Careers In Professional Substance Abuse Counseling
GCUs Master of Science in Addiction Counseling program can prepare you to become a professional counselor. With the completion of this degree, you can expect to meet the academic requirements for licensure in Arizona as a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor or a Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor .
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse and behavioral counselor jobs are expected to grow by 22% between 2014 and 2024, with a job outlook that is much faster than average. GCU offers a bachelors degree in addiction counseling that may prepare you for licensure and employment, but regulations vary. The masters degree can prepare you to take your career to the next level or students who have a bachelors degree in psychology or counseling prepare for licensure.
Are you ready to learn more about GCUs Master of Science in Addiction Counseling program? If so, then please click the green Request More Information button at the top of this page or visit the College of Humanities and Social Sciences to learn more.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors. Retrieved from: bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-and-behavioral-disorder-counselors.htm
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
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Grand Canyon University Tuition And Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition at Grand Canyon University is $687.50 for traditional courses. Non-traditional tuition is as follows:
- Education – $435 per credit hour
- Theology – $350 per credit hour
- Online and Professional Studies – $465 per credit hour
- Active Duty and Active Reserve – $250 per credit hour
Graduate tuition is as follows:
- Education – $510 per credit hour
- Business – $550 per credit hour
- Nursing – $495 per credit hour
- Advanced Practice Nursing Programs – $600 per credit hour
- Executive MBA Program – $1,200 per credit hour
- Online and Professional Studies – $495 per credit hour
- Doctoral Programs – $630 per credit hour
- Doctoral Programs Active Duty and Active Reserve – $598.50 per credit hour
- Active Duty and Active Reserve – $400 per credit hour
- Continuing Education – $150 per credit hour
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, including private, Federal Perkins, Federal Direct, Federal Direct Parent Plus or Grad Plus loans. In addition, students may be eligible for grants and scholarships as well. In order to qualify for any financial aid, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid .
Grand Canyon University Accreditation Details
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In addition, the Colangelo College of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Master of Science in Addiction Counseling is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission.
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Can I Be A Counselor With A Bachelor’s Degree
Holding a relevant bachelors degree in areas such as counseling, psychology, social work or criminal justice may give you an opportunity to help others in some capacity. Depending on state and job requirements, some may choose to work as academic or career counselors in schools. However, in order to practice as a licensed counselor, you will need to earn a masters in counseling degree to meet the educational requirements. Review your state specific requirements for more information.
Impact The Lives Of Others With A Post
In 2017, over 70,000 people in the U.S. lost their lives because of a drug overdose, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The statistics on the drug epidemic are alarming. If you feel called to work toward saving lives and strengthening communities, consider earning your addiction counseling certificate at Grand Canyon University. The Post-Master of Science in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Certificate program is designed for working professionals who hold a masters or doctoral degree in counseling, behavioral health, social work, nursing or a related field.
Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this addiction counseling certificate examines the assessment, treatment and aftercare of substance abuse and addictive disorders. It explores co-occurring disorders and best practices in working with chemically dependent adolescents. There is a focus on Christian principles and biblical truths. Aspiring counselors are encouraged to explore addictions in light of the Christian worldview, and to look for appropriate ways of integrating faith into their practice.
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Will I Make More With A Masters In Addiction Or Substance Abuse Counseling
In general, a masters in substance abuse counseling salary gives you an edge over job seekers with less education and experience. Below, review the masters in substance abuse counseling salary for low-, mid- and high-range jobs. In the United States, a substance abuse counselor typically needs a masters degree, although there may be positions available for those with a bachelors degree and the right qualifications. On average, substance abuse counselors make about $55,000. At the low end, entry level jobs may start at $48,000 and positions that require more experience and education average $61,000.
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Earning An Undergraduate Substance Abuse Degree
The first step in pursuing this rewarding career is to earn your undergraduate substance abuse degree. It is ideal to choose a Bachelor of Science in Counseling program that offers an emphasis in substance abuse and chemical dependency treatment. In this type of program, you will study topics such as the following:
- The root causes of and contributing factors to substance use disorders
- The role and application of psychopharmacology in addiction treatment
- Co-occurring disorders, including depression, anxiety and HIV/AIDS
- Case management, crisis intervention and relapse prevention
In addition, a well-rounded bachelors degree program should offer an exploration of ethical considerations within this profession. It should also cover topics such as working with family members and providing multicultural counseling services.
In some states, a bachelors degree in counseling is all that is required to become a certified substance abuse counselor. However, other states do require a masters degree. Even if you plan to practice in a state that requires only a bachelors degree, you should strongly consider furthering your education in order to become a more competitive job applicant.
