Online Master's in Addiction Studies

With the online addiction studies degree from University of the Cumberlands, you'll be on track for special licensure in Kentucky to become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) upon completion of experiential hours and other requirements. Many graduates become substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, also known as addiction professionals.

Some addiction professionals may go on to start private practices or manage teams of mental health professionals. Other career paths you could pursue with an addiction studies degree may include:

• Health Educator
• Social Administrator
• Rehabilitation Counselor
• Regulatory Affairs Director
• Postsecondary Teacher

In an addiction studies degree program, you'll develop the skills necessary to apply intervention and prevention theories, models, and approaches in individual or group settings. You'll also be able to articulate knowledge, skills, and best practices related to addiction studies, and select appropriate assessments to evaluate, diagnose, and develop a treatment plan for clients. 

Earning your addiction studies degree online is a flexible way to launch a new career that makes a difference. Here's how to get started:

1. Check your state's requirements. State requirements for counselors can vary, but one thing is sure: Addiction counselors in private practice must earn licensure. In all states, this requires a master's degree and anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 hours of clinical experience. Check with your state for specifics, and make sure the online addiction studies program you're considering meets all specifications. Kentucky recently passed a bill creating an alcohol and drug counselor credential that requires a 30-hour master's degree and focuses on addiction studies. This bill allows recipients of the 30-hour master's degree to become Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) upon completion of experiential hours and other requirements.
2. Choose the online program that suits your career goals. Not all online addiction studies programs are suitable for those who wish to become licensed counselors. These programs could help you prepare for many rewarding human services career paths that do not require licensure.
3. Apply, enroll, and start learning! An online master's in addiction studies program offers the flexibility you need to study on your schedule. In many cases, you can complete your coursework in less than two years of full-time study.

Depending on your state and employer, earning a master's degree may be required to launch your career in addiction studies. Here's why many students find it worthwhile to pursue a master's degree in this growing field:

• Job opportunities. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, along with mental health professionals, are currently in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these roles should see 23 percent growth by 2030, faster than average for all professions. 
• Making a difference. Addiction professionals and other health and human services workers play a vital role in society. These days, more people are willing to try counseling when they need help, and there's an increasing need for counselors to work with at-risk populations, such as veterans. Additionally, many states now require drug offenders to seek treatment and counseling as a humane—and more effective—alternative to jail sentences. 
• A return on investment. In 2021, the top 10 percent of addiction professionals earned more than $77,980 per year, while the median salary for this role was $48,520. But investing in your education is about more than a paycheck. Addiction professionals play a critical role in patient recovery, changing lives and communities for the better.

Time to completion depends on a number of factors, such as your schedule outside coursework, but it is possible to complete University of the Cumberlands' master's in addiction studies online program within one year. Taking two classes (6 credit hours) per bi-term equates to four classes (12 hours) for one full semester. With three semesters available each year, a full-time student can complete all 30 credit hours (10 classes) in one year.

Each course lasts eight weeks, called a bi-term. There are two bi-terms per semester, and three semesters per year (fall, spring, and summer). Many classes are asynchronous, meaning there is no set login time; you can work on schoolwork whenever you find time. Cumberlands provides free rental textbooks to online students as part of its One Price Promise.