Accreditation verified through the CACREP directory. Credential requirements verified through the South Dakota Department of Education website. Tuition calculated from published 2026-2027 rates. Salary and ratio data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the American School Counselor Association. Last full review: August 2026.
How Do I Become A School Counselor in South Dakota?
To become a school counselor in South Dakota, you must meet the South Dakota Department of Education’s certification requirements. One pathway is to complete an approved P-12 school counselor preparation program. Applicants who instead hold a master’s degree or higher in counseling may qualify by passing the Praxis 5422 School Counselor exam with a score of 159 or higher and completing one year under an approved mentor school counselor. New educators must also meet South Dakota’s Indian Studies requirement.
At A Glance Table
| Institutions offering qualifying programs | South Dakota State University, Northern State University |
| Qualifying master’s programs | Master of Science (MS), Master of Science in Education (MSEd) |
| CACREP-accredited programs | MS at South Dakota State University, MSEd at Northern State University |
| Number of fully online programs | 0 |
| Number of hybrid programs | 1 |
| Number of campus-based programs | 1 |
| Programs not requiring the GRE | 2 |
| Required credit range | 60 |
| Typical completion time range | 2-3 years |
| Estimated annual tuition range | $10,752-$14,871 |
| Lowest verified annual tuition and the school | South Dakota State University at $358.40 per credit hour, $10,752 annual tuition cost |
| State credential title and issuing agency | School Counselor Education Specialist Certificate issued by the South Dakota Department of Education |
| Student-to-counselor ratio, school year, and the current ASCA recommendation | 336:1 in 2024-2025, compared to ASCA’s 250:1 recommended ratio |
As of 8/30/2026
State of School Counseling in South Dakota
There are two school counseling master’s degree programs in South Dakota, both of which are CACREP-accredited and do not require the GRE. One can be completed online.
All Programs at a Glance
South Dakota has two master’s-level school counseling programs, with total estimated tuition ranging from $21,504 to $29,742. One of these programs uses a primarily online HyFlex format with required in-person residencies.
| School | Degree | Credits | Total Tuition | Modality | CACREP | GRE | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota State University | Master of Science | 60 | $21,504 | In-Person | Yes | No | Students take the National Counselor Exam |
| Northern State University | Master of Science inEducation | 60 | $29,742 | HyFlex/primarily online with required in-person residencies | Yes | No | Discounted tuition for certified teachers and state employees |
As of 8/26/2026
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 South Dakota?
South Dakota has one primarily online school counseling master’s program. Northern State University uses a HyFlex format and requires two in-person residencies.
Northern State University
- Aberdeen, SD
- 60 hours
- Online
Program:
Master of Science of Education
City: Aberdeen, SD
Modality: Online
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $495.70 per credit hour. At 60 credits, the estimated total program tuition is $29,742 before fees.
CACREP status: Yes
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: Mid-December to start in January
Direct link to program admissions page: https://catalog.northern.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=17&poid=4525
Program Overview: Northern State University offers a school counseling degree in an online model it calls “HyFlex.” About 75% of the courses are synchronous (live) while the remaining 25% are asynchronous, offering a more flexible schedule. The program is designed to be completed in two years.
Why We Like This Program:
- Discounted tuition rates for certified teachers and state employees.
- 100% completion rate, licensure exam pass rate, and in-field employment rates for all counseling graduates, including school counseling.
- Diverse program faculty, all of whom hold doctoral degrees in counseling.
Additional Considerations:
- Students in this program must attend two residencies on campus; one in the fall of the first year and in the spring of the second year. These residencies will overlap with practicum and internship.
Which School Counseling Programs in South Dakota Are CACREP Accredited?
South Dakota has two CACREP-accredited programs. They are offered by Northern State University and South Dakota State University.
South Dakota State University
- Brookings, SD
- 60 hours
- In-Person
Program: Master of Science
City: Brookings, SD
Modality: In-Person
Length: 60 credit hours
Tuition: $358.40 per credit hour. At 60 credits, the estimated total program tuition is $21,504 before fees.
CACREP status: Yes
GRE required: No
Application deadline – next upcoming, with term: October 1 to start in the spring semester
Direct link to program admissions page: https://www.sdstate.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions
Program Overview: South Dakota State University offers a school counseling master’s program for students on both a full-time and part-time basis. The small class sizes offer individualized attention for its students, and classes can be taken at both the Brookings Main campus and Rapid City campus.
Why We Like This Program:
- Students in this program are eligible to take the National Counselor Exam, which opens up career opportunities outside of South Dakota.