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Pursue Your Passion For Helping Others With A Bs In Addiction Counseling Degree
GCUs addiction counseling degree is designed to help learners develop foundational skills that are appreciated in a range of professional environments. This programs coursework introduces you to psychological theories, techniques for gathering and assessing behavioral information, and methods for implementing solutions that can help victims of addiction. Complete fieldwork that affords you the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice while working directly with individuals affected by substance abuse.
Grand Canyon University Application Process
Grand Canyon University welcomes applicants who are over the age of 16. No statement of faith is required of prospective students although the college integrates Christian faith and practice into campus life. Applications are reviewed based on academic qualifications. Students must complete an application for admission to be considered for attendance at Grand Canyon University. Students will be required to provide official transcripts to the admissions office.
Graduate students must complete an application for admission and must provide official transcripts from any college or university attended. Students must have a 2.8 GPA or better. If they cannot meet the GPA requirements, they may submit a GMAT score of 500, a GRE score of 1,000 combined. Some programs have specific requirements for admission, so students are encouraged to discuss requirements with an admissions counselor before applying.
Doctoral candidates must have earned a masters degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution and must have a GPA of 3.4 or higher. Students must submit a letter of intent between 250 and 400 words demonstrating their ability to prepare for a doctoral journey in a reflective and purposeful way.
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Doctorate In Substance Abuse Counseling Programs
Several different types of maybe offered. These include options like a PhD in Addiction Studies, a Doctor of Psychology or PsyD in Substance Abuse, or D.S.W. in Addictions and Social. A doctoral program may emphasize substance abuse counseling theory and practice, and related research. Practicum and internship elements may also be an important part of some programs.
So what might you study in a doctoral program? Heres a sampling of potential knowledge areas.
- Ethical and legal issues in counseling
- Research in rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation counseling supervision
Most doctorate in addiction counseling programs require 2-4 years of full time study and may have a dissertation requirement. Additionally, a masters degree may be needed for entry. Programs and schools vary so visit our directory of doctorate degree in substance abuse counseling to learn more and contact schools.
Grand Canyon University Application Requirements
Undergraduate admission requirements include having a GPA of at least 3.0 or above and a minimum score on the ACT of 19 or a minimum score on the SAT of at least 1000 on a test with a 1600 point scale. Students may also submit evidence of a GED as long as it also meets the minimum scoring requirements. For students who are interested in transferring to GCU, applicants must show evidence of a college GPA of at least 2.25 if theyve taken at least 25 credits in college or 2.75 if theyve taken anywhere from six to 24 credits in college. Students who havent taken at least six credits of college courses will use the application requirements for high school students. Graduate and doctoral programs at GCU may have individual requirements, so students are encouraged to check with each program to determine specific admission requirements. However, programs generally require that students have a GPA of at least 2.8 for their undergraduate degree and a minimum score on the GRE of at least 1,000.
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Degree Spotlight: Bs In Addiction Counseling
Students who feel called to serve families and individuals struggling with drug dependency may benefit from completing Grand Canyon Universitys Bachelor of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse program. This BS in addiction counseling degree is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and explores substance use disorders, addiction and treatment, methods for stopping destructive behavior and preventing relapse, and the family dynamics of addiction.
Grand Canyon University Substance Abuse/addiction Counseling Bachelors Program
During the 2020-2021 academic year, 109 students graduated with a bachelor’s degree in substance abuse/addiction counseling from Grand Canyon University. About 22% were men and 78% were women.
The majority of the students with this major are white. About 57% of 2021 graduates were in this category.
The following table and chart show the ethnic background for students who recently graduated from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor’s in substance abuse/addiction counseling.
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Can You Start A Private Practice With An Online Counseling Degree
To open a private practice, you will first need a masters degree to become licensed as a counselor. An advanced online counseling degree from an accredited institution provides the education you need to apply for a license or certification. Once you are certified by the state board as a licensed professional counselor, you may be able to practice in areas that comply with your license or certification, including opening a private practice.
Before opening your private practice, however, it is recommended that you gain experience in a professional counseling setting. Youll learn from other more experienced counselors as well as develop your counseling skills. Learning how another facility operates can also give you the insights you need to structure your own private practice and set yourself up for success.
Grand Canyon University Online Degree Available
Grand Canyon University in our ranking of The 25 Best Low-Cost Masters in Counseling Online Programs.
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become qualified addiction counselors or to pursue higher education at the graduate level. Grand Canyon University offers a challenging program with a Christian-focus in both traditional classes or online. The online courses offer students who may have obstacles that prevent them from achieving their higher education goals to complete their degrees in a flexible manner.
Grand Canyon University also offers a fully online masters in counseling that requires 100 hours of practicum experience and two internships.
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Choosing A Graduate Substance Abuse Counseling Program
So, how might you choose from the potential Substance Abuse Graduate programs that could help you prepare for a counseling career path? There are lots of important factors to keep in mind. Here are three big ones.
- Program Accreditation Be sure your school is accredited by an organization that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This may be a good indicator of program quality. Plus, its necessary to be eligible for federal financial aid.
- Program Format You may be able to choose from potential programs on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. One possible benefit of pursuing a Graduate Substance Abuse Counselor Degree online or partly-online is that you could potentially study at the times that work best for you. For busy working students, flexibility may make all the difference! Or if you prefer in person interactions and learning, consider on campus programs. This may allow for more hands on learning and access to extended campus facilities.
- Curriculum and Focus Be sure to evaluate potential Graduate Substance Abuse Counselor Programs based on your career goals, and what you hope to learn. For example, if you are interested in addiction counseling, perhaps earning an M.S. in Substance Abuse Counseling is the perfect path. If youd like to explore substance abuse as it pertains to social work, maybe pursuing a D.S.W. makes more sense.
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University Of Massachusetts Boston
The University of Massachusetts Boston offers an MS in Rehabilitation Counseling that is available entirely online through the University of Massachusetts Bostons distance learning platform. The University of Massachusettss masters in substance abuse counseling online program requires degree candidates to complete 60 online graduate semester credits to meet program criteria. UMass Bostons masters in addiction counseling online degree program prepares students to seek their certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. This program has received accreditation from the Council on Rehabilitation Education.
The University of Massachusettss Boston campus was established as a state college in 1852. The schools Boston campus covers more than 100 urban acres and is home to approximately 15,950 students.
Highlight: UMass Boston holds the distinction of being one of the most diverse student bodies across the nation.
Degree: MS in Rehabilitation Counseling
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Apply Addiction Expertise To Individual And Family Therapy
Substance use and addictive disorders are complex problems that require the attention of specially trained counselors. By earning your certificate in addiction counseling, you will be fully prepared to lead individuals out of the depths of addiction, as well as to work with groups and whole families affected by addiction. A Post-Master of Science in Counseling: Addiction Counseling Certificate may prepare you to pursue positions in any of the following settings:
- Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs
- Hospitals and private practice clinics
- Social service agencies
- Community-based organizations
- Schools and universities
Substance abuse counselors are typically responsible for evaluating clients, identifying underlying issues, creating goals and treatment plans, leading group therapy sessions and working with clients in one-on-one sessions. They may also teach clients coping techniques, help them find jobs to get their lives back on track and provide updates to court-mandated programs.
Online courses for this program are generally 8 weeks. The following courses have different lengths:
- PCN-640 – Specialization in Professional Counseling – 8 weeks.
- PCN-501 – Introduction to Addictions and Substance Use Disorders – 8 weeks.
- PCN-529 – Co-Occurring Disorders – 8 weeks.
- PCN-531 – Family Issues and Addictive Disorders – 8 weeks.
- PCN-535 – Counseling Chemical Dependency Adolescents – 8 weeks.
Ology: Ranking The Best Masters In Addiction Counseling Online Programs
For the Value Colleges ranking of the best addiction and substance abuse counseling masters programs online, editors searched for accredited, reputable institutions offering fully online and hybrid opportunities. Programs are ranked with IPEDS and Niche data, using factors such as tuition, student reviews, and salary potential.
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About Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 by the Southern Baptist Church and was originally known as Grand Canyon College. It was originally located in an abandoned armory building in Prescott, Arizona, relocating to Phoenix two years later. Since that time, Grand Canyon University has grown into a premier Christian institute of higher learning.
Today, the university has seen significant student growth and the campus is undergoing a $200 million renovation and expansion. It remains an interdenominational Christian institution, believing that quality education can coexist with faith. Christian principles are integrated across everything Grand Canyon University does. There are optional chapel services, Bible studies, international mission trips, and outreach ministries. There are also student-led Bible studies and small-group ministries.
During the 2013-2014 school year, Grand Canyon University students, faculty and staff participated in ten mission trips and students have an opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture during an international mission trip. Students are able to spend spring break in Mexico or Haiti, making an impact or they can spend the summer in Thailand or Kenya, working with children, feeding the hungry or ministering to the less fortunate.
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