Addiction and recovery counselors are in high demand, and a bachelor's degree can help you launch your career in this growing field. But what can you expect from an online addiction counseling bachelor's degree? And what are the best online programs for this major? Our guide walks you through what you need to know.
Popular Online Addiction and Recovery Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Addiction and Recovery Counseling
#1 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Addiction and Recovery Counseling for 2025
Bay Path University
- Longmeadow, MA
- 4 years
- Online
Why We Chose This School:
Administered through the American Women's College, Bay Path's bachelor of arts in alcohol and drug use counseling integrates core psychology requirements with focused coursework in addiction counseling. Working professionals and busy students can complete the 120-credit program entirely online in 3.5 years.
We like the option that allows undergraduate students to earn graduate credits. They can apply these advanced courses toward a master of science in clinical mental health counseling degree or directly into the alcohol and drug use counseling track of the master's degree.
Highlights:
- Six start dates per year
- Accepts up to 90 transfer credits
- No clinical hours required
Considerations:
- Does not offer scholarships for online programs
- Chromebooks, iPads, smartphones, and the Canvas Mobile App not supported in the online program
- Offers career coaching but no job placement services
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Addiction and Recovery Counseling for 2025
University of South Dakota
- Vermillion, SD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
You can earn a bachelor of science in addiction counseling and prevention at USD through its Vermillion main campus or a convenient online option. The 120-credit degree addresses the study of substance use disorders, individual and group addiction counseling, and legal and ethical issues. You can choose electives in areas like substance use and addiction in diverse populations, Native Americans and substance use, and gambling and process addiction.
The bachelor's prepares students to qualify for addiction/prevention credentials through the South Dakota Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals. We like that this program has a South Dakota Licensed Addiction Counselor exam pass rate ranking much higher than the national average over the past five years.
Highlights:
- Most affordable tuition rates of the schools on this list; $354.75 per credit hour and $250 per credit hour for active-duty military
- Many elective course options
- Courses taught by the same faculty that teach on campus
Considerations:
- No credits awarded for life experiences
- Restrictions apply to field experiences outside South Dakota
- Chromebooks, iPads, smartphones, and the Canvas Mobile App not fully supported in the online program
Percent Online Enrollment
58%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Addiction and Recovery Counseling for 2025
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Natchitoches, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
If you are looking for a way to continue working while earning your degree, NSU's bachelor of science in addiction studies provides a flexible and convenient online program. The 120-credit degree requires you to complete 27 hours in psychology and 33 credits focused on addiction studies. Coursework covers areas such as addiction disorders, screening and assessment, co-occurring disorders, and the pharmacology of addiction.
We like this program's serious commitment to retaining its majors through graduation. Online students work with an academic advisor from the time of their admission to the program and have access to tutoring, study skills classes, and technological support.
Highlights:
- Affordable flat-rate tuition for online students that excludes out-of-state fees; $375 per credit hour
- Competitive tuition rate of $192 per credit hour for active-duty, reservist, retirees, and dependents
- Admits first-time applicants with a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.35
Considerations:
- Some classes require in-person components
- ACT or SAT required for English and Math placements
- Chromebooks not fully supported in online classes
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Addiction and Recovery Counseling for 2025
Alvernia University
- Reading, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
For over 40 years, Alvernia's bachelor of arts in addiction and mental health treatment has provided administrative, counseling, and case management training for graduates to pursue various counseling roles. The 123-credit program, now available in an online option, requires 54-56 liberal arts core credits, 54 credits in the addiction and mental health major, and two field placements.
We like the program's online delivery format that allows students to focus on one or two classes in each seven-week term, spanning three 14-week semesters each year. The degree fulfills the educational requirements for addiction counselor licensure by the Pennsylvania Certification Board.
Highlights:
- Six start dates throughout the academic year
- Military-friendly school and member of the Yellow Ribbon Program
- No ACT or SAT required
Considerations:
- Most expensive tuition rate of schools on the list; $650 per credit hour
- Accepts fewer transfer credits than most programs, 75 versus 90 credits
- Requires community service hours
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Addiction and Recovery Counseling for 2025
University of Holy Cross
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Why We Chose This School:
The bachelor of science in addictions counseling at UHC features an interdisciplinary approach to addiction studies that emphasizes social change in professional practice and American society. The 120-credit online curriculum requires 51 credits in core general education courses, including two theology courses, 45 credits in the major, and 24 credits in free electives.
