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.
2026 Best Online Psychology Programs in South Dakota
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 offers a comprehensive 21-credit program tailored for professionals seeking Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. Aligned with Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) standards, the curriculum delves into environmental behavior influences, assessment-based interventions, and data-driven decision-making strategies. Particularly beneficial for educators and behavioral health professionals, the program specializes in evidence-based practices focusing on developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. Students gain advanced skills in analyzing and modifying behavior across diverse life stages, preparing them for meaningful professional impact in behavioral intervention settings.
- 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 a comprehensive 18-month online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis that strategically prepares professionals for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA) examination. This fully online program encompasses 34 credit hours of intensive behavior-analytic coursework and supervised fieldwork, allowing students to advance their careers while maintaining current employment. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program maintains rigorous academic standards with a 3.0 GPA requirement and features personalized learning through small cohorts of 15 students. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the program provides financial aid opportunities and ensures graduates are well-equipped to create meaningful behavioral interventions across diverse professional settings.
- 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 Master of Education in Special Education Applied Behavior Analysis is a specialized online program targeting Registered Behavior Technicians, special education teachers, and emerging behavior analysts. This 18-month, 34-credit curriculum provides a strategic pathway to BCBA examination eligibility, blending 24 credits of behavior-analytic coursework with 10 credits of supervised fieldwork. Tailored for working professionals, the program maintains an intimate cohort model of 15 students, ensuring personalized learning experiences. Students can seamlessly advance their professional competencies in special education and applied behavior analysis while continuing their current employment, ultimately preparing to develop positive learning environments and implement sophisticated behavioral intervention strategies.
- 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
Kairos University
Sioux Falls, SD - Private 4-year - kairos.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Kairos University's fully online Master of Arts in Counseling presents a comprehensive 63-credit program designed for aspiring mental health professionals. Students explore professional counseling foundations, therapeutic theories, and diverse population dynamics through a flexible curriculum accommodating full-time learners. The program uniquely integrates academic rigor with clinical preparation, emphasizing supervised clinical experiences and personalized mentorship. With a 2.5 GPA admission requirement, students receive comprehensive training covering professional orientation, counseling techniques, and state licensure preparation. The online format enables students to complete the program in approximately two and a half years, balancing academic learning with practical clinical skill development.
- 63 credit hours.
- Online program.
- Prepares for licensure.
- Personalized mentorship.
- Supervised clinical work.
- Covers diverse populations.
- Flexible completion time.
- 2.5 GPA requirement.
- Integrates academic and clinical.
- State licensure preparation.
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Kairos University's online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy offers a transformative COAMFTE-accredited program integrating Christian perspectives with systemic therapeutic principles. Spanning 65 credits, the program prepares students for professional licensure through comprehensive coursework addressing human development, cultural diversity, ethical practice, and therapeutic interventions. Students engage in 300+ internship hours, developing critical skills in relational healing and family dynamics. The curriculum emphasizes cultural sensitivity, professional ethics, and self-awareness, equipping graduates to serve diverse populations effectively. The online platform provides flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic and clinical training standards.
- COAMFTE accredited program.
- Online format available.
- 65 credits required.
- 300+ internship hours.
- Focus on Christian integration.
- Diversity and cultural attunement.
- Ethical, legal issues covered.
- Supervised clinical experience.
- Self-of-therapist development.
- Prepares for state licensure.
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 comprehensive online Master of Science in Counseling with a specialized Clinical Mental Health concentration, designed for aspiring mental health professionals. This CACREP-accredited program provides a robust curriculum emphasizing practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Students benefit from a unique hybrid learning model, combining online coursework with in-person experiences. The two-year program requires 60 credit hours and includes extensive internship opportunities, enabling students to gain hands-on clinical experience. While specific entrance exam requirements are not detailed, the program focuses on developing culturally competent counselors who can address complex mental health challenges. The flexible HyFlex delivery format accommodates working professionals seeking advanced training in clinical 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.
2026 Affordable Psychology Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of South Dakota |
|
|
| Augustana University |
|
|
| Northern State University |
|
|
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.
Kairos University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling
Online Learning - Website
- 63 credit hours.
- Online program.
- Prepares for licensure.
- Personalized mentorship.
- Supervised clinical work.
- Covers diverse populations.
- Flexible completion time.
- 2.5 GPA requirement.
- Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Website
- COAMFTE accredited program.
- Online format available.
- 65 credits required.
- 300+ internship hours.
- Focus on Christian integration.
- Diversity and cultural attunement.
- Ethical, legal issues covered.
- Supervised clinical experience.
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