Quick Facts
Number of school counseling programs in North Dakota: 2
Number of CACREP-accredited programs: 1
Number of online or hybrid programs: 2
Number of programs not requiring GRE: 2
Tuition cost range: $19,950 – $24,000
Average annual tuition: $21,975
State of School Counseling in North Dakota
There are two active school counseling master’s degree programs in North Dakota. Both of these programs can be completed online, and neither of them requires applicants to submit their GRE scores for consideration. One of these programs is CACREP-accredited.
All Programs at a Glance
North Dakota has two master’s-level school counseling programs, with annual tuition ranging from $19,950 to $24,000. Both of these programs are available in an online or hybrid format.
North Dakota State University also offers a school counseling program, but it is indefinitely paused due to low enrollment. Therefore, it is not included below.
| School | Degree | Credits | Annual Tuition | Modality | CACREP | GRE | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of North Dakota | Master of Arts | 60 | $24,000 | Online | No | No | Long history of providing distance learning options |
| The University of Mary | Master of Science | 60 | $20,850 | In-Person, Online, Hybrid | Yes | No | Catholic, military-friendly school |
As of 6/28/2026
Sources: All information is taken directly from each program’s website and its respective institution
Can I Earn a School Counseling Master’s Degree Online in North Dakota?
Yes, you can earn a school counseling master’s degree online in North Dakota. In addition to the program listed below, the University of Mary also offers an online version of its school counseling master’s program.
The University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 60 hours
- Online
Program: Master of Arts
City: Grand Forks, ND
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $800 per credit hour, $48,000 estimated total program cost.
CACREP status: No
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: August 1st to start in the fall term
Direct link to program admissions page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html
Program Overview: With one-third of its students learning online, the University of North Dakota has become a leader in online learning. UND began offering distance learning to its engineering students 40 years ago. To this day, it provides a flexible option for students who cannot attend courses on campus.
Why We Like This Program:
- Alumni surveys indicate high program satisfaction with the online program.
- The University of North Dakota offers 24/7 tech support for its online students so that you can learn at any time.
- Students have a balance of asynchronous work within structured course syllabi, giving them some flexibility but also hard deadlines to stay on track.
Additional Considerations:
All online programs are $800 per credit hour, making this program one of the more expensive choices. The school counseling specialization is only offered online.
UND’s school counseling track is not CACREP-accredited, but the online M.A. in Counseling is CAEP-accredited and approved by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board for school counselor competencies.
Which School Counseling Programs in North Dakota Are CACREP Accredited?
North Dakota has one CACREP-accredited program.
The University of Mary
- Bismarck, ND
- 60 hours
- Online + In-Person
Program: Master of Science
City: Bismarck, ND
Modality: In-Person or Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $695 per credit hour, $41,700 estimated total program cost
CACREP status: Yes
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: Rolling admissions, next start date is September 7, 2026
Direct link to program admissions page: https://online.umary.edu/admissions-aid/requirements-deadlines
Program Overview: The University of Mary is a Benedictine Catholic institution that offers in-person, online, and blended formats for its school counseling master’s program. According to its 2024-2025 program report, students come from a variety of faith backgrounds and plan to work as school counselors in many states outside of North Dakota.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students can finish this program in as few as 20 months on an accelerated track.
- The University of Mary allows for military experience to count towards a bachelor’s degree, which could enable service members without an undergraduate degree to pursue a master’s degree in school counseling.
- 97% of students would recommend this program to a friend.
Additional Considerations:
- Students are required to complete two in-person residencies during their course of study.
Which School Counseling Programs in North Dakota Don’t Require the GRE?
None of the school counseling master’s programs in North Dakota require the GRE.
What Is the Cheapest School Counseling Master’s Program in North Dakota?
The most affordable option is The University of Mary, with an estimated $41,700 total cost of tuition. Please note that North Dakota State University has paused its school counseling program due to low enrollment, but it could offer an even more affordable option in the future.
What Is the Job Outlook for School Counselors in North Dakota?
There is likely a growing demand for school counselors in North Dakota because the state’s population is growing rapidly. The 2020 Census reported that the state’s population increased 15.8% between 2010 and 2020, making it the fourth-fastest-growing state of the previous decade. North Dakota is still small, though, at 799,358 residents.
In the 2024-2025 school year, North Dakota’s student-to-school counselor ratio was 282:1. This ratio is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 372:1. The American School Counseling Association (ASCA) recommends a ratio of 250:1, which is only slightly lower than North Dakota’s current ratio.
There are 179 school districts in North Dakota that operate 484 public schools. There are approximately 116,639 students enrolled in North Dakota public schools. According to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, these schools range from one-room school houses to large inner-city schools.
North Dakota is a predominantly white state, with white residents comprising 85.7% of the total population. However, the state is becoming more diverse. The second largest racial/ethnic group is Native Americans at 5.3%. The Black, Asian, and Hispanic populations are now 4.0%, 2.1%, and 5.1%, respectively. While these percentages are small, they represent major growth. For example, in 2010, there were 8,556 black residents in North Dakota. By 2024, there were nearly 32,000.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in North Dakota?
A school counselor in North Dakota makes $61,790 per year on average as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in North Dakota?
Typically, it takes between two and three years to become a school counselor in North Dakota. This is because earning a master’s degree in school counseling (including completing the necessary fieldwork) usually takes this amount of time.
What are the best CACREP-accredited programs in North Dakota?
The University of Mary offers the only CACREP-accredited school counseling program in North Dakota.
What is CACREP accreditation, and why does it matter?
CACREP stands for the Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. CACREP is a widely recognized programmatic accreditor for counseling programs.The education departments in certain states require a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program for professional licensure as a school counselor. Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program gives school counselors more portability in the future. For more information, visit the official CACREP website.
Can I get a school counseling degree online in North Dakota?
Yes, you can get a school counseling degree online in North Dakota at both the University of North Dakota and the University of Mary.
What is the cheapest school counseling program in North Dakota?
The University of Mary is the cheapest school counseling program in North Dakota, with an estimated annual in-state tuition cost of $20,850.
Do I need GRE scores for school counseling programs in North Dakota?
No, you do not need GRE scores for acceptance into school counseling programs in North Dakota.
What is the student-to-school counselor ratio in North Dakota?
The student-to-school counselor ratio in North Dakota is 282:1, which is higher than the ASCA recommendation of 250:1, but much lower than the U.S.average ratio of 372:1.
How do I get certified as a school counselor in North Dakota?
In order to become a certified school counselor in North Dakota, candidates must have completed a school counseling master’s program with the following courses: Educational Psychology, Classroom Management, Instructional Planning, Methods and Assessment, and Multicultural/Native American Studies. Graduate school counseling students who have completed three out of four of the required courses may apply for an Alternate Access License. Those who hold an alternate access license are granted a two-year school counseling license upon finishing their school counseling master’s program. All candidates must pass the Praxis School Counselor 5422 exam. Candidates must also be fingerprinted and pass a background check. For more information, visit the North Dakota Standards and Practices Board website.
Is school counseling in demand in North Dakota?
Yes, school counseling is in demand in North Dakota. The job growth projection for school counseling in North Dakota is 7%, according to Career One Stop. This is higher than the job growth projection for school counselors nationwide, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.