What you’ll learn in this article…
- South Dakota psychology master's programs show institution-level ROI ratios between 2.1 and 2.4 across ranked schools.
- CACREP-accredited counseling programs at USD meet the 60-credit-hour requirement for LPC licensure in the state.
- Part-time students can typically finish a master's degree in about three years while continuing to work.
- LPC candidates must complete 2,000 hours of supervised post-degree experience, including 800 direct contact hours.
South Dakota has fewer than a half-dozen graduate psychology and counseling programs, and the cost spread between them is striking: in-state tuition runs from roughly $3,600 per year at Kairos University to over $40,000 at Augustana University. For students aiming at LPC or BCBA credentials in a rural state, that gap forces a real tradeoff between sticker price, accreditation status (CACREP matters for counseling licensure), and delivery format.
Each of the ranked programs below offers online or hybrid coursework, including Northern State's CACREP-accredited HyFlex M.S. in Counseling and Augustana's fully online ABA master's. Students exploring masters in counseling in South Dakota will find CACREP-accredited options that align with LPC requirements, while those on the BCBA track can compare online applied behavior analysis programs nationwide. With South Dakota's behavioral health workforce shortage persisting into 2026, well-credentialed graduates continue to find demand outpacing supply across the state's rural counties.
2026 Best Psychology Programs in South Dakota: Rankings
South Dakota offers a compact but meaningful selection of psychology and behavioral science graduate programs, ranging from CACREP-accredited counseling degrees to BCBA exam-prep tracks. Our 2026 rankings weight affordability heavily, so programs with lower tuition and net price earn a boost, but we also account for institutional graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and overall academic quality. All graduation rates listed below are institution-wide figures reported to the federal government, not program-specific completion rates.
- Tuition and net price affordability
- Institution-wide graduation rate
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Accreditation and program quality
- Delivery format flexibility
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
Kairos University
Kairos University, based in Sioux Falls and formerly known as North American Baptist Seminary, stands out for its remarkably low tuition: $3,600 for both in-state and out-of-state students. With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, it offers a level of personalized mentorship that larger institutions struggle to match. Its counseling programs blend faith integration with rigorous clinical training, making it a strong fit for students drawn to values-based mental health practice.
- 63-credit online program covering counseling theories and ethics
- Prepares graduates for state mental health counselor licensure
- Supervised clinical work embedded in the curriculum
- Personalized mentorship model guiding each student's path
- Covers diverse populations and multicultural competencies
- Full-time students can finish in roughly two and a half years
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA required for admission
- COAMFTE-accredited online marriage and family therapy track
- 65 credit hours with 300+ supervised internship hours
- Emphasis on diversity, cultural attunement, and ethical practice
- Self-of-therapist development woven throughout coursework
- Prepares students for state MFT licensure examinations
- Integrates Christian perspectives with clinical skill building
Master of Arts in Counseling — Online
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota is the state's flagship research institution and one of its most affordable public options, with in-state graduate tuition around $7,118. Its 59.9% institution-wide graduation rate and a net price of $19,858 reflect a solid value proposition, especially for South Dakota residents. USD's psychology-related offerings at the graduate level include an online Applied Behavior Analysis certificate geared toward BCBA certification, ideal for professionals already working in behavioral health or educational settings.
- Fully online, 21-credit certificate meeting ABAI standards
- Designed to prepare students for the BCBA examination
- Focuses on assessment-based intervention and data-driven decisions
- Covers environmental influences on behavior across the lifespan
- Strong emphasis on evidence-based practices for autism support
- Suited for those already in educational or behavioral health roles
Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate — Online
Northern State University
Northern State University in Aberdeen delivers its CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health concentration through a flexible hybrid format. At roughly $6,736 in-state tuition, NSU is among the most budget-friendly graduate options in the state. The program blends online coursework with in-person experiences, including supervised practicums and internships, giving students hands-on clinical exposure while accommodating busy schedules.
- CACREP-accredited, 60-credit-hour graduate program
- Hybrid (HyFlex) delivery combining online and in-person learning
- Typically completed in two years of full-time study
- Supervised practicum and internship placements included
- Curriculum emphasizes ethical and culturally responsive counseling
- Faculty-guided training in assessment and intervention strategies
- Prepares graduates for South Dakota counselor licensure
Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health — Hybrid
Augustana University
Augustana University, a private institution in Sioux Falls, posts a 73% institution-wide graduation rate, the highest among ranked schools here, alongside an 86% retention rate and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Its sticker tuition of $40,830 is offset by institutional aid that brings the net price closer to $23,894. Augustana's applied behavior analysis programs are fully online and structured in small cohorts of 15 students, making them well suited for working professionals who want close interaction with faculty.
