3 Best Master in Counseling Programs in North Dakota – Campus and Online
Looking for a master of science in professional counseling degree that matches your career goals? North Dakota’s top counseling programs give aspiring mental health professionals excellent options with flexibility, affordability, and specialized training.
Graduate counseling education in North Dakota has evolved to meet student needs through a variety of program structures. The University of North Dakota’s counseling psychology program lets students shape their M.A. in Counseling based on their interests. Students need 60-66 credits based on their chosen track, with yearly tuition around $24,000. The University of Mary’s CACREP-accredited programs blend online coursework with hands-on experiences. These programs work well for professionals who want to continue working, with tuition at $640 per credit.
Students can choose between hybrid learning models and seminar-style classes that focus on theoretical understanding. These programs build the educational foundation needed to become a licensed counseling professional. Let’s check out the three best master’s in counseling programs available in North Dakota, both on-campus and online.
University of Mary – M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The University of Mary leads North Dakota’s counseling education with its Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Students get into a rigorous curriculum that prepares them to tackle critical mental health challenges while following Christian and Benedictine values.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Counseling program with Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration gives you advanced skills to help others overcome mental health challenges. Graduates learn to become skilled counselors who make real differences in people’s lives. You’ll build practical counseling skills along with a strong theoretical foundation.
The program helps you get professional credentials and licensure as a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in North Dakota. The university’s admission team can help you understand how the program meets your state’s requirements if you plan to work outside North Dakota.
Mental health professionals are in high demand, with an 18% projected job growth rate over 10 years. This growth shows how people now recognize mental health’s importance and counselors’ vital role in meeting these needs.
Key features
The counseling program stands out with several unique features. The program builds on Benedictine values that shape the institution. These values blend with professional ethics to create counselors who master technical skills and understand service and respect for all people.
Program graduates commit to these core principles:
- Lifelong Scholarship and Learning: Students learn the eight core CACREP areas and understand the need for ongoing education
- Personal Growth: Students develop self-knowledge through feedback and work with peers and professionals
- Service: The Benedictine value of service shapes community work and counseling practice
- Respect for All Persons: Students learn how relationships power counseling, with respect as the base
- Professional Practice: Graduates become leaders who use evidence-based and culturally competent counseling
The program shows its excellence through focus on communication skills. Students improve their speaking, writing, listening, and professional interaction abilities with clients, classmates, supervisors, and instructors.
Small class sizes and personal academic support come from a 12:1 full-time student-to-faculty ratio. Students get more individual attention and better learning opportunities.
Tuition and duration
Cost and time matter a lot in graduate education. The University of Mary charges $665 per credit, making it cheaper than many private schools. The university’s graduate tuition costs about half of what private colleges charge nationwide.
You can finish the program in 20 to 32 months based on your chosen track. This helps you balance your studies with work and personal life.
The University of Mary offers graduate scholarships and aid programs to students who qualify. Your total cost includes direct charges on your student account and other expenses you’ll have as a student.
Remember that fees and costs might change. Check current rates when you apply.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited the University of Mary’s counseling programs. This gold standard recognition shows the program’s high-quality education.
Dr. Christina Jurekovic, assistant professor and co-chair and online program coordinator for counseling says, “CACREP accreditation is truly the gold standard for ensuring a high-quality counselor education program”. Students develop skills and knowledge to work as licensed clinical mental health counselors.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialty keeps its accreditation through March 31, 2031. This long period shows the program’s stability and quality standards.
The program prepares you for licensure paths. You can become a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in North Dakota. The courses meet all North Dakota Board of Counseling Examiners (NDBCE) licensure requirements.
Students who want licenses in other states should contact state counseling boards or check the National Board for Certified Counselors state board directory.
Delivery format
The University of Mary offers three ways to take its counseling program:
- In-person: Regular classes at the main campus in Bismarck, ND
- Online: All courses online for flexibility
- Blended: Mix of online courses and weekly classes either on campus or through video calls
You can take all three graduate counseling programs either through blended learning or a fully online program. Every student must attend one in-person residency at the Bismarck campus.
