What you’ll learn in this article…
- UND and NDSU both hold CACREP accreditation, so online and on-campus degrees carry equal weight for North Dakota licensure.
- North Dakota LPC candidates must complete 3,000 supervised hours after earning a qualifying 60-credit master's degree.
- Median graduate debt across top ND counseling programs ranges from roughly $22,000 to $27,000.
- School counseling credentials in North Dakota require an SC03 endorsement through a state-approved program.
North Dakota's rural geography and dispersed population create sustained demand for licensed counselors, particularly in small towns and tribal communities where mental health services remain scarce. The state licenses approximately 1,200 professional counselors, yet workforce studies consistently identify shortages in school-based and clinical mental health roles outside Fargo and Bismarck.
All three ranked programs prioritize online or hybrid delivery, recognizing that most North Dakota students work full time or live hours from campus. Tuition ranges from roughly $12,400 to $16,000 for a full certificate or degree, and two of the three institutions hold CACREP accreditation, the credential most employers and the state board prioritize. Graduate debt at these schools typically falls between $22,000 and $27,000 at completion.
Licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor requires 60 semester hours, 3,000 supervised hours, and passage of the National Counselor Examination. Students exploring the best masters in mental health counseling programs will find that both UND and NDSU design their curricula to satisfy those requirements, but format, specialization options, and residency expectations differ sharply.
Ranked: Best Counseling Master's Programs in North Dakota
All three of these North Dakota counseling options share a practical promise: you can earn a graduate counseling credential without leaving your current job or community. They differ in the credential, the schedule, and the campus commitment, which is exactly what makes them worth comparing side by side. One caveat before you dig into the cards: none of these programs yet reports program-level earnings to federal data systems, so outcome figures below are institution-wide.
Factors considered
- Accreditation and licensure alignment
- Online and hybrid flexibility
- Affordability and financial aid
- Student outcomes and completion rates
- Program structure and support services
- Program-level records maintained in house
- Original research on individual programs — cacrep.org
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- CACREP accreditation directories — cacrep.org
University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota, the state's public research university in Grand Forks, fields the most remote-friendly family of counseling credentials on this list. Its K-12 school counseling graduate certificate opens with two tracks: a 48-credit Educators Track for people who already hold a master's in education, and a 23-credit Re-Specialization Track for licensed mental health or community counselors moving into schools. Both are asynchronous, require no campus visits, and include local school-based practicum and internship, so working North Dakotans can stay in their jobs and communities while completing the program. Institution-wide outcome data is strong for value: federal figures show a roughly 60% six-year completion rate, median graduate debt around $22,000, and median former-student earnings of $63,500 about ten years after first enrolling.
- 48 total credit hours
- Nine semesters to completion; three start dates per year
- For educators who already hold a master's in education
- Local school-based practicum and internship placements
- Leads to K-12 school counselor licensure in North Dakota
- Asynchronous coursework with no required campus visits
- Academic advisor, free tutoring, and 24/7 technical support
- 23 total credit hours
- Five semesters to completion; three start dates per year
- For master's-level mental health or community counselors
- Local practicum and internship in your community
- Prepares for K-12 school counselor licensure
- Military benefits accepted; financial aid available
K-12 School Counseling Graduate Certificate, Educators Track — Online
K-12 School Counseling Graduate Certificate, Re-Specialization Track — Online
University of Mary
The University of Mary in Bismarck is the private, Benedictine option, and its MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is the only CACREP-accredited master's in this ranking. That degree is delivered in a hybrid format that matters across a rural state: one weekly class session you can attend on campus or via live video, with the whole course sequence mapped to North Dakota's LAPC, LPC, and LPCC licensure ladder. UMary adds to the graduate portfolio a clinical mental health counseling certificate and a school counseling certificate, both blended, plus an online bachelor's path in addiction counseling; military benefits and scholarships up to 40% of tuition strengthen the cost picture. Institution-wide federal data lists a two-thirds completion rate and median graduate debt near $24,000.
- CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling program
- $665 per credit
- Finish in 20 to 32 months; fall or summer start
- Weekly classes on campus or via live video
- Prepares for LAPC, LPC, and LPCC licensure
- Scholarships cover up to 40% of tuition
- Military benefits accepted
- Admission requires 2.8 GPA minimum
- 17 credit hours across seven courses
- Blended format with live video conferencing
- Clinical skills for children, adolescents, and adults
- Meets counselor licensure requirements
- Projected 17% job growth for mental health counselors
- Prior learning credit accepted
- Start in summer; 2.8 GPA minimum for admission
- 15 credit hours across five courses
- Blended in-person and online course format
- Develops comprehensive K-12 counseling programs
- Individual, group, and classroom counseling skills
- Collaboration and consultation techniques
- Path to elementary, middle, or high school counselor roles
- Military benefits for active duty and veterans
- Online bachelor's in addiction counseling
- $510 per credit
- Finish in as few as 2.6 years with transfer credits
- Prepares for North Dakota licensing in addiction counseling
- Transfer credits accepted
- Evidence-based treatment curriculum
- Career path: substance abuse counselor
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Graduate Certificate — Hybrid
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Hybrid
Graduate Certificate in School Counseling — Hybrid
Bachelor's in Addiction Counseling — Online
University of Jamestown
The University of Jamestown offers North Dakota's most structured hybrid clinical counseling master's. Its 60-credit MS in Clinical Counseling runs in a cohort model: eight-week classes, two courses at a time, and a one-week residency on the Jamestown campus in the first summer. The curriculum spans core clinical skills, human development, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, trauma, crisis, addiction, couples and family therapy, and child and adolescent counseling, and positions graduates for LPC licensure as well as careers in community mental health, hospitals, university counseling centers, private practice, and corrections. Federal institution-wide data shows about half of first-time students complete within six years and median graduate debt around $27,000; rolling admissions and no GRE requirement make entry straightforward.
- 60 credit hours at $680 per credit
- Cohort model with two classes at a time
- Eight-week course terms
- One-week on-campus residency in the first summer
- Prepares graduates for LPC licensure in North Dakota
- No GRE requirement; rolling admissions
- 10% tuition discount for partner-organization employees
- Thesis required; small classes taught by practitioners
MS in Clinical Counseling
UND Vs. NDSU Counseling Programs: A Side-By-Side Comparison
Choosing between the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University for a counseling master's degree comes down to a few critical factors: accreditation type, delivery format, and how each program aligns with your career goals. Below is a side-by-side breakdown based on publicly available program details for the 2025-2026 academic year. For the most current tuition rates, visit each university's bursar or financial aid page, and confirm accreditation status through the CACREP directory at cacrep.org or the APA accreditation site.
| Feature | UND Counseling M.A. (On-Campus) | UND Counseling M.A. (Online) | NDSU Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Accreditation | APA-accredited (Counseling Psychology) | CAEP-accredited | Typically CACREP-accredited; confirm current status at cacrep.org |
| Degree Awarded | Master of Arts in Counseling | Master of Arts in Counseling | Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 to 66 credits | 60 to 66 credits | Check NDSU's School of Education website for current requirements |
| Delivery Format | Fully on-campus in Grand Forks | Online (check program site for any synchronous session requirements) | Primarily on-campus in Fargo; confirm whether hybrid options are available |
| Best Fit For | Students pursuing doctoral study or seeking APA-recognized training in counseling psychology | Working professionals who need scheduling flexibility while earning a counseling degree | Students focused on clinical mental health counseling and LPC licensure in North Dakota |
| Clinical Practicum Hours | Detailed in UND's program handbook; contact the Department of Counseling Psychology for specifics | Practicum and internship arranged in the student's local community; consult the program coordinator | Outlined in NDSU's practicum and internship manual; reach out to the program coordinator if not publicly listed |
| Where to Verify Tuition | UND's graduate tuition schedule on its bursar page | UND's online program tuition page (rates may differ from on-campus) | NDSU's graduate tuition and fees page on the university's financial aid site |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you live in a rural North Dakota community where a weekly campus commute is unrealistic?
