3 Best Masters in Counseling Programs in South Dakota
Want to earn your counseling degree where your expertise can truly make a difference? South Dakota’s communities face pressing challenges – from poverty and isolation to limited career prospects. These issues have created an urgent need for qualified counseling professionals.
South Dakota has six schools that offer counseling programs. Four of these schools provide hybrid and online counseling options. These programs are available to students who cannot attend traditional classes. These flexible master’s in counseling programs work great for professionals who want to advance their careers without moving to a new location.
The state’s universities train students in five major counseling areas. These include mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse counseling. South Dakota State University’s 60-credit MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling helps students meet all requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health (LPC-MH). These programs are a great way to get experience that prepares you for rewarding work in the counseling field. You’ll have the chance to make a real impact on South Dakota residents’ lives.
University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota is a top choice for future counseling professionals. Its counseling program through the Division of Counseling & Psychology in Education helps students become ethical, thoughtful practitioners. USD creates a learning space that blends academic excellence with hands-on skills.
Program overview
USD’s counseling program helps students make real differences in people’s lives. The Division of Counseling & Psychology in Education builds a community of learners, scholars, educators, and advocates. Students learn from expert faculty who do research and lead in their fields. You’ll see how your coursework applies directly to real situations.
The master’s degree in counseling has two focus areas: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling K-12. Both need 60 credit hours. The program gets you ready for licensure and certification as a professional counselor. You can work in Pre-K-12 schools to support social and emotional learning, or choose private practice, hospitals, or mental health counseling agencies.
USD’s program stands out because it values social responsibility, self-awareness, and helping people from all backgrounds. Your training builds your professional identity on these ideas, so you can help others effectively.
Students become skilled, ethical, thoughtful, and culturally aware counselors. You’ll learn to help people with various mental health needs and handle crisis situations. Faculty mentors guide you as you shape your program and build expertise.
Accreditation and licensure
USD’s counseling program has earned respected accreditations that show its quality. The program has been fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) since 1993. This 30-year-old accreditation proves the program’s lasting excellence.
The School of Education’s programs are also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), previously known as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1956. These accreditations mean your degree meets high standards.
The counseling programs prepare you for licensure and certification as a professional counselor, educator, or supervisor. After finishing the 60-credit hour clinical mental health specialization, you’ll meet South Dakota’s educational requirements for professional licensing.
The program has strict standards that match state licensing rules. You need consistent high academic and clinical performance, following the American Counseling Association’s (ACA) ethical guidelines. Counselor Education faculty evaluate students twice yearly. Students must keep a 3.0 overall GPA and earn at least a “B” in clinical courses.
Delivery format
USD’s MA counseling program offers flexible options, with some in-person requirements. Clinical Mental Health Counseling students take their first semester courses on campus. This helps you build connections with faculty and classmates while learning counseling basics.
After your first semester, course delivery becomes more flexible based on your specialization and course needs. USD teaches more online students than any other school in South Dakota, showing its commitment to easy-to-access education.
The program’s on-site training clinic lets you practice counseling skills with real clients. This hands-on experience is vital for your education as you apply what you’ve learned with expert supervision.
Small class sizes mean you get personal attention from licensed and certified counseling faculty. This creates the perfect setting to develop your clinical skills with experienced professionals guiding you.
Curriculum highlights
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling track is a 60-credit hour program without a thesis. You’ll learn theory and practical skills, including counseling methods, ethics, multicultural awareness, and specific therapy approaches.
Core courses include:
- COUN 713: Administration of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Services
- COUN 737: Diagnosis and Intervention in Counseling
- COUN 738: Childhood Through Adulthood Psychopathology
- COUN 740: Psychopharmacology for the Nonmedical Mental Health Professional
- COUN 743: Foundations of Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders
- COUN 770: Clinical Supervision Training and Ethics
- COUN 780: Crisis Intervention in Professional Counseling
You’ll also study counseling theories, group counseling, human development, career development, and research methods. Clinical experience comes through COUN 786 (Pre-Practicum), COUN 795 (Counseling Practicum), and COUN 794 (Internship/Field Experience).
The program teaches you to handle various mental health needs and crises. Faculty mentors help you customize your program and develop expertise in clinical mental health counseling.
Students take a complete exam near the end of their studies before internship. This makes sure you’re ready for professional practice.
