Why Washburn for your Master Arts in Human Services, Addiction Counseling?
The holistic, integrative approach to fieldwork training you’ll receive at Washburn will prepare you to become a Licensed Master’s Addiction Counselor in Kansas or elsewhere. Coursework is fully online and all faculty bring field experience to effectively address the challenges you’ll face in the workforce, such as overall wellness, aging, diversity, harm reduction, and trauma.
Addiction counseling is more than just a job – it is a rewarding career in promoting the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities. You’ll graduate our online program career-ready and can obtain a marketable, in-demand credential as a licensed helping professional.
What is addiction counseling? Is it right for me?
Addiction counselors are licensed professionals who help others overcome substance abuse and behavioral addictions such as food and gambling. As a counselor, you’ll deliver evidence-based interventions, practices, and assessments for those struggling with addiction. You may also help family members and loved ones of those with addictions to navigate the healing and recovery process. You will coordinate recovery services and relapse prevention through collaborative efforts between clients, their families, and other agencies. Typical work settings include clinics, halfway houses, hospitals, inpatient treatment facilities, or outpatient rehabilitation centers.
If you have a passion and personal connection to addiction, either in your own experience or that of a loved one, or you want to help other work toward safer, healthier, happier lives and communities, this field may be right for you.
Diverse backgrounds are welcome in our program, including academically. If you have completed a bachelor’s degree in any field, you are eligible to apply. No test scores are required for admission to the program.
Graduate work ready
When you earn your license in your state, you'll be able to work in a variety of settings.Study Plans
BAS + MA Fast-track
If you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree and know you want to work toward a Master’s level credential in addiction counseling, our Fast-track program can help you finish faster and get to work helping people change their lives.
Full-time study
You can finish the master's program in two years if you take full-time classes.
Part-time study
If your personal obligations make part-time classes best for you, you can finish this program in three years.
Add a Graduate Certificate in Trauma & Recovery
Jobs & Opportunities
Important Qualities
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Patience
- Listening
Common Work Environments
- Mental health centers
- Community health centers
- Prisons
- Half-way houses
- Private practice
Job Opportunities
Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates "much faster" job growth in this field, with 25 percent growth through 2029.
Meet alumnus Victor "Torrez" Dawson
Victor “Torrez” Dawson, an alumnus and busy working professional, came to Washburn to expand his career advancement opportunities and ability to help people. As an undergraduate, he transferred to Washburn after some advice from his long-time mentor in the Human Services department, and graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services in 2015.
After starting a new job at Pathways, a non-profit organization that provides foster care, psychiatric residential treatment, and independent living services to the Topeka community, Dawson knew he wanted to continue with the Master’s degree program to expand his knowledge of addiction and to give consults and advice on the topic.
He completed his field practicum as a unit supervisor in the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Center while gaining a better understanding of how to treat individuals with addictions and the effects addiction can have on the client’s support group. The experience encouraged him to think about how the information he learned in his coursework could be used to help the client.
“The program doesn’t just rest on the textbook,” Dawson said. “There is a lot of learning between the students and the instructors. The program is well-rounded and since it is online you are able to interact with students from all over the country.”
Dawson, who graduated in 2017 with his Master in Arts in Human Services/Addiction Counseling, is now the Assistant Executive Director that oversees the Psychiatric Residential program at Pathways. He also works as an adjunct instructor at Washburn, sharing his knowledge from 25 years in the field with students.
Cost and Financial Aid
This program is offered at the Graduate Distance Education rate, which is the same regardless of state of residence. Learn more about Washburn's tuition and fees.
Several students in our program have been awarded a Minority Fellowship funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These competitive fellowships are awarded once yearly. For more information about this program, please visit NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals
GET IN TOUCH WITH Family & Human Services
Family & Human Services
Benton Hall, Room 311
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
Ph: 785.670.2116
human-services@washburn.edu