Are you already working in a school or agency and need evening or weekend flexibility?
Do you value in-person clinical supervision enough to prioritize an on-campus format?
Online Vs. On-Campus Counseling Programs in North Dakota
Choosing between an online and on-campus counseling master's program is less about prestige and more about how you learn best and what your life demands. Both formats can lead to the same licensure outcome in North Dakota, provided the program holds CACREP accreditation. Here is a practical breakdown of each option's strengths and trade-offs.
- Online programs offer scheduling flexibility that lets working professionals and rural students complete coursework without relocating.
- Students in online programs can choose from a wider pool of CACREP-accredited schools beyond North Dakota's borders, expanding their options.
- Tuition and total cost may be lower online because you eliminate commuting, campus fees, and potential relocation expenses.
- UND's online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is CACREP-accredited, meaning the ND Board of Counselor Examiners treats it identically to an on-campus degree for licensure purposes.
- On-campus cohorts provide structured clinical training environments where practicum and internship placements are coordinated directly by the program.
- In-person students often build stronger faculty mentorship relationships and peer networks through daily interaction in classrooms and clinics.
- Campus-based programs typically embed hands-on skill labs and live supervision into the weekly schedule, reinforcing counseling competencies in real time.
- Online students frequently must identify and arrange their own local practicum sites, which can be challenging in less populated areas of North Dakota.
- Limited face-to-face networking in online programs may reduce access to informal mentorship and professional referral relationships during graduate school.
- On-campus programs demand a physical commute and fixed class times, creating logistical strain for students balancing employment or family responsibilities.
- Campus-based formats offer less schedule flexibility, making it harder to maintain full-time work while completing a 60-credit counseling degree.
- Some employers or supervisors still perceive online degrees skeptically, though CACREP accreditation effectively neutralizes this concern in counseling fields.
- On-campus options in North Dakota are geographically limited, which may require relocation for students outside the Fargo or Grand Forks metro areas.
North Dakota Counseling Licensure Requirements: LPC & LPCC Step-By-Step
Earning your counseling license in North Dakota is a structured, multi-stage process. Both UND and NDSU design their CACREP-aligned curricula to satisfy the coursework and practicum requirements below, so graduates can move directly into supervised practice. Here is the credentialing ladder from master's student to fully licensed clinical counselor, plus a quick note on the separate school counselor track.
Child Counseling & School Counseling Specializations in North Dakota
North Dakota offers more structured pathways into school counseling than most students realize, but the landscape is narrow enough that knowing which programs count toward state credentials can save you significant time and money.
State-Approved Programs and the SC03 Credential
As of 2024, only three programs in North Dakota hold state approval for the School Counselor Credential (SC03), the credential required to work as a school counselor in K-12 settings.1 That small number matters: completing a school counseling program that lacks this approval means you may finish your degree and still be ineligible for the credential. Minot State University, for example, offers counseling-related coursework, but its school counseling program does not currently carry DPI approval, so prospective school counselors should verify program status directly with the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction before enrolling.1
North Dakota State University offers a Master of Science or Master of Education in Counselor Education with a school counseling emphasis, placing it among the approved options.3 The 450-hour supervised internship requirement for the SC03 credential is baked into these approved programs, so students should confirm that any program they consider explicitly satisfies that threshold.1
UND's Certificate Pathways
The University of North Dakota takes a different approach, offering two certificate options for students who already hold relevant graduate degrees. The School Counseling for Educators Certificate is a 48-credit online program designed for students who already hold a master's in Education, with a minimum 3.0 GPA required for admission.4 Separately, UND offers a K-12 School Counseling Certificate.5 Both are positioned as add-on credentials rather than standalone master's programs, which makes them valuable for working educators looking to shift into a counseling role without starting a degree from scratch.
