Best Psychology Schools in South Dakota
When people think of psychology, they tend to imagine some sort of therapist who helps with general personal problems. While this is one of the things that people in the profession do, there are several other possibilities. Psychological specialties allow professionals to target specific areas of interest, such as career performance, problems with school, marriage and family issues, drug addiction recovery, and more. If you are looking for a great psychology degree program in South Dakota, many options are available to you.
2025 Best Online Psychology Programs in South Dakota
Looking for the best online psychology programs in South Dakota? At counselingpsychology.org, we rank top programs to help you find the right fit. Online programs offer flexibility, making it easier to balance studies with life. They are great for distance learning, especially if you live in remote areas. Our rankings consider key factors to ensure quality education. Learn more about how we rank programs https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD - Public 4-Year - usd.edu
Graduate Certificate - Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Dakota's online Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate program is tailored for individuals pursuing Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. This 21-credit program adheres to the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) standards, concentrating on how environmental factors affect behavior, interventions based on assessments, and making decisions supported by data. It's particularly suited for professionals in educational or behavioral health fields, equipping them to assist individuals at any life stage. With a strong focus on evidence-based practices, especially for autism and developmental disabilities, the program offers flexibility for working professionals. No entrance exam is mentioned, highlighting accessibility for qualified applicants.
- Online program format.
- 21 credits total.
- Meets ABAI standards.
- Focus on BCBA certification.
- Evidence-based practice emphasis.
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SD - Private 4-year - augie.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Online Learning - Visit Website
Augustana University offers an online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (M.S. ABA) designed for professionals in behavioral settings, aiming to prepare them for the BCBA examination. This 18-month program requires 34 credit hours, including supervised fieldwork, all conducted online. Admission criteria include a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, official transcripts, a recommendation letter, and relevant employment. The program, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, supports cohorts of 15 students, ensuring personalized attention. Financial aid is available, making this a viable option for many students. No entrance exam is mentioned, focusing instead on practical experience and academic readiness.
- Fully online program.
- 18-month completion time.
- 34 credit hours required.
- Prepares for BCBA examination.
- Accredited by HLC.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
- Financial aid available.
- Supervised fieldwork included.
- Cohorts of 15 students.
- Group capstone project.
Master's - Master of Education in Special Education Applied Behavior Analysis
Concentration: Special Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
Augustana University's online Master of Education in Special Education Applied Behavior Analysis is tailored for professionals like Registered Behavior Technicians and special education teachers. This 18-month, 34-credit program prepares students for the BCBA exam, blending 24 credits of coursework with 10 credits of supervised fieldwork. Designed for working professionals, it emphasizes creating positive learning environments through behavioral interventions. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, with no mention of an entrance exam, highlighting the program's accessibility. The cohort model, limited to 15 students, fosters a collaborative and personalized learning experience, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Fully online 18-month program
- 34 total credit hours
- BCBA exam eligibility pathway
- Designed for working professionals
- Cohorts limited to 15 students
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Supervised fieldwork included
- 24 behavior-analytic coursework credits
- 10 fieldwork experience credits
Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD - Public 4-Year - northern.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northern State University offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health, designed for aspiring mental health professionals. This CACREP-accredited program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience through required internships and practicums, all within a hybrid learning format that merges online coursework with in-person sessions. Focusing on the ethical and cultural dimensions of counseling, the program equips students with a comprehensive skill set over 60 credit hours, typically spanning two years. Applicants need a bachelor's degree and a passion for facilitating positive mental health outcomes. The program stands out for its HyFlex delivery, allowing students to choose how they attend classes, and its commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Entrance exams are required for admission, with specifics available upon application. This program is ideal for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health counseling.
- CACREP-accredited program.
- Hybrid learning format.
- 60 credit hours.
- Two-year completion.
- Clinical Mental Health focus.
- Practical internships included.
- Ethical and cultural training.
- Experienced faculty.
- Flexible HyFlex delivery.
- Supportive learning environment.
How to Find a Psychology Program in South Dakota
Finding a good psychology program in South Dakota starts with looking for accredited options. Then, look for one that meets all of your needs. If it’s an in-person program, it should take place at a location and time that’s convenient for you. Online programs are often available for those needing flexibility.
Tuition costs, program reviews, entry requirements, and specialization are also important factors to consider.
Psychology Degree Pathways in South Dakota
There are several possible degrees in psychology, and each of them opens up more opportunities. The associate’s degree is the first and typically takes two years to obtain. This can be a good start to a career in psychology, but students will typically need to move on to a bachelor’s and then a graduate degree for most career pathways.
The bachelor’s degree in psychology is a traditional four-year degree that can prime students for graduate study. Many in the psychology field opt to earn a two-year master’s degree. Those who want to become licensed as a psychologist, however, will need to earn a doctorate degree in psychology – either a Ph.D. or a PsyD. South Dakota has options at many different degree levels for students to obtain the education they need for the psychology career they desire.
Choose a Psychology Specialty
Psychology is a profession that requires you to be personally involved like few others. Therefore, you should put your passion at the forefront when choosing a specialty. This will improve your effectiveness and help keep you from burning out.
Some of the positions to consider include child psychologist, general psychologist, and marriage counselor. There are some specialties that are even more specific, such as those with a focus on PTSD, ADHD, or any of several other psychological conditions.
