We've compiled the most up-to-date information on these fully or mostly online Online Addiction Psychology degree programs across the U.S. This data is accurate as of March 21, 2025. We carefully reviewed quality, affordability, and student outcomes to bring you the best options. Explore our updated rankings below to find the program that's right for you.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Addiction Studies is a 124-credit program designed for students interested in becoming skilled professionals in understanding and treating individuals suffering from addiction. The curriculum addresses how addiction affects individuals, families, and communities, examining the assessment, treatment, and prevention of substance abuse. Guided by the competencies model from the US Department of Health and Human Services, the program equips students with fundamental skills through core courses. Students can customize their education to match their educational and career goals by choosing from a wide variety of courses to fulfill the degree requirements. The degree program is available through various delivery modes such as online, independent study, blended, and/or face-to-face study. Completing the bachelor’s degree will provide knowledge of human behavior, service delivery, skills, and ethics, to work with diverse populations.
["Knowledge of human behavior related to addiction.", "Understanding of service delivery models.", "Counseling and intervention skills.", "Ethical practice in human services.", "Ability to work with diverse individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction."]
Earning a bachelor's degree in addiction studies prepares you for meaningful roles in counseling and rehabilitation, addressing the growing need for addiction treatment specialists. This program equips you with essential knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on individuals and communities affected by addiction, offering strong job prospects and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
null
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology with a concentration in Addiction Studies can help you understand how people's habits and activities can evolve into an addiction and how that cycle can be treated. This addiction studies degree explores the theories and contemporary research of addictive behaviors, preparing students to both understand the compulsions themselves and the people they affect. The program pairs the fundamentals of addictions with a solid foundation in psychology to teach you the knowledge and skills you need to address a broad range of situations involving addictions. Throughout this online addiction studies program, you'll develop an understanding of biopsychology and how it affects behavior. You'll also look at the social causes of addictive actions and learn how to identify, prevent and approach treatments and situations as they relate to the people they affect, their families, community and society. The BA in Psychology addiction studies concentration looks closely at current research and issues, giving you the foundation to examine the moral and ethical issues that go along with this topic.
["Research methods", "Communication skills", "Data gathering and analysis", "Presentation skills", "Understanding complexities of human mind and behavior", "Ethical principles and professional standards"]
Earn your bachelor’s degree online and be ready to make a difference helping those struggling with and recovering from addictions. Understand the processes of addiction, pharmacology, recovery, and prevention as they relate to substance use disorder or other addictions, such as gambling and eating disorders. Gain case-management skills for working with clients and their families. Guide clients in maintaining their sobriety. Use a scientific approach to problem solving to evaluate behavioral and mental processes. Apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues. Understand how culture and socioeconomic status play a role in the addiction and recovery process for diverse populations. The BS in Psychology in Addictions curriculum is designed to equip you with a fundamental understanding of the major concepts, values, theories, studies, research methods, and historical trends in psychology. Course topics focus on addiction science, assessment, prevention, intervention, treatment, and case management.
["Understand the processes of addiction, pharmacology, recovery, and prevention as they relate to substance use disorder or other addictions, such as gambling and eating disorders.", "Gain case-management skills for working with clients and their families.", "Guide clients in maintaining their sobriety.", "Use a scientific approach to problem solving to evaluate behavioral and mental processes.", "Apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.", "Understand how culture and socioeconomic status play a role in the addiction and recovery process for diverse populations."]
Liberty University's 100% online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology – Addictions and Recovery degree is designed to equip students with the education, training, and tools needed to help addicted individuals recover. The program combines quality academics with flexibility and affordability, allowing students to complete coursework whenever and wherever is most convenient. The curriculum focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and developing treatment plans for individuals struggling with addiction and substance dependence. Students receive training on providing interventions with understanding and compassion, centered on the client. The program emphasizes a holistic perspective, examining the psychological, biological, and socio-cultural issues that affect an addict's behaviors. Students will gain a strong foundation in both scientific and faith-based principles, integrating biblical principles into their career. This program is designed for individuals currently working in substance abuse treatment, those seeking a graduate degree leading to counseling licensure, or those wanting to start a career in substance abuse counseling and services.
["Assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for those who are struggling with addiction and substance dependence", "Provide interventions with understanding and compassion centered on the client", "Understand the psychological, biological, and socio-cultural issues that affect the behaviors of an addict"]
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human Services with a concentration in Substance Abuse from Southern New Hampshire University offers specialized training to support people with substance use disorders, such as alcoholism and drug addiction, as they work to restore their lives. The program explores the process of diagnosing, treating, and reintroducing an individual rehabilitating from substance use disorder. Students will learn the 12 Core Functions of addiction counseling, screening techniques, prevention strategies, pharmacological factors and more. The curriculum includes courses covering topics such as culturally responsive strategies, lawful and ethical care approaches, confidential case management techniques, and psychological analysis of addictive behaviors. A capstone course at the program's end allows students to apply their learnings to the real world.
["Culturally responsive strategies", "Lawful and ethical care approaches", "Confidential case management techniques", "Critical thinking and decision-making methods", "Prevention, intervention and rehabilitation tactics", "Psychological analysis of addictive behaviors"]
This Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Program with an Addiction concentration provides the skills to advocate for and support those coping with addiction. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of psychology principles with a specialization in addiction studies.
null
Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse offers you the opportunity to serve individuals, families and communities with competence and compassion. Throughout this emphasis, you will be taught the underlying causes and contributing factors of addiction and substance use, and the principles of evidence-based drug addiction counseling. Applying a strength-based perspective can help you approach the whole person and family. You will be taught to develop customized treatment plans for each individual that addresses their various needs — physical, emotional, cognitive and social. Each addiction counselor course is faith-integrated with the Christian worldview and key concepts in spirituality designed to enhance comprehension of and treatment for substance use disorders. A blend of theoretical knowledge and applied skills, including hands-on learning experiences, will be taught in this program. Topics include the biological and psychological components of substance use disorders, addiction and treatment, cultural competence and sensitivity, relapse prevention, and legal and ethical obligations of mental health counselors. Skills gained include screening, intake, assessment, treatment planning and case management. The role of spirituality in counseling is emphasized.
["Screening", "Intake", "Assessment", "Treatment Planning", "Case Management"]
The online bachelor's degree program in substance abuse counseling is designed for students who are interested in careers in the chemical dependency treatment areas of counseling and prevention. Students are prepared through a program grounded in current research and proven practice in the field of substance abuse to be qualified clinicians. Substance abuse counseling instructors represent a broad range of experience, skills and knowledge in the field including faculty with research and training expertise as well as experienced practitioners in drug and alcohol treatment across many demographic groups. The Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling is a research-oriented program that provides students with essential knowledge, competencies, and skills to kickstart careers in substance use disorder (SUD) counseling.
null
This online program from The American Women’s College of Bay Path University (TAWC) is designed to prepare students to make a difference in the lives of individuals impacted by addiction. Students will explore the causes of substance abuse disorders and learn to effectively support those struggling with addiction. The curriculum includes psychology core courses and major-specific courses. The program also provides an opportunity to begin a master’s degree by completing graduate-level courses in place of certain psychology core requirements. Graduates will develop career-ready skills for clinical counseling, intervention, health psychology, and supporting individuals with substance abuse disorders.
["Effectively interview, counsel, and intervene in a supervised, clinical environment", "Demonstrate counseling skills that cultivate effective therapeutic relationships", "Support those coping with issues related to substance abuse", "Analyze, design, implement, and evaluate problems and solutions related to human behavior, substance abuse, human dynamics, counseling foundations, legal and ethical concerns, intervention, and assessment"]
Averett’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling provides you with the training needed to launch your career forward. Throughout this program, you will gain a deeper understanding of psychology as a discipline, human behavior, helping relations and best practices to address addiction issues in your career. Through comprehensive coursework and field experience, you will meet the educational requirements to sit for the Substance Abuse Counselor Certification Exam. The online program is formatted for intense study and accelerated completion. Allowing a student to take up to 18 credits per semester to complete their degree at an accelerated pace. Small classes allow for productive discussions and personal attention from your instructors. Classes are asynchronous and internships may be completed within each student’s city. Students will be required to participate in zoom conferences with their university supervisor throughout their field education work.
