Careers: Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling

Careers: Bachelor of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling
11.15.2024
60-120
01.13.2025
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

SPRING 2025 APPLICATION FEE WAIVED

Apply now and save the $50 application fee. Start your Journey today.

Active Military & Veteran Scholarship

You could be eligible for up to $2500 per semester. Learn more today.

Money Icon Career Outlook

Careers for substance abuse/addiction counselors are flourishing, due to the rise in demand as addiction and mental health counseling services are increasingly covered by insurance policies. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupation is projected to grow 23% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the 7% average for all occupations.

The University of Cincinnati’s online Substance Abuse Counseling Degree is designed to help full-time students as well as career professionals gain the knowledge, competencies and skills needed to begin a career working with addicted persons or to advance their professional credentials.

Graduates work in a variety of settings including:

  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient treatment
  • DUI programs
  • Opioid replacement centers
  • Other mental health treatment settings
  • Private practice

Graduates of the online substance abuse counseling degree are also well prepared to continue their studies in advanced degree programs such as mental health counseling, social work, psychology and criminal justice.

Great for those with experience in:
  • Social Work
  • Counseling
  • Nursing
  • Psychiatry
Potential Careers:
    • Addiction specialist
    • Chemical dependency practitioner
    • Community services worker
    • Corrections officer
    • Intervention specialist
    • Mental health professional
    • Parole officer
    • Probation officer
    • Substance abuse counselor
    • Substance abuse prevention specialist

Employment outlook for graduates of Substance Abuse Counseling Program

Occupation Median Wage Projected Growth
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors $53,710 9%
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $55,960 9%
Rehabilitation Counselors $44,040 2-4%
Social and Community Service Managers $77,030 9%
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $61,800 2-4%