- Fully online, 34-credit program completed in 18 months
- Prepares graduates to sit for the BCBA examination
- Supervised fieldwork integrated into the curriculum
- Cohorts capped at 15 students for personalized instruction
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Requires a 3.0 GPA and behavioral-setting employment
- Financial aid available for qualifying students
- Online 18-month program blending ABA with special education
- 34 total credits: 24 coursework credits plus 10 fieldwork credits
- Pathway to BCBA exam eligibility upon completion
- Small cohorts of 15 ensure collaborative learning
- Designed for professionals already in educational or behavioral roles
- Minimum 3.0 GPA and supervised fieldwork required
Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis — Online
Master of Education in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis — Online
How Much Do Psychology Master's Programs in South Dakota Cost?
Tuition for psychology-related master's programs in South Dakota varies significantly between public and private institutions. The net price figures below reflect institution-wide averages (not program-specific guarantees) drawn from federal data, so your actual cost will depend on financial aid, residency status, and course load. Program-level debt and earnings data are not yet available for these specific programs, so the median graduate debt and earnings shown are institution-wide figures reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
| Institution | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price (Institution-Wide) | Median Graduate Debt | Median Earnings (10 Yr) | Est. Monthly Payment (10-Yr Repayment) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern State University | $6,736 | $11,936 | $15,812 | $22,320 | $47,618 | ~$232 |
| University of South Dakota | $7,118 | $12,768 | $19,858 | $23,592 | $51,926 | ~$245 |
| Augustana University | $40,830 | $40,830 | $23,894 | $25,000 | $59,217 | ~$260 |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Online vs. On-Campus Psychology Programs in South Dakota
South Dakota's psychology graduate landscape is small but offers genuine flexibility across delivery formats. Whether you need a fully online option to fit around work and family obligations or prefer the structure of a physical classroom, several in-state schools have you covered. Here is how the available formats compare across the factors that matter most to working adults and traditional students alike.
| Factor | Fully Online | Hybrid (Online + On-Campus) |
|---|---|---|
| Schools Offering This Format | Kairos University (MA in Counseling), Augustana University (MS in Applied Behavior Analysis), University of South Dakota (Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate) | Northern State University (MS in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health concentration) |
| Scheduling Flexibility | High. Coursework is asynchronous or on a flexible schedule, making it easier for students who are employed full time or live outside the Sioux Falls or Vermillion area. | Moderate. Northern State uses a HyFlex delivery model, so students attend some sessions on campus in Aberdeen while completing other coursework online. |
| Typical Completion Timeline | Varies by program. Augustana's ABA program is designed for 18 months (34 credits). Kairos University's counseling MA is 63 credits with a flexible completion window. | Northern State's CACREP-accredited MS in Counseling is structured as a two-year, 60-credit program. |
| Practicum and Fieldwork Access | Students arrange supervised clinical placements in or near their home communities. Kairos and Augustana both build fieldwork into the curriculum, but site coordination falls partly on the student. | Northern State integrates clinical internships and has established practicum partnerships across central and eastern South Dakota, which can simplify site placement. |
| Peer Networking and Faculty Interaction | Interaction happens through virtual discussion boards, video sessions, and cohort models (Augustana caps cohorts at 15 students). Kairos emphasizes personalized mentorship with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. | Regular in-person class meetings and on-campus residencies build stronger face-to-face relationships. Northern State's 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio means larger cohort sizes but more diverse peer groups. |
| Accreditation Notes | Kairos is institutionally accredited. Augustana is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. USD's certificate meets ABAI standards. | Northern State's counseling program holds CACREP accreditation, which is widely recognized for clinical mental health licensure pathways. |
| In-State Tuition (per year) | Kairos: $3,600. Augustana: $40,830 (private, flat rate). USD: $7,118. | Northern State: $6,736. |
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Career Outcomes and ROI for South Dakota Psychology Graduates
How much return can you expect from a psychology degree in South Dakota? Across the three ranked programs, institution-level ROI ratios fall between roughly 2.1 and 2.4, meaning graduates earn back more than double their net educational investment over time. Program-specific earnings data at one and four years post-completion are not yet published for these programs, so we use institution-wide median earnings at ten years along with median graduate debt as proxies. Keep in mind that individual outcomes vary widely by specialization, licensure level, and work setting.