["Understanding of psychology as a discipline", "Understanding of human behavior", "Helping relations", "Best practices to address addiction issues"]
The Online Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling at Ottawa University is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to help individuals overcome substance abuse issues. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including addiction, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), alcoholism, chemical dependency, substance use disorders, harm reduction, co-occurring disorders, and dual diagnosis. Coursework integrates research, theories of addiction, and counseling theories to help students understand the factors that influence the delivery of addiction counseling and substance use disorder services. Students learn how to assist addicted individuals in obtaining long-term recovery through curriculum focused on cultural competence, screening, intake, assessment, treatment planning, orientation, treatment, case management, crisis intervention, client education, consultation, client referral, and documentation. Graduates are prepared for careers in various settings, including private practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, and rehabilitation facilities.
["Critical-thinking skills related to addiction counseling", "Understanding of factors influencing delivery of addiction counseling and substance use disorder services", "Knowledge of cultural competence in serving diverse communities", "Skills in screening, intake, assessment, treatment planning, and crisis intervention", "Ability to assist individuals in obtaining long-term recovery"]
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions provides you with content knowledge of the major concepts, values, theories, psychological studies, research methods, and historical trends in psychology as they apply to the many aspects of addiction science, assessment, prevention, intervention, treatment, and case management. Courses are designed to help you understand the nature of addiction and clinical disorders to help in your professional work with clients. Courses focus on using the scientific approach to problem solving to evaluate behavior and mental processes while applying psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues. If you have already completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, you may be eligible for degree requirements to be waived and replaced with advanced start credit.
["Knowledge Base: Discuss the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, enduring conflicts, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.", "Research Methods: Explore basic methodology in psychology including research design, data analysis, and the interpretation and evaluation of findings.", "Critical Thinking Skills: Assess problems related to behavior and mental processes using analytical thinking, skeptical inquiry, and/or the scientific approach.", "Application: Apply the appropriate psychological principles, theories, and concepts to personal, social, and organizational issues and problems.", "Values in Psychology: Examine the underlying ethical standards, values, and considerations in theory and practice in the disciplines of psychology.", "Information and Technological Skills: Use contemporary tools and technologies to screen, assess, treat, and evaluate client progress in real world situations.", "Global Awareness: Explain how academic and applied psychology can improve interpersonal relationships across cultural boundaries in a variety of treatment settings."]
Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in counseling and applied psychological sciences with a concentration in substance abuse and addictions is the first of its kind at a major research university. In this program, you’ll learn the principles of substance abuse and addiction counseling practices including diagnosis, assessment and treatment plans. This applied psychology program equips you with knowledge of researched patterns of addiction styles in addition to an understanding of counseling techniques. This concentration focuses on counseling practices related to treating those suffering from substance abuse and related addictions. Students will also have the opportunity to build hands-on experience in a 135-hour required internship supervised by a licensed counselor.
["Applying counseling theory to practice.", "Counseling microskills.", "Cultural sensitivity.", "Foundational knowledge of substance abuse and addiction patterns.", "Research methods.", "Understanding group dynamics relevant to substance use and addictions."]
The Texas Tech University Counseling and Addiction Recovery Sciences (CARS) online bachelor's degree serves as a strong foundation for students interested in pursuing a career in counseling, couple, marriage, and family therapy, addiction counseling, and other helping fields. CARS majors also seek pre-professional health career options. Students may choose to complete an optional concentration in Applied Relational Counseling or Addictive Disorders and Recovery Studies. The CARS degree encompasses a diverse curriculum that covers essential counseling and human services content, giving students an advantage for a career serving the community. The program helps students develop skills that positively impact the lives of others while building the foundation for a career in counseling and addiction. You will cultivate a comprehensive viewpoint that equips you to navigate the multifaceted demands of the counseling profession, encompassing administration, advocacy, addiction and recovery, family therapy, and family studies. Within the program, there's a hands-on practicum that you can complete in your home area. This offers you the chance to tailor your degree to your specific interests that align with your career goals. This program will provide you with a foundation for entering the human services career field or pursuing a graduate degree. Most graduates of the program complete a master's degree in counseling, marriage and family therapy, clinical mental health counseling, social work, and other health fields.
