CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in Virginia
Graduating with a master’s in counseling from an accredited university can be a great first step to becoming a licensed counselor. The state of Virginia offers significant opportunities to upcoming college students in terms of reliable degree programs and exceptional career options.
Here are a few schools in Virginia with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:- College of William and Mary: M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling M.Ed. in School Counseling Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Eastern Mennonite University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Hampton University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in School Counseling M.A. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
- James Madison University: M.A./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| University of Denver Online MA in School Counseling Designed to adhere to CACREP standards | ✔ Live, online classes No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required | Earn your degree in as few as 24 months Learn More |
| University of Southern California Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling Prepares you for school counseling credential | ✔ Live, online classes No GRE requirement | Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required Learn More |
| Capella University Master's Degree in Counseling  CACREP Accredited | ✔ Online No GRE—No Entrance Exam | Choose from Addictions, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or School Counseling specialties Learn More |
| Our Lady of the Lake University Online Master of Arts in Counseling | ✔ Online No GRE required. | Help students navigate the emotional terrain of getting an education, empower people of all ages to overcome mental health hurdles, or support someone recovering from drug addiction as they obtain or maintain a job, with the Master of Arts in Counseling from OLLU. Learn More |
| Capella University PhD in Counseling CACREP Accredited | ✔ Online Scholarships Available | Choose from Human Behavior or Counselor Education specialities Learn More |
| East Central University Online BA in Human Services Counseling Accredited | ✔ Online | 5 concentrations in Counseling, Rehabilitation, Aging, Prevention Science and Services to the Deaf Learn More |
| University of West Alabama Online Counseling and Psychology Degrees | ✔ Online Multiple online counseling degree options | Programs in experimental psychology, clinical mental health counseling, family counseling Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP-Accredited Programs
If an online program is your preference, several Virginia colleges offer online master’s in counseling degree programs, including the College of William & Mary, Liberty University, and Regent University.
Popular cities for online counseling programs in this state are Williamsburg and Lynchburg; they are home to two of the colleges listed above. Counseling programs can offer different curriculum and specialization options, so it is important to research each college to ensure that you find the one that closely meets your needs.
A number of online CACREP-Accredited LCP programs in Virginia can provide a solid foundation for students seeking to work as counselors.
College of William & Mary
The College of William & Mary has an online MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (with a military and veterans counseling option) and an MEd in School Counseling available to students. Both programs prepare highly qualified professionals to practice in public schools and mental health settings.
These 60-credit-hour programs include a 100-hour practicum and/or a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) placement over two seven-and-a-half week “minimesters” as well as a 600-hour internship to meet CACREP accreditation requirements. They also include two in-person residences to help students gain more hands-on experience.
Regent University
Regent University offers online MA in Counseling degrees with focuses in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling; Clinical Mental Health Counseling; School Counseling; and Pastoral Counseling.
Depending on which program you choose, you may be exposed to different theories and applications relevant to your chosen field. Courses can be conducted via the online platform, with in-person internships and practicums required to graduate.
At higher degree levels, counseling students can even consider moving into an online doctoral program at Regent University. The school offers a CACREP-accredited PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Offered online with residency, this program can prepare you for a leadership role in the world of mental health while you complete your internship and an original dissertation to present.
Liberty University
Liberty University’s online MAin Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree can train students to become licensed professional counselors (LPC) through specialized coursework. The program consists of 60 credit hours that can normally be completed in two and a half years.
Additionally, Liberty University’s CACREP-accredited MEd in School Counseling can equip students to work in Christian, public, and private school settings. This 48-credit-hour program can normally be completed in two and a half years and offers specialized coursework that can certify student counselors for positions at K-12 schools.
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
University of Denver - Online MA in School Counseling ( Accredited)
University of Southern California - Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling Capella University - Master's Degree in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Our Lady of the Lake University - Online Master of Arts in Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited) Capella University - PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
East Central University - Online BA in Human Services Counseling (HLC Accredited)
University of West Alabama - Online Counseling and Psychology Degrees (SACSCC Accredited)Virginia is a land that is rich with American history. People come to Virginia from all over the world to see sights and enjoy the beautiful land.
For those within Virginia that are seeking a counseling degree, this state provides well for educational needs.
Arlington and Lynchburg are popular places for students to call home, offering programs in counseling psychology and school counseling. There are two of the most preferred degree programs throughout the state.
Administering therapy and working directly with patients are advantages to being a licensed professional. Undergraduate degree holders can find employment from customer service to assisting licensed professionals in a clinical setting. Depending on interests, there are job availabilities that are seeking those with experience with human emotions.
A Counseling Career in Virginia
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Virginia earned an average annual salary of $53,780 in 2020, which is more than the national average. The BLS also projects a nationwide job growth of 25% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than average. This means that there will likely be increasing job opportunities in the counseling field in the future.
Licensed counselors can enjoy varied positions, responsibilities, and work environments. Professional counselors are free to work in clinical settings or even start their own private practices. Many counselors work in inpatient or outpatient medical centers, hospitals, or government facilities. Administering therapy and working directly with patients are advantages to being a licensed professional who has earned a graduate degree.
Sources:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Counseling Specialties
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Virginia Department of Education
Virginia Department of Health Professions, Board of Counseling
Virginia Counseling Licensure: Virginia Counseling Licensing Boards
Virginia Counseling Licensure
Board of Counseling
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23233
804/367-4610
[email protected]
www.dhp.virginia.gov/counseling
Licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
School Counseling Licensure
Department of Education Teacher Education and Licensure
James Monroe Building
PO Box 2120
Richmond, VA 23218-2120
(804) 225-2022
[email protected]
www.doe.virginia.gov
School Counselor [PreK-12]
A Counseling Career in Virginia
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Virginia earned an average annual salary of $53,780 in 2020, which is more than the national average. The BLS also projects a nationwide job growth of 25% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than average. This means that there will likely be increasing job opportunities in the counseling field in the future.
Licensed counselors can enjoy varied positions, responsibilities, and work environments. Professional counselors are free to work in clinical settings or even start their own private practices. Many counselors work in inpatient or outpatient medical centers, hospitals, or government facilities. Administering therapy and working directly with patients are advantages to being a licensed professional who has earned a graduate degree.
If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in Virginia.Popular Online Counseling Programs
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Southern California 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online Masters
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online Doctorate
East Central University 🗹 Online 🗖 Bachelors
University of West Alabama 🗹 Online 🗖 Bachelors 🗗 Masters
Post University 🗹 Online
Northcentral University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
Capella University 🗹 Online Masters
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited Virginia Counseling Degrees
CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs) is the top accrediting board for counseling programs. Below, you will find a list of all of the CACREP accredited counseling programs in Virginia. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
College of William and Mary
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/1/2005 to 10/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1998 to 10/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1998 to 10/31/2022
Eastern Mennonite University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2016 to 10/31/2025
Hampton University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
James Madison University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/14/2010 to 3/31/2028
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1994 to 3/31/2028
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1996 to 3/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 3/31/2028
Liberty University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/19/2019 to 3/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2013 to 3/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/5/2015 to 3/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2015 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/12/2016 to 3/31/2023
Liberty University - School of Behavioral Sciences
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
Longwood University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2018 to 3/31/2028
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2018 to 3/31/2028
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2018 to 3/31/2028
Marymount University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 3/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/10/2014 to 3/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2012 to 3/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/2000 to 3/31/2025
Old Dominion University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2007 to 3/31/2028
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1995 to 3/31/2028
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2007 to 3/31/2028
Radford University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/4/2011 to 3/31/2028
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1994 to 3/31/2028
Regent University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1999 to 3/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/18/2006 to 3/31/2024
South University, Richmond
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
South University, Virginia Beach Campus
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2020
University of Lynchburg
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/9/2015 to 10/31/2019
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 2 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 4/1/1992 to 10/31/2019
University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College)
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2022
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1990 to 10/31/2022
University of Virginia
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1978 to 10/31/2027
Virginia Commonwealth University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2007 to 3/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/10/2007 to 3/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/13/2017 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/5/2015 to 3/31/2025
Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1998 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/9/2014 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1998 to 10/31/2023
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in Virginia
View all programs in Virginia below, or jump to all Virginia CACREP accredited counseling programs.Averett University Danville
- Bachelors - Clinical Counseling
College of William and Mary Williamsburg
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Eastern Mennonite University Harrisonburg
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Hampton University Hampton
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
- M.A. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
James Madison University Harrisonburg
- Doctorate - Clinical Counseling
- M.A./Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.Ed./Ed.S. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Liberty University Lynchburg
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Liberty University - School of Behavioral Sciences Lynchburg
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
Longwood University Farmville
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in College Counseling and Student Affairs
- M.S. in School Counseling
Marymount University Arlington
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
Old Dominion University Norfolk
- M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Radford University Radford
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
Regent University Virginia Beach
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
South University, Richmond Glen Allen
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
South University, Virginia Beach Campus Virginia Beach
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Lynchburg Lynchburg
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
University of Lynchburg (formerly Lynchburg College) Lynchburg
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
University of Virginia Charlottesville
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
- M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Affairs
- M.Ed. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg
- Doctorate - School Counseling
Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University Blacksburg
- Ed.D./Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