Tuition and financial aid
Pursuing your MA counseling degree at USD comes with several affordable options, with tuition rates varying based on residency status, delivery method, and other factors. For the 2024-2025 academic year, graduate student tuition rates are structured as follows:
- Resident and SDAdvantage: $350.00 per credit plus $56.30 GAF fee for on-campus courses, totaling $406.30 per credit
- Non-Resident: $673.00 per credit plus $56.30 GAF fee, totaling $729.30 per credit
- Online: $484.10 per credit (no additional GAF fee)
Additionally, USD offers special tuition rates for various categories of students:
- Graduate Assistants (Resident): $185.50 per credit plus $56.30 GAF fee, totaling $241.80 per credit
- Graduate Assistants (Non-Resident): $220.50 per credit plus $56.30 GAF fee, totaling $276.80 per credit
- Western Regional Graduate Program participants: $350.00 per credit plus $56.30 GAF fee, totaling $406.30 per credit
The counselor education discipline also carries an additional fee of $26.80 per credit hour, and master’s level internships have a one-time fee of $179.00.
Fortunately, numerous financial aid options are available to make your education more affordable. More than 80% of all USD students receive scholarships or other forms of financial aid. As a graduate student, you may qualify for:
- Graduate assistantships that provide both a stipend and tuition reduction
- Federal Work Study opportunities to earn money for educational expenses
- Federal student loans such as Stafford Loans or Grad PLUS Loans
- Scholarships for academic excellence or specific fields of study
Notably, if you’re a currently contracted elementary/secondary teacher or vocational instructor in South Dakota, you can take advantage of a 50% reduced tuition program. This significant discount makes continuing your education much more affordable if you’re already working in the education field.
Furthermore, the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) allows eligible students from the WICHE region to pay in-state tuition rates, substantially increasing affordability and minimizing student loan debt for out-of-state students.
Career outcomes
Graduates of USD’s MA counseling program are well-positioned for success in various professional settings. The program prepares you for leadership roles in education, counseling, social and human services, human resource development, and other related fields. Whether you choose to work in schools, private practice, hospitals, or mental health agencies, your USD education provides the foundation for a rewarding career helping others.
The university tracks employment outcomes through a data-sharing agreement between the South Dakota Board of Regents and the US Census Bureau. This partnership, through the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes (PSEO) program, provides complete, national workforce placement data for USD graduates, offering authoritative information about employment earnings, geographies, and industries.
These comprehensive tracking systems utilize the federal Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) national jobs database, which accounts for approximately 96 percent of employment in the US. This robust data collection ensures accurate reporting on graduate outcomes across private industry, state and local government, and federal government employment.
Career opportunities for counseling graduates are particularly promising in South Dakota, where counseling professionals are in high demand. The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation identifies school and clinical mental health counselors as one of the top 30 hot careers, with counseling careers expected to grow rapidly with large numbers of job openings nationally over the next several years.
With USD’s emphasis on developing culturally competent, ethical practitioners, you’ll graduate prepared to address diverse mental health needs. The program’s focus on crisis intervention skills, advocacy, and therapeutic approaches ensures you’ll have the versatility to work with various populations and in multiple settings.
Moreover, the close mentorship you’ll receive from faculty throughout the program allows for personalized career guidance and networking opportunities. This individualized attention, combined with the program’s strong reputation and CACREP accreditation, enhances your employability and professional credibility as you enter the workforce.
Northern State University
Northern State University runs a unique counseling program that blends flexibility with academic excellence through its HyFlex delivery model. The program started in 1957 and has grown substantially. The South Dakota Board of Regents formally recognized it in the early 1980s. This 40-year-old program trains future mental health professionals who want to help communities in South Dakota and beyond.
Program overview
The Master of Science in Education in Counseling program gives you thorough training with built-in flexibility. You can choose between two specialization tracks: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Both tracks need 60 credit hours to finish. Students take 15 common courses (45 credit hours) whatever track they pick.
You’ll learn both theory and hands-on skills to prepare for a counseling career. The program stands out because it helps you develop your own counseling style instead of forcing one approach. This way, you can build your professional identity while meeting the counseling profession’s high standards.
The program focuses on helping you:
- Build self-awareness and sensitivity to others
- Practice culturally appropriate counseling
- Follow professional standards and ethical conduct
- Create a theory-based counseling philosophy
- Use research effectively in counseling
- Learn various assessment methods and strategies
The program follows the American Counseling Association (ACA) and American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. These guidelines shape your training and help you develop professional values you’ll need as a counselor.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) has accredited NSU’s counseling program. This shows the program meets national standards for counselor preparation. The program has kept this accreditation since July 2017, proving its quality matches industry expectations.