["Human services", "Counseling skills and theories", "Leadership skills", "Professional ethics", "Addiction Recovery", "Marriage and Family Therapy", "Strategies for preventing and addressing substance abuse", "Eating disorders"]
The Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology provides an understanding of human behavior within a socio-cultural context. Students explore the variables affecting human behavior within both individual and group settings and gain a solid foundation in psychological principles and their practical applications in real-world settings. The program enables students to learn skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, quantitative literacy, and interpretation of research findings. The major positions students for either post-college employment or advanced education. Throughout this program, students have the opportunity to explore major areas of applied psychology, including the biological bases of behavior, cognition, developmental psychology, research methods and statistics, social systems, personality theory, and psychopathology. Students who choose the addiction studies option will also be introduced to the issues associated with supporting people involved with addictive behaviors, and study such topics as addictions counseling, the biology of addiction, and how addiction affects special populations.
["Critical thinking", "Effective communication", "Quantitative literacy", "Interpretation of research findings"]
Aspen University is focused on offering the highest quality degrees at the lowest possible cost per credit. The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Studies program prepares students for a variety of roles related to psychology and addiction. Further details regarding specific program content or focus are not available in the provided text.
null
This 42-month online Bachelor of Science Degree program in Addiction Counseling at Beal University provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to provide direct client services in sincere and compassionate relationships. Upon completion of this addictions counseling degree program, you will have a comprehensive academic foundation and advanced core classwork to enhance an existing career or begin a career as an Addiction Counselor. The program is designed to provide you with invaluable skills so you can counsel clients through the recovery process. Topics include assessment, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, case management, crisis intervention, vocational rehabilitation, trauma and recovery, client education and community resources. Discussions will occur around special issues including sexual harassment, gender, aging, disabilities, cultural differences and co-occurring disorders. Throughout our addiction counseling online degree program, you’ll learn to apply theories of addiction, substance assessment and counseling techniques, including motivational counseling. You’ll grow to understand the neurobiology of addiction, family addiction dynamics and special population concerns. Throughout the program you will also explore ethics and boundary considerations, all while working and interacting with those involved in Addiction Counseling. Lastly, but still very important, you’ll develop an understanding of diversity and tolerance for others.
["Learn and apply theories of addiction, substance assessment, and counseling techniques", "Practice an understanding of diversity and tolerance for others. Apply ethics and boundary considerations when working and interacting with people in addiction counseling", "Gain counseling skills including motivational interviewing", "Understand the neurobiology of addiction, family addiction dynamics, and special population considerations in addiction counseling", "Demonstrate knowledge of group process, case management, crisis intervention, trauma and recovery, and vocational rehabilitation", "Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.", "Develop critical and analytical thinking through disciplined process of conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action."]
The substance abuse and addictions concentration of the Bachelor of Science program in counseling and applied psychological science provides coursework in counseling skills and techniques as they relate to substance abuse and addictions. Students acquire the necessary skills in screening, assessing, diagnosing and planning treatment of patients afflicted with substance abuse, addictions and related disorders. Although this program does not make students license-eligible counselors, the coursework meets the requirements for the Licensed Substance Abuse Technician credential through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.
["Screening for substance abuse", "Assessing substance abuse", "Diagnosing substance abuse", "Planning treatment for substance abuse and addictions"]
The Substance Abuse Counseling major equips students entering the addiction recovery field. To be licensed in the field of chemical dependency counseling in Ohio, three requirements must be met: Completion of education specific to chemical dependency counseling. The BA degree in Substance Abuse Counseling meets more than the minimum hours required. Ohio Christian University’s degree program is designed to meet this requirement of chemical dependency counseling education. Appropriate supervision of chemical dependency counseling while employed in a treatment facility. For many students, this process begins after completion of the major. Successful completion of the licensure test that is administered by the State of Ohio. Students are eligible to apply to the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals board for Certified Chemical Dependency Assistant status (CDCA) once they have completed 40 clock hours of chemical dependency training in specific areas. The CDCA is required to seek entry level employment and to begin supervision required prior to taking the State test for licensure.
["Integrate Christian principles in critical thinking and decision-making.", "Appraise the needs of persons through use of assessment techniques, diagnostic criteria, and treatment planning.", "Utilize appropriate counseling techniques with individuals, families, and groups.", "Apply chemical dependency interventions, knowledge of drugs, and ethical codes of conduct."]
null
The 100% online Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Community Psychology degree from NMSU Global Campus prepares students to support mental health and wellness within their communities. The program focuses on interpersonal skills, case management, awareness of mental health issues, understanding human behavior, and multicultural awareness. It is designed to allow for a double major and integration of coursework toward licensure as a Substance Abuse Associate. The program emphasizes human relations and diversity, allowing students to apply their knowledge to various fields. Graduates will be prepared for the workforce and a range of professional positions that require degrees in psychology and graduate study in fields such as clinical mental health counseling, school psychology, and counseling psychology.
