For those who want to help people struggling with substance abuse disorders, you'll first need to earn a bachelor's degree.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in substance abuse or addiction counseling. Below, we've broken down what you need to know about these programs.
What to Know About Substance Abuse Counseling Bachelor Degree Programs
Bachelor's degrees are undergraduate degrees that usually take about four years of full-time study to complete.
In most programs, you'll spend the first year or two completing general education requirements and the final years focused on your major.
A major in substance abuse counseling, also called addictions counseling, trains you to counsel and work with individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
Substance abuse counselors assess and diagnose patients. They also create treatment plans, help patients follow those plans, and adjust the plans as needed.
Substance abuse counseling programs often offer courses that tackle topics such as:
- how substances affect mental health
- how to conduct group therapy sessions
- how to develop treatment programs
- substance abuse prevention and treatment
- theories and skills for addictions counseling
These programs often also include field practicum, in which you'll get hands-on, supervised experience in the field.
Top Schools with Substance Abuse Counseling Bachelor Degree Programs
Many colleges and universities in the United States offer bachelor's degrees in counseling that focus on substance abuse and addiction.
We've listed our top choices below in alphabetical order.
1. Colorado State University
Colorado State University is a public research university in Fort Collins, CO. It offers a Bachelor of Social Work with a concentration in addictions counseling.
This concentration fulfills the necessary course requirements for becoming a Certified Addiction Technician in Colorado, and students do all their fieldwork in addiction treatment settings.
Courses in this concentration include:
- Addictions: A Social Work Perspective
- Foundational Addiction Counseling Skills
- Professional Issues in Addiction Treatment
- Psychology of Drug Addiction Treatment
2. Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University is a private evangelical Christian university based in Marion, IN. It offers a Bachelor of Science in addictions counseling.
This program trains students to become knowledgeable, ethical, and competent licensed addiction counselors.
Courses offered in this program include:
- Addictions Theory
- Counseling Addicted and Dysfunctional Family Systems
- Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
- Psychopharmacology
3. Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minnesota State University in Mankato is a public university in southern Minnesota. It offers a Bachelor of Science in alcohol and drug studies.
The degree provides all the coursework needed for students to pursue alcohol and drug counselor licensure in Minnesota.
Courses offered in this major include:
- Assessment and Diagnosis of Substance Use Disorders
- Counseling the Chemically Dependent Family
- Ethics and Professionalism for Addictions Professionals
- Theories and Methods for Addictions Professionals
4. Purdue Global
Purdue Global is a public research university northwest of Indianapolis in the city of West Lafayette, IN. It offers a Bachelor of Science in human services with a concentration in addiction studies.
This program allows students to earn a bachelor's degree and a certificate in addiction studies. It also fulfills the state's requirements for a bachelor's level pre-supervision license in addiction counseling.
The concentration includes courses such as:
- Counseling Issues in Substance Abuse
- Issues of Substance Abuse in Family Systems
- Problems of Substance Abuse in Society
- Treatment Models of Substance Abuse
5. Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University is a public research university in Lubbock, TX, a city in the northwest part of the state. It offers a Bachelor of Science in counseling and addiction recovery services.
The program prepares students for careers in human services as well as graduate-level coursework if they choose.
Two concentrations are offered, though not required: applied relational counseling and addictive disorders and recovery studies.
6. University of St. Francis
The University of St. Francis is a private university in Joliet, IL, a city southwest of Chicago. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in substance abuse counseling.
This program is available to students from all educational backgrounds and helps them learn how to manage and cure substance use disorders.
Courses required for the major include:
- Advanced Techniques in Substance Abuse Treatment
- Co-Occurring Disorders: Assessment & Treatment
- Diverse Populations in Addiction Counseling
- Ethics in Addiction Counseling
7. Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University is a public research university in Richmond, VA. It offers a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a concentration in addiction studies.
The program requires 120 credits, with at least 30 of those credits focused on the psychology major.
Courses offered in the addiction studies concentration include:
- Psychological Theories of Addiction
- Psychological Treatment of Addiction
- Psychology of Adult Development
- Social Psychology
FAQs About Substance Abuse Counseling Degree Programs
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about substance abuse counseling bachelor's degree programs.
Do I Need a Master's Degree to Work as a Substance Abuse Counselor?
While a master's degree isn't always required, it will depend on your state. Many employers also prefer candidates with master's degrees.
Do I Need a License to Work as a Substance Abuse Counselor?
Whether or not you need a license will depend on what state you work in.
Counselors in private practice almost always need a license, while those outside of private practice will need to check state regulations.
How Much Does a Bachelor's Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling Cost?
Many different things can affect the cost of your bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling. This can include your state and financial aid, as well as many other factors.
The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that public universities cost about $9,400 per year, while private non-profit universities cost $37,600 per year.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling
Bachelor's degrees in substance abuse counseling are designed to train students to be effective substance abuse counselors. Using the information above, you can find a bachelor's program today.
