North Dakota’s wide mix of rural and urban communities creates unique opportunities for future counselors. With growing attention on behavioral health services and strong demand for qualified professionals, students in North Dakota can pursue counseling degrees at regional universities or through flexible online options. Whether preparing for work in schools, healthcare, or private practice, North Dakota offers supportive pathways for launching a counseling career.
Undergraduate Counseling Programs in North Dakota
Students in North Dakota interested in counseling careers often begin with undergraduate studies in psychology, human services, or related disciplines. While a graduate degree is required for professional licensure, a bachelor’s program provides essential skills in communication, research, and human development.
For those seeking flexibility, pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in counseling can be a convenient way to prepare for graduate study and eventual licensure.
Graduate Counseling Programs in North Dakota
Graduate education is the required step for anyone seeking counseling licensure in North Dakota. The state’s universities offer master’s and doctoral programs in counseling, with several meeting CACREP accreditation standards that ensure high-quality training.
Students may also consider flexible options such as CACREP-accredited counseling programs, an online master’s degree in counseling, or even an online master’s in counseling with no GRE. For those pursuing careers in academia or advanced practice, online counseling PhD programs are also available.
| Institution | City | Specialty | Degree |
| North Dakota State University | Fargo | School Counseling | M.Ed. |
| North Dakota State University | Fargo | Counselor Education and Supervision | Ph.D. |
| North Dakota State University | Fargo | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.Ed./M.S. |
| University of Mary | Bismarck | Clinical Mental Health Counseling | M.S. |
| University of Mary | Bismarck | School Counseling | M.S. |
- North Dakota State University: M.Ed./M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed./M.S. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Click to jump to the full list of North Dakota counseling programs, or consider learning more about one of the below online counseling program currently accepting applicants.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Walden University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More |
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
The COAMFTE-accredited MFT@Northwestern is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree emphases include: Childhood and Adolescence Disorders, Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Trauma. Designed to meet the academic requirements of the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential, the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| National University
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
WSCUC Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is focused on training highly skilled counselors to provide impactful and culturally sensitive mental health services in their communities. Learn More |
| University of Denver
Master of Arts in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required |
Earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Complete in as few as 24 months. Learn More |
| Mid-America Christian University (MACU)
Master of Science (MS) in Counseling
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
✔ Online
100% Online |
Expand your impact with an online counseling degree rooted in faith-based practice. Mid-America Christian University offers the largest Master of Science (MS) in Counseling program in Oklahoma, with emphasis areas in addiction and substance abuse, applied behavioral science, clinical mental health counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Explore the online MS in Counseling at MACU. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Top North Dakota Schools with Counseling Programs
The following institutions represent some of the leading options in North Dakota for students interested in counseling degrees. Of course, “best” is subjective — the right school depends on your academic goals, financial needs, and preferred learning environment. Use this list as a starting point for your research.
University of Mary
Featured Program: M.S. in Counseling, School Counseling
The Master of Science in Counseling, School Counseling program at the University of Mary prepares graduates to guide PK–12 students through academic, social-emotional, and career development. Accredited by CACREP, the program emphasizes communication, cultural awareness, ethical practice, and leadership in the school setting. Students may complete the program in as little as 20 months on the accelerated track or 32 months on the extended track, with options for in-person, fully online, or blended formats. Coursework is taught by experienced practitioners and paired with practical experience, including an in-person residency on the Bismarck campus. Graduates are eligible for licensure as school counselors in North Dakota, with potential for credentialing in other states. The program also integrates Catholic and Benedictine values, preparing students to serve as advocates and change agents within schools.
About the University of Mary
Founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, the University of Mary is a private Catholic university located in Bismarck, North Dakota, with satellite campuses and strong online offerings. The institution serves over 4,000 students and is known for combining professional preparation with Benedictine values of community, service, and leadership.
North Dakota State University
Featured Program: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
North Dakota State University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares graduates for professional counseling careers in diverse settings, including community agencies, treatment centers, family service organizations, higher education, and private practice. The program requires a minimum of 60 graduate credits, including coursework in counseling theories, techniques, group counseling, assessment, psychopathology, and multicultural foundations. Students gain extensive hands-on experience through a 100-hour practicum in NDSU’s Community Counseling Services clinic and 900 hours of supervised internship in community settings. The program typically takes three years to complete and culminates in a comprehensive exam. Graduates are prepared to pursue licensure as professional clinical mental health counselors, equipped with the knowledge and clinical skills to provide evidence-based, culturally responsive care.
About North Dakota State University
Founded in 1890 and located in Fargo, North Dakota, NDSU is a public land-grant research university serving more than 12,000 students. Known for its strong programs in agriculture, health sciences, and applied research, NDSU emphasizes innovation and community engagement. As a student-focused and land-grant institution, NDSU combines rigorous academics with real-world learning opportunities, preparing graduates to serve their communities and contribute to professional fields across the region and beyond.
How to Become a Licensed Counselor in North Dakota
Counselor licensure in North Dakota is overseen by the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners. The advanced counseling credential in the state is the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), which allows for independent practice, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions.
Steps to Licensure
- Earn a graduate degree. Applicants must complete a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution. Programs must include at least 60 graduate semester hours and coursework in areas such as diagnosis, psychopathology, and clinical counseling skills.
- Complete supervised practicum or internship. Students must complete 700 hours of supervised clinical training as part of their graduate program.
- Gain post-degree clinical experience. Candidates must complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical counseling practice over a minimum of two years. At least 100 hours must involve direct, face-to-face supervision.
