According to our research experts, these accredited degree programs are currently accepting new applicants into their program at the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, and Northern State University.
The University of South Dakota may be a hot-spot for students that are interested in quality education and attending a beautiful university.
You might also consider an online counseling program - we have multiple online counseling programs throughout the site.
Here are a few schools in South Dakota with CACREP-accredited counseling programs:- Northern State University: M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
- South Dakota State University: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling M.S. in School Counseling M.S. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
- University of South Dakota: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. in School Counseling Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information |
---|---|---|
Pepperdine University Master's in Clinical Psychology Bachelor's Degree Required | ✔ Online No GRE Required | Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required Learn More |
University of Denver Online MA in School Counseling Designed to adhere to CACREP standards | ✔ Live, online classes No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required | Earn your degree in as few as 24 months Learn More |
NYU Steinhardt Online MA in Counseling and Guidance ![]() | ✔ Online GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required | Complete in as few as 18 months Learn More |
University of Southern California Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling Prepares you for school counseling credential | ✔ Live, online classes No GRE requirement | Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required Learn More |
Capella University Bachelor of Science in Psychology | ✔ Online With FlexPath, you can earn a bachelor’s in psychology in 16 months for $15,000 | Choose from General Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, or Pre-Counseling specializations Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Snapshot: Online CACREP Accredited Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Counseling Programs in South Dakota
In order to choose the right degree path is a vital step to determining a future in counseling. Undergraduate degrees provide learners with the opportunity to get entry-level jobs and even provide the essential experience needed to move up in current positions.
Graduate level degrees lead graduate to licensure, which opens doors in private practice and one-on-one counseling. No matter which path is chosen, there are opportunities for advancement by obtaining a counseling degree.
Online Counseling Programs in South Dakota
The University of South Dakota is not the only accredited university in the state; Northern State University is located just a few miles south of North Dakota offering education to residents of both states. At this time, the Master's in Counseling degree is not offered online anywhere in South Dakota, but the on campus programs can be found at three universities across the state.
South Dakota State University in Brookings currently offers students concentrations in four different areas including School Counseling, Student Affairs and College Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Rehabilitation Counseling.
Students have the option of full-time or part-time, and day or night classes. These options are convenient for students who work or have children and need a flexible schedule. These three Universities in South Dakota are accepting applications from students across the globe.




Overview of Master of Counseling Degrees in South Dakota
The University of South Dakota in Vermillion is located just a few miles outside of Nebraska and Iowa offering convenience to students in three states. Counseling degree programs currently offered at the accredited University of South Dakota in Vermillion include specializations in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Master’s degrees in clinical mental health provide students the education they need for top jobs in this field.
Home to the hugely popular Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota is a preservation of American history. The sparse population allows for a great distinction between city life and country life in this large northern state.
In South Dakota, counselors can find a career working with residents in need of direct guidance. Stress, guilt, relationships, and communication are a few of the aspects of counseling that are most dealt with.
South Dakota Counseling Program
The University of South Dakota at Vermillion is a chosen university for college students, due to its diverse atmosphere and knowledgeable staff.
Counselors care for people in all age groups. School children rely on school counselors to assist with educational planning and relationships. Marriage and family counselors help all members of a family find peaceful relationships and understanding. There are no bounds to the responsibilities of counselors when it comes to human emotion.
Career Options in South Dakota
The average salary for individuals in counseling careers is $37,304, making this career meaningful in more ways than just emotionally. The subject matter is some of the most important in the world.
The public should be the number one concerns of counselors, regardless of their specialty. For those needing a career that makes a difference in society as a whole, counseling is the answer.
South Dakota Counseling Licensure: South Dakota Counseling Licensing Boards
South Dakota Counseling Licensure
Board of Examiners for Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists
P.O. Box 2164
Sioux Falls, SD 57101
605/331-2927
[email protected]
http://dhs.sd.gov/brd/counselor
Licensure:
Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health (LPC-MH)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
School Counseling Licensure
Department of Education Accreditation & Teacher Quality Teacher Certification
800 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501(605) 773-3553
[email protected]
http://doe.sd.gov/
School Counselor [P-12]
CACREP Accredited Programs and Counseling Licensure
CACREP accredited degree programs are great options in the field of counseling, since accreditation is often a requirement of counselors and therapists. A supervised internship component may also be required of students enrolled in this program as their near the end of their program. Students can contact the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists to inquire about the licensing process in the State of South Dakota.
If you are seeking more information about the licensure process in the State of South Dakota, contact the South Dakota Board of Professional Counseling Division of Occupational Licensing.
If you are looking for Marriage and Family Therapy programs, go to our guide on MFT programs in South Dakota.Popular Online Counseling Programs
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Southern California 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Schools With Campus-Based CACREP Accredited South 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 South Dakota. Keep scrolling or jump to all programs for all programs or view online CACREP accredited counseling programs.
Northern State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2016 to 10/31/2025
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 1/13/2016 to 10/31/2025
South Dakota State University
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/5/2015 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/1/2017 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1993 to 10/31/2023
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 5/1/1993 to 10/31/2023
University of South Dakota
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 7/14/2014 to 3/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1991 to 3/31/2024
- CACREP Status: Accredited, 8 Year
- CACREP Accreditation Runs: 9/1/1991 to 3/31/2024
All Accredited Schools with Counseling Degrees in South Dakota
View all programs in South Dakota below, or jump to all South Dakota CACREP accredited counseling programs.Kilian Community College Sioux Falls
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Northern State University Aberdeen
- M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S.Ed. in School Counseling
Oglala Lakota College Kyle
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Sinte Gleska University Mission
- Associates - Mental Health Counseling
- Bachelors - Mental Health Counseling
- Bachelors - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
Sisseton Wahpeton College Sisseton
- Associates - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
South Dakota State University Brookings
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
- M.S. in School Counseling
- M.S. in Student Affairs and College Counseling
University of South Dakota Vermillion
- Bachelors - Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling
- Doctorate - School Counseling
- M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.A. in School Counseling
- Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision