With the United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reporting that over 46.8 million Americans struggle with some type of substance use disorder, there is more of a need now than ever for addiction and recovery counselors. A master’s degree in addictions and recovery prepares students for advanced careers in hospitals, private practices, substance abuse clinics, and group practices.
The median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is $49,710. Wages vary depending on the location, position, and industry. For example, those in state, local, or private hospitals had a higher median salary of $54,740, while those in residential mental health and substance abuse facilities had a lower median salary of $44,150.
Most master’s degrees in addictions and recovery require two years of full-time study and the completion of 33 to 69 credits to graduate. The average annual cost for a master’s program is $19,749. If students plan to live on campus, this cost will increase due to housing and living expenses.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best Addictions And Recovery degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 16 Accredited Master's in Addictions And Recovery Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Governors State University
Intelligent Score: 99.76In-state: $7,512
Out-of-state: $15,024
In-state: $6,354
Out-of-state: $6,354
SAT: 830-1050
ACT: 17-21
$552
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission
32
Monmouth University
Intelligent Score: 97.16In-state: $39,968
Out-of-state: $39,968
In-state: $27,874
Out-of-state: $27,874
SAT: 1040-1210
ACT: 21-26
$1,136
On-Campus
Council on Social Work Education
60
Indiana Wesleyan University
Intelligent Score: 96.17In-state: $28,184
Out-of-state: $28,184
In-state: $13,512
Out-of-state: $13,512
SAT: 1010-1200
ACT: 21-27
$602
On-Campus, Online
National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission
48
University of North Texas
Intelligent Score: 95.47In-state: $8,295
Out-of-state: $18,111
In-state: $6,350
Out-of-state: $6,350
SAT: 1050-1240
ACT: 20-27
Resident: $768
Non-Resident: $1,188 - $1,303
On-Campus, Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
Cambridge College
Intelligent Score: 94.24In-state: $32,388
Out-of-state: $32,388
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$639
On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
60
Assumption University
Intelligent Score: 94.07In-state: $64,870
Out-of-state: $64,870
In-state: $23,240
Out-of-state: $23,240
SAT: 1090-1238
ACT: 22-27
$850
Online, Hybrid
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
Ottawa University
Intelligent Score: 94.01In-state: $29,980
Out-of-state: $29,980
In-state: $15,576
Out-of-state: $15,576
SAT: 750-990
ACT: 18-22
$635
On-Campus, Online
National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission
36
Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School
Intelligent Score: 91.23In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: $26,150
Out-of-state: $26,150
SAT: Not Applicable
ACT: Not Applicable
$829
Hybrid
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
St. Cloud State University
Intelligent Score: 90.78In-state: $7,505
Out-of-state: $15,921
In-state: $7,607
Out-of-state: $7,607
SAT: 1000-1250
ACT: 18-24
Resident: $516
Non-Resident: $784
On-Campus, Online
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60-66
Antioch University
Intelligent Score: 89.14In-state: $69,040
Out-of-state: $69,040
In-state: $62,538
Out-of-state: $62,538
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$876
On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
60
Montclair State University
Intelligent Score: 88.71In-state: $12,082
Out-of-state: $20,042
In-state: $12,600
Out-of-state: $12,600
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State/
Out-of-State: $809 International: $905
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
60
West Virginia University
Intelligent Score: 88.23In-state: $8,976
Out-of-state: $25,320
In-state: $10,134
Out-of-state: $10,134
SAT: 1030-1230
ACT: 21-27
$673
Hybrid
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
63
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Intelligent Score: 87.72In-state: $7,236
Out-of-state: $22,510
In-state: $9,054
Out-of-state: $9,054
SAT: 870-1090
ACT: 14-20
$575
On-Campus, Hybrid
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60-66
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Intelligent Score: 84.58In-state: $7,019
Out-of-state: $34,198
In-state: $10,552
Out-of-state: $10,552
SAT: 1280-1490
ACT: 28-33
Resident: $248
Non-Resident: $1,057
On-Campus
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
60
East Carolina University
Intelligent Score: 82.83In-state: $4,452
Out-of-state: $20,729
In-state: $4,749
Out-of-state: $4,749
SAT: 1020-1170
ACT: 19-24
$282
On-Campus
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
62
Johnson & Wales University
Intelligent Score: 82.40In-state: $34,376
Out-of-state: $34,376
In-state: $14,148
Out-of-state: $14,148
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$774
On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
60
How to Choose a Master’s in Addictions And Recovery Program
Choose your area of study
Students interested in a master’s program in addictions and recovery can choose between a Master of Arts and a Master of Science degree. The best option for you will depend on your career goals.