- Provide professional references. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, including from post-master’s clinical supervisors.
- Pass the required exam. The state requires passage of the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
- Apply for licensure. Supervisors must attest to the applicant’s demonstrated counseling competence before full LPCC status is granted.
For additional context on the profession, students can explore how to become a counselor, review information about the LPC role, and learn more about how to become an LPC.
For the most up-to-date application materials and requirements, visit the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners.
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
National University - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (WSCUC Accredited)
University of Denver - Master of Arts in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) - Master of Science (MS) in Counseling (Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accredited)
Counseling Licensure Titles in North Dakota
The North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners regulates counseling practice in the state and offers multiple levels of licensure.
- Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC): A provisional license that allows recent graduates to begin practicing under supervision while working toward full licensure.
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): A standard counseling license that permits independent practice of general counseling services but does not authorize diagnosis or treatment of clinical disorders.
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC): The advanced counseling credential in North Dakota, permitting independent practice, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions after meeting additional supervised experience requirements.
Other counseling-related roles include:
- School Counselor License: Administered by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, this credential applies to counselors working in K–12 settings and is distinct from LPC or LPCC licensure.
- Addiction Counselor Licensure: Managed by the North Dakota Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners, these credentials focus on substance use counseling and require separate training and certification.
These licensure options provide counselors in North Dakota with a range of career pathways depending on their education, supervised experience, and areas of specialization.
Transferring a Counseling License to North Dakota
Counselors who hold an active license in another state may be eligible for licensure in North Dakota through a process known as licensure by reciprocity or endorsement. The North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners reviews applications to determine if the other state’s standards are substantially equivalent.
Applicants generally must submit:
- Verification of a current, unrestricted counseling license in another state
- Official graduate transcripts showing completion of a qualifying counseling program
- Documentation of supervised clinical experience, including post-degree hours
- Proof of passing a nationally recognized counseling examination, such as the NCE or NCMHCE
- Three professional references, including supervisors
- A completed application and required fees
If the Board finds that an applicant’s previous state requirements do not fully match North Dakota standards, additional coursework, supervised hours, or examination may be required before licensure is granted.
For complete details and application forms, visit the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners.
Counseling Scholarships and Financial Aid in North Dakota
Students pursuing counseling degrees in North Dakota can access several scholarships and funding opportunities to help make their education more affordable.
- NDCA Graduate Scholarship: Awarded by the North Dakota Counseling Association, this $1,000 scholarship supports full-time graduate students enrolled in counseling or human development programs at qualifying North Dakota institutions.
- Substance Use Disorder Scholarship (TAAP): Provides up to $10,000 per year for students entering bachelor’s or master’s programs in addiction counseling who plan to serve in rural, underserved, or tribal communities in North Dakota.
By combining professional association scholarships, state initiatives, and university-based aid, North Dakota students have multiple ways to reduce the cost of pursuing a counseling degree.
Counseling Job Outlook and Salary in North Dakota
Understanding the career landscape is an important step when considering a counseling degree. The data in the following table was gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2025 and provides insights into employment trends and average salaries for counseling professionals in North Dakota.
| Median Annual Wage in North Dakota (May 2024) | Median Annual Wage Nationally (May 2024) | Projected Growth in North Dakota (2022–2032) | Projected National Growth (2022–2032) | |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $66,450 | $59,190 | 15.5% | 18.4% |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $60,730 | $46,110 | 0.0% | 1.9% |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors | $60,330 | $65,140 | 6.9% | 5.4% |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $58,180 | $63,780 | 18.2% | 14.9% |
| Counselors, Other | $81,260 | $49,830 | 11.1% | 17.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a master’s degree to become a licensed counselor in North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota requires at least a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field, with a minimum of 60 graduate semester credits, to qualify for licensure.
What are the main counseling licenses in North Dakota?
The primary licenses are the Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and the advanced Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
How many supervised hours are required for LPCC licensure?
Applicants must complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience after their degree, in addition to a minimum of 700 practicum or internship hours completed during graduate training.
Which exam is required for counselor licensure in North Dakota?
The state requires candidates to pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Can I transfer my counseling license from another state?
Yes. North Dakota allows licensure by reciprocity or endorsement if your prior state’s requirements are substantially equivalent to North Dakota’s standards. Additional coursework or supervised hours may be required if they are not.
Making a Counseling Career in North Dakota
North Dakota offers a unique landscape for counseling professionals, with opportunities to work in rural communities, tribal nations, and urban centers. The state continues to invest in expanding behavioral health services, creating strong demand for counselors in schools, healthcare facilities, community agencies, and private practice.
Counselors in North Dakota can play a vital role in addressing mental health and substance use challenges, particularly in underserved regions.
Popular Online Counseling Programs
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) 🗹 Online
The Chicago School 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited North Dakota Counseling Degrees
CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs) is the top accrediting board for counseling programs.
Below, you will find a list of all of the CACREP accredited counseling programs in North Dakota. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
North Dakota State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/12/2011 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 10/1/1995 to 10/31/2020
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year (Re-Accreditation In-Process)
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/1/2004 to 10/31/2020
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in North Dakota
View all programs in North Dakota below, or jump to all North Dakota CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Fort Berthold Community College New Town
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Minot State University Minot
- Bachelors - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
North Dakota State University Fargo
- M.Ed./M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.Ed./M.S. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
North Dakota State University-Main Campus Fargo
- Doctorate - School Counseling
University of Mary Bismarck
- Bachelors - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
University of North Dakota Grand Forks
- Doctorate - Counseling Psychology
