to submit scores for the SAT or ACT in order to be admitted; however, it is possible to find some programs that do not. In addition, some programs also waive the scores for students who have work experience or who are over 21 years of age.

Q: Does my tuition cover the cost of my textbooks as well?

No, it will not. The cost of your books will be in addition to the tuition listed. That’s why it’s important to start saving now. However, some students choose to use scholarship overage or student loans to help pay for the difference. Some schools have even switched to e-books to help cut down the cost of books for students.

Q: How can I pay for my low-cost Bachelor’s in Addiction Studies degree?

We know that the price of college can be daunting and that the rising costs are deterring some students from earning their degree. But-the good news is that if you are taking your coursework online, you are already saving money. Most online programs don’t charge out-of-state tuition, saving you money right off the bat. In addition, apply for scholarships or grants, which is money for college you won’t have to pay back. You can also look for programs that offer special tuition discounts (like for military personnel) or credit for prior experience, which will cut down on the number of classes you have to pay for.

Q: When I graduate, will I be a licensed therapist?

No, you will not. A counselor and a therapist are two different careers and require different levels of education and work experience.

Q: How do I become a certified Substance Abuse Counselor?

This will depend on the state where you live and their specific licensing requirements. But typically, it will take 3 steps:

  1. Bachelor’s degree: you will need to earn your Bachelor’s in a related mental health field
  2. Work Experience: you will need to complete about 2,000 hours of supervised work experience. It’s possible that hours you accrued during an internship or practicum could count, so choosing a program with that element could be wise.
  3. Extra coursework: It’s possible that your state will require extra coursework (or degrees) beyond what your Bachelor’s degree required, so check your state’s requirements. To meet the extra requirements, you could take online courses or participate in workshops.
  4. Licensure Testing: You’ll need to pass the National Counselor Examination.
  5. Extra Industry Certifications: While this isn’t always necessary, you may want to pursue extra certifications in your professional field

Q: Will I be able to diagnose mental illness or prescribe medicine?

No, you will not. If you want to diagnose mental illness, you will need to become a Psychologist and if you want to prescribe medicine, you will want to pursue psychiatry. Both professions require an extensive amount of additional education.

Q: Do I need to be sober to become a Drug Abuse or Addictions counselor?

Many people enter into this profession because they have experienced healing from their own addiction problems. However, it is important to remember that in order to effectively support those suffering from addictions, you will need to be sober. Many suggest that being sober for 2 years before entering this profession is wise.

Q: How do I know if getting my degree in Addiction Studies online is right for me?

Ultimately this kind of decision will be something you have to decide. But before you take the plunge, you can do a little due diligence to help make the choice a little easier. First, do some research on what kinds of careers you can pursue with an affordable online Bachelor’s in Addiction Studies (or look at our information below). Take a good look at those jobs, read about what they would entail, and think about your passions and skills. Do they line up with what the job will require? If they do, you are probably making a wise decision. If your talents and skillset don’t really line up with the potential requirements of the career, you might want to put some more thought into it before you enroll in an Addiction Studies program!

Q: When can I start my cheap online Bachelor’s in Addiction Studies?

While some schools follow a traditional start time regiment (fall, spring, summer), others do not and offer many more (some on this list up to 6 times per year!). We’ve even found some schools that offer monthly start times. All that to say? You’ll need to check the details of the schools you are interested in and see what they offer. Match that up with your schedule and what works best for you.

Addiction Studies Career Opportunities:

Q: What careers can I pursue with a low-cost Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies?

Once you graduate, you’ll be able to start entry-level careers in a variety of settings like prisons, community centers, counseling centers, hospitals, in your own practice, and more. A common profession people choose with an Addiction Studies degree is a Substance Abuse Counselor, which may require extra schooling or licensure. A few things to note are that substance abuse counselors are not able to prescribe medicine or give medical/psychological therapy. Instead, substance abuse counselors mentor and advocate for their clients. With more intense schooling, you could continue your education and become a psychologist or psychiatrist if those more advanced careers represent your career goals.

Q: What kind of salary can I expect in this field?

Based on data from 2018, the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics shares the following mean annual wage:

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselor: $44,630 per year

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $47,830 per year

Community Health Worker: $42,340 per year

Q: What knowledge and skills will I need to acquire to become a Substance Abuse Counselor?

To be successful in any career, you’ll need both education and experience in that field. But on top of that, you’ll also need to acquire a professional skillset specific to that job. If you plan to become a Substance Abuse Counselor, some skills/aspects of the position you should master include:

  • one-on-one counseling
  • group counseling
  • patient referrals
  • an understanding of the cultural, social, and behavioral influences that can impact addiction
  • family education and support
  • administrative skills
  • treatment planning

Q: What professional organizations are available to professionals in the Addictions field?

Professional organizations aren’t mandatory by any means, but highly recommended. When you join a professional organization in the Addiction and Substance Abuse field, you will stay up-to-date on current research and career trends as well as build your network of like-minded professionals.

Related Rankings