This mix of online and face-to-face learning works well. Working professionals find it easier to manage their education with current jobs.
Students move through classes together in groups called cohorts. This builds collaboration, trust, communication, and support – key skills for counselors.
Admission requirements
The Graduate Counseling Admission Committee takes new students in fall and summer terms.
Submit your application by March 1st to get early admission. The program interviews students until they fill all spots and creates a waitlist if needed.
You need:
- A completed online Application for Admission
- Bachelor’s degree (Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or similar Human Service fields preferred)
- At least 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Resume or CV
- Two professional recommendations
- All official college transcripts
- A 2-4 page Statement of Purpose about why you want to join, become a counselor, use Benedictine values, and what you’ll add to the program
- Interview with the Graduate Counseling Admissions Committee
The admissions team helps you through each step after accepting you as a graduate candidate.
The university welcomes students from different backgrounds, including transfers from accredited colleges. They look at each application carefully.
You can get credits for work experience through tests or portfolio review. Military service counts toward your degree too, with specific transcript processes for each service branch.
The University of Mary’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers top-quality counseling education in North Dakota. Its values-based approach, CACREP accreditation, flexible learning options, and strong curriculum help graduates make a difference in mental health while growing their careers.
University of Jamestown – M.S. in Clinical Counseling
The Presbyterian Church established the University of Jamestown in 1883. The university now offers a distinctive master of science in professional counseling through its M.S. in Clinical Counseling program. The American Psychological Association (APA) recently selected this program as a pilot for its new master’s-level accreditation initiative. This selection makes the university a pioneer in counseling education in North Dakota.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program at University of Jamestown combines education, research, and clinical practice. Students receive thorough professional preparation to become counselors. The program aims to produce graduates who are “competent, compassionate, and ethical and who will serve their patients/clients and communities through the practice of quality, evidence-based counseling”.
This 60-credit hour curriculum helps students become Licensed Professional Counselors with specialized training in evidence-based therapeutic approaches. The program sees counseling as “a dynamic profession with an established theoretical and scientific base and widespread clinical applications in the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal mental health functioning”.
Students grow into “knowledgeable, service-oriented, self-assured, adaptable, reflective practitioners” who can make independent clinical judgments based on evidence. The program gives students skills to help clients with various mental health challenges, including those with “impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in mental health function and health status resulting from injury, disease, or other causes”.
Students master five elements of patient/client management throughout their studies: examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention. This approach helps optimize therapeutic outcomes. After graduation, students can work in “a broad range of inpatient, outpatient, and community-based settings”.
Key features
The Clinical Counseling program stands out from other regional counseling programs. The APA chose this program from a national pool to participate as a pilot for its new master’s-level accreditation initiative. Program director Dr. Melissa Schultz says, “If we go through the process and meet all their standards of accreditation, we could be one of the very first APA-accredited programs at the master’s level”.
Small class sizes allow students to receive individual attention. They build supportive relationships with faculty and classmates in their cohort. The program maintains a 1:10 full-time faculty-to-student ratio, which ensures personal guidance throughout each student’s educational experience.
Students develop clinical skills through case-oriented learning. They learn principles and practices of diagnosis, treatment, referral, and prevention while getting focused clinical education and hands-on training.
The program places special emphasis on trauma and crisis counseling. Students interact extensively with instructors and classmates, creating a rich learning environment. These interactive elements help students develop essential communication skills for counseling practice, despite the online format.
Students learn to work independently—a vital skill for professional counselors. The university states, “Professional counselors are able to work with a lot of independence, and this program develops the skills needed to thrive in that kind of work environment”. This makes the program ideal for “students who are self-motivated and energized by the challenge of coursework that is both in-depth and ever-changing”.
Tuition and duration
The University of Jamestown offers competitive tuition rates for its Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program. Students pay $680 per credit hour, making the total program cost for the required 60 credit hours approximately $40,800. For working professionals concerned about financing their education, it’s worth noting that employees of businesses that partner with the University of Jamestown receive a 10% discount on tuition.
Regarding program duration, students typically complete the program in 24 months. The curriculum is structured to allow students to complete 60 credit hours over the course of six semesters. Courses run in an accelerated eight-week format, with students typically taking two courses at a time. This schedule provides a balance between academic rigor and the flexibility needed by working professionals.
The program breaks down costs per semester in the following manner:
First Year (Fall and Spring):
- Tuition: $8,160 (12 credits per semester)
- Fees: $30 per semester
- Standard allowance for housing/food: $6,000 per semester
- Books and supplies: $800 per semester
- Transportation: $1,000 per semester
- Miscellaneous: $1,000 per semester
- Subtotal per semester: $16,990
Summer Session:
- Tuition: $4,080 (6 credits)
- Fees: $30
- Standard allowance for housing/food: $6,000
- Books and supplies: $400
- Transportation: $500
- Miscellaneous: $500
- Subtotal: $12,510
Beyond these direct costs, students should consider that during the second year of the program, they complete practicum and internship field experiences. These hands-on experiences provide valuable professional development opportunities and help students discover their preferred counseling specialties.
Accreditation and licensure
The University of Jamestown holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This institutional accreditation ensures the university meets established standards for educational quality.
Exceptionally, the Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program was recently selected by the American Psychological Association (APA) as a pilot for its new master’s-level accreditation. This selection is particularly significant because “Up until this point, the APA has only accredited doctoral programs. It has now begun the process of accrediting master’s-level programs”. Dr. Schultz emphasized the significance: “The fact that the MCC program was selected from a national pool to be one of the first programs is very exciting”.
Achieving APA accreditation would provide substantial benefits. As Dr. Schultz explains, specialized accreditation “means the MCC program could make it easier for graduates to get licensed compared to if they were in a non-accredited program”. She further notes that “An APA accreditation will reflect the high quality of education we provide, making our program more widely known on a national scale, attracting more students, and helping us build on our reputation”.
Concerning licensure preparation, the University of Jamestown’s curriculum has been reviewed by the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners and meets the educational requirements for licensure in North Dakota at the level of Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC). The program curriculum satisfies the criteria set forth by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
It’s important to understand the licensure pathway. Upon graduation, students qualify for the LAPC designation, but “will need more training beyond the MCC program in order to meet requirements for the second (LPC) and third (LPCC) levels of licensure in the state”. The program prepares students for taking the National Counselor Examination (NCE), a key component of the licensure process.
For students interested in practicing outside North Dakota, the MCC program “currently meets educational requirements for clinical licensure in other states, including but not limited to South Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska”. Students should be aware that “Upon graduating, students will need to go through a professional licensure process which can take several months depending on the state”.
Delivery format
The University of Jamestown delivers its Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program primarily through an online format with strategic in-person components. According to the university catalog, “The master’s degree in Clinical Counseling is offered in a hybrid format with most courses being offered online and two required, in-person intensive courses offered in the summer in Jamestown”.
Other sources indicate that the program includes “a one-week, in-person residency on UJ’s Jamestown campus during the first summer of the program”. This hybrid approach balances convenience with essential face-to-face learning experiences. The program’s online delivery method “is designed to meet the needs of working professionals, which means you can complete your degree from wherever you are”.
A key advantage of this format is the flexibility it provides. With “24/7 access to our online classrooms, you can complete your coursework when it’s most convenient for you”. Courses run in eight-week blocks, with students typically taking two courses simultaneously. This accelerated format allows students to progress through the curriculum efficiently while maintaining work-life balance.
