Online Degrees in Addiction Counseling

Substance use and addiction harm individuals, families and communities. As an aspiring addiction counselor, you can prepare to make a real difference in your community. Grand Canyon University's bachelor's and master's degrees in addiction counseling offer a curriculum focused on evidence-based assessments and treatments for substance use disorders.

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HLC Accredited

Since 1968

What GCU Graduates Are Saying

“Even though I did the online program, it never felt as if I was one among many. At GCU, I never felt like I was alone.”

Keziah Tinkle-Williams
PhD in General Psychology

“GCU was always clear about costs. I received scholarships and grants, giving me as much financial opportunity as possible. When people say they’re thinking of going to college, I always tell them about GCU.”

Sarah Gallé
BS Special Education and Elementary Education

“Having the remote, online ability to organize your schedule around your day is great. You don’t have to worry about being in the classroom on certain nights between certain hours.”

Tyrone Nance
MS in Cybersecurity

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GCU Online Addiction Counseling Degrees

Benefits of an Online GCU Degree

An Accredited Christian University in Phoenix, Arizona

Find Your Purpose

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Request more information now and see where GCU can take you.

GCU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, both on campus and online. Our dedicated faculty and staff support you every step of the way to help you reach your goals.

As a Christian university, GCU welcomes students from all backgrounds and denominations. Our mission is to help every student achieve their fullest potential and earn a degree.  Because of that mission, our dedication and our rich history, we firmly believe that GCU is the only Christian university of its kind.

Online courses can offer flexibility and convenience for working professionals and students with busy schedules. Study on your own time and balance education with work, family and other commitments.

Flexible Programs

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Our faculty advise students on how to grow academically, spiritually and personally. They bring expertise in their fields and are passionate educators and collaborators who can enhance the college experience for all students.

Faculty & Leadership

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GCU is committed to helping you find the academic guidance to complete your degree. Students have access to resources such as academic advising, career counseling and technical support.

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Online Addiction Counseling Degrees From GCU

    “Even though I did the online program, it never felt as if I was one among many. At GCU, I never felt like I was alone.”

    Keziah Tinkle-Williams

    GCU Alum

    “GCU was always clear about costs. I received scholarships and grants, giving me as much financial opportunity as possible. When people say they’re thinking of going to college, I always tell them about GCU.”

    Sarah Gallé

    GCU Alum

    “Having the remote, online ability to organize your schedule around your day is great. You don’t have to worry about being in the classroom on certain nights between certain hours.”

    Tyrone Nance

    GCU Alum

    “I looked at about 20 universities and GCU fit within my budget and my time-frame — I could start right away. Those were the two main factors for me, and because it was offered as an online degree, it worked out perfectly.”

    Tamara Grace

    GCU Alum

    “Being at GCU made sense so much financially for my family. Affordability was a large reason I chose GCU. Other Christian schools were too much money for my family. GCU made more sense.”

    Chris Jennings

    GCU Alum

    “I’ve been able to be successful in my job and get to where I am today because of my professors and the GCU community.”

    Becca Wayne

    GCU Alum

MS in Addiction Counseling

GCU’s master’s in addiction counseling can open the door to licensure in most states, providing a clear path to a career in this vital field. With the comprehensive education you’ll receive at GCU, you’ll have the opportunity to be equipped with the skills and qualifications needed to make an impact as an addiction counselor.

All classes are taught by knowledgeable instructors, many of which work in the field, who guide you through a curriculum designed to teach foundational skills in the counseling field.

Complete the form at the top of this page to connect with a university counselor who will review courses, admission, tuition, scholarships and any other questions you may have!

Request Info →

Program Topics:

The biological, psychological, emotional, social and societal impacts of substance use and their role in understanding and addressing the needs of individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety and PTSD

Screening, assessing, treating and aftercare of individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders
Theories of multicultural counseling, multicultural competencies and strategies for working with diverse populations, including immigrants and refugees
Major counseling theories and principles, including evidence-based practices, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, family systems, solution-focused and others
Total Credits: 36

MS in Christian Counseling of Substance Use and Addictive Disorders

Faith and spirituality can be crucial in substance use recovery. Christian substance use counseling integrates biblical principles with evidence-based treatments, providing a strong foundation for a substance-free life.

Complete the form at the top of this page to connect with a university counselor who will review courses, admission, tuition, scholarships and any other questions you may have!

Request Info →

Total Credits: 48

Program Topics:

The theological principles of humanity and salvation and their application to Christian counseling

Personal spiritual health and character development for the counseling practitioner
The integration of biblical perspectives into counseling theory and practice
The behavioral, psychological, physiological and social effects of substance use and addiction
Screenings, assessments and treatments of individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders

BS in Behavioral Health Science: Substance Use Disorders

GCU's Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Substance Use Disorders introduces you to behavioral health, substance use and addiction.

This online bachelor's program teaches you about the foundations of substance use and its effects on individuals and communities.

Complete the form at the top of this page to connect with a university counselor who will review courses, admission, tuition, scholarships and any other questions you may have!

