2025 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Virginia
There is a well-rounded selection of online substance abuse counseling degrees in Virginia that cover both the undergrad and graduate levels. These programs are designed to meet state licensure requirements, combining foundational knowledge with practical skill development for effective counseling.
Key Takeaways:
- Liberty University excels with a remarkable enrollment of over 81,000 fully online students. It's the most popular online college on our list.
- Virginia Commonwealth University secures an impressive retention rate of 85%, placing it within the top 14% of schools nationally.
Our ranking methodology for identifying the best online degrees by state only include schools with fully online programs that have a primary campus location within the highlighted state. We believe this data-supported approach can help guide you to make the most informed decision for your educational goals.
List Of Accredited Online Substance Abuse Counseling Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | $8,475 | |
| Regent University Online | 8,451 | $17,828 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | 2,680 | $31,589 |
2025 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Virginia
- Online Enrollment: 81,026 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $8,475
- Location: Lynchburg
Online degree:
Why we like them: LU finds itself at the pinnacle of our list, particularly distinguished by its colossal online enrollment. With over 81,000 online learners, the university is positioned within the highest tier, accommodating a vast number of distance learners and making education widely accessible. The online BS in Psychology with a focus on Addictions and Recovery from LU offers an engaging 120-credit curriculum. The program is structured in an entirely online format with 8-week courses, providing flexibility and accessibility. Up to 75% of the degree credits can be transferred, facilitating a smooth transition for previously acquired education.
- Online Enrollment: 8,451 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $17,828
- Location: Virginia Beach
Online degree:
Why we like them: The remarkable online enrollment at Regent is a key factor that places it in the #2 spot. Over 8,400 distance learners have placed their trust in Regent, showing that the university is able to reach far and wide with its digital education opportunities. Regent's MA in Human Services 鈥� Addictions Counseling is designed to equip you with faith-based counseling techniques for aiding individuals with addictions. The curriculum includes courses like Addictive Behaviors & Substance Abuse and Advanced Counseling Skills, using technologies such as podcasts and asynchronous chats.
- Online Enrollment: 2,680 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $31,589
- Location: Richmond
Online degree:
Why we like them: VCU finishes our list of online substance abuse programs in Virginia for its Master of Science in Addiction Studies. This is a unique, entirely web-based program accredited under the School of Medicine. It is built on an international consortium with King's College London and the University of Adelaide, offering a global perspective to addiction studies. Comprising a 36-credit curriculum, this program is designed to cultivate leadership in addiction prevention, treatment, and policy management. Emphasizing cross-cultural exposure, the program enables students to compare and apply international policies and practices effectively.
Overview of Substance Use Counseling Degrees in Virginia
Virginia鈥檚 increasing rates of substance use and overdose deaths highlight the growing demand for trained professionals in substance abuse counseling and related fields. Online substance use degree programs in the state provide a flexible path for students to enter this critical workforce. Graduates often pursue roles such as counselors or social workers, earning salaries reflective of Virginia's broader mental health needs. These programs are essential in addressing the state鈥檚 opioid crisis, with overdose deaths reaching in recent years.
To address this drug crisis in the Commonwealth of Virginia, public health and public safety officials have partnered on develop . They've used federal funding to launch addiction awareness campaigns, start drug take-back programs, and establish more and varied kinds of treatment centers. Drug and alcohol counseling is a key component of their plan, which generates more job opportunities for licensed addiction counselors.
Online substance abuse programs directly support these efforts by preparing students for roles in drug and alcohol counseling, a key component of the state鈥檚 response plan. These flexible, accessible programs are vital in meeting the rising demand for licensed addiction counselors.
FAQs About Substance Use Counseling Degrees in Virginia
What Can You Do With a Substance Use Counselor Degree in Virginia?
More than likely, you were motivated to earn a traditional or online substance abuse counseling degree because you want to help people struggling with addiction. In Virginia, your degree enables you to do that by pursuing several different career addiction counseling paths.
For example, you could become a community service worker or a health education specialist. In these nonclinical roles, you'll probably find yourself working in a government agency or nonprofit organization. Your job duties may involve monitoring treatment programs or developing public awareness campaigns.
Another possibility is to become a substance abuse counselor. This clinical role will have you providing addiction counseling and education for your clients. In this state, a bachelor's degree in substance abuse counseling qualifies you for Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification. You'll need a master's degree or doctorate to qualify as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC).
How Do I Become a Substance Use Counselor in Virginia?
If you're interested in becoming a substance use counselor in Virginia, there are several different ways you can earn substance abuse counseling certification in this state. Licensure is available through two different agencies 鈥� the and the 鈥� and they each have their own certification titles and requirements.
The Virginia Board of Counseling offers two levels of certification:
- To qualify as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant (CSAC-A), you need to have completed high school and at least eight college courses in substance abuse counseling. You'll also need to accumulate 180 hours of relevant counseling work experience, and you'll need to pass an exam provided by the Virginia Board of Counseling.
- To become a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), you must have a bachelor's or master's degree, and your coursework must have included at least 16 courses of substance abuse education. You'll also need to have accumulated 2,000 hours of relevant work experience, and at least 160 of these hours must be supervised. You must then pass the NCAC-I Exam, sponsored by the Association for Addiction Professionals ().
Additionally, the Virginia Certification Board, which is affiliated with the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (), offers three levels of certification:
- To earn certification as an Associate Addiction Counselor (AAC) while you're working toward full certification, you'll need to have completed high school, at least 18 college courses on substance abuse counseling, 4,000 hours of part-time work experience in drug counseling, and 200 hours of supervised work experience.
- To become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) who can provide counseling and treatment planning, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree, 4,000 hours of part-time work experience in drug counseling, 200 hours of supervised work experience, and a passing score on the IC&RC ADC Exam.
- To qualify as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), licensed to provide all aspects of addiction counseling, you'll need at least a master's degree. Your program must have included at least 12 courses in substance use counseling. You'll also need to have completed 2,000 hours of part-time work experience, 100 hours of supervised work experience, and a passing score on the IC&RC AADC Exam.
In Virginia, all of your college coursework must be completed at an institutionally accredited college or university. If you're thinking about pursuing an online master's degree, all of the programs on our site meet this requirement. To review your options, visit our ranked lists of the best online substance abuse counseling master's degrees.
Regardless of which credential you have, you'll need to renew it every two years by completing 40 hours of continuing education.
Does Virginia Have Reciprocity for Substance Use Counselors?
Yes, if you're a substance use counselor who has been certified by IC&RC, you should be able to transfer your addiction counseling credential to a comparable level of certification through the Virginia Certification Board. You can begin the process by contacting your current state's licensing board. Once your reciprocity application has been approved, you may offer in-person, telephone, and online substance abuse counseling in Virginia.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Virginia?
In Virginia, professionals with a degree in substance abuse counseling can find roles in community and social service occupations, focusing on helping individuals overcome addiction and mental health challenges. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are prominent in this field, with an in Virginia. Mental health and substance abuse social workers, who provide targeted support and intervention services, earn around $63,500 annually in the state.
These roles are vital in addressing addiction and mental health issues statewide, particularly in urban centers like Richmond and Norfolk, where demand for these services remains high.