As an addictions counseling major, you take courses in areas such as interviewing and counseling approaches, recovery counseling, sexual trauma, and crisis intervention. We like the organizational management concentration option, which can help you increase your marketability by combining behavioral science knowledge with training in management and leadership.
Highlights:
- More elective choices than other programs
- A tuition discount of $250 per credit hour, with no fees, available to active-duty military personnel
- No ACT or SAT required for admission
Considerations:
- 32% graduate rate, below the 58% national midpoint for four-year schools
- Fewer support services for online students compared to other programs
- Among the more expensive tuition rates of the schools on the list at $600 per credit
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Our Ranking Methodology
Psychology.org ranks education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.
Psychology.org reserves the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This list is for 2025. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, visit our full ranking methodology.
What to Consider When Choosing an Online Bachelor's in Addiction and Recovery Counseling
When choosing an online bachelor's degree program, cost is often at the top of the list. Other important factors include accreditation, potential careers, and the program format. Researching these areas can help you find the best fit.
Accreditation
Online students should always choose an accredited college or university to earn their bachelor's degrees. Accredited institutions follow the best practices in higher education. They also undergo rigorous reviews to earn and maintain their accreditation.
Choosing an accredited school can also impact your financial aid and job opportunities. Some graduate programs require an accredited bachelor's degree for admissions.
When it comes to accreditation for psychology programs, undergraduates should look at the institution's accreditation status. Psychology accrediting agencies only evaluate graduate-level programs.
Career Relevance
A bachelor's in addiction and recovery counseling can prepare you for a career as a substance use or addiction counselor. If you're interested in pursuing drug and alcohol counselor certification following graduation, make sure the program you choose offers courses, electives, and practical experiences that meet your state's requirements.
If you plan to earn a master's in addition and recovery counseling, you'll also want to look for undergraduate programs with a strong graduate placement rate. You can contact programs to learn more about their graduate placement statistics.
Hybrid and Online Options
Do you want to earn your degree fully online or take some classes in person? Online bachelor's programs in addiction and recovery counseling offer both fully remote and hybrid delivery formats.
Which format works best for you? It depends on your learning style and preferences. Some students prefer in-person discussions with faculty and classmates. Others want the flexibility of a fully online format.
However, if you want the flexibility of an online format with face-to-face components, you can also look for synchronous online programs with live class sessions held via videoconferencing.
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of an online bachelor's in addiction and recovery counseling varies widely. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, undergraduates across the U.S. paid, on average, between $9,750 and $35,248 in tuition and fees in 2022-2023. In general, in-state public institutions charge the lowest tuition rates, but you'll need to consider the total cost of the degree, including fees and textbooks.
You can apply for financial aid, including federal student aid programs such as the Pell Grant and merit-based scholarships, to help pay for your degree.
Practical Experience Opportunities
Hands-on experience deepens your understanding of counseling and addiction recovery and is a common requirement for becoming a certified drug and alcohol counselor. Many online programs incorporate practical experience opportunities, including practicums and internships.
When researching programs, look at the experiential learning requirements to find a good fit. Do programs help arrange internships or expect students to organize these opportunities? Is experiential learning optional or required? And does the school offer opportunities in your preferred specialization? Considering these questions can help you narrow down your options.
Applying to an Online Bachelor's in Addiction and Recovery Counseling
Ready to take the next step toward earning a bachelor's in addiction and recovery counseling? You'll need to meet the admission requirements.
Common requirements include:
You'll also need official college transcripts if you're a transfer student. Because the requirements depend on the program, you must review each program to ensure you qualify. For more, check out our undergraduate application and transfer guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor's Degrees in Addiction and Recovery Counseling
Yes, you can earn a degree in addiction and recovery counseling online. Accredited online programs meet the same high academic standards as in-person programs, making them a great option for busy students seeking a degree in this major.
The top online colleges for substance use counseling in 2025 include Bay Path University, the University of South Dakota, and Northwestern State of Louisiana. When researching online programs, consider the school's accreditation status and the program's graduate placement rate to identify the best options.
Addiction counselors need at least a bachelor's degree, and roles in private practice may require a master's degree and a license. Earning an addiction counseling bachelor's degree can prepare you for careers in this growing field.
Addiction counselors need at least a four-year bachelor's degree and some career paths require a master's degree, which adds two years to the timeline. At a minimum, you can expect to spend four years meeting the educational requirements for these careers.
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