A Master of Arts degree is best for students interested in theoretical and critical industry knowledge. This type of degree often focuses on the arts, humanities, and social sciences, with an approach that includes critical thinking, communications, and analytics.
A Master of Science is recommended for students with career goals that include scientific or specific technical training. This type of degree approaches learning with a quantitative, scientific perspective. Courses often include technology, natural sciences, medicine, and math.
Students can choose an area of specialization that aligns with their professional goals. Common specializations in the field include rehabilitation counseling, clinical counseling, mental health, addiction studies, and prevention science.
Research schools and programs
When researching schools and programs, look for those that are accredited. Accredited institutions meet a set quality standard and help students receive financial aid, transfer credits, and gain employment after graduation.
To learn more about prospective schools, attend open houses, visit the campus in person, browse their websites, and follow them on social media. You can also speak with a school representative to ask questions and learn more about the program.
Prepare for tests and applications
Visit the program website to learn more about the admissions requirements and deadlines. Most master’s in addictions and recovery programs will require you to submit the following:
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement or essay
- GRE or GMAT scores
- A resume
Some schools may also ask you to participate in an admissions interview, during which they’ll ask about your professional aspirations, professional experience, and educational background. Contact an admissions advisor before applying to ensure you have the required materials.
Select your program
If you’ve been accepted to multiple programs, review your options and find the one that best aligns with your career goals and lifestyle needs. Consider whether the program is offered online or in person, full-time or part-time, or synchronously versus asynchronously. Also, weigh the costs, length, and specialization options.
If you need help deciding, you can speak with an academic advisor. They’ll review your options and help you find the program that best meets your needs.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Consider your financial situation to determine if you’ll need assistance paying for your degree. Create a budget outlining the tuition, fees, supplies, housing, and living expenses to determine the program’s total price.
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine your eligibility for financial aid, including loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study funds. Due to the high demand for addiction counselors, some companies also offer tuition reimbursement.
What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Addictions And Recovery Program?
A master’s degree in addictions and recovery equips students with the knowledge and skills to become leaders in the field of addiction and recovery counseling. Students graduate with a thorough understanding of addictions, their causes, and treatments. The main topics studied include sociology, psychology, economics, education, humanities, and natural sciences.
Students use various learning materials during the program, including lectures, coursework, exams, guest speakers, and labs. Many programs conclude with a practicum or internship that allows students to practice their skills and gain real-world experience.
Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in addictions and recovery program
- Introduction to Addictions. Students will discuss the causes, patterns, assessments, and treatments of addiction. They’ll also learn the core functions of addiction counseling and explore different rehabilitation approaches.
- Co-Occurring Disorders. This course examines the research of co-occurring disorders and the cycle of relapse and recovery. Students will learn how this affects addiction counseling.
- Issues in Addiction Recovery. Issues in addiction recovery provide a general overview of substance abuse counseling and behavioral syndromes. Students will focus on pharmacology, treatment protocol, neurology, and the difference between addictions.
- Theory and Techniques in Group Counseling. Students will study the theories, dynamics, stages, and processes of group counseling. The course will also include a group therapy session for all students enrolled.
- Counseling Addicted Families. This course discusses the approach to the therapy of families affected by addiction. Students will examine family systems and how they are affected by addiction.
Master’s in Addictions And Recovery Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a master's in addictions and recovery degree program?
To apply for a master’s in addiction and recovery, you will likely need to submit your undergraduate transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, an essay, and test scores. Some schools may also require you to take part in an admissions interview. Speak with an admissions counselor before submitting your application to discuss the requirements and ensure you have all the necessary materials.
How much does a master's in addictions and recovery degree cost?
The average annual tuition and fees for a graduate degree program is $20,513. The total expenses will vary depending on the program, school, and student requirements. In general, private schools are more expensive than public schools, though public schools tend to charge out-of-state students a higher tuition rate than in-state students.
How long does it take to earn a master's in addictions and recovery degree?
Depending on the degree, a master’s program in addictions and recovery requires between 33 and 69 credits for graduation. Most programs are designed to be completed within two years of full-time study. Students needing more flexibility can inquire with schools about online, part-time, or asynchronous learning options. These options may result in a longer completion time but allow students to study at their own pace.