Key Takeaways
- UND holds the only APA-accredited psychology doctoral programs in North Dakota, covering both clinical and counseling tracks.
- North Dakota psychology professionals often earn above national median wages due to limited provider supply across the state.
- Three distinct licensure paths exist in North Dakota, each tied to specific degree levels, supervised hours, and exams.
- Forensic psychology, applied behavior analysis, and clinical mental health counseling are among the specializations available statewide.
North Dakota psychology applicants typically weigh a narrow field of in-state options against the convenience of online delivery, and the tradeoff cuts both ways. The state has two main players: the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and the University of Mary in Bismarck. Net prices land in a tight band, roughly $17,770 at University of Mary and $18,551 at UND, with online formats available at both.
UND's forensic psychology master's runs fully online or on-campus across 30 credit hours, with no GRE required. University of Mary's online B.S. in Psychology accepts transfer credits and military experience. Students exploring counseling tracks should also review the best master's in counseling programs in North Dakota. With APA-accredited doctoral training concentrated at UND, program choice often hinges on licensure goals rather than geography alone.
Best Psychology Programs in North Dakota: Rankings Overview
North Dakota's psychology program landscape is compact but purposeful, with two institutions offering distinct pathways for students at the bachelor's, master's, and certificate levels. Whether you're drawn to forensic psychology, applied behavior analysis, or clinical mental health counseling, these programs are built around flexibility, affordability, and workforce relevance in a state actively working to expand its behavioral health pipeline. Below, each program is presented with key cost, outcome, and format details to help you compare options side by side.
- Affordability and net price
- Financial aid and Pell access
- Institutional graduation rates
- Graduate earnings outcomes
- Online and flexible delivery
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is the state's flagship public research university and a primary provider of online behavioral health training in North Dakota. With a net price of $18,551, a 60.5% institution-wide graduation rate, and median earnings of $63,552 ten years after enrollment (per College Scorecard data), UND delivers strong value, especially since many online students pay the in-state tuition rate regardless of where they live. Its established online infrastructure supports asynchronous learning, remote advising, and practicum coordination across four psychology-related programs at the master's and certificate levels.
- Fully online or on-campus, 30 credit hours
- Designed for completion in approximately two years
- No GRE required for admission
- Covers psychological assessment, research methods, legal consultation
- Prepares graduates for careers in justice and legal systems
- Asynchronous format suits working professionals
- Accredited graduate program at a public research university
- 100% online with no on-campus travel required
- 30-plus credit hours, roughly 1.5 years to complete
- ABA concentration prepares students for the BCBA exam
- No standardized entry exams required
- Affordable public university tuition rates
- Focus on ethics, research, and practical teaching methods
- One-on-one academic advising throughout the program
- Online graduate certificate, 22 total credit hours
- Completable in 1 to 1.5 years
- Prepares candidates for the BCBA certification exam
- Fully asynchronous, no campus attendance needed
- Flexible scheduling for working professionals
- Multiple career pathway options in education and clinical settings
- 60 to 66 credit hours, 2 to 3 years to complete
- Online and on-campus delivery options available
- Multiple counseling concentration tracks
- No GRE required for admission
- Includes practicum and internship experiences
- Flexible asynchronous class structure
Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology — Online
Master of Science in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis — Online
Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate — Online
Master of Arts in Counseling — Online
University of Mary
The University of Mary is a private institution in Bismarck that consistently ranks among the more affordable private colleges in North Dakota, with a net price of $17,770 and a 66.6% institution-wide graduation rate. Median earnings reach $60,909 ten years after enrollment according to College Scorecard data. UMary stands out for its CACREP-accredited counseling program, generous transfer credit policies, and hybrid formats designed for working adults across the Upper Midwest. Its integration of faith-informed perspectives offers a distinctive option for students seeking that approach within their counseling education.
