Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Texas
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There are a number of different online substance abuse counseling degrees in Texas, catering to individuals seeking flexible options. These programs often cover topics such as addiction theories, counseling techniques, and ethical practices. Texas-based institutions provide pathways to certification and licensure, aligning with state regulations to create consummate professionals.
Key Takeaways:
- Central Texas College distinguishes itself with hosting over 4,300 fully online students. This makes it the most popular online school on our list.
- University of St. Thomas - TX stands out with a graduation rate of 66%, placing it in the top 21% of schools nationally.
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center excels with a notably low student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1.
Our ranking methodology for the best online degrees by state is built on several critical criteria, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of institutions. We include schools that have a principal campus in the specified state and offer fully online degrees with substantial online enrollment.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team identifies colleges with a primary campus in the featured state that offer an online degree in substance abuse counseling and have publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We rank qualifying schools by online enrollment, which helps highlight colleges with larger distance-learning communities. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
jmcomic漫画 enrollment data comes from NCES and reflects the most current available figures. We also highlight median earnings for substance abuse counseling graduates, as available
Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Texas
| Rank | School | 83% | N/A | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | 1,928 | 98% | $8,405 | N/A |
| Midwestern State University | 1,687 | 89% | $7,527 | N/A |
| Nelson University | 818 | 100% | $13,350 | N/A |
| University of St. Thomas - TX | 568 | 88% | $6,000 | N/A |
Online degree:
Why we like them: At CTC, the standout feature is its prominent online presence, with the school's online enrollment ranking in the top 16% nationwide. This translates to an extensive support system and flexible learning environment for you and your peers. CTC offers a Certificate of Completion in Chemical Dependency Counseling, spanning multiple semesters and totaling 47 credit hours. The curriculum is thoughtfully crafted, including courses such as Introduction to Substance Use Disorders, Pharmacology of Addiction, and Crisis Intervention. The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Central Texas College as a practical, flexible option, especially for people balancing demanding schedules. Students frequently praise the self-paced online format, eight-week course windows, affordable tuition, and clear syllabi, assignments, and rubrics that make expectations easy to follow. Several also highlight responsive, helpful instructors and strong guidance on transfer requirements. At the same time, experiences are not uniform. A notable criticism is limited instructional engagement in some classes, with one reviewer reporting repeated unanswered emails that made assignments harder to finish. Students who prefer independent, reading-based learning appear more satisfied than those wanting hands-on teaching or closer supervision.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 4,332 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: N/A
- Out-of-State Tuition: N/A
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: TTUHSC takes the #2 spot on our list for its high level of student engagement, with almost 2,000 students enrolled as fully online students. The MS in Addiction Counseling at TTUHSC offers a curriculum that enables you to engage deeply with addiction-specific clinical experiences over 60 semester credit hours. Accredited by CACREP, this online program is designed to meet the ambitious needs of professionals aiming to expand their expertise without compromising their current responsibilities. It prepares you for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and for the National Counselor Examination for Certification.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center as a highly supportive, career-focused environment where accessible faculty, small or close-knit cohorts, and strong mentoring consistently stand out. Students repeatedly praise hands-on training, clinical readiness, recorded or technology-enabled instruction, and interdisciplinary learning that mirrors real practice. Many say the school prepares them well for licensing exams, interviews, residencies, and clinical placements, while offering solid value through affordable tuition. Criticisms are narrower but notable: some mention split campuses, distance-learning limitations, uneven course rigor or lab structure, limited face-to-face interaction in online formats, costly housing in Midland/Odessa, and Lubbock’s remoteness or weather.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,928 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $8,405
- Out-of-State Tuition: $17,370
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: MSU secures the #3 spot based on online popularity. With almost 1,700 fully online students enrolled, the school provides ample opportunities to engage with peers and faculty to better promote professional growth. The BS in Education with a focus on Substance Abuse Counseling at MSU offers a unique competency-based curriculum, one of only four such programs in Texas tailored for affordability under the Texas Affordable Baccalaureate initiative. This program spans four years with 120 semester credit hours, covering various interdisciplinary courses such as history, mathematics, and cultural understanding.
Student Review Summary: Reviews describe Midwestern State University as an affordable, smaller campus where accessible professors, supportive staff, and flexible course options often make learning feel personal and manageable. Many reviewers praise strong advising, quick instructor communication, online convenience, and opportunities to balance school with work. Several also highlight a welcoming community, lasting friendships, and an active campus atmosphere. Criticism centers on uneven program quality: some describe outdated facilities, underfunded labs, parking frustrations, cancelled courses, limited scholarships, and hidden expenses. The harshest complaints cite rigid grading, poor transparency, unapproachable faculty, and misleading claims about online or support expectations in specific departments.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,687 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $7,527
- Out-of-State Tuition: $19,677
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: One compelling reason for NU's strong position is its enrollment of hundreds of distance learners, making it a popular choice. NU offers an online associate in addictions counseling that educates you on treatment methods for various addictions. This two-year undergraduate program, which requires the completion of 64 credit hours, is available both online and on campus. The curriculum serves as a preparatory pathway to applying for the Texas Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) credentials.
Student Review Summary: Reviews describe Nelson University as a relationship-driven, faith-centered institution where professors are unusually accessible, encouraging, and invested in individual success. Students repeatedly highlight personal support, including flexibility during family emergencies, thoughtful outreach to remote learners, and faculty who make complex material easier to grasp. The online platform is seen as easy to use, and several reviews praise career preparation, practical instruction, and confidence-building for licensure or professional work. The main criticisms are more limited: one reviewer regretted choosing a path that felt enjoyable but not career-useful, and another wanted stronger preparation for doctoral-level study beyond immediate professional credentials.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 818 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $13,350
- Out-of-State Tuition: $13,350
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 42%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online degree:
Why we like them: The Associate of Applied Science in Drug and Alcohol Counseling at UST comprises a 60-credit hour curriculum with courses focusing on the practical application of addiction counseling. Offered entirely online, the program accommodates distance learners. The degree prepares you to meet the educational prerequisites for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor-Intern (LCDC-Intern) position in Texas. Additionally, specialized coursework includes topics like multicultural counseling, neuroscience, and advocacy, ensuring comprehensive readiness for real-world challenges in substance abuse treatment. You'll also find opportunities for dual credit in related fields, expanding your professional expertise.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of the University of St. Thomas - TX are predominantly positive, with many describing small classes, accessible professors, and a welcoming environment that supports close mentoring, practical instruction, and flexible online or off-campus study. You see repeated praise for faculty who know learners personally, provide quick feedback, and accommodate working schedules. Several reviews also value the campus setting, thoughtful discussions, and spiritually grounded atmosphere. The main concerns center on high tuition, limited scholarships, parking, restricted course availability, weak career-center support, and mixed post-graduation outcomes. Two strongly negative reviews allege poor value, low academic quality, and serious discrimination.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 568 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $6,000
- Out-of-State Tuition: $6,000
- Program Length: N/A
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Overview of Substance Abuse Counseling in Texas
Policymakers and analysts in Texas agree that fentanyl is one of the most deadly substances used in the state, but it's just one part of a larger issue. Researchers have found that a of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine also contributes to a growing illegal drug market, rising cases of substance use disorder, and increases in the drug overdose mortality rate.
State lawmakers are tackling the problem with multiple initiatives designed to enhance law enforcement and increase public awareness. Residents are also calling for a wider range of treatment options and more treatment centers, which could mean additional job opportunities for educated, licensed substance abuse counselors in Texas.
Online degrees in substance abuse counseling provide Texans with accessible and flexible pathways to enter or advance in the field. These programs are tailored for working professionals and those in rural areas, helping students gain the expertise and credentials needed to address the state鈥檚 growing substance use challenges effectively.
Discover affordable pathways to a career in this field with our list of the most affordable online substance abuse degrees, designed for budget-conscious students seeking quality education.
FAQs About Substance Use Counseling Degrees in Texas
What Can You Do With a Substance Use Counselor Degree in Texas?
If you've earned an on-campus or online substance abuse counseling degree, you can follow one of several possible career paths in the Lone Star State. For example, you could choose to provide counseling and education directly to people struggling with substance use disorders. Although you don't need a degree to earn certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), you will need a master's degree in substance abuse counseling to practice independently as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in this state earn a mean annual salary of $55,780. There are currently about 18,840 such counselors at work in Texas, but there's a significant demand 鈥� over the next decade 鈥� across the country for those in this field.
Another option for degree holders is to pursue a nonclinical career in addiction counseling, such as a community service worker or a health education specialist. Your education will help prepare you for jobs in state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations that focus on providing treatment and recovery services. After you've accumulated several years of experience, you may qualify for higher-level management positions.
How Do I Become a Substance Use Counselor in Texas?
In Texas, aspiring addiction counselors work with the to earn one of two levels of substance abuse counseling certification. Although you need to complete some college coursework, you do not need a college degree to become a substance use counselor in this state.
The lower level of certification, which is the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC), allows you to work in substance use counseling in Texas as long as you're working under the supervision of a higher-level certified counselor. To qualify, you'll need to complete 270 hours or about 18 courses of college education, at least half of which must be in the field of chemical dependency and addiction counseling. You will also need to verify that you've completed up to 6,000 hours of related work experience, of which 300 hours must be supervised, and you'll need a passing score on the ADC Exam sponsored by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium ().
At the higher level of certification, an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) is licensed to practice independently. For this level, you'll need a master's degree in a clinical counseling subject area, and at least 180 hours or about 12 courses of your college education must cover addiction counseling. You will also need to verify that you've completed 2,000 hours of related work experience, of which 300 hours must be supervised, and you'll need a passing score on the IC&RC AADC Exam.
Texas also requires that all college degrees be earned at accredited universities. If you're thinking about pursuing an online master's degree, you'll find that all of the programs on our site are institutionally accredited.
If you hold an ADC or AADC license, you'll need to recertify every two years. To complete this process, you'll need to show documentation of 40 hours of continuing education.
Does Texas Have Reciprocity for Substance Use Counselors?
Yes, if you're an IC&RC-certified substance use counselor who is planning to move to Texas, you may be able to transfer your credential to this state. As long as you are in good standing with your current state's licensure board, you may submit an application for reciprocity. However, if you want to provide in-person and online substance abuse counseling in Texas, you will need to live and work in the state at least 51% of the time.
How Long Does It Take to Become A Substance Abuse Counselor in Texas?
The number of years it takes to become a substance abuse counselor in Texas varies depending on your career goals. To become an ADC, you could probably complete the educational requirements in about two years and the work experience component in three additional years, for a minimum of five years. Becoming an AADC requires both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree, which may take up to seven years to complete. You'll then need an additional year of work experience, for a total of about eight years.