Online Master of Substance Abuse Counseling
Take the next step in your career as a substance abuse counselor with a postgraduate degree that will prepare you for leadership roles and independent licensure. The University of Cincinnati's online Master of Substance Abuse Counseling degree will capitalize on your existing experience in the field to help you provide greater guidance to individuals struggling with addiction.
Program Overview
This program is designed to prepare chemical dependency counselors holding a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDC III) or equivalent license to be a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC). Graduates of this program will be able to work in administrative roles, supervisory roles with other clinicians, as well as industry leadership roles.
Master of Substance Abuse Counseling Program Highlights
High Quality Education
Students enrolled in this program will learn evidence-based practices for treating individuals struggling with substance use disorders while simultaneously enhancing existing skills. By working alongside faculty who regularly engage with cutting edge treatments, individuals will gain important skills needed to be effective, independently licensed substance abuse counselors such as:
- Expansive assessment and diagnostic skills
- Supervisory skills
- Maintenance strategies and recovery science
- Motivational interviewing techniques
- Evidence-based counseling and medical practices to address substance use disorders
Flexibility
- 100% online instruction
- Enroll in the spring, summer, or fall semesters
- Part-time offering allows for degree completion for working professionals
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Curriculum
The online Master of Substance Abuse Counseling program contains 12 total courses (34 credit hours) and a full-time student can complete the program in 5 semesters.
Admission Requirements
Applications to the MS Substance Abuse Counseling online program are reviewed on an ongoing basis by an admissions committee comprised of program faculty.
Applicants to this program are required to have each of the following:
- An undergraduate degree in a behavioral science field of study
- Applicants should have at least a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average*
- Applicants should have a minimum of 220 hours of supervised field experience providing counseling services to those with substance use disorders.
*Individuals not meeting this requirement may be offered conditional admission
Application Deadlines
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Spring 2027 Summer 2027 |
TBD TBD |
January 11, 2027 May 10, 2027 |
Tuition and Fees
The University of Cincinnati's online programs allow students to pursue degrees without having to quit their jobs. Our online courses offer the same quality education found on campus in a modern format that fits students’ tight budgets and busy schedules.
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
Accreditation & Rankings
- The University of Cincinnati and all of its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ready to get started?
We offer over 130 degrees from undergraduate to doctoral programs.