NSU also has accreditation from several other respected organizations:
- The Higher Learning Commission
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- National Association for Schools of Art and Design
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships
- South Dakota Department of Education
The Master of Science Counseling degree with Clinical Mental Health Specialization meets professional counseling licensure requirements in many states. The program satisfies licensing requirements in 30 states, including Alaska, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
This wide recognition shows how well the program lines up with professional standards nationwide. All the same, you should check with your state’s licensure board about requirements before starting the program.
Delivery format
One of the most distinctive features of NSU’s counseling program is its innovative HyFlex delivery model, which provides exceptional flexibility for students with various scheduling needs and geographic constraints. This delivery format received complete approval from CACREP in June 2023, marking a significant enhancement to the program’s accessibility.
The HyFlex model offers you three attendance options:
- In-person synchronous attendance
- Digital synchronous attendance (attending live online)
- Asynchronous digital attendance (completing coursework on your own schedule)
Approximately 75% of courses provide synchronous HyFlex attendance (options 1 and 2), while 25% offer all three HyFlex attendance options, including asynchronous completion. This flexibility makes the program particularly accessible for working professionals or those living away from campus who cannot commit to traditional in-person schedules.
Looking ahead, the program will introduce two in-person residency sessions starting in Fall 2026, aligned with updated CACREP standards. These sessions will occur before the practicum experience and during the internship experience, allowing faculty to observe and assess your counseling skills and professional dispositions directly. These interactive sessions provide valuable feedback as you develop into a skilled counselor.
The program’s delivery model ensures you receive a quality education regardless of your location or schedule constraints. All assessments, including the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE) and National Counselor Examination (NCE), are available electronically or can be completed at approved testing sites, further enhancing the program’s accessibility.
Curriculum highlights
The counseling program at NSU comprises a rigorous 60-credit hour curriculum that prepares you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The curriculum is structured around common core courses, specialization courses, and practical experiences that culminate in a comprehensive professional education.
All students complete core courses that cover the eight essential areas required by CACREP:
- Professional orientation and ethical practice
- Social and cultural diversity
- Human growth and development
- Career development
- Helping relationships
- Group work
- Assessment
- Research and program evaluation
Specific core courses include:
- CGPS 736: Assessment in Counseling
- CGPS 737: Assessment Psychopathology and Diagnosis
- CGPS 742: Career and Lifestyle Development
- CGPS 745: Chemical and Behavioral Addictions
- CGPS 750: Trauma-Informed Care
- CGPS 752: Crisis and Disaster Intervention and Wellness
- CGPS 755: Human Growth and Development
- CGPS 758: Pre-Practicum: Counseling Skills and Applications
- CGPS 760: Introduction to Integrative Counseling Techniques
- CGPS 761: Theories of Counseling and Personality
- CGPS 762: Multicultural Counseling
- CGPS 765: Group & Family Counseling
- CGPS 769: Professional Orientation and Ethics in Counseling
- CGPS 775: Advanced Counseling Theories
- EDER 761: Graduate Research and Design
For your specialization, you’ll complete additional focused coursework:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization includes:
- CGPS 739: Psychopharmacology
- CGPS 770: Supervision of Counselors
School Counseling specialization includes:
- CGPS 754: Intro to School Counseling, School Environment & Consultation
- CGPS 774: School Counseling Program Development & Classroom Management
A critical component of the curriculum is the practical experience requirement. All students must complete:
- A 100-hour practicum (40 direct/60 indirect hours)
- A 600-hour internship (240 direct/360 indirect hours)
These hands-on experiences allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings under supervision, developing essential clinical skills before graduation.
Tuition and financial aid
The cost of pursuing your MA counseling degree at NSU varies depending on several factors, including residency status and delivery method. For the 2025-2026 academic year, graduate on-campus tuition rates are as follows:
- Resident: $342.90 per credit hour
- Western Regional Graduate Program States: $342.90 per credit hour
- Non-Resident: $640.20 per credit hour
- Graduate Assistant (Resident): $181.75 per credit hour
- Graduate Assistant (Non-Resident): $216.05 per credit hour
For online or off-campus courses, the rate is $484.10 per credit hour regardless of residency. This consistent rate for online courses can make the program more accessible for out-of-state students who might otherwise face higher tuition costs.
