Program Overview

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Counseling Master's Program

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling from the University of North Dakota prepares students to become skilled practitioners in the field. This program creates a strong foundation for making a difference in the community.

Program Details

• Program Type: Master's Degree
• Format: On Campus or Online
• Estimated Time to Complete: 2-3 years
• Credit Hours: 60-66

Why Earn an M.A. in Counseling?

The M.A. in Counseling at UND offers a flexible and affordable path to becoming a licensed counselor with specialized tracks in addiction, school, rehabilitation, child and adolescent, and community counseling. The program uses a training model anchored in the science of psychology, emphasizing evidence-based practices and multicultural competence.

Application Deadlines

• On Campus Track:
  • Fall: February 1 (priority), July 1
  • Summer: February 1 (priority), April 1
• Online Track:
  • Fall: August 1
  • Spring: December 15
  • Summer: May 1

Counseling Master's Programs

UND offers emphasis track options that allow students to choose from and develop specialized skills for working effectively with specific populations of interest.

On-Campus Tracks (Full-Time)

Designed for students seeking a campus-based, cohort-style experience, these tracks can be completed in as little as 2.5 years.

• Addiction Counseling
• Community Mental Health Counseling
• Child Adolescent Counseling
• Rehabilitation Counseling

Online Tracks (Part-Time)

Designed for distance students and/or those seeking maximum program flexibility, these tracks are a convenient option for working professionals, with no campus visits required.

• Addiction Counseling
• Community Mental Health Counseling
• K-12 School Counseling
• Rehabilitation Counseling

Counseling Master's Specializations

Addictions Counseling

Students will be trained to work effectively with people managing behavioral and/or substance-related addictions.

Child and Adolescent Counseling (On-Campus Only)

Students will be trained to work with clients across the lifespan but focus their studies on learning the skills and techniques needed to effectively counsel children and adolescents.

Community Mental Health Counseling

Students will be trained to meet the needs of individuals across their lifespan, helping treat individuals, couples, and families.

K-12 School Counseling (Online Only)

Students will be trained to work with K-12 students regarding social emotional, career, and academic counseling and interventions.

Rehabilitation Counseling

Students will be trained to use their clinical knowledge to serve community members with disabilities.

Counseling Master's Programs Online or On Campus

• Option for on-campus students to work with the Rural Psychology Integrated Care program.
• Engage in field work experience in your local or regional area that meets criteria for your programmatic emphasis area.
• On-campus students receive practicum training at the Northern Prairie Community Clinic.
• On-campus students will conduct in-depth and influential scholarship in the completion of your scholarly project or independent study.
• Online students will engage in a specialized course focused on post-graduation licensure preparation and comprehensive examination processes, or have the option to complete a research project.
• Learn from a diverse faculty with doctoral degrees and extensive experience teaching counseling graduate students.
• No GRE required for admission.

Jobs for Counseling Master's Program Graduates

A Counseling master's degree prepares you for a fulfilling career as a counselor in a range of settings, including:

• Mental health centers
• Rehabilitation offices
• Addiction treatment clinics
• Family service organizations
• K-12 schools

Counseling Master's Courses

• Diagnostic and Prevention Strategies in Counseling
• Dynamics of Addiction
• Theories of Counseling, Personality and Development
• Trauma and Crisis Counseling
• Multicultural Counseling
• Counseling Methods

APA-Accredited M.A. in Counseling

The On-Campus Counseling M.A. program is one of the first programs to receive master's level accreditation by the American Psychological Association.

Best Counseling Online Master's Degree

Several college ranking sites put UND's master's in counseling in the Top 15 best online programs in the nation. Ranking sites vary in their methodology but are generally based on financial data, academic rigor, student gratification, and employment rate.

Flexible Online Master's in Counseling Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. Depending on your instructor, you'll learn online through:

• Lesson modules
• Streaming video content
• Virtual libraries
• Posted lectures
• Online simulations

Top-Tier Master's in Counseling Online

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

Leaders in Education

UND students are prepared to be leaders in their field to motivate future generations.