Accreditation and Licensure Pathways in South Dakota
Choosing a psychology program means balancing academic rigor with practical career goals, and in South Dakota that calculation hinges on whether your degree will clear the state's licensure gates. Accreditation is not a rubber stamp: it determines which programs qualify you for licensure, which supervised hours count, and whether your credentials will transfer if you move across state lines.
Accreditation Landscape for South Dakota Psychology Programs
As of 2026, South Dakota does not host an APA-accredited doctoral program in psychology within its borders.1 Aspiring psychologists typically pursue doctoral training out of state at APA-accredited institutions or enroll in distance programs that hold APA approval. The absence of a home-state APA program does not close the door to licensure, but it does mean applicants must verify that their chosen program meets South Dakota Board of Examiners standards before enrollment.2
For master's-level counseling students, CACREP accreditation serves as the gold standard. Programs holding CACREP approval align curricula with national competency benchmarks and streamline the pathway to Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials in South Dakota and beyond. If you are weighing licensed professional counselor online programs, confirm CACREP status before committing. Similarly, school psychology candidates should confirm NASP approval if they plan to work in K-12 settings. While South Dakota does not mandate APA accreditation for psychologist licensure, many states do, so graduates planning to practice in multiple jurisdictions should weigh portability early.
South Dakota Psychologist Licensure Requirements
The South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists sets clear thresholds for licensure. Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in psychology, complete 1,800 hours of supervised internship (spread over no more than two years), and then accumulate one year of postdoctoral experience. The supervised experience phase spans two years in total, combining internship and postdoctoral components.
After fulfilling supervised hours, applicants sit for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) Part 1, requiring a minimum score of 500. South Dakota does not currently require EPPP Part 2.6 Candidates also face an oral examination administered by the Board, for which the passing threshold is 75 percent. A provisional license option exists for those completing postdoctoral hours, allowing supervised practice while final exam results are pending. Those interested in the broader landscape of careers in psychology should note that these licensure steps are specific to the doctoral practice track.
Why Accreditation Matters Beyond the Classroom
Accreditation translates directly into eligibility. Non-accredited programs may produce capable graduates, but those graduates often face additional scrutiny during licensure review, longer processing times, and barriers to interstate mobility under the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). CACREP-accredited counseling programs similarly ease reciprocity negotiations when counselors relocate. Understanding how to get a counseling license in different states underscores why accreditation decisions made at enrollment matter for years to come. For working adults juggling jobs and family, choosing an accredited program from the outset prevents costly detours and retraining down the line.
Before submitting an application, confirm your target program's accreditation status through the APA, CACREP, or NASP directory and cross-reference those credentials against South Dakota Board requirements. The investment of an afternoon verifying accreditation can save years of licensure headaches.
Steps to Becoming a Licensed Counselor or Psychologist in South Dakota
South Dakota offers two distinct credentialing ladders depending on your career goals. The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) path requires a master's degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours, 2,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience (including 800 direct contact hours and 100 supervision hours), and passage of the National Counselor Examination. Upgrading to LPC-Mental Health status adds another 2,000 supervised hours and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. From start to finish, expect roughly 4 to 6 years after your bachelor's degree. The Licensed Psychologist track is longer: you will need a doctoral degree, a 1,500 to 2,000 hour predoctoral internship, 1,500 to 2,000 hours of postdoctoral supervised practice, and successful completion of both the EPPP and a state jurisprudence or oral exam. That timeline typically runs 8 to 12 years beyond the bachelor's level.
Admission Requirements for SD Psychology Master's Programs
South Dakota has a limited number of institutions offering graduate-level psychology or counseling programs. The University of South Dakota (USD) is the primary option for students pursuing a master's in this field within the state. Below is a practical breakdown of what you can expect when applying.
GPA and Standardized Test Expectations
USD's Counseling and Psychology in Education master's program requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.1 This threshold is consistent with what most accredited counseling programs nationwide expect. USD's Clinical Psychology track is a doctoral-level (Ph.D.) program that awards an M.A. along the way, but admission is to the Ph.D. only, so applicants should be prepared for a more competitive selection process.2
GRE policies across graduate programs have shifted considerably in recent years. Many counseling-oriented programs have moved toward GRE-optional or GRE-waived policies, though requirements can change from one admissions cycle to the next. Confirm GRE expectations directly with USD's graduate admissions office before submitting your application.
Prerequisite Coursework and Experience
Most psychology master's programs expect applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a closely related behavioral science field. If your undergraduate major was in a different discipline, you may need to complete foundational coursework in areas such as abnormal psychology, statistics, research methods, or developmental psychology before enrolling.
