Choosing an online counseling program in Virginia means looking beyond convenience: the degree must fit the work you want to do, and clinical licensure has requirements that online coursework alone cannot satisfy. This guide covers program types, supervised training, costs, financial aid, and career prospects. It also features the 2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Virginia, created by the Research.com team of data scientists to help students make an informed choice about which counseling programs are worth considering.
Key findings about online Counseling degrees in Virginia
For Virginia's licensed professional counselor pathway, check whether a master's curriculum satisfies the state's qualifying 60-semester-hour graduate education requirement; an online label or counseling-related degree title is not enough (Virginia Board of Counseling).
The national median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors was $59,350 in May 2025, with 18% projected employment growth from 2025 to 2035; neither figure predicts an individual graduate's earnings or local openings (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Compare clinical mental health, school, marriage and family, rehabilitation, and doctoral programs by the credential they support. Field placements, licensing alignment, and total borrowing can matter more than whether lectures are online.
What can I expect from an online Counseling degree in Virginia?
An online counseling degree generally moves academic coursework online, not all professional training. Students can expect live or recorded classes alongside skills practice, supervised fieldwork, and possibly in-person requirements. Ask each school which activities require travel, whether it helps secure a placement near your home, and whether your proposed site must be approved before you enroll (individual program requirements).
Degree titles serve different purposes. A clinical mental health counseling master's is the relevant starting point for many prospective licensed professional counselors; a school counseling master's is designed around school practice; rehabilitation counseling focuses on disability and employment-related services. A counselor education doctorate is generally an advanced teaching, supervision, or research path - not a substitute for checking whether you already meet clinical licensing requirements. In Virginia, a qualifying degree, supervised post-degree experience, examination, and board approval are distinct steps toward licensed professional counselor status (Virginia Board of Counseling).
This path is most appropriate if you want sustained client-facing or school-based work and can accommodate supervised training. If you primarily want general helping skills without the time and regulatory commitments of a licensed role, compare a related undergraduate degree or a role that does not require counselor licensure before committing to graduate tuition.
Where can I work with an online Counseling degree in Virginia?
Potential settings depend on the specialization and credential: mental health agencies, hospitals, private practices, community services boards, schools, addiction treatment providers, and vocational rehabilitation organizations employ different kinds of counselors. Virginia's community services boards are especially relevant to students interested in public behavioral health, while public schools are a distinct employment route for school-counseling students (Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Virginia Department of Education).
Location affects the placement search as well as the job search. A student living far from a campus may be able to take classes online but still need an approved local supervisor and clients for fieldwork. Before choosing a program, ask whether it has accepted placements in your part of Virginia and whether its training matches the employers and credential requirements in the setting where you hope to work.
National occupation medians offer a benchmark, not a starting salary or a Virginia-specific pay estimate. The May 2025 figures below refer to occupations rather than graduates of particular degrees; compare job titles carefully because a specialization name does not always match an employer's title (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections).
Career direction
U.S. median annual wage, May 2025
Projected U.S. employment growth, 2025-2035
Clinical mental health or addiction counseling
$59,350
18%
School counseling
$64,330
3%
Marriage and family counseling
$66,940
14%
Rehabilitation counseling
$46,850
2%
A higher occupational median does not establish that one program has a better return. Employer, region, experience, license, and hours worked affect pay. For a personal estimate, compare current Virginia job postings for the specific credential you intend to earn, then weigh plausible earnings against tuition, foregone work time, and debt payments.
The programs associated with this ranking span different credentials and intended careers, so the most useful comparison is not simply which school offers online classes. The distinctions below identify what to investigate on each program's official page; confirm current delivery, credit requirements, fieldwork arrangements, and licensing alignment directly with the school before applying.
Bluefield University - counseling: Its counseling program is an option to examine if you want to build a counseling-focused education pathway. Confirm the award and its place in your longer plan before comparing it with master's programs intended to prepare applicants for clinical licensure (Bluefield University).
Liberty University - PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision: This is the doctoral option in this group, aimed at advanced counselor education and supervision rather than initial master's-level preparation. It is most relevant if you already have the appropriate professional foundation and want to teach, research, or supervise (Liberty University).
Regent University - MA in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling: Its named focus is relational work, making it a more targeted comparison for students interested in couples and families than a general clinical mental health track. Verify which professional license the curriculum is designed to support in the state where you plan to practice (Regent University).
William & Mary - MEd in School Counseling: This route centers school counseling rather than private clinical practice. Students aiming for Virginia schools should compare its field experiences and endorsement guidance with Virginia Department of Education requirements (William & Mary).
Old Dominion University - master's in Mental Health Counseling: Its defined mental health focus makes it pertinent to applicants pursuing clinical service settings. Ask how the program arranges and approves supervised training where you live, rather than assuming online classes mean remote fieldwork (Old Dominion University).
Regent University - MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: This track is the school's clinical alternative to its family- and school-focused counseling degrees. Choose it on the basis of your intended clinical credential and placement setting, not because those degree titles appear interchangeable (Regent University).
William & Mary - MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Unlike its school-counseling route, this program is oriented toward clinical mental health practice. Comparing the two helps applicants avoid selecting a school-based curriculum when their goal is a clinical license (William & Mary).
Emory & Henry University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: The program's clinical mental health designation makes it relevant to prospective therapists. Confirm its current online attendance requirements and field-site support before treating geographic convenience as a deciding advantage (Emory & Henry University).
Regent University - MA in School Counseling: This is its school-focused option, distinct from the university's clinical mental health and marriage-and-family tracks. It best fits applicants who want to assess preparation for school counselor credentialing rather than independent clinical practice (Regent University).
Virginia Commonwealth University - MS in Rehabilitation Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation concentration: The named concentration combines rehabilitation counseling with a clinical focus, a different emphasis from a general mental health master's. It merits particular attention if your interests include counseling people with disabilities; verify the curriculum and delivery format against your intended credential (Virginia Commonwealth University).
These are program distinctions, not claims that each listed degree is fully online or automatically qualifies graduates for the same license. Request the current handbook and a written explanation of how the program addresses your intended state's requirements.
A counseling master's commonly takes about two to three years of full-time study; part-time enrollment can extend that timeline. Doctoral study usually takes longer, while an undergraduate counseling-related path is a separate commitment. Your actual finish date depends on course sequencing, approved transfer credits, fieldwork availability, and whether you study through summers (individual program requirements).
A shorter advertised schedule is valuable only if you can complete placements and meet the educational rules for your goal. Compare the fastest counseling programs with each program's course calendar and ask what happens if a placement is delayed. If you plan to become a Virginia licensed professional counselor, budget time after the degree for supervised residency and other board requirements; graduation is not the licensing date (Virginia Board of Counseling).
The principal difference is where and how you attend academic instruction. Either format can require face-to-face skills development, supervised client contact, and approved field sites. For a working professional, online coursework may reduce commuting; for someone who wants regular in-person interaction or access to nearby placement relationships, a campus-based option may be easier to manage.
Evaluate the whole delivery model, not its label. Ask about live class times, campus visits, placement geography, supervisor qualifications, and any restrictions on students who move states. A student near a campus should not assume online is cheaper, and a rural student should not assume that an online program can arrange local supervision. Those practical differences may outweigh the convenience of remote lectures (individual program requirements; Virginia Board of Counseling).
There is no single useful average for the programs in this guide: they include different degree levels, credit requirements, institution types, and delivery arrangements. An institution-wide graduate tuition average can also differ substantially from the price of a specific counseling program. For a defensible comparison, use each school's current published per-credit tuition and required credits, then add mandatory fees, travel, fieldwork expenses, and any extra terms needed to finish (National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS; individual institutional tuition schedules).
At a Virginia public university, check whether you qualify for in-state tuition; compare that actual rate with private nonprofit and other offers rather than assuming an institution type determines value. The most affordable counseling programs can help establish a shortlist, but request a written total-cost estimate for your enrollment plan. Include expected aid and borrowing costs before deciding that the lowest advertised tuition is the lowest-cost degree.
Eligible students may be able to use federal student loans at a Title IV-participating institution and seek school scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition benefits, or applicable Virginia aid. Eligibility depends on factors such as the program, enrollment, residency, and the aid program's rules; online attendance by itself does not establish or eliminate eligibility (Federal Student Aid; State Council of Higher Education for Virginia).
Graduate borrowing rules deserve a fresh check before you accept an offer. Under rules effective for new borrowing beginning July 2026, new graduate students generally cannot rely on a new Graduate PLUS loan; limited continuation provisions may apply to qualifying students already in a program with earlier borrowing. Ask the financial aid office to review your eligibility and financing gap rather than building a budget around past Graduate PLUS availability (Federal Student Aid).
Submit the FAFSA, request the program's full aid offer, and compare the amount you would actually borrow - not merely the amount offered. Aid that requires a particular course load may be less useful if you need part-time study to keep working.
View the chart data as a table
Projected job growth 2025-2035 - Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (U.S.) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
18
All occupations
3
For a master's program, expect to document a bachelor's degree and meet the school's stated admissions requirements, which may include transcripts, recommendations, a statement of purpose, or an interview. Specific prerequisite courses and policies vary; a counseling-related undergraduate major is not universally required. A counselor education doctorate may require an appropriate prior graduate degree and professional preparation (individual institution admissions pages).
Before applying, separate admission requirements from licensure requirements. A school may admit you even if its curriculum is not the right route to your intended credential. Review the easiest counseling programs for admissions comparison, then ask the program which past courses can transfer, whether transfer credit changes the fieldwork sequence, and how it documents alignment with Virginia's board or school-counselor rules (Virginia Board of Counseling; Virginia Department of Education).
Master's-level coursework commonly addresses counseling theories, helping skills, ethics, assessment, research, multicultural practice, and supervised practicum and internship. Clinical mental health students may study diagnosis and treatment planning; school-counseling students focus on school systems and student development; rehabilitation students examine disability and vocational concerns. Exact course names, credit allocation, and fieldwork requirements differ by program (individual program curricula; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Read the required-course sequence, not just a list of electives. A course may be offered infrequently or require prior skills training before fieldwork. Ask for a sample plan matched to your intended pace so you can see whether an online schedule accommodates both work and clinical placement.
The most consequential choice is often between distinct professional pathways, not between electives within one degree. Clinical mental health counseling points toward clinical services; school counseling toward work in schools; marriage, couple, and family counseling toward relational practice; and rehabilitation counseling toward disability-related services. Counselor education and supervision is an advanced academic and professional route (individual program descriptions).
Do not treat these labels as interchangeable licensing promises. Virginia's Board of Counseling and Department of Education oversee different credentials, while another state may apply different rules if you move. Choose the credential and likely workplace first, then check whether a program's required curriculum and supervised experiences support that destination.
Start with the job and credential you want, then compare only programs that plausibly support both. CACREP accreditation is a program-level designation, not the same thing as institutional accreditation or federal-aid eligibility; check the relevant accreditor's directory and the Virginia regulator's current requirements rather than relying on a broad accreditation statement (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs; Virginia Board of Counseling; Virginia Department of Education).
Use these questions to turn a shortlist into a decision:
Which specific Virginia license or school credential is this track designed to support, and which requirements would remain after graduation?
Where can I complete supervised fieldwork, who secures and approves the site, and what happens if no local site is available?
What will I pay through completion after fees and aid, and how much would I need to borrow?
How many terms will my actual course load require, and which previously completed courses can transfer?
What recent program-level completion and relevant employment or examination outcomes can the school document?
Then compare the most valuable counseling programs against your own circumstances. A sound return-on-investment estimate considers completion probability, program length, opportunity cost, aid, debt, earnings before and after the degree, and how long you expect to work in the field - not a ranking position or occupational median alone. Treat vague licensing answers, unclear placement responsibility, and tuition quotes that omit required fees as reasons to investigate further.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by counseling career path (U.S., BLS May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
Psychologists
99,110
Postsecondary Teachers
85,330
Marriage & Family Therapists
66,940
School & Career Counselors
64,330
Mental Health Counselors
59,350
Rehabilitation Counselors
46,850
A relevant master's can be a step toward licensed professional counseling, school counseling, marriage and family work, or rehabilitation counseling, depending on the degree and applicable credential rules. Graduates may also pursue supervised or otherwise qualified roles before obtaining an independent license. A counselor education doctorate can support teaching, research, and supervision careers, although hiring requirements differ by employer (Virginia Board of Counseling; Virginia Department of Education; individual program descriptions).
Work backward from actual job descriptions. If employers in your preferred setting require a Virginia LPC, confirm the complete board pathway; if they require a school credential, confirm the Department of Education route instead. A counseling-focused undergraduate degree can provide preparation for further study, but should not be mistaken for a master's-level clinical credential.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
70–74
1
75–79
1
80–84
1
85–89
3
90–94
9
95–99
1
Nationally, employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2025 to 2035. That signals a stronger broad outlook than growth alone can tell you about openings near a particular Virginia placement site; it also does not remove the need for the credential an employer requests (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections).
Look separately at opportunities in the part of the state where you intend to live. Community services boards, school divisions, health systems, and private employers serve different populations and can ask for different credentials (Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Virginia Department of Education). Search current postings by setting and required license, then ask programs where recent students completed fieldwork. That gives you a more useful local signal than treating a national growth projection as a job offer.
2027 Best Online Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in Virginia
Education is a consequential investment, particularly when a counseling degree may lead to additional supervised experience before independent practice. Research.com designed this ranking to help readers compare programs using documented outcomes, accreditation, eligibility for federal aid, and cost rather than relying on reputation alone.
For the Best ranking, Research.com first combines program completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), licensure exam pass rates where applicable (20%), CACREP programmatic accreditation where applicable (16%), and institutional Title IV eligibility (4%). Shares are recalculated when a measure does not apply. Program cost contributes a smaller component - about 7% of the final score. The same method applies to online and on-campus programs; other Research.com counseling rankings order programs by the dimension named in each ranking. The team uses the following data sources to check the quality, credibility, and accuracy of its comparisons:
IPEDS database - institutional reporting on enrollment, completions, and tuition.
A ranking narrows the field; it cannot confirm that a particular track meets your intended licensing board's rules or that its placements work near your home. Use it alongside current program disclosures and written answers from admissions staff. See Research.com's methodology for more about how the ranking was created.
# 1 position
Bluefield University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
95.62
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Time to Complete: 2 years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
42%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Class size
14
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; personal statement; graduate reference forms/three recommendations; current resume/CV; eligibility for readmission at last institution; personal and group interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Bluefield University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.62/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 2 position
Liberty University
Doctor
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Delivery mode: hybrid
94.33
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
79.35%
GPA range
3.25 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 30; Spring: September 30
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Master's degree from an accredited institution meeting CACREP entry-level standards, minimum 3.25 GPA; applicants with a related master's (counseling, psychology, human services) may need M.A.-level prerequisite courses first.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts, two recommendations, 300-word letter of intent, vita (counseling license or 1+ year clinical experience), 3-5 page APA case vignette, possible interview, TOEFL if needed. Nine required intensive courses are held in Lynchburg, VA.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Liberty University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.33/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
Hold a B.A. or B.S. from a regionally accredited college or university (counseling, psychology or related human behavioral fields desirable; other fields considered); minimum 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework.
Additional requirements
Program requirement: two on-campus one-week residencies (Residency A and B, Virginia Beach, VA), held in January/August, 8 a.m.-5 p.m..
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Regent University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.24/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 4 position
William & Mary
Master
M.Ed. in Counseling – School Counseling Concentration
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.23
/ 100
Final score
Program length
in as few as three years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application deadline
Priority: September 4; Deadline: November 6 (Spring term); Next Start: January 11
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Completed bachelor's degree (or equivalent); applications reviewed holistically from various academic backgrounds.
Additional requirements
Completed online application; $50 application fee; official academic transcripts from all institutions attended; 3 letters of recommendation from professional and academic references; personal essay; resume detailing full employment history.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
William & Mary earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.23/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 5 position
Old Dominion University
Master
Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
91.79
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5-3 years full-time
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.80 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: Feb 1; Spring: Oct 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Applicants may hold a bachelor's degree in any field; must meet minimum university requirements for Graduate Admission.
Additional requirements
Online application, current resume, essay, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
B.A. or B.S. from a regionally accredited institution and minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Counseling, psychology and related human behavioral fields are preferred; other degree fields are considered.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Regent University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.31/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 7 position
William & Mary
Master
M.Ed. in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.30
/ 100
Final score
Program length
in as few as three years
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Application deadline
January 8 (Summer 2027 term)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Completed bachelor's degree (or equivalent); applicants from various academic backgrounds accepted
Additional requirements
Online application, $50 fee, official transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, personal essay, resume; TOEFL 100/IELTS 7.0 for international applicants
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
William & Mary earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.3/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 8 position
Emory & Henry University
Master
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
91.04
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Total of six semesters (Fall-Spring-Summer x2)
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
67% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; minimum overall GPA of 2.75.
Additional requirements
Two professional recommendation letters; statement of interest of no more than two pages discussing career goals and professional fit, readiness for graduate study, counseling relationship potential, and respect for all identities; group interview.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Emory & Henry University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 91.04/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 67% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 9 position
Regent University
Master
M.A. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
90.77
/ 100
Final score
Program length
suggested three-year plan
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
Regent University Online Application (direct)
Prerequisites
B.A. or B.S. from a regionally accredited institution; minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA; counseling, psychology or related degrees desirable
Additional requirements
Regent University online application; unofficial transcripts (official transcripts requested by Regent after you apply; international transcripts evaluated by a NACES or NAFSA agency); admissions questionnaire;
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Regent University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.77/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 10 position
Virginia Commonwealth University
Master
Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, Master of Science (M.S.) with a concentration in clinical rehabilitation counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
90.33
/ 100
Final score
Program length
six semesters; semesters three and six are completed during the summer
Specialization
Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: Jan 15
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or its equivalent
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; personal statement; supplemental statements (engagement, lived experience, growth, skills); three references; resume/CV. Two courses (RHAB 612, RHAB 691) are taken on campus in Richmond, as one-week intensives or weekly.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Virginia Commonwealth University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 90.33/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 11 position
James Madison University
Doctor
Counseling and Supervision, Ph.D.
Delivery mode: hybrid
87.49
/ 100
Final score
Program length
designed to be completed in 3 years
Specialization
Counselor Education and Supervision
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
89% (2025-26)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2025-26)
Application deadline
January 5
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Advanced degree (M.A., M.S. or Ed.S.) from an entry-level counseling program of at least 60 credits meeting counselor licensure coursework requirements. CACREP graduates receive preference.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts; counseling-focused resume; three recommendations (incl. academic and clinical supervisor); 10+ page APA writing sample; 2,000+ word personal statement. Top applicants interviewed in late January or early February.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
James Madison University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 87.49/100, supported by 89% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 12 position
Divine Mercy University
Master
M.S. in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
86.48
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Full-time students typically complete the program over a three-year period
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
66 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Employment or doctoral admission
69% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Additional requirements
Complete the online application, review responses, sign and complete the electronic signature, and verify the electronic signature through the confirmation email.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Divine Mercy University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 86.48/100, with 69% employment or doctoral admission rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-10-31.
# 13 position
Norfolk State University
Master
M.A. in Counseling Education – Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
85.63
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Program completion rate
86% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
58% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: Apr 15; Spring: Oct 15
Class size
16
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (university-wide graduate admission requirement).
Additional requirements
Accredited bachelor's; online application and fee; GPA 2.5 undergrad (3.0 graduate); official transcripts; 3 letters of recommendation; personal statement; resume; faculty interview. Apply by Apr 15 (Fall) / Oct 15 (Spring). GRE not required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Norfolk State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 85.63/100, supported by 58% licensure exam pass rate and 86% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-03.
# 14 position
Bluefield University
Master
Master of Arts in Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
84.58
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
10%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
50% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2023-24)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; personal statement; graduate reference forms/three recommendations; current resume/CV; eligibility for readmission at last institution; personal and group interview
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Bluefield University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 84.58/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 100% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 15 position
Liberty University
Master
Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: online
76.00
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
88.35%
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
47% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
98.63% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
82.39% (2024-25)
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a recognized accredited institution; minimum 2.7 GPA for good standing. Applicants with a master's or 12+ graduate credits are evaluated on graduate work. Three statistics credits required before specified courses.
Additional requirements
Application; college transcripts; two professional recommenders; statement of purpose with three 200–250-word responses on counseling goals, cross-cultural interaction and relationships; department review; TOEFL or alternative if non-native.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Liberty University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 76.0/100, supported by 82.39% licensure exam pass rate and 47% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
# 16 position
Liberty University
Master
M.Ed. in School Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
72.24
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
School Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
Acceptance rate
87.28%
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
46% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Licensure exam pass rate
59.66% (2024-25)
Application deadline
rolling
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with minimum 2.7 GPA (master's-level work assessed if applicable); two professional recommenders; 200-250 word Statement of Purpose; Mission and Diversity Statement form; TOEFL or alternative for non-native speakers.
Additional requirements
Official college transcripts (bachelor's degree, min. 2.7 GPA); completion of Mission Statement and Diversity Statement form; departmental approval required for admission; TOEFL or approved alternative for non-native English speakers.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Liberty University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 72.24/100, supported by 59.66% licensure exam pass rate and 46% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-03-31.
Frequently asked questions about online Counseling degree in Virginia
Can I become a Virginia licensed professional counselor entirely online?
Online coursework may be possible, but the degree alone does not confer a license. Check the Virginia Board of Counseling's qualifying education, supervised residency, examination, and application requirements, and confirm how the program handles in-person or supervised fieldwork.
Is CACREP accreditation required for every Virginia counseling career?
No single accreditation rule covers every counseling-related career. Check the requirements for your intended credential with the relevant Virginia regulator, and verify any program-level CACREP status directly with the accreditor (Virginia Board of Counseling; Virginia Department of Education; Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).
Will an online school-counseling degree qualify me to work in Virginia schools?
Not automatically. Ask the program how its coursework and field experiences align with Virginia Department of Education school-counselor endorsement requirements, and confirm what you must complete after graduation.
Can I keep working while completing a counseling master's?
Part-time study may make coursework manageable, but practicum and internship schedules can limit work flexibility. Ask for the hours and typical scheduling of every required placement before committing to an enrollment pace.
Is a cheaper counseling program always the better investment?
No. Compare total cost after aid with completion time, placement support, credential alignment, likely borrowing, and your employment goals. A lower tuition quote has little value if the program does not support the credential you need.
See What Experts Have To Say About Studying Counseling