- Fully online format with no on-campus requirements
- Completable in as few as 1.3 years with transfer credits
- Tuition of $495 per credit hour
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required for admission
- Accepts military training and prior work experience as credit
- Designed for adult learners and career changers
- Foundation in psychological principles and research methods
- CACREP-accredited program preparing for licensure
- Hybrid format blending online coursework and on-site sessions
- 20 to 32 months to complete
- Tuition of $665 per credit hour
- Prepares graduates for North Dakota counseling licensure
- Strong projected job growth in the field
- Multiple career paths in clinical and community settings
- Hybrid online and on-site delivery format
- Completable in approximately 20 months
- Tuition of $640 per credit hour
- Integrates Catholic teachings with counseling practice
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required for admission
- Designed for professionals serving faith-based organizations
- Flexible structure for working professionals in rural areas
Bachelor of Science in Psychology — Online
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
Master of Science in Counseling, Catholic Anthropology — Hybrid
Tuition and Cost Comparison for ND Psychology Programs
Tuition varies meaningfully between North Dakota's main psychology program providers, and funding opportunities can offset costs significantly. The figures below reflect institutional tuition rates from IPEDS data alongside program-level details where available. Note that graduate program costs may differ from the posted undergraduate tuition, so confirm current rates directly with each school before applying.
| Institution | Type | In-State Tuition (Annual) | Out-of-State Tuition (Annual) | Net Price | Counseling M.A. Per-Credit Cost | Graduate Assistantship Options | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota | Public | $13,677 | $19,658 | $18,551 | ~$800 (online rate, same regardless of residency) | GTA, GRA, GSA (10 or 20 hrs/week); tuition waivers possible; Dr. Dennis Spjut Psychology Graduate Scholarship also available | $22,057 |
| University of Mary | Private | $22,356 | $22,356 | $17,770 | Not reported at the program level | Not specified in available data | $24,000 |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Online vs. On-Campus Psychology Programs in North Dakota
The growing acceptance of telehealth in mental health practice has not eliminated the in-person clinical requirements that form the backbone of psychology licensure, a tension that distance learners in North Dakota must navigate carefully. Securing supervised practicum and internship hours remains a hands-on process, and understanding how online programs align with state and accreditation standards is essential before enrolling.
How UND and NDSU Handle Distance Learner Placements
Both the University of North Dakota (UND) and North Dakota State University (NDSU) offer psychology programs with varying levels of online coursework. Their psychology department websites are the best starting point for distance learners: program coordinators listed on those pages can provide detailed handbooks, specific policies for out-of-state clinical placements, and guidance on locating approved supervisors. Some programs may require you to identify your own sites, while others maintain networks of vetted partners. Contacting the department directly early in the application process clarifies what support you will have and what legwork is yours.
North Dakota's Licensure Rules for Clinical Hours
The North Dakota Board of Psychologist Examiners sets the practicum and internship hour requirements that every licensure candidate must meet, regardless of whether their degree was earned online or on campus. The board's website outlines current standards, including the total supervised hours, the type of settings accepted, and any restrictions on virtual versus in-person client contact. It also addresses questions around out-of-state placements: distance learners who plan to complete clinical hours outside North Dakota should verify whether those hours will count toward state licensure. Board policies are the final authority, so checking them before committing to a placement prevents costly delays later.
APA Accreditation and Its Clinical Training Standards
The American Psychological Association publishes accreditation standards that apply to both traditional and online programs. For clinical psychology programs, as well as counseling and school psychology tracks, APA guidelines specify that practicum and internship experiences must involve direct client contact, systematic supervision, and for some elements, in-person interaction. Online programs often incorporate intensive on-campus residencies or require students to travel to approved training sites. Reviewing the APA's current Standards of Accreditation helps prospective students determine whether an online program's structure can realistically support the clinical training depth that licensure boards expect.
Using BLS Data as a Starting Point
General career pathway information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) can help you understand the typical education, supervised experience, and examination steps for psychologists. However, the BLS provides broad national descriptions, not state-specific placement rules. State licensure boards are the definitive source for policies governing practicum hours, site approval, and telehealth supervision. Use BLS resources to get a big-picture sense of the field, but rely on the North Dakota Board of Psychologist Examiners for the details that directly affect your clinical training journey.