Request Info →

Program Topics:

Behavioral health, with an emphasis on the ethics, legal standards and responsibilities in the field

Counseling theories and techniques

Substance use disorders, including prevention, intervention and relapse prevention

The biopsychosocial dynamics and impact of addiction and substance use

Human development across the lifespan, including physical, cognitive and socioemotional development

Understanding trauma, abuse, domestic violence and family dynamics within the context of the behavioral health field

Total Credits: 120

BS in Counseling: Addiction, Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse

GCU’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. You will be taught the underlying causes and contributing factors of addiction and substance use and the principles of evidence-based drug addiction counseling.

Complete the form at the top of this page to connect with a university counselor who will review courses, admission, tuition, scholarships and any other questions you may have!

Request Info →

Program Topics:

The biological and psychological components of substance use disorders, addiction and treatment, and their application to individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression and PTSD

Cultural competence and cultural sensitivity for clients from diverse populations

Relapse prevention, including the potential triggers for a relapse and the development of relapse prevention plans

The legal and ethical obligations of mental health counselors regarding child abuse, elder abuse and any type of domestic violence

Total Credits: 120
BS in Behavioral Health Science

BS in Behavioral Health Science: Substance Use Disorders

Total Credits: 120

GCU's Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis in Substance Use Disorders introduces you to behavioral health, substance use and addiction.

This online bachelor's program teaches you about the foundations of substance use and its effects on individuals and communities.

Complete the form at the top of this page to connect with a university counselor who will review courses, admission, tuition, scholarships and any other questions you may have!

Request Info →

Program Topics:

  • Behavioral health, with an emphasis on the ethics, legal standards and responsibilities in the field
  • Counseling theories and techniques
  • Substance use disorders, including prevention, intervention and relapse prevention
  • The biopsychosocial dynamics and impact of addiction and substance use
  • Human development across the lifespan, including physical, cognitive and socioemotional development
  • Understanding trauma, abuse, domestic violence and family dynamics within the context of the behavioral health field
BS in Counseling

BS in Counseling: Addiction, Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse

Total Credits: 120

GCU’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. You will be taught the underlying causes and contributing factors of addiction and substance use and the principles of evidence-based drug addiction counseling.

Complete the form at the top of this page to connect with a university counselor who will review courses, admission, tuition, scholarships and any other questions you may have!

Request Info →

Program Topics:

  • The biological and psychological components of substance use disorders, addiction and treatment, and their application to individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression and PTSD
  • Cultural competence and cultural sensitivity for clients from diverse populations
  • Relapse prevention, including the potential triggers for a relapse and the development of relapse prevention plans
  • The legal and ethical obligations of mental health counselors regarding child abuse, elder abuse and any type of domestic violence
MS in Addiction Counseling

MS in Addiction Counseling

Total Credits: 36

GCU’s master’s in addiction counseling can open the door to licensure in most states, providing a clear path to a career in this vital field. With the comprehensive education you’ll receive at GCU, you’ll have the opportunity to be equipped with the skills and qualifications needed to make an impact as an addiction counselor.

All classes are taught by knowledgeable instructors, many of which work in the field, who guide you through a curriculum designed to teach foundational skills in the counseling field.

Complete the form at the top of this page to connect with a university counselor who will review courses, admission, tuition, scholarships and any other questions you may have!

Request Info →

Program Topics:

  • The biological, psychological, emotional, social and societal impacts of substance use and their role in understanding and addressing the needs of individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety and PTSD
  • Screening, assessing, treating and aftercare of individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders
  • Theories of multicultural counseling, multicultural competencies and strategies for working with diverse populations, including immigrants and refugees
  • Major counseling theories and principles, including evidence-based practices, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, family systems, solution-focused and others
MS in Christian Counseling

MS in Christian Counseling of Substance Use and Addictive Disorders

Total Credits: 48

Faith and spirituality can be crucial in substance use recovery. Christian substance use counseling integrates biblical principles with evidence-based treatments, providing a strong foundation for a substance-free life.

Complete the form at the top of this page to connect with a university counselor who will review courses, admission, tuition, scholarships and any other questions you may have!

Request Info →

Program Topics:

  • The theological principles of humanity and salvation and their application to Christian counseling
  • Personal spiritual health and character development for the counseling practitioner
  • The integration of biblical perspectives into counseling theory and practice
  • The behavioral, psychological, physiological and social effects of substance use and addiction
  • Screenings, assessments and treatments of individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders

Flexible & Affordable

  • No Application Fee
  • Accredited by the NASAC1 and HLC
  • Online Courses Starting Weekly
  • Transfer Friendly

    Flexible Programs

    Online courses can offer flexibility and convenience for working professionals and students with busy schedules. Study on your own time and balance education with work, family and other commitments.

    Request Info →

    Faculty & Leadership

    Our faculty advise students on how to grow academically, spiritually and personally. They bring expertise in their fields and are passionate educators and collaborators who can enhance the college experience for all students.

    Request Info →

    Support Services

    GCU is committed to helping you find the academic guidance to complete your degree. Students have access to resources such as academic advising, career counseling and technical support.

    Request Info →
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NASAC Accredited

The MS in Addiction Counseling program at GCU is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission1

Since
1949

GCU has been dedicated to helping students change their lives for the better through education for over 70 years

1 The Master of Science in Addiction Counseling program has been approved for accreditation through the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission | 44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 301, Alexandria, VA 22314 | Phone: (703) 741-7686 | https://nasac-accreditation.org/

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