Best Counseling Schools in South Dakota

2025 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in South Dakota

Finding the best master's in counseling programs in South Dakota is key for your career. At counselingpsychology.org, we rank these programs to help you choose. Online options matter a lot today. They offer flexibility for students who need it. Whether you prefer distance learning or virtual classes, there's a program for you. Our rankings look at what makes each school stand out. Want to know how we rank them? Check out our rankings methodology for details.

#1

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD - Public 4-Year - usd.edu

Master's - Addiction Counseling and Prevention

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of South Dakota's Master's in Addiction Counseling and Prevention is a fully online program tailored for professionals seeking to advance in the addiction counseling field. It emphasizes a comprehensive approach to substance use disorders, including prevention, education, and treatment strategies. With a curriculum spanning 33 to 45 credit hours, students gain expertise in co-occurring disorders and relapse prevention, grounded in evidence-based practices. The program boasts small class sizes, experienced faculty, and strong community partnerships, enhancing learning through internships and hands-on experiences. Graduates meet the requirements for South Dakota's top addiction counseling credential. Financial aid and assistantships are available, making this nationally ranked, NASAC-accredited program accessible to a wide range of students.

• Online program flexibility.
• 33-45 credit hours.
• Prepares for state credentialing.
• Focus on co-occurring disorders.
• Science-based addiction education.
• Small class sizes.
• Over 200 faculty experience years.
• Internship opportunities available.
• High employment placement rate.
• Accredited by NASAC.

#2

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD - Public 4-Year - northern.edu

Master's - Counseling (MSEd)

Concentration: School Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Northern State University offers a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling, designed for those aiming to impact K-12 students positively. This 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program blends HyFlex learning, combining online and in-person classes for flexibility. It focuses on academic, personal, and career development, adhering to American School Counselor Association standards. The program includes internship opportunities and prepares graduates for school guidance certification. No entrance exam is mentioned, making it accessible for many applicants. Highlights include a two-year completion time and synchronous/asynchronous class options.

• CACREP Accredited Program
• HyFlex Delivery Option
• 60 Credit Hours
• Two-Year Completion Time
• K-12 School Counseling Focus
• Internship Opportunities
• Synchronous and Asynchronous Classes

Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

Concentration: Clinical Mental Health - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Master of Science in Counseling at Northern State University, specializing in Clinical Mental Health, is a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited program. It prepares students for diverse mental health careers through a hybrid format, offering both synchronous and asynchronous learning. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills with internships and practicums, guided by experienced faculty. This program is tailored for those seeking to address mental health challenges effectively, with no mention of an entrance exam requirement. Key features include a comprehensive counseling curriculum and flexible HyFlex delivery, ensuring a balance between studies and personal commitments.

• CACREP Accredited Program
• HyFlex Delivery Format
• 60 Credit Hour Program
• Two-Year Completion Time
• Clinical Mental Health Focus
• Experienced Professional Faculty
• Internship and Practicum Opportunities
• Comprehensive Counseling Curriculum

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*Data source: NCES, IPEDS 2023 institutional survey.

How to Find a Counseling Program in South Dakota

Counseling degree programs are available from colleges and universities throughout South Dakota. Which of the available programs is best for you depends on numerous factors. Consider the degree offered, cost of tuition, mode of instruction, and other details as you evaluate each specific program.

Counseling Degree Pathways in South Dakota

Counseling degrees are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. An undergraduate program requires at least high school or a GED, while a graduate program requires that you first graduate college with a bachelor's degree. The various options are:

• Associate Degree: Undergraduate degree lasting two years. Can prepare you for entry-level counseling work.

• Bachelor's Degree: Undergraduate degree lasting four years. Can prepare you for entry- and mid-level work.

• Master’s Degree: Graduate degree lasting one to two years. Required to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in South Dakota.

• Doctorate Degree: Graduate degree lasting three to six years. Can be research (Ph.D.) or clinical (Psy.D.) in nature, and qualifies you for the highest positions.

• Graduate Certificate: Graduate certificate (not a degree) lasting six to twelve months. Can help you specialize after completing a bachelor's or master's.
  

Choose a Counseling Specialty

Counselors in South Dakota offer specialized and non-specialized services. Should you want to specialize, you can do so through a degree or certificate program. Some examples of specializations that are available include:

• Clinical mental health counseling

• Clinical rehabilitation counseling

• School counseling

• Career counseling

• Marriage, couple, and family counseling

Check School Accreditation

Only accredited counseling programs provide recognized degrees and certificates. A non-accredited school's program likely won't qualify for future academic work or licensure. Any program you consider should thus be accredited.

The three main accrediting bodies for counseling programs are the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP), and the American Psychological Association (APA).

Both South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota are accredited, as are other schools in the state.

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in South Dakota

You can choose to enroll in an online or traditional counseling program or a hybrid one. Online programs tend to have lower tuition costs and more flexible class schedules, while traditional ones have in-person classes that afford plenty of discussions. Hybrid programs combine the advantages of each type.

Base your choice of online, traditional, or hybrid on your financial needs, other obligations, and desired experience.

Becoming a Licensed Counselor in South Dakota

To become a licensed professional counselor in South Dakota, you'll have to complete an accredited master's degree in counseling or something similar. The program must include a 100-hour practicum, and a 600-hour internship.

After graduating with a master's degree, you'll then have to complete 2,000 hours of supervised counseling work, pass a licensure exam, and pay a licensing fee.

Your license will then have to be renewed every odd-numbered year (e.g. 2023, 2025, 2027). Renewal requires paying a fee, and completing 40 hours of continuing education.

List of Counseling Degree Programs in South Dakota

Are you searching for a counseling degree program in South 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.