The Best Online Master’s in Addiction and Recovery Counseling Programs for 2025

Addiction and recovery counselors play a critical role in the mental health field and are in high demand. With a master’s degree, you can become a licensed counselor and guide clients through recovery. An online addiction counseling master’s degree offers the flexibility to advance your career.

To find the right online counseling master’s program, consider cost, accreditation, and career goals.

Accreditation recognizes schools and programs that meet high academic standards. That’s one reason you should always choose an accredited institution for your online master’s program. A school’s accreditation status can also impact your financial aid opportunities, employment prospects, and licensure options.

For master’s programs in counseling, look for programmatic accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). Choosing an accredited program ensures your education aligns with industry best practices and can help streamline state licensure processes.

A master’s degree helps you develop specialized counseling and addiction treatment skills. However, you’ll want to find a program that matches your interests and career goals.

If you plan to work as a substance use counselor, ensure the program meets your state’s licensure requirements. Or, if you plan to apply to Ph.D. programs, look for master’s programs with a strong graduate placement rate.

Review the program’s courses, electives, and graduation requirements to make sure they fit your goals. You can also look for faculty with experience in addiction and recovery counseling.

Addiction and recovery counseling master’s programs offer fully online and hybrid delivery formats. What’s the difference? In a 100% online program, you’ll complete all your classes online, while a hybrid program includes both online and in-person classes.

As you research programs, consider which format works best for your schedule and learning style. And make sure to review program requirements carefully––even in a fully online program, you may still need to complete an in-person practicum or internship.

The cost of a master’s in counseling can vary widely depending on the school type, credit requirements, and tuition discounts. In the 2021-2022 school year, graduate tuition and fees averaged $12,596 for public schools and $29,391 for nonprofit schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. You’ll also need to factor in supplies, textbooks, and other expenses when figuring out the total cost of your degree.

Common forms of financial aid for graduate students include loans, merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and assistantships or fellowships. Look for these funding opportunities from your university or department, nonprofit organizations, industry associations, and state and federal government agencies.

Graduate-level addiction and recovery counseling programs often incorporate hands-on experiences working with clients. These can include observing experienced counselors, supervised internships, and clinical practicums.

Experiential learning can prepare you for licensure and the workforce. Some programs help set up these experiences for grad students, while others require students to find their placements. Research each program’s requirements and student support services to find an option that matches your needs and career goals.

While the specific admission requirements vary by program, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Programs may also require prerequisite courses in counseling.

Common application materials include:

Some online programs also require standardized test scores or conduct interviews as part of the admissions process. For more, check out our graduate application guide.