Help others get their lives back.

Addiction impacts many people's lives either directly or indirectly. With a master's degree in addiction studies, you'll be better prepared to face the world of addiction head-on and help free those who have fallen into addiction - whether that's opioids, alcohol or other addictive substance or behavior. Not only will your clients get their lives back, but the lives of their loved ones will benefit as well. 

This master's in addiction studies online at University of the Cumberlands aligns with ICRC standards and prepares students to become Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in the state of Kentucky. If you need an online program that gives you the knowledge and skills required to work within this life-changing profession, then look no further; this is the place.

Anchor: Stats
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

Online Master of Science in Addiction Studies

Addiction is more than a disease; it cripples those who are addicted and those that love them. With the right knowledge and skills, you can become a solution in the lives of many as an addiction professional who is capable and compassionate enough to guide their journey to recovery. At University of the Cumberlands, our faculty of caring experts will help you develop the skills necessary to work with a population in desperate need of overcoming their addictions. Your master's in addiction studies coursework will help prepare you for special licensure in Kentucky as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. 

Course Requirements

COUN 533 Legal & Ethical issues in Counseling

COUN 535 Psychological Assessment in Clinical Practice

COUN 636 Theory and Practice of Multicultural Counseling

COUN 637 Group Counseling

HSRV 531 Motivation, Change, and Treatment in Addictions

HSRV 532 Psychopharmacology & Addictions

HSRV 533  Family Therapy in Addiction Treatment

HSRV 534  Clinical Management of Addictions

HSRV 535 Co-occurring Disorders

HSRV 536  Advanced Topics: Street Drugs

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The mission of the master's degree in addiction studies is to teach screening, assessment, and engagement; treatment planning, collaboration, and referral; counseling; and professional and ethical responsibilities.

Demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication that establishes rapport and promotes engagement
Obtain history, assess needs, and administer appropriate evidence-based screening
Formulate and discuss diagnostic assessments, and initiate an individualized treatment plan
Continually evaluate a client's safety, relapse potential, and the need for crisis intervention
Adhere to established professional codes of ethics and standards of practice
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Addiction Studies Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Substance Abuse Counselor: $49,710

Substance Abuse Counselor: $49,710

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors advise people on a range of issues, such as those relating to alcoholism, addictions, or depression.

Rehabilitation Counselor: $39,990

Rehabilitation Counselor: $39,990

Rehabilitation counselors help people with physical, mental, developmental, or emotional disabilities live independently.

Social Worker: $55,350

Social Worker: $55,350

Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.

Human Service Assistant: $38,520

Human Service Assistant: $38,520

Social and human service assistants provide client services in a variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.

Substance Abuse Social Worker: $51,240

Substance Abuse Social Worker: $51,240

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

Correctional Treatment Specialist: $59,860

Correctional Treatment Specialist: $59,860

Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitating law offenders in custody or on probation or parole.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

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. 

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts

Learn about UC's addiction studies professors.

Dr. Julia Dell'Aquila-Linares

Dr. Julia Dell'Aquila-Linares

Assistant Professor
Counseling

Dr. Julia Dell'Aquila-Linares

Contact Information

julia.linares [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote

Joy Herbert-Neal

Adjunct Professor
Human Services
Social Work

Joy Herbert-Neal

Contact Information

joy.herbert-neal [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Jessica Stringfield

Jessica Stringfield

Adjunct Professor
Human Services
Social Work

Jessica Stringfield

Contact Information

jessica.stringfield [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote

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