Accreditation
Accreditation is important at all psychology program levels. When you get any kind of undergraduate degree, the diploma will only count towards the next level if the program you went through was accredited. At the doctorate level, only degrees from accredited programs count toward licensing requirements. Of course, employers will also look for degrees from accredited programs and institutions.
Students should opt for degree programs that are accredited nationally by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Online vs. Traditional Psychology Programs in South Dakota
Traditional psychology programs involve attending classes and doing other activities in person. This makes them more personal and sociable, but if you have a situation that makes it hard to physically attend, you might not be able to complete your studies.
Online programs aim to eliminate the problems that arise from the need to go to specific places. Everything is done via videoconferencing or other online means. The main caveat is to make sure online programs are accredited by reputable oversight bodies because some are not.
Becoming Licensed As a Psychologist in South Dakota
The first step to getting your license is to get a doctorate degree. This can be a Ph.D. or a PsyD. Then, submit your application along with supporting documents and a fee. The next step is to pass a written licensing exam with a score of at least 500, followed by an oral exam. After this, request a provisional license, and use it to attain one year of supervised practice as a psychologist. When this period is complete, you can apply for your real license. The South Dakota Department of Social Services maintains a full list of guidelines on psychologist licensing in the state.
2025 Affordable Psychology Program Options
Finding affordable psychology program options in South Dakota for 2025 is key for students. The table lists schools offering Bachelor's, Master's, Graduate Certificate, and Doctorate degrees. It shows program highlights and tuition ranges. Low-cost and economical options help students manage expenses while pursuing their education. This is especially important in larger cities and regions across the state where living costs can add up. The right program can make higher education more accessible without sacrificing quality.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of South Dakota |
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| Augustana University |
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| Northern State University |
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List of Psychology Degree Programs in South Dakota
Are you looking for a psychology degree program in South Dakota? Browse our list of psychology programs offering both online and on-campus instruction. Follow the links to learn more about what each school’s psychology program offers.
Aberdeen, SD
Northern State University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- 120 credit hours
- Four-year completion
- Focus on public service
- Diverse course offerings
- Prepares for graduate study
- Emphasizes real-world application
- Engaging faculty approach
- Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program.
- Hybrid learning format.
- 60 credit hours.
- Two-year completion.
- Clinical Mental Health focus.
- Practical internships included.
- Ethical and cultural training.
- Experienced faculty.
Sioux Falls, SD
Augustana University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Expert faculty-led research
- Hands-on practicum opportunities
- Study abroad options
- Diverse career paths
- Strong graduate school preparation
- Campus-based program
- Undergraduate research symposium participation
- Faculty laboratories available
- Master's - Master of Education in Special Education Applied Behavior Analysis
Concentration: Special Education - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online 18-month program
- 34 total credit hours
- BCBA exam eligibility pathway
- Designed for working professionals
- Cohorts limited to 15 students
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Supervised fieldwork included
- 24 behavior-analytic coursework credits
- Master's - Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program.
- 18-month completion time.
- 34 credit hours required.
- Prepares for BCBA examination.
- Accredited by HLC.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
- Financial aid available.
- Supervised fieldwork included.
University of Sioux Falls
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- B.A. in Psychology available
- Psychology minor option
- Campus-based program
- Focus on empirical research
- Christian servant-leadership approach
- Internship opportunities provided
- Strong local organization partnerships
- Prepares for diverse careers
Vermillion, SD
University of South Dakota
- Bachelor's - Psychology (B.A., B.S.)
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- B.A. and B.S. options
- Focus on research methods
- Includes statistics in curriculum
- Foundational psychology courses
- Courses in social psychology
- Cognitive psychology studies
- Physiological psychology included
- Master's - Psychology-Clinical Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- APA-accredited since 1971
- 96-111 total credit hours
- Specialization in Clinical/Disaster Psychology
- Pre-doctoral clinical internship required
- Focus on rural and Native communities
- Thesis and dissertation required
- On-campus delivery
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Master's - Psychology-Clinical Psychology
Concentration: Clinical/Disaster Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- APA-accredited since 1971
- Specialization in Clinical/Disaster Psychology
- Focused on rural and Native communities
- 96-111 total credit hours required
- One-year predoctoral internship
- M.A. and Ph.D. degree options
- Trauma and disaster mental health emphasis
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Graduate Certificate - Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- 21 credits total.
- Meets ABAI standards.
- Focus on BCBA certification.
- Evidence-based practice emphasis.
- Doctorate - Clinical Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- APA-accredited doctoral program
- Specialization in rural mental health
- 106 credit hours required
- Multiple practicum experiences
- Research focus on trauma, disaster psychology
- Scientist-practitioner training model
- Diverse research methodology exposure
- Doctorate - Clinical Psychology
Concentration: Clinical Disaster Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- APA accredited program
- Specialized Disaster Mental Health training
- 106 total credit hours required
- Multiple practicum experiences
- Rural mental health focus
- Clinical/Disaster Psychology concentration
- Research opportunities available
- Scientist-practitioner training model
Yankton, SD
Mount Marty University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Major and Minor options
- Undergraduate level
- Campus-based program
- Core and elective courses
- Internships available
- Focus on ethical standards
- Prepares for graduate studies
- Hands-on learning experiences