- 100% National Counselor Exam pass and job placement rates for school counseling graduates.
Additional Considerations:
- Admission to this program is competitive.
Which School Counseling Programs in South Dakota Don’t Require the GRE?
None of the school counseling master’s programs in South Dakota require applicants to submit their GRE scores.
What Is the Cheapest School Counseling Master’s Program in South Dakota?
The most affordable option is South Dakota State University, with an estimated $21,504 total cost of tuition.
How to become a school counselor in South Dakota
Credential Title: School Counselor Education Specialist Certificate
Issuing Agency: South Dakota Department of Education
Degree Required: Approved P-12 school counselor preparation program, or a master’s degree or higher in counseling through the alternative pathway
Internship Requirement: Met through the approved preparation program
Practicum Requirement: Met through the approved preparation program
Mentorship: One-year mentorship under an approved mentor school counselor for applicants using the master’s-in-counseling alternative pathway
Exam: Praxis 5422 School Counselor, minimum score of 159, for applicants using the master’s-in-counseling alternative pathway
Teaching Experience: Not required
Teaching Certification: Not required
Application Fee: $60
Credential Term & Renewal: 5 years, expiring on July 1st
South Dakota provides more than one pathway to the School Counselor Education Specialist Certificate. Applicants may qualify by completing an approved P-12 school counselor preparation program. Applicants who instead hold a master’s degree or higher in counseling may qualify through an alternative pathway that includes passing the Praxis 5422 School Counselor exam with a score of 159 or higher and completing one year under an approved mentor school counselor. New educators must also meet South Dakota’s Indian Studies requirement. Requirements reflect South Dakota Department of Education rules as of August 30, 2026 and should be confirmed with the agency before enrolling.
What Is the Job Outlook for School Counselors in South Dakota?
South Dakota has one school counselor for every 336 students, compared with ASCA’s recommended 250:1. This ratio is slightly lower than the U.S. average of 372:1.
The job growth projection for school counseling in South Dakota is 10%, according to Career One Stop. This is more than double the job growth projection for school counselors nationwide, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The 2020 Census reported that the state’s population increased 8.9% between 2010 and 2020. As of 2025, South Dakota has an estimated population of 935,094.
There are 165 school districts in South Dakota that operate 706 public schools. There are approximately 141,605 students enrolled in South Dakota public schools. Some of the schools, such as the Pine Ridge School, are located on tribal reservations and serve the local indigenous populations.
FAQs
How much does a school counselor make in South Dakota?
A school counselor in South Dakota makes $53,980 per year on average (mean) as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in South Dakota?
Typically, it takes between two and three years to become a school counselor in South Dakota. This is because earning a master’s degree in school counseling (including completing the necessary fieldwork) usually takes this amount of time.
What is CACREP accreditation, and why does it matter?
CACREP stands for the Council for 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 earn a master’s degree in school counseling in South Dakota while working?
Yes, you can continue working while completing a school counseling master’s degree. South Dakota State University allows for students to enroll on a part-time basis. Northern State University offers its “HyFlex” model which offers all classes online, and 25% are self-paced.
Do I need teaching experience to become a school counselor in South Dakota?
No, you do not need any teaching experience to become a school counselor in South Dakota. Neither of the school counseling master’s programs at South Dakota State University or Northern State University require teaching experience. Additionally, the South Dakota Department of Education does not require school counselors to have teaching experience in order to receive the School Counselor Education Specialist Certificate.
Do I need GRE scores for school counseling programs in South Dakota?
No, you do not need GRE scores for acceptance into school counseling programs in South Dakota.
Can my student loans be forgiven if I work as a school counselor in South Dakota?
Yes, some school counselors may qualify for federal student loan forgiveness programs. School counselors who work full time for an eligible government or nonprofit employer may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) if they meet the program’s loan, employment, repayment, and qualifying-payment requirements.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness has different eligibility requirements and generally requires qualifying service as a full-time teacher. Employment as a school counselor alone does not automatically qualify someone for Teacher Loan Forgiveness.
To learn more about working as a school counselor in South Dakota, check out CareerOneStop. To learn more about other programs in the region, check out our articles on North Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Be mindful that programs in other states may not meet the requirements for certification in South Dakota.
The South Dakota School Counselor Association is the state chapter of the American School Counselor Association, both of which provide professional development and networking. The South Dakota Department of Education oversees all public schools in the state. It is also the credentialing authority which issues professional certification for all educators, including school counselors. The Council for Accreditation and of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) maintains rigorous academic standards for school counseling and other advanced degree programs.