Some programs also value relevant field experience. Volunteer hours in community mental health settings, crisis hotlines, or supervised practicum-style roles can strengthen an application, even when they are not formally required.
Letters of Recommendation and Application Materials
Expect to submit two to three letters of recommendation, typically from academic faculty or clinical supervisors who can speak to your readiness for graduate-level work. A personal statement outlining your professional goals and motivation for pursuing counseling or psychology is standard as well.
Deadlines and Start Dates
For fall 2026 enrollment, USD lists a June 1 application deadline.3 Keep in mind that competitive programs may review applications on a rolling basis or fill cohort spots before the final deadline, so applying early is always a smart strategy. If you are considering programs outside South Dakota, whether online or in neighboring states, deadlines and start-date flexibility vary widely. Some online master's in psychology programs offer multiple entry points throughout the year, which can be helpful for working adults.
A Note on Program Availability
Black Hills State University, Northern State University, and Dakota State University do not currently offer master's-level programs in psychology or counseling.4 That makes USD the primary in-state option, though regionally accredited online programs from other institutions can be a viable alternative for South Dakota residents who want more choices. The psychology degree levels and specializations section of this article covers additional pathways worth exploring.
Several South Dakota psychology programs offer part-time, evening, or asynchronous online formats tailored for working professionals. Completing a master's degree part-time typically extends the timeline to three years instead of the standard two-year full-time track, allowing you to balance career responsibilities with coursework and clinical training.
Psychology Degree Levels and Specializations Available in South Dakota
South Dakota's behavioral health workforce has been expanding its graduate training options in recent years, giving students more pathways from an undergraduate foundation to advanced clinical practice. Understanding what each degree level qualifies you for is essential before committing time and tuition.
Bachelor's Degree: The Starting Point
A bachelor's in psychology prepares you for entry-level roles in human services, case management, research assistance, and community outreach. It is a valuable degree on its own, but it does not qualify you for independent licensed practice in South Dakota. Think of it as the launchpad: you build a strong knowledge base in human behavior, research methods, and developmental psychology, then decide whether to continue into graduate study.
Master's Degree: The Minimum for Licensed Practice
If your goal is to practice as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed marriage and family therapist in South Dakota, a master's degree is the minimum credential the state requires. A two-year master's program is genuinely worth the investment because it is the threshold that separates support roles from independent clinical work and the higher earning potential that comes with licensure.
South Dakota schools offer several distinct master's-level concentrations:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Northern State University's CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health concentration is a 60-credit hybrid program designed for two-year completion, combining flexible HyFlex delivery with supervised internships.
- Counseling Psychology: Kairos University in Sioux Falls offers a 63-credit Master of Arts in Counseling delivered fully online, with personalized mentorship and supervised clinical work that prepares graduates for state licensure.
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Augustana University offers a fully online Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, completable in roughly 18 months (34 credits), that prepares students for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. The University of South Dakota provides an online ABA Graduate Certificate (21 credits) meeting national ABAI standards for those who want a shorter, targeted credential.
- School Psychology: USD's doctoral program in school psychology is another pathway for students specifically interested in educational settings, though it requires commitment beyond the master's level.
Doctoral Degree: Clinical Psychologist Licensure
To practice as a licensed psychologist in South Dakota, you need a doctoral degree, either a PhD or a PsyD. Doctoral training involves advanced coursework, a dissertation or doctoral project, and a full-year predoctoral internship. This is the route for those who want to conduct psychological testing, provide psychotherapy under the psychologist title, or pursue academic and research careers. For a closer look at the steps involved, review our guide on how to become a psychologist. The University of South Dakota is the state's primary doctoral training ground for clinical and school psychology.
Choosing the Right Level
The question of whether a two-year graduate degree is worth it comes down to your career target. If you want to provide therapy and hold an independent license in South Dakota, the master's is not optional; it is the professional entry point. Students exploring bachelor's-level options can compare psychology degree programs across the state, while those considering the doctoral track should look closely at PhD and PsyD program expectations and timelines. For students weighing a counseling degree path alongside a psychology track, understanding the distinction between the two disciplines early on can save time and tuition. Each level builds on the last, so the best approach is to align your degree choice with the specific license and role you are pursuing rather than treating any single credential as a universal solution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Programs in South Dakota
Choosing the right psychology program means sorting through details on cost, scheduling, accreditation, and career pathways. Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask about pursuing a psychology degree in South Dakota.