["Perform academic and clinical research in the behavioral sciences.", "Build therapeutic skills under the supervision of licensed professionals.", "Help people with emotional, physical, and mental health issues to improve their sense of well-being and alleviate feelings of distress."]
Rivier University's online B.A. in Psychology program provides a strong foundation in the scientific study of human behavior, both individually and within society. Students develop strong communication and analytical skills in a convenient online learning environment, allowing them to balance their education with work and personal commitments. The program features multiple term starts, a generous transfer credit policy (up to 90 credits), and competitive tuition rates. Coursework is combined with psychological research studies, bringing classroom learning to life. Students can also select the Mental Health & Addiction Studies track to focus on substance misuse, addiction, alcoholism, and drug dependence. This track prepares students for careers in counseling, recovery services, advocacy, and public health and is designed to meet the educational requirements necessary for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) licensure.
["Understanding of human behavior and mental processes", "Analytical and problem-solving skills", "Effective communication and collaboration", "Application of scientific methodology and information literacy skills", "Critical and creative thinking"]
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology online program aligns with the Strategic Plan for Online Programs for Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) to 'expand our academic footprint' and provide educational resources that are easily accessible and affordable. This program will be part of SUNO Online and offer affordable tuition with minimal fees. This program will effectively prepare students to: Develop an understanding of the critical literature in psychology and its application to clinical populations and case management. Prepare participants for entry into advanced graduate studies in Psychology, Mental Health, and Addiction Counseling Prepare and train participants for immediate entry into professional areas such as: Mental Health Professional Medical and Health Services Manager Suicide and Trauma Risk Interventionist Behavior Specialist Clinical Case Manager Prepare students for earning certifications from professional organizations such as Louisiana Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (LA-ADRA)
["Knowledge of key psychological concepts and principles", "Scientific reasoning and critical thinking skills", "Ethical and social responsibility", "Effective communication skills", "Professional development skills"]
The accelerated online BA in Psychology is a degree-completion program designed for students who have already earned an associate degree or have roughly 60 college credits. These credits should include general education courses. The program offers a breadth of education in the field of psychology, covering topics from introduction to social, developmental, and cognitive psychology. Students choose 12 courses (36 credit hours) from a specific slate of 16 regularly offered courses. The program also requires students to choose from one of six fully online AOP minors available which run between 18 and 24 credit hours. Classes include both theoretical knowledge and practical work, such as case studies in the Abnormal Behavior class. Courses are taught by faculty members with expertise and teaching experience. The program is designed to be flexible for students who work, take care of family members, or live far from campus.
["Understanding of psychological principles and theories.", "Critical thinking and analytical skills.", "Application of psychological concepts to real-world scenarios.", "Research and data analysis skills.", "Communication and interpersonal skills."]
Marion Tech and Franklin University have partnered for a 3+1 program toward a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. Marion Tech offers an Associate’s Degree with a concentration in Psychology that will start you on your way. You can earn 90 hours (3 years) toward your Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Marion Tech and finish your degree in one final year at Franklin University! Take your first three years close to home — and at community college tuition rates — then finish your Psychology Bachelor of Science degree online through Franklin! In this degree, you’ll learn the fundamentals of Psychology, including the basis for clinical and counseling psychology, developmental studies, organizational psychology, substance abuse/addiction treatment, human resources studies, and many others.
["Fundamentals of Psychology", "Clinical and counseling psychology", "Developmental studies", "Organizational psychology", "Substance abuse/addiction treatment", "Human resources studies"]
Find answers to common questions about Online Addiction Psychology degrees, career paths, and more.
Explore FAQsDiscover helpful tools, guides, and materials to enhance your Online Addiction Psychology education.
View ResourcesExplore potential career paths, job outlooks, and opportunities in Online Addiction Psychology.
Explore CareersFind the best Online Addiction Psychology degree programs and training options in your state