For students who hold a master's in counseling and want a post-degree credential, the University of Mary offers an online School Counseling Certificate that is designed to be licensure-eligible in North Dakota.2
Building a Child Counseling Focus Without a Formal Certificate
No North Dakota institution currently advertises a freestanding graduate certificate in child or adolescent counseling specifically. Students at NDSU or UND who want to build this focus can do so through elective coursework in child development or adolescent psychology and by requesting practicum and internship placements at school-based or youth-serving sites. Supervisors at community mental health centers that serve minors, school-embedded counseling programs, or juvenile services agencies can provide the direct clinical hours with young clients that a formal certificate would otherwise signal to employers. For a broader look at careers serving younger populations, our guide on how to become a child abuse counselor explores related credential pathways.
The 80/20 Rule and Why It Shapes Your Specialization Choice
If you are drawn to school counseling as a career, the American School Counselor Association's 80/20 guideline is worth understanding before you commit to a track. The guideline calls for school counselors to spend roughly 80 percent of their time on direct services to students, including individual counseling, group work, and classroom instruction, and no more than 20 percent on indirect activities like coordination, consultation, and administrative tasks. This standard exists because research consistently ties higher rates of direct student contact to better academic and social outcomes.
In practical terms, the 80/20 framework means that school counseling is a high-contact, direct-service role. If you prefer a clinical setting with more autonomy over caseload composition or longer-term therapeutic work, a clinical mental health counseling online program with child and adolescent electives may suit you better than a school counseling emphasis. Both paths can serve young people well; the difference lies in setting, daily structure, and the credential you pursue.
When evaluating counseling programs in North Dakota, focus on CACREP accreditation rather than delivery format. The state licensure board and most employers treat CACREP-accredited degrees identically, whether completed online or on campus. A distance degree from UND holds the same weight as an in-person NDSU credential when applying for LPC licensure.
Cost, ROI & Financial Aid for ND Counseling Graduate Students
Choosing a counseling program is a financial decision as much as an academic one. Across North Dakota's three ranked programs, median graduate debt ranges from roughly $22,000 to $27,000, while institution-wide median earnings ten years after enrollment span $56,621 to $63,552. The University of North Dakota delivers the strongest return-on-investment ratio at 2.88, followed by the University of Mary at 2.54 and the University of Jamestown at 2.10. Program-level earnings data are not yet available for these counseling programs, so the figures below reflect institution-wide medians. To offset costs, North Dakota graduate students should explore federal Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans, the North Dakota State Grant, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and graduate assistantships offered by individual departments.
Career Outcomes & Salary Outlook for Counseling Graduates in North Dakota
As mental health needs diversify across North Dakota's rural and tribal communities, the role of master's-level counselors has evolved well beyond the therapy room, bridging school systems, telehealth, and integrated care.
North Dakota Counselor Salaries: What the Numbers Show
Nationally, the median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (the combined occupation tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics) was $59,190 in 2024.1 The lowest 10% earned less than $36,700, while the top 10% made over $89,920.2 State-specific figures for North Dakota were not yet available for the 2026 reporting period, but these national benchmarks offer a realistic salary baseline. In a sparsely populated state, actual earnings can shift noticeably between urban centers like Fargo and more remote rural counties, where lower living costs often accompany lower starting wages.
How Program Graduates Fare in the Workforce
While program-level earnings outcomes are not yet reported for the newest counseling master's tracks, broader institutional data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard provides a useful reference. Across all degree recipients, median earnings 10 years after enrollment were $63,552 for University of North Dakota graduates, $60,909 for University of Mary graduates, and $56,621 for University of Jamestown graduates. These figures place alumni from North Dakota institutions comfortably within the range of national counselor salaries, with UND and UMary graduates exceeding the national median. Although individual earnings vary by field, the data indicate that master's completers from these schools are well positioned in the regional job market.
Where Counselors Work: Settings Across the State
North Dakota's counselor workforce is distributed across several distinct practice environments. Community mental health centers serve as the backbone of public behavioral health, especially in counties with limited private services. School counseling positions, supported by graduate certificates like the University of Mary's blended program, fill critical gaps in academic and social-emotional support. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates clinics in Fargo and rural areas, creating dedicated roles for licensed professional counselors. Tribal health services, serving the state's five federally recognized tribes, frequently seek culturally competent mental health providers with trauma-informed training. Private practice continues to expand, fueled by telehealth platforms that connect counselors with clients in the most remote corners of the state.
