Master's in Addiction Counseling

Earn your master’s in addiction counseling

The master’s in addiction counseling will train you to work with adults and adolescents experiencing one or more addictions (alcohol, prescription drugs or illicit drugs) in a variety of community settings, including addiction/recovery centers, community mental health centers, hospitals and employee assistance programs. You’ll be able to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, including addiction, using a variety of interventions and methods.

You will be eligible to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and get the 180 hours of required addiction-specific coursework to become certified as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC).

On this path to a career helping others, you’ll learn about addiction theories, biological factors and co-occurring disorders.

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A student gazes out of a window at sunset. The reflection show in the glass behind her. — In Grace Library, spanning the third and fourth floor of the University Commons, there are numerous quiet spaces and study rooms for individuals and groups to use.

Credits required:

60 credits

Cost per credit:

$902/credit

Time to degree:

As few as 30 months

Delivery:

On campus, some online

Addictions Counseling degree curriculum

You must take a three-course sequence for the Addictions Counseling track in addition to the LPC degree core courses. The courses cover counseling theories, the biological basis for addiction, and counseling clients who have substance abuse and psychiatric disorders.

Quick Facts

Accumulate 180 hours of addiction-specific coursework needed for Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certification
Complete a graduate assistantship if desired

A woman talks to a student in the professional counseling program.

View Plan of Study

Alternate degree completion option

Accelerated

Fast track your way into this master’s program by taking graduate courses as a Carlow undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.

Career opportunities for Addiction Counselors

Employment of substance abuse and mental health counselors is projected to grow 25% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

View the Professional Licensure Disclosure for this program.

Admission requirements and application process

The graduate program admissions process happens on a rolling basis. You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success.

Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.

Apply

anytime

Start terms:

Fall, Spring & Summer

Contact Admissions

If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.

admissions@carlow.edu

+1 (412) 578-6059