Substance Abuse Counselor Masters Degree Programs

Substance abuse counselors work with people who have drug, alcohol or other addictions. They can find employment in a number of public or private areas, including drug and alcohol education, rehabilitation and social work. A master's degree in substance abuse counseling is generally the minimum educational requirement for licensure in the field.

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Master of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling Program

Master of Science (M.S.) in Substance Abuse Counseling programs commonly feature areas of concentration, such as alcohol abuse or clinical counseling. Programs focus on basic skills and practical techniques of counseling, as well as theory and research in substance abuse. Graduate students also are trained in treatment and prevention methods.

Educational Prerequisites

Admission requirements for a master's degree program in substance abuse counseling typically include a bachelor's degree and a minimum GRE score. Some programs also require prior undergraduate or graduate coursework in areas such as social sciences, counseling, research and statistics.

Program Coursework

Substance abuse counseling master's degree programs often include an internship, in addition to classes such as the following:

  • Group counseling techniques
  • Treatment methods for drug and alcohol abuse
  • Advanced individual counseling, assessment and diagnosis
  • Role of the family in rehabilitation
  • Contemporary issues in drug and alcohol abuse

Employment Outlook and Salary Info

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor prospects were expected to exhibit faster than average growth from 2006 to 2016, increasing by 21%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). The median salary for mental health and substance abuse social workers was $34,040 in May 2006. Entry-level wages in 2006 were approximately $27,330 per year.

Continuing Education

M.S. in Substance Abuse Counseling graduates should be eligible for certification or licensure, the requirements of which vary by state. Graduates who wish to further their education can pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Rehabilitation Counseling and Administration with a concentration in substance or clinical counseling. A Ph.D. could lead to career advancement opportunities.

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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
    • Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
    • Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Master
        • MS in Addiction Counseling - Addictions and Public Health
        • MS in Addiction Counseling - Child and Adolescent Counseling
        • MS in Addiction Counseling - Family Studies and Interventions
        • MS in Addiction Counseling - Forensic Counseling
        • MS in Addiction Counseling - General Program
        • MS in Addiction Counseling - Trauma and Crisis

    When would you like to start classes?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Which subject are you interested in?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    What degree are you interested in?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning
    • Arizona (5 campuses)
    • California (16)
    • Colorado (3)
    • Michigan (2)
    • New Mexico (2)
    • Nevada (2)
    • Puerto Rico (1)
    • Utah (3)

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  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Applicants must have completed 12 college credits
    School locations:
    • California (16 campuses)

    Classroom-Based Programs

    • Master
        • MA - Psychology (Professional Clinical Counseling Emphasis)
        • MA - Psychology (MFT and PCC Combination)

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Arizona (1 campus)
    • California (4 campuses)
    • Colorado (1)
    • Florida (2)
    • Tennessee (1)
    • Utah (1)

    Classroom-Based Programs

    What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Master
        • Master - Human Services - Drug and Alcohol Counseling
        • Master - Human Services - Clinical Counseling

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
    • Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    When are you looking to start?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning
    • Georgia (1 campus)
    • Texas (1)

    Online and Classroom-Based Programs

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Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics