2023 Best Online Substance Abuse Counseling Degrees in Virginia

Liberty University (LU) is a private, nonprofit, Christian university. LU is not an LGBT-friendly institution. According to its Student Code, "statements and behaviors that are associated with LGBT lifestyle are prohibited." It offers the following online degrees in addiction counseling.

• The Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Addictions & Recovery features 120 credits of treatment and intervention practices. Required classes include Overview of Theory and Treatment of Substance Abuse as well as Psychology and Christianity. Graduates can apply for work as associate mental health professionals, crisis line operators, and rehabilitation counselors.
• The 30-credit Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling - Addictions & Recovery covers psychological theory and practical counselor training. Students are required to complete courses such as Treatment and the Recovery Process and Healthy Sexuality. Career opportunities include case managers, managed care specialists, and substance use counselors.
• The Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling - Addictions & Recovery is a 36-credit graduate program that looks at psychology through the eyes of Christianity and biblical counseling. A couple of course titles are Treatment and the Recovery Process as well as Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexual Addiction. Potential careers are church counselors, rehabilitation specialists, and substance abuse counselors.
• The Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling requires 48 credits covering addiction's ethical, legal, multicultural, and spiritual aspects. Students participate in courses such as Group Dynamics as well as Case Management and Relapse Prevention in Addiction Counseling. Graduates may pursue careers as addiction counselors, mental health services coordinators, and rehabilitation counselors.

All coursework is delivered 100% online and asynchronously through the Canvas learning management system. Online students can access an IT help desk, virtual writing center, and personal development resources.

Old Dominion University (ODU) is a large, public institution offering one undergraduate program.

• The Undergraduate Certificate in Addiction Prevention and Treatment is a short-term program requiring 18 credits. Students learn foundational skills in substance use assessment, prevention, intervention, and treatment. Human Services Methods and Introduction to Substance Abuse are two examples of required classes. Entry-level counseling roles may be found in rehabilitation centers, medical clinics, and youth programs.

ODU's online programs are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. Coursework is 100% online with synchronous and asynchronous modalities. Online students receive technical support services and academic advising.

Regent University Online (RU) is a medium-sized, nonprofit, and Christian school with the following graduate programs.

• The Master of Arts in Human Services - Addictions Counseling is a 30-credit, non-licensure program that utilizes ministry-based interventions for various addictions, including food, sex, and drugs. Coursework includes Addiction Intervention and Process Addictions. Graduates may seek careers as substance use counselors, medical services managers, and clinical case managers.
• The 39-credit Master of Science in Psychology - Addictions teaches addiction diagnosis techniques by exploring misuse, abuse, and dependency. Featured courses include Psychopathology and Addiction Intervention. Career options are non-licensed addiction counselors, mental health directors, and addiction researchers.
• The PhD in Counseling & Psychological Studies - Addictions Counseling requires 51 credits of psychological science, mental health counseling, and addiction research. Advanced Counseling Skills and Techniques as well as Addiction Intervention are among its core classes. Graduates will likely accept roles as university faculty in behavioral or social sciences, addictions program supervisors, and substance abuse program administrators.

RU uses Canvas for its online degrees, which are delivered entirely online with mostly asynchronous coursework. Online support is provided through career coaching, academic assistance, and mental health counseling.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a large, public institution with the following graduate degree and certificate program in the field of substance use.

• The Master of Science in Addiction Studies features 36 credits of prevention, treatment, and research techniques — with an additional focus on leadership skill development. Required courses include The Biological Basis of Addiction and Addiction Policy. Graduates are often prepared to take on administrative, managerial, and director roles in treatment programs.
• The Post-Master’s Certificate in Professional Counseling is meant for master's degree holders who need additional credits to apply for a professional counselor license. They'll gain insight through professional counseling relationships and learn about specialized counseling roles. Courses may include Human Growth and Development; and Counseling, Death, and Loss. There are two career specialization options: Certified Rehabilitation Counselor or Licensed Professional Counselor.

VCU uses the Canvas learning management system to deliver its asynchronous coursework. The master's in addiction studies is taken entirely online, while the professional counseling certificate is a hybrid with online and in-person requirements. VCU students receive financial counselors and IT support.

Virginia Peninsula Community College is a public college with a medium student population that hosts one online certificate in the substance use counseling field.

• The 28-credit-hour Career Studies Certificate - Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant is a program at Virginia Peninsula that covers the basics of addiction counseling, including concepts such as case management, counseling, and group dynamics. Some of the courses include Case Management and Substance Abuse, Sociology of the Family, and Developmental Psychology. Additionally, students are required to complete a coordinated internship in human services before graduation. Graduates may seek careers like youth behavior specialists, case managers, and behavioral health counselors.

At Virginia Peninsula, online students complete courses delivered asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. Virginia Peninsula’s online student services include technology support, an online bookstore, tutoring, an online library, academic advising, and career services.

Southwest Virginia Community College (SVCC) is a small, public college with one undergraduate program in substance use counseling.

• The Undergraduate Certificate in Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Counselor requires a minimum of 33 credits and it's meant for bachelor's degree holders. Students study psychology and therapy practices before undertaking an internship. Required classes include Substance Abuse Counseling and Basic Counseling Skills. Graduates may pursue human services careers in alcohol treatment programs, substance abuse treatment facilities, and group homes.

Canvas is the primary learning management system used at SVCC. Academic planning tools and a virtual library are available for remote learners.