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Addiction Studies Master of Science in Addiction Studies

Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Science

  1. Online Master’s Degree
  2. Counseling
  3. MS in Addiction Studies

Overview

Research on substance abuse reveals that about 23.5 million people over age 12 in the United States have had some form of substance use disorder in the past year.* The toll of abuse is widespread and devastating to individuals and their families. They desperately need caring, compassionate substance abuse practitioners to help them overcome their struggle with addiction. Capella’s Master’s in Addiction Studies is designed to provide graduate-level counseling competencies necessary to help these individuals. Our program incorporates online coursework and a residency embedded in a 6-week course, which lets you learn and practice basic skills in your specialization. Position yourself for increased career opportunities in the fast-growing field of substance abuse treatment.

*2013 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Survey on Drug Use and Health

The Building Blocks of Your Master’s Program

Earn your master’s degree in Addiction Studies in as little as two years with a curriculum that covers theoretical and practical skills necessary to offer treatment for addictive behavior. This program includes a course in supervision and program management along with 300 hours of internship to complement your academic coursework. This aligns with the common International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium requirements that states have set for credentialing examinations.

Degree Outcomes

With your Master's in Addiction Studies from Capella, you'll learn to identify behaviors and situations and apply counseling theories, models, and approaches to individuals and groups who face addiction. You'll also apply knowledge, skills, and best practices related to addiction treatment, and select appropriate assessments to evaluate clients and develop a treatment plan. 

Career Outcomes*

An online Master's in Addiction Studies degree can prepare you for positions in treatment and prevention programs, as well as general clinical settings where addiction professionals serve as members of a treatment team. Common jobs include addictions counselor, case manager, chemical dependency counselor, chemical dependency professional, clinical counselor, and correctional substance abuse counselor. Potential workplaces include mental health facilities, educational institutions, health care or management/administration, government agencies, vocational rehabilitation, and criminal justice/corrections.

*Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition.

*Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, endorsement, certification, authorization, other professional credential or salary advancement. State regulations and professional credential standards vary. It is the learner's responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states and professional associations. For more information on licensure, see the Licensure section on the School’s website.

Detailed Program Information

Get all the details about cost, courses, requirements, and more.

Download the Guidedpath Specialization Guide »

Classes Start August 7th

Ready to get started? We’re ready for you. Chat with an enrollment counselor or apply now to take the first step on the journey toward your future. 

Admission Requirements »  | $50 Application Fee

Cost & Learning Format

Online education isn’t one size fits all. We know you’re busy—you need a learning experience tailored to your life, not the other way around. Capella has learning and tuition formats to suit you, however you learn. 

Our online-learning format that guides you along. You pay per credit; we set the deadlines. 

Learn more about GuidedPath »

  • Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
  • 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
  • Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
  • Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$531 per credit, 48 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits

Learning Outcomes »

Gainful Employment »

Ways to Save

At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable–there are more ways to save than you might think. 

10% Military Discount

Military service members and their spouses could be eligible for a discount.

Discover Military Benefits »

Transfer Credits

We can accept many transfer credits from regionally accredited schools. 

Learn about Transfer Credits »

Employer Reimbursements

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement to employees, even if there’s no formal program. Check with your manager or HR dept.

Prepare for Licensure

Our program features a rigorous combination of online coursework and face-to-face experiences that helps you expand on what you’re learning in the courseroom, so you can hit the ground running in the real world.

Residency

Enhance the skills you develop in your program coursework through these intensive, onsite experiences with students and faculty.

Learn more about residency »

Practicum / Internship

Apply your skills and knowledge in the field with direct-client contact and supervision.

Learn more about practicum »

Dedicated Support

Our licensure team supports you through the license application process, and is here for you even beyond graduation.

Learn more about licensure support »

Faculty & Support

You’re never going it alone at Capella. Our dedicated faculty and support teams are waiting to guide, help, and advise you through every step of your educational journey.

Enrollment Counselors

These folks are superstars. We hear it from our students (and grads). They’re here to help find a program fit and set you up for success.  

Advisors

Want to learn more about courses, instructors, or resources? Ask our advisors–they know all about the details of your program.

Faculty

Our distinguished faculty holds top credentials in their fields. They’re here to teach the knowledge and skills you’ll need, now. 

Career Center

For this team, it’s more than resumes and interview tips. It’s about thoughtful and strategic career planning–beyond graduation.

Ready for the Next Step?

Learning online doesn't mean going it alone. Help is here. From faculty, coaches, advisors, and more. Plus a supportive community of students who are as passionate about their careers as you are about yours.

Call Us: 1.866.283.8039