Online Master of Science in Addiction Psychology

Despite being one of the largest preventable health problems in the U.S, people facing substance misuse and addiction rarely receive the treatment they need. Arizona State University's master’s in addiction psychology prepares you to provide the necessary counseling and treatment to those struggling with addiction issues. In your courses, you’ll learn how to provide counseling services, oversee clinical programs and execute case management.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 15

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 45

Degree questions, answered.

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Why earn a master’s in addiction psychology from ASU Online?

ASU Online's master’s in addiction psychology program pairs state-of-the-art research from internationally-recognized experts in addictions with clinical expertise from licensed psychologists and licensed addiction counselors with decades of experience providing addiction treatment. This combination of research and clinical expertise distinguishes this program from other addictions programs, giving program graduates a leg up in the field. Additionally, this online master’s degree in addiction studies meets the educational requirements for national certification, qualifying you for licensure in almost every state.

Is earning a master’s in addiction psychology worth it?

 

Yes. With a large deficit in education and training in the field of addiction psychology, less than 20% of those in need receive any treatment. Aiming to create more qualified professionals in the field, the online master’s degree in addiction studies gives you the education and training needed to treat addiction. Additionally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of addiction counselors is expected to grow 23% from 2020 to 2030, which is a much quicker rate than other occupations.

What can I do with an online master’s degree in addiction studies?

 

The master’s in addiction studies equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue state licensure and eventually become an addiction counselor. Courses meet educational requirements for national certification, qualifying program graduates for licensure in nearly every state. Once you complete this degree and obtain licensure, you can find employment in substance misuse treatment centers, community mental health agencies, integrated health-primary care settings, criminal justice, hospitals, high school and university counseling centers and military affairs hospitals.

Is licensure or certification required to practice as an addiction counselor?

 

Yes. All states require either licensure or certification to practice as an addiction counselor. Most states have multiple levels of licensure, typically a bachelor’s-level license that requires ongoing supervision and a master’s-level license that allows independent practice. For example, Arizona has two licenses at the Master’s level:

LASAC – Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor: Requires a master’s degree in a behavioral-health related field (such as the master’s in addiction psychology) and a passing score on an advanced substance abuse licensure exam administered by the IC&RC, NAADAC or NBCC. Counselors at this level cannot practice independently and must be supervised by a LISAC.

LISAC – Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor: Requires a master’s degree in a behavioral-health related field, an active LASAC credential, and 1600 hours of supervised work experience that includes 100 hours of clinical supervision.

ASU’s Master of Science in addiction psychology covers the seven core content areas required for licensure in the State of Arizona, as well as the educational content requirements for most states in the U.S. ASU is also pursuing NASAC and NAADAC certification. Please visit our professional licensure page for the most up-to-date information on requirements for licensure in your state.

Professional licensure and certification

All states require either certification or licensure to practice as a substance abuse counselor. Most states have multiple levels of licensure, typically a bachelor’s-level license that requires ongoing supervision and a master’s-level license that allows independent practice. This program meets the core educational content requirements for licensure in the State of Arizona. This certificate also meets the educational content requirements for most states in the U.S. In addition, we are pursuing NASAC and NAADAC certification. Please visit our professional licensure page for the most up-to-date information on requirements for licensure in your state.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Master’s in addiction psychology courses

The master’s in addiction psychology program is made up of 33 credit hours of addiction-related courses, a six credit hour practicum and a six credit hour applied project. In addition to focusing on how to provide counseling services, your courses will cover:


Core

Addiction and Substance Abuse: Assessment and Diagnosis


Core

Comorbidity in Substance Use Related Problems


Core

Evidence-Based Interventions for Substance Use Related Problems


Core

Group Therapy for Substance Use Related Problems


Core

Multicultural Issues Related to Substance Use Related Problems


Core

Practicum


Core

Psychopharmacology


Core

Seminar: Ethics


What jobs can I get with a master’s in addiction psychology?

Upon earning your online master’s degree in addiction studies, you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed for human services careers in addiction, counseling, education and more. You may also further your education in a variety of doctoral programs. Potential job titles include, but are not limited to:

Addiction counselor

Clinical director

Clinician

Counselor

Substance abuse counselor

Therapist

Learn from top-tier psychology faculty

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

Learn from top-tier psychology faculty

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

Master’s in addiction psychology admission requirements

Applicants to the Master of Science in addiction psychology program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Application requirements

Additional admission information

Accolades

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.

25,500+


currently enrolled students.

$140 million


in research expenditures in 2018.

23


interdisciplinary schools and departments.

95+


undergraduate degrees.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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