In addition to tuition, you should budget for these estimated annual expenses:
- Books and supplies: $550 for graduate students
- Transportation: $1,550
- Personal expenses: $2,000
- Loan fees: $128 for graduate students
To help offset these costs, NSU offers various financial aid options. In fact, 99% of Northern graduates reported positive career outcomes within six months of graduation, making your investment in education worthwhile. Financial aid options include:
- Scholarships: The annual Janice Jirouch Counselor Education Scholarship and Clara Leap Graham Memorial Scholarship are available specifically for counseling students
- Graduate assistantships: These positions provide both reduced tuition and monthly stipends
- Federal Work Study: Opportunities to earn money while attending school
- Federal loans: Including Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $20,500 per year) and Direct Grad PLUS Loans
- Monthly payment plans: These allow you to spread costs over four months per semester with no interest charges
Special tuition reductions are available for certain groups, including state employees and certified teachers, who can receive significantly discounted rates. Additionally, NSU disburses approximately $14 million in financial aid annually, with an average need-based scholarship award of $7,573, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to making education affordable.
Career outcomes
Graduates of NSU’s counseling program enjoy excellent career outcomes, with impressive placement rates in relevant professional fields. According to the university’s Vital Statistics Report, the job placement rate for Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates is 100%, as is the job placement rate for School Counseling graduates. These remarkable statistics demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers in counseling.
The completion rate for the program is equally impressive, with 100% of School Counseling students and 75% of Clinical Mental Health Counseling students successfully completing the program. Furthermore, the licensure or certification pass rate stands at 100% for both specializations, indicating exceptional preparation for professional credentialing examinations.
Typical employers of NSU counseling graduates include:
- K-12 schools throughout the region
- Northeastern Mental Health Center
- Capstone Wellness
- Brookings Behavioral Health and Wellness
- Various regional mental health non-profits
The career outlook for counseling graduates appears particularly promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 18% job growth for Mental Health Counselors from 2022 to 2032, with a nationwide median annual salary of $49,700. This growth rate significantly exceeds the average for all occupations, suggesting strong demand for qualified counseling professionals in the coming years.
A notable 78% of Northern graduates remain in South Dakota for employment, contributing to the state’s mental health workforce and addressing critical needs within local communities. This high retention rate within the state demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in preparing professionals who are committed to serving South Dakota’s population.
Among the many strengths of NSU’s counseling program is its focus on preparing you for diverse practice settings. Students selecting Clinical Mental Health Counseling are prepared to work in agency settings with children, adults, families, and groups, as well as in career counseling or employee assistance program settings. Those selecting School Counseling are prepared to counsel K-12 children in private, public, or parochial schools. This versatility in career preparation ensures you’ll graduate with the skills needed for various professional paths.
Sinte Gleska University
Sinte Gleska University enriches the Rosebud Sioux Tribe community through its educational programs that blend Lakota values with modern counseling practices. The university made history as the first tribal college to earn four-year level accreditation. Students receive professional counselor training that seamlessly integrates indigenous cultural perspectives.
Program overview
The Master of Arts in Human Services at Sinte Gleska University offers specialized education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Working professionals can complete their degree in about four years through part-time study.
The curriculum weaves Lakota language, culture, history, and Wolakota philosophy throughout its courses. This blend creates an education that helps counselors serve both Native American and non-Native clients with cultural awareness.
Professional standards guide the program while keeping its cultural essence. Faculty members teach and provide counseling services through SGU Student and Employee Assistance Programs. Students gain real-life counseling experience within their educational community.
Accreditation and licensure
The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Sinte Gleska University since 1983. Students can transfer their SGU courses to colleges and universities across the United States.
South Dakota’s licensure requirements shape the counseling program. School Counseling graduates can apply to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in South Dakota. The Clinical Mental Health track meets South Dakota’s requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health designation.
The South Dakota State Board of Education certified SGU’s School Counseling Program on January 5, 2010. Students meet professional standards through a curriculum that follows state LPC licensure and Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) requirements.
Students who plan to practice outside South Dakota receive professional licensure information that meets U.S. Department of Education guidelines. They should check their state’s specific licensing requirements before starting the program.