Related Articles
Psychology Specializations Available in North Dakota
Forensic psychology stands out as one of the most accessible graduate specializations in North Dakota, with the University of North Dakota offering both online and on-campus pathways at the master's level. Beyond this track, the state's psychology programs span clinical, counseling, school, and general psychology concentrations, though the delivery format and degree level vary considerably by institution.
Clinical and Counseling Psychology Tracks
North Dakota's doctoral programs in clinical psychology prepare students for the licensed psychologist credential, which requires a PhD or PsyD in the state. These programs typically involve intensive supervised clinical hours and dissertation research. Counseling psychology, offered at both master's and doctoral levels, leads to different endpoints: a master's degree qualifies graduates to pursue Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) status, while a doctoral degree opens the path to full psychologist licensure. Students interested in the LPC route may also want to explore licensed professional counselor online degree options to compare curriculum structures. Clarifying career goals early is essential, as the licensing implications differ substantially.
School Psychology and Forensic Tracks
School psychology programs in North Dakota typically culminate in a specialist-level degree (EdS) or a master's plus additional coursework, preparing graduates for school psychologist certification rather than the broader licensed psychologist title. These programs focus on assessment, intervention, and consultation within K-12 educational settings.
The University of North Dakota's forensic psychology program offers notable flexibility. Students can complete all 30 credit hours online through asynchronous coursework, or they can attend on campus. This master's degree does not lead to licensed psychologist status, but it prepares graduates for careers in legal settings, victim advocacy, correctional systems, and law enforcement consultation. For a broader look at programs nationwide, see our ranking of forensic psychology master's programs.
Online vs. On-Campus Availability
Online options in North Dakota concentrate primarily at the bachelor's and master's levels. The University of Mary offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Psychology, while UND's forensic psychology master's program provides complete online accessibility. Doctoral programs in clinical psychology generally require substantial in-person components due to supervised practicum and internship requirements. Students seeking maximum scheduling flexibility should note that online master's in psychology programs are available in forensic or general psychology tracks, but those pursuing licensed psychologist credentials will likely need to commit to on-campus doctoral training for at least part of their education.
How to Become a Licensed Psychologist or Counselor in North Dakota
North Dakota offers three distinct licensure tracks for psychology and counseling graduates, each with its own degree requirements, supervised experience thresholds, and examinations. Understanding which pathway aligns with your degree level is essential before you start a program.
Accreditation and Licensure: Which ND Programs Are APA or CACREP Accredited?
The University of North Dakota currently operates two APA-accredited doctoral programs: the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. and the Counseling Psychology Ph.D., both holding active accreditation as of 2024.12 North Dakota State University does not hold APA accreditation for any psychology programs at this time.3 This distinction has direct, practical consequences for students planning to pursue licensure as psychologists, both in North Dakota and nationally.
Why APA Accreditation Matters for Licensure
APA accreditation is the national gold standard for doctoral psychology programs. Most state licensing boards, including North Dakota's Board of Psychologist Examiners, require applicants to have graduated from an APA-accredited program or one that meets substantially equivalent standards. Graduating from an accredited program simplifies the licensure process in North Dakota and, critically, in other states if you relocate later. Without APA accreditation, you may face additional review, extra coursework requirements, or even outright ineligibility in some jurisdictions. Portability is not a trivial issue: early-career psychologists frequently move for internships, postdocs, or first jobs, and accreditation smooths those transitions.
CACREP Accreditation for Master's Counseling Programs
CACREP accreditation applies to master's-level counseling programs, not doctoral psychology programs. It is the national standard for clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and related specialties. In North Dakota, CACREP-accredited master's programs prepare graduates for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials, not psychologist licensure. Students interested in LPC pathways may also want to explore best clinical mental health counseling programs at the national level. Master's counseling programs may hold CACREP accreditation even if they are not affiliated with an APA-accredited psychology program. The two accrediting bodies serve different professions and different licensure pathways. If your goal is LPC licensure, confirm CACREP status with the programs you are considering. If your goal is psychologist licensure, you must complete a doctoral program, and APA accreditation is the clearest path.
Mapping Accreditation to ND Licensure Pathways
UND's Clinical Psychology Ph.D. and Counseling Psychology Ph.D. both qualify graduates for the psychologist licensure track in North Dakota, which requires a doctoral degree, supervised hours, and passing the EPPP exam. CACREP-accredited master's programs, by contrast, lead to LPC licensure, which has its own supervised-hours and exam requirements (typically the National Counselor Examination). The credentials are not interchangeable, and the accreditation bodies reflect that division. Choose your program type based on the license you intend to pursue, and verify current accreditation status directly with the program and the relevant accrediting body before you apply.
Accreditation is not a nice-to-have, it is a gatekeeper. North Dakota requires your degree to come from a regionally accredited institution before you can pursue licensure, and earning that degree from an APA or CACREP accredited program also smooths the path if you ever want to practice across state lines, since many states tie reciprocity directly to programmatic accreditation.
Admission Requirements and Tips for ND Psychology Programs
Admission to North Dakota's psychology graduate programs demands careful preparation, with requirements varying sharply by degree level and specialty. The University of North Dakota sets a baseline graduate GPA of 2.75 overall, or 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate work, but competitive programs require far higher marks.1 UND's Clinical and General/Experimental Psychology PhD tracks expect a minimum 3.5 GPA, reflecting the competitive nature of getting into grad school for psychology.2 Both UND and NDSU admit doctoral students without requiring terminal master's degrees, awarding the MS en route to the PhD.3
Test Scores and Prerequisite Coursework
GRE requirements have shifted across North Dakota programs. UND's Counseling Psychology PhD eliminated the GRE as of 2021, joining a national trend toward test-optional admissions.4 The Counseling Psychology program instead requires applicants to have completed graduate-level counseling courses with grades of B or higher before applying, a prerequisite that narrows the pool to candidates with prior graduate training or post-baccalaureate coursework.4 NDSU's Psychology PhD, a 90-credit research-intensive program, does not publicly specify GRE mandates as of 2024, though individual faculty advisors may weigh scores during selection.3 Check directly with each program's admissions office for the most current testing policies.
Application Materials and Deadlines
All applicants submit a standard package through UND's online portal: three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a personal statement, and the application fee.5 Letters should come from faculty or supervisors who can speak to research ability, clinical aptitude, or academic rigor. Personal statements must articulate research interests, career goals, and fit with specific faculty mentors, particularly for PhD programs where advisor match drives admissions decisions. Deadlines typically fall in December or early January for fall enrollment, though UND's Forensic Psychology MA accepts rolling applications in some years.6
Strengthening Your Application
Competitiveness varies by track. UND's Clinical Psychology PhD and NDSU's online doctoral programs in psychology accept small cohorts, often fewer than six students per year, from applicant pools of 50 or more. To stand out, accumulate research experience through undergraduate honors theses, lab assistantships, or post-graduate research coordinator roles. Publications or conference presentations carry significant weight. Clinical applicants benefit from supervised practicum hours or crisis-line volunteering. Address application weaknesses head-on: if your GPA falls below the clinical cutoff, a strong master's GPA, compelling research portfolio, and faculty endorsements can offset undergraduate performance. Contact prospective advisors before applying to gauge fit and demonstrate genuine interest in their labs.
Career Outcomes and Salaries for Psychology Graduates in North Dakota
North Dakota psychology professionals often earn above national medians, reflecting strong demand in a state with limited provider supply. Below is a comparison of state-level median annual wages for key psychology and counseling occupations in North Dakota versus their national counterparts, based on the most recent BLS data. Program-level earnings for graduates of the University of North Dakota and the University of Mary are not yet published at the program level, but institution-wide median earnings ten years after enrollment are $63,552 and $60,909 respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Programs in North Dakota
Prospective students often have practical questions about cost, timeline, licensure, and format before committing to a psychology program in North Dakota. The answers below draw on current program details and state licensing rules to help you plan with confidence.
