Best Counseling Schools in North Dakota

2026 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in North Dakota

Counseling Psychology.org presents its comprehensive ranking of the best Master's in Counseling Programs in North Dakota, highlighting exceptional educational pathways for aspiring mental health professionals. Our expert team carefully evaluated programs that offer robust curriculum, strong clinical training opportunities, and innovative learning approaches. Online and distance learning options have become increasingly crucial for students seeking flexible education, allowing working professionals and rural residents to pursue advanced degrees without geographic limitations. North Dakota's counseling programs stand out for their commitment to preparing students with practical skills, research-driven techniques, and comprehensive mental health training. These programs not only provide academic excellence but also address the growing mental health needs of communities across the state. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

University of Mary

Bismarck, ND - Private 4-year - umary.edu

Master's - MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Mary's Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program offers a transformative hybrid learning experience designed for aspiring mental health professionals. CACREP-accredited and spanning 20-32 months, the program prepares students for professional licensure with a comprehensive curriculum integrating psychological assessment techniques and culturally sensitive communication strategies. With an 18% projected job growth and a competitive tuition of $640 per credit, students benefit from flexible learning formats and multiple career pathway opportunities. The program uniquely blends academic rigor with Christian/Benedictine values, creating well-rounded counseling practitioners equipped to address complex psychological challenges.

• CACREP Accredited Program
• 18% Projected Job Growth
• 20-32 Months Program Length
• Hybrid Learning Format
• Licensure Preparation
• Tuition $640 per Credit
• Multiple Career Paths
• Christian/Benedictine Values Integration

#2

University of Jamestown

Jamestown, ND - Private 4-year - uj.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Jamestown's Master of Science in Clinical Counseling offers a transformative hybrid program designed for aspiring mental health professionals. Bridging academic rigor with practical experience, the 60-credit curriculum provides comprehensive training in counseling techniques, ethical practices, and therapeutic interventions. Students benefit from a unique one-week campus residency and an innovative 8-week course format, allowing working adults to balance academic pursuits. With no pre-testing requirements, the program emphasizes accessibility and flexibility. Competitive tuition at $680 per credit and opportunities for practicum and internship experiences make this program an attractive pathway to licensure, particularly for those seeking a flexible, high-quality counseling education.

• Hybrid online program format
• 60 graduate credit hours
• One-week campus residency
• $680 per credit tuition
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Licensure preparation program
• No pre-testing requirements
• 8-week course format
• Small class sizes
• Practicum and internship experiences

*U.S. Department of Education, NCES, IPEDS 2023 data files.

How to Find a Counseling Program in North Dakota

Some students enroll in an associate's degree program, while others begin their counselor education by opting to enroll in a bachelor’s degree in counseling program. A master’s degree is an ideal option for students seeking professional licensure in the state. The post-graduate certificate and doctoral programs offer counselors the opportunity to expand their knowledge and advance their professional careers.

Counseling Degree Pathways in North Dakota

The variety of counseling degree pathways that are available to students in North Dakota allows students to choose the pathway that is the right program for their professional and personal goals.

• Associate's Degree – Requires two years of study, and is typically the minimum requirement for entry-level counseling positions.

• Bachelor's Degree – A four-year degree for a basic-level education for the prospective counselor.

• Master's Degree – Typically the degree most associated with counseling positions. Requires two years of study, as well as a bachelor’s degree.

• Graduate Certificate – A non-degree certificate usually achieved for the purpose of specialization. Requires less than one year of study.

• Doctorate Degree – The highest level of education for a counselor. It requires three to six years of study, plus either a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree.

Choosing a Counseling Specialty

Students have many options when considering a counseling specialty. Choosing a counseling specialty is important so that students follow the best pathway that leads to their desired counselor qualifications.

The University of North Dakota offers a variety of specialties in its Master of Arts in counseling program to meet the diverse needs of students.

Choose from four full-time on-campus tracks, including community mental health counseling, addiction counseling, child adolescent counseling, or rehabilitation counseling.

Accreditation

Students are responsible for making sure that a counseling program qualifies them to sit for exams or to qualify for licensure in North Dakota if that is their goal. They are also responsible for checking whether a counseling program that they are interested in is an accredited program. This is typically done through CACREP (the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).

The University of North Dakota lists the university accreditation, along with the accreditation bodies for all accredited programs. Look for accreditation information before enrolling in the program.

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in North Dakota

Some students prefer to complete degree requirements on-campus, while others complete their counseling program in an online format. The University of North Dakota offers four part-time online Master of Arts in counseling tracks.

Choose the addiction counseling online program, the community mental health counseling program, the K-12 school counseling track, or the rehabilitation counseling online program.

Becoming Licensed as a Counselor in North Dakota

Some North Dakota universities offer counseling programs for students who already have their counselor licenses. North Dakota State University offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in counselor education and supervision. Students complete 60 hours of study beyond their master’s degree.

The North Dakota Department of Public Education has the responsibility of credentialing school counselors in North Dakota. The North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners is responsible for the licensure of the licensed associate professional counselor and for the licensure of other counselors in North Dakota.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in North Dakota

Are you searching for a counseling degree program in North Dakota? Browse our comprehensive list of schools offering counseling programs, both online and on-campus, and follow the links to learn more about what each program has to offer.