Delivery format
SGU’s counseling program adapts to working professionals’ needs. Students attend both campus-based and online classes in a blended format. Teachers and administrators can earn their counseling degree while working.
Students gain hands-on experience through practicum and internship requirements. School Counseling students work in school systems under Certified School Counselor supervision. Clinical Mental Health students can choose between school facilities or clinical mental health programs supervised by licensed professionals.
Students document their supervision hours, direct counseling time, indirect time, and supervision to meet licensing board standards.
Curriculum highlights
Students complete 49 credit hours across core courses, specialized counseling tracks, and electives. The CACREP-equivalent curriculum includes unique cultural elements.
Core program elements include:
- Foundational counseling theory and intervention techniques
- Research methodology and application
- Personal growth and self-awareness development
- Cultural competency with emphasis on Lakota perspectives
Students complete intensive practical training. This includes a 100-hour supervised practicum in counseling settings and two 600-hour internships. These experiences build clinical skills and professional identity.
The curriculum’s Lakota cultural knowledge makes it special. The Human Services Department created a School Counseling program that serves reservation youth through traditional and modern Lakota approaches. Counselors learn to serve Native American communities with cultural understanding.
Students finish with a capstone project showing their mastery of theory, practice, and cultural competence. They also create a career portfolio during practicum that helps them find counseling positions after graduation.
Tuition and financial aid
SGU offers affordable graduate counseling education. The 2022-2023 academic year tuition was $4,714 for all students, regardless of where they live.
Students can access several financial aid options:
- Tokatakiya (“In the Future”) Scholarship: Covers full tuition for two semesters with full-time enrollment and 2.0 GPA
- Bureau of Indian Affairs Higher Education Grant: Rosebud Sioux Tribe members receive monthly education stipends
- Tribal College and University (TCU) Scholarship: Tribal college students get minimum $500 need-based awards
- Full Circle Scholarship: Need-based awards start at $1,000 through the American Indian College Fund
Most students (75%) receive financial aid, with average awards of $8,544. Students pay about $7,439 yearly after aid, making SGU one of the region’s most economical choices for counseling education.
Career outcomes
SGU’s counseling graduates achieve success in their careers. Within one year, 87% find employment. Five years after graduation, they earn median salaries of $51,687 annually.
The program creates paths to various mental health and educational roles. Clinical Mental Health graduates work with children, adults, families, and groups in agencies, career counseling, or employee assistance programs. School Counseling graduates serve K-12 students in private, public, or parochial schools.
SGU strengthens mental health services in Native American communities. Graduates combine cultural awareness with clinical expertise to address these populations’ specific needs. Their skills help reduce mental health disparities in underserved areas.
The program’s blend of Lakota values and professional standards creates counselors who provide culturally meaningful services. This approach meets the growing need for culturally informed mental health care in tribal communities and beyond.
Choose the Right Program Today
Looking to pursue a master’s degree in counseling in South Dakota? These three outstanding programs provide unique pathways that meet the state’s urgent need for qualified mental health professionals. Each school provides their education with flexible formats that make advanced degrees available to students with any schedule.
The University of South Dakota excels with its 30-year old CACREP accreditation since 1993. The university’s specialized tracks in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling lead to impressive career placement rates. Northern State University stands out with its innovative HyFlex delivery model. Students can choose between in-person, synchronous online, or asynchronous attendance options. Sinte Gleska University offers a culturally rich educational experience. The curriculum integrates Lakota values throughout, preparing counselors with unique cultural competencies.
These programs shine when it comes to affordability. USD gives substantial tuition reductions to South Dakota teachers. Northern provides extensive financial aid and boasts 99% positive career outcomes. Sinte Gleska keeps tuition rates remarkably low with specialized scholarships for tribal members.
Graduates face promising career prospects. South Dakota’s mental health challenges stem from poverty, isolation, and limited resources. This creates a strong demand for qualified counseling professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 18% job growth for Mental Health Counselors through 2032. This is a big deal as it means that the growth rate surpasses average occupational increases.
South Dakota may have fewer counseling programs than other states, but these three institutions deliver quality education for licensure requirements. Their specialized training in all five major counseling areas helps you develop skills to handle various client needs.
Take time to review your career goals, preferred learning format, and budget before picking a program. USD’s proven excellence, Northern’s flexible delivery, or Sinte Gleska’s cultural integration – your education will prepare you to help South Dakotans who need your skills and compassion.