Despite the primarily online nature of the program, the curriculum ensures ample opportunities for interaction. Students form supportive relationships within their cohort and receive individualized attention from faculty. Throughout all courses, students have “extensive opportunities to interact with instructors and classmates”, fostering the communication skills essential for counseling practice.
Practical training forms a crucial component of the program structure. During the second year, “students complete practicum and internship field experiences, to be determined between the student and the program’s clinical coordinator”. These experiences include a minimum of 700 clinical training hours: 100 during Practicum and 600 during Internship, with 40% of those hours being direct client contact.
The program’s hybrid model provides a balanced approach that combines the convenience of online learning with essential in-person experiences, creating a comprehensive educational environment for future counseling professionals.
Admission requirements
The University of Jamestown offers two distinct pathways for admission to its Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program. The first option, Direct Entry, allows “current or future online or on-campus undergraduate students at the University of Jamestown to apply for direct entry into the Clinical Counseling program at any point during their time at UJ without applying through PSYCAS”. Through this pathway, “The Clinical Counseling program will hold a position for the applicant, pending successful graduation from the University of Jamestown”.
The second option is application through PSYCAS.org (Psychology Centralized Application Service). This pathway is for applicants who are not current University of Jamestown students. The program follows a rolling admissions process, with classes starting in the fall (August) each year.
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet several key requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university, preferably in psychology or a related field
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (with conditional consideration possible for those below 3.0)
- 18 psychology credits preferred (though not strictly required)
- Successful completion of an interview
The application process through PSYCAS involves submitting all required documents to the centralized service. The university emphasizes that “All required documents must be uploaded into PSYCAS for processing; do not mail or email documents to the program. Incomplete and/or unverified applications are not accepted”.
After applications are verified by PSYCAS, the program generally conducts interviews shortly after receiving completed applications. Following the interview, “a student may be accepted, rejected, or a decision may be deferred”. The application deadlines typically fall in July, though early application is advantageous.
Worth noting is that the University of Jamestown Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program gives priority to graduates of University of Jamestown. This preference aligns with the institution’s commitment to supporting its undergraduate alumni’s continued educational advancement.
Unlike many graduate programs, the University of Jamestown does not require GRE or GMAT test scores for admission. This policy removes a potential barrier for many qualified applicants and focuses the evaluation process on academic history, personal qualities, and professional potential rather than standardized test performance.
Through its dual admission pathways and comprehensive but accessible requirements, the University of Jamestown strives to identify and admit candidates with the academic background, personal qualities, and professional potential to succeed in the counseling field and contribute meaningfully to the mental health profession.
University of North Dakota – MA in Counseling
The University of North Dakota, 140 years old, stands as the state’s oldest educational institution with an MA in Counseling program. This program gives aspiring counselors multiple specialization options that align with their professional goals.
Program overview
The University’s MA in Counseling program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills needed to practice professional counseling. Students learn to work with diverse populations in settings of all types, from schools and community agencies to private practice.
The program offers three distinct specialization tracks:
- K-12 School Counseling
- Community Mental Health Counseling
- Rehabilitation Counseling
Each track needs 60-66 credit hours to complete, based on your choice. The K-12 School Counseling track needs 60 credits, while Community Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling tracks need 66 credits. Students usually take 3-4 courses each semester, with each course worth 3-4 credits.
The program follows a scientist-practitioner model that combines research knowledge with clinical skills. Students learn in classrooms and through supervised field work to develop their counseling skills before they graduate.
Key features
The University’s counseling program stands out in several ways. The three specialization tracks let students shape their education to match their career goals. They get focused training in their chosen counseling field.
The program’s faculty brings both clinical experience and academic credentials to the classroom. Their ground insights enrich class discussions. Many professors conduct active research and students get chances to work on advanced counseling research.
Multicultural competence runs through every course. Students learn to work with people from different cultures, economic backgrounds, and identities. This knowledge helps graduates serve clients from all walks of life.
The program also offers extensive clinical training through partnerships with local schools, community agencies, and healthcare facilities. Students gain supervised experience in actual counseling settings.
Many courses use a seminar-style approach that promotes deep discussions about counseling theories and practices. Students develop their professional identity while building technical skills.
Tuition and duration
The University’s tuition rates compete well with similar programs nationwide. For 2023-2024, graduate tuition costs about $562 per credit hour for residents and $843 for non-residents. With 60-66 credits needed, total tuition ranges from $33,720 to $39,600 for residents and $50,580 to $55,638 for non-residents.
Full-time students finish in 2-3 years, depending on their course load and specialization. Classes run during fall, spring, and summer terms. Working professionals can enroll part-time, though this takes longer to complete.
Students should plan for these extra costs:
- Books and supplies: about $1,000 yearly
- Technology fees: $85 per semester
- Student service fees: $60 per semester
- Program fees: $25 per credit hour for counseling courses
Graduate assistantships provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching or research help. The College of Education and Human Development offers several scholarships just for counseling students.
Accreditation and licensure
The program holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This recognition shows the program meets national standards for counselor education.
CACREP accreditation helps graduates get licensed, as many states accept CACREP-accredited programs’ educational requirements. The program prepares students for North Dakota’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials.
The K-12 School Counseling track meets requirements for school counselor certification in North Dakota and reciprocal states. The Rehabilitation Counseling track prepares students for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam.
Students planning to practice outside North Dakota benefit from CACREP accreditation that usually helps with license transfers between states. Each state has different requirements, so students should check their target state’s licensing board.
Delivery format
Students can choose between on-campus and online options for most courses. This flexibility helps meet different learning needs.
Campus courses meet once or twice weekly in Grand Forks. Students get face-to-face time with professors and peers, hands-on activities, role-plays, and immediate feedback.
Online courses happen in real-time at scheduled hours. Students discuss and interact virtually despite their location. Some courses let students complete work on their own schedule, which works well for those with varying work hours.
Every student must complete in-person practicum and internship experiences at approved sites. These supervised clinical experiences provide direct client contact hours needed for licensing.
Admission requirements
The counseling program maintains selective admission standards. Applicants need:
- Completed graduate school application
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (overall) and 3.0 (last two years)
- Three professional recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose describing career goals and program interest
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
GRE scores aren’t required, but coursework in psychology, human development, or related fields helps. After application review, chosen candidates interview with program faculty to assess their people skills and counseling potential.
Application deadlines come three times yearly:
- Fall admission: February 1
- Spring admission: October 1
- Summer admission: February 1
Students should apply early since the program accepts qualified candidates until all cohort spots fill up.
Pick Your North Dakota Counseling Master’s
Picking the right counseling program means thinking about how it fits your career goals and life situation. Three North Dakota schools offer excellent options for future counselors looking for quality graduate education.
These programs come with their own strengths. The University of Mary weaves Benedictine values into its courses while holding CACREP accreditation through 2031. University of Jamestown leads innovation as an APA master’s-level accreditation pilot program. The University of North Dakota’s three specialized tracks let you shape your education to match your career goals.
Program costs vary by a lot between schools, from $24,000 to $40,800 for the full program. You can complete these programs in 20-32 months, which helps you balance your investment with time commitments.
Many students, especially working professionals, need flexible learning options. Each program offers distance learning mixed with targeted in-person sessions. This blend helps you build face-to-face counseling skills while keeping your work-life balance.
These programs prepare you for professional licenses in North Dakota and beyond. The coursework matches state requirements for Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) credentials and builds foundations for advanced licenses as you grow in your career.
Mental health counseling jobs are growing faster, with projected 10-year job growth rates reaching 18%. This growth shows why quality education from accredited schools matters so much. Your choice among these three excellent North Dakota programs depends on what you value most—specialized training, costs, class format, or philosophical approach.
Whatever program you pick, a master’s in counseling from these respected North Dakota schools will set you up for success in this rewarding field where you help others through life’s challenges.