The Fastest Path to Becoming a Therapist in North Dakota
For students who ask, "What is the best master's degree to get to be a therapist?" the most direct route is a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This degree is designed to satisfy the educational requirements for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credential, which authorizes independent diagnosis and treatment. North Dakota's LPCC licensure requires completion of a 60-credit CACREP-accredited program, making a dedicated clinical mental health counseling degree the most efficient option. Students exploring counseling master's programs online should verify that any prospective program meets these credit and accreditation thresholds. Other specialties, such as school counseling or rehabilitation counseling, lead to separate credentials and do not automatically qualify graduates for the full LPCC. Programs like the University of Jamestown's MS in Clinical Counseling offer a clear, curriculum-aligned path to licensure, preparing students to become a mental health counselor and practice autonomously across the state's diverse clinical settings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Programs in North Dakota
Prospective counseling students in North Dakota often have practical questions about licensure exams, tuition costs, specialty certificates, and career data. Below are answers to the most common questions, along with guidance on where to verify details that change from year to year.
- What exam does North Dakota require for LPC licensure: the NCE or the NCMHCE?
- North Dakota has historically required the National Counselor Examination (NCE) for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) candidates, but exam requirements can change as the state board updates its rules. Always check the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners website directly for the most current exam requirements, including whether the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) is accepted or required for specific license levels such as the LPCC.
- How much does UND's online counseling master's program cost per credit?
- Tuition rates are updated each academic year, so the per-credit cost for the 2025-2026 cycle may differ from prior years. Visit the University of North Dakota's official tuition and fees page, where online graduate rates are listed by program and residency status. That page will give you the most accurate, current figure, including any differential tuition or distance-education fees that apply to the counseling program specifically.
- Are there any graduate certificates in child counseling available in North Dakota?
- As of 2026, standalone graduate certificates focused specifically on child counseling are uncommon at North Dakota institutions. To confirm whether any accredited program currently offers one, review the program listings on individual school websites (such as UND and NDSU) and search the CACREP directory for accredited offerings in the state. Some programs may embed child or adolescent coursework within a broader clinical mental health counseling or school counseling degree rather than offering it as a separate certificate.
- Where can I find reliable salary and job outlook data for counselors in North Dakota?
- The most authoritative source is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook at BLS.gov. There you can look up national median wages for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, as well as state-level wage estimates for North Dakota specifically. Keep in mind that the national median and the North Dakota median are not the same figure, so be sure you are reading the correct geographic tab when comparing earnings.
- Are online master's degrees in counseling respected by employers and licensing boards?
- Yes, provided the program holds recognized accreditation. CACREP-accredited online programs meet the same curricular and clinical standards as their on-campus counterparts, and the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners evaluates the program's accreditation status rather than its delivery format. Employers in clinical settings, schools, and agencies generally treat graduates of accredited online programs the same as those who attended in person, especially when the required practicum and internship hours were completed under appropriate supervision.
- How do UND and NDSU counseling programs compare?
- Both the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University offer well-regarded graduate programs, but they differ in concentration options, delivery format, and clinical placement networks. UND's program has offered online and hybrid options, making it more accessible for working professionals and rural students. NDSU's program has traditionally emphasized on-campus instruction with strong ties to local practicum sites. Prospective students should compare each program's CACREP accreditation status, specific tracks (clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or rehabilitation counseling), credit requirements, and tuition rates on the schools' official websites before deciding.
- What is the best master's degree to get if I want to become a therapist in North Dakota?
- A Master of Arts or Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from a CACREP-accredited program is one of the most direct paths to becoming a licensed therapist in the state. This degree aligns with North Dakota's LPC and LPCC requirements. Other viable options include a master's in social work (for LCSW licensure) or a master's in marriage and family therapy. The best choice depends on your career goals, preferred client populations, and which licensure path appeals to you. Reviewing the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners' educational requirements will help clarify which degree meets your needs.
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