2025 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Illinois
An online substance abuse counseling degree in Illinois offers an education tailored to address addiction and recovery. It provides an evidence-based curriculum and practical experiences. We recognize the importance of accreditation, often provided by bodies like CACREP, ensuring high academic standards.
Key Takeaway:
- There is only one master's degree in substance use counseling in Illinois and it's through Governors State University. This school serves over 1,400 online students, so it's a popular choice.
Our ranking methodology examines institutions with fully online substance abuse counseling degrees in Illinois by focusing on federal online enrollment data to show which are the most popular among students studying exclusively online.
List Of Accredited Online Substance Abuse Counseling Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Governors State University | $10,072 |
2025 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Illinois
- Online Enrollment: 1,448 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $10,072
- Location: University Park
Online degree:
Why we like them: Governors State has 1,448 online students total, demonstrating its capacity to appeal to online learners. The university also excels with a remarkable student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, placing it in the top 17% of schools with the best student engagement, ensuring you receive personalized attention and support. Governor State's online Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies is a program designed to equip you with the skills necessary to tackle the complexities of addiction. Fully accredited by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association and the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission, the program encapsulates coursework in pharmacology, prevention, and counseling, requiring a total of 32 credit hours.
Overview of Substance Use Counseling Degrees in Illinois
Illinois is home to the third most populated city in the U.S. 鈥� Chicago 鈥� as well as millions of acres of farmland. Yet, regardless of whether they live in urban or rural settings, the state's residents are experiencing a .
Some alarming statistics support this assertion. For example, the number of drug overdose deaths in Illinois has increased from 10.9 per 100,000 in 2011 to 29 per 100,000 in 2021. Additionally, opioid overdose deaths accounted for 81% of all drug overdose deaths, which is higher than the national average of 75%.
Efforts to stem the tide of drug abuse and addiction are coordinated by the state's (DASA). The agency is intent on increasing access to substance use counselors through in-person, internet, and telephone services. DASA also coordinates alcohol and other drug treatment centers, recovery support services, and educational programs with city and county providers.
If affordability is a barrier, consider our list of the most affordable online substance abuse counseling degrees. After all, you can study online from anywhere. Many schools offer in-state tuition to online learners.
FAQs About Substance Use Counseling Degrees in Illinois
What Can You Do With a Substance Use Counselor Degree in Illinois?
With a growing need for licensed addiction counselors in Illinois, graduates with a traditional or online substance abuse counseling degree are well-equipped to pursue several different career paths in addiction counseling.
A bachelor's degree in substance use will qualify you for three of the four levels of substance abuse counseling certification in Illinois. Only the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CAADC) certification requires a master's degree. As a certified counselor, you'll be able to work directly with clients in inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities.
If you're not interested in providing in-person or online substance abuse counseling, there are still plenty of other job options available to you. For instance, you could become a community health worker in a government-sponsored agency or nonprofit organization. You could spend your time developing prevention programs or working as an educator. As you gain experience, you may be eligible for higher-level roles as health or community services managers.
How Do I Become a Substance Use Counselor in Illinois?
The Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. () oversees substance abuse counseling certification in this state. Certification is somewhat complicated as there are four types of counselors. The lowest level, which is the Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (), is unique to the state of Illinois.
The other three credentials, however, are the same as those issued by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium () across the nation:
- Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CRADC)
- Certified Supervisor Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CSADC)
- Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CAADC)
Although the specific requirements for each level of certification vary, they all include education in substance use counseling and treatment and thousands of hours of supervised work experience. To become an IC&RC-certified substance use counselor in Illinois, you must start at the lowest level. As you acquire more experience and possibly more education, you can advance to each successive level.
The highest CAADC level also requires a master's degree in substance abuse counseling, psychology, social work, or a similar clinical program from an accredited university. If you haven't yet earned a master's, you may be interested in our lists of the best online substance abuse counseling master's programs and the most affordable online substance abuse counseling master's programs 鈥� all of which are accredited.
After meeting these requirements to become certified to provide substance abuse counseling in Illinois, you must then pass an exam. CADC candidates must take a state-authorized substance use counseling exam, while all others take the relevant IC&RC exam.
All types of addiction counseling certifications need to be renewed every other year. To renew your credential, you'll need to show that you've completed 40 hours of continuing education.
Does Illinois Have Reciprocity for Substance Use Counselors?
Certified addiction counselors in good standing from other IC&RC member states can without needing to meet any additional requirements. Professionals who want to become licensed in the state should contact the IC&RC to begin the reciprocity process. With the exception of CADCs, certified counselors in Illinois can also transfer their credentials to another IC&RC member state.
How Much Does a Substance Use Counselor Make in Illinois?
The 14,710 counselors in the field of substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health in the state of Illinois have a . This is well above the median income for substance use counselors in the U.S., which stands at $53,710. It's a good sign that Illinois is a smart choice of location. And overall, the BLS reports that the job outlook is high at 鈥� more than four times the average job growth in the U.S.