College of Education building

Counseling Master's

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Create positive change in your community and beyond with a rewarding career as a professional counselor.

Build a strong foundation for making a difference in your community. An M.A. in Counseling from UND will prepare you to become a skilled practitioner in the field.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
2-3 years
Credit hours:
60-66

Why earn an M.A. in Counseling?

On Campus Track Application Deadlines
Fall:
Feb. 1* | July 1
Summer:
Feb. 1* | April 1

*priority application deadline

 

Online Track Application Deadlines
Fall:
August 1
Spring:
December 1
Summer:
May 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

UND's graduate degree program in counseling uses a training model anchored in the science of psychology, emphasizing both evidence-based practices and multicultural competence. The MA program focuses on theoretical understanding as delineated from lecture-based course content, and textbook readings, as well as written assignments. Students have opportunities to develop professional practice skills through community-based counseling internships, as well as experiential practicum training in our on-campus multidisciplinary clinic for those attending in person. Online asynchronous learners engage in practical skill development through virtual simulations, case studies, and supervised field experiences in their local communities, including practicum and internship. 

Counseling Master's Programs

UND offers emphasis track options that allow students choose from and develop specialized skills for working effectively with specific populations of interest. Combining a broad theoretical foundation with extensive training in practitioner skills, the counseling program offers online (part-time) and on-campus (full-time) options.

On-Campus Tracks (full-time)

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

Online Tracks (part-time)

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

K-12 School Counseling

Students with a specialization in School Counseling will be trained to work with K-12 students regarding social emotional, career, and academic counseling and interventions. Students will also learn how to collaborate successfully with students' families, school staff, and community stakeholders to facilitate a positive school community.

The online M.A.in Counseling is accredited by CAEP, Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and approved by the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices for School Counselor Competencies (ESPB).   

Rehabilitation Counseling

Students with a specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling will be trained to use their clinical knowledge to serve community members with disabilities. They may benefit from vocational counseling, vocational evaluation, veterans care, addictions rehabilitation, geriatric care, end of life care, transition age youth services, and mental health counseling to enhance community inclusion, well-being, and independence. 

Community Mental Health Counseling

Students with a specialization in Community Mental Health Counseling will be trained to meet the needs of individuals across their lifespan. They'll successfully help treat individuals, couples, and families. Students will be trained to counsel individuals presenting with a range of concerns, from conventional stressors, to anxiety, depression, trauma, crises, chronic mental health concerns, and more. This track meets the educational requirements for a Licensed Associate Counselor in North Dakota, Minnesota and other states.

Addictions Counseling

Addictions Counseling students will be trained to work effectively with people in the community who are managing behavioral and/or substance-related addictions. These students will engage in practical work in the addictions field to effectively assess and treat those who are in the process of recovery. This track meets the educational licensure requirements for an Addictions Counselor in North Dakota and other states.

Child and Adolescent Counseling

Child and Adolescent Counseling 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. Students will complete practical work with children and adolescents, and learn how to collaborate with family members, and others who are important in the lives of the youth they are working with.

Counseling Master's Programs Online or On Campus

  • Option for on-campus students to work with the Rural Psychology Integrated Care program that responds to the mental and behavioral needs of residents.

  • 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, providing in-office and tele-counseling to patients.

  • 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

62k

Median annual salary for school and career counselors and advisors, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

19%

Projected job outlook for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

An M.A. in Counseling from UND 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

A Counseling master's degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Mental health counseling
  • Psychology
  • Crisis intervention

Counseling Master's Courses

COUN 520. Diagnostic and Prevention Strategies in Counseling. 3 Credits.

This course will focus on the assessment and diagnosis of individual psychiatric disorders as defined by classification systems such as the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (lCD). Understanding of defined diagnostic disorders relative to the helping context will be emphasized. Knowledge of cultural concerns associated with classification systems will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on the following: assessment strategies designed to promote healthy human functioning; prevention strategies that focus on organizational/community/social justice advocacy; and the impact of diagnostic and prevention strategies on human functioning and wellness across the life span. F,S,SS.

COUN 529. Dynamics of Addiction. 3 Credits.

The course emphasizes the addiction and recovery process including vulnerability factors, diagnosis and treatment, and relapse prevention of addiction disorders for individuals and families. Shared characteristics of behavioral and chemical addictions, addiction theory, research, and policy will be addressed. F,S,SS.

COUN 530. Theories of Counseling, Personality and Development. 3 Credits.

Study and analysis of counseling interventions based on different theoretical models, emphasizing personality and human development. Course involves viewing videotapes of simulated or actual counseling sessions, role-play demonstrations, and role played practice of various theoretically based counseling interventions. F,S,SS.

COUN 537. Trauma & Crisis Counseling. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on understanding the ethical, theoretical, and practical applications of treating trauma/trauma-related concerns, and managing crisis situations in counseling. Evidenced-based procedures and interventions required for trauma-treatment, and crisis management and intervention will be covered. Students will learn how to engage in ethical and multiculturally competent risk assessment, risk prevention, and safety planning for clients across the lifespan. Prerequisite: Admission into the Masters of Counseling Program. F,S,SS.

COUN 532. Multicultural Counseling. 4 Credits.

This course offers an introduction to counseling theories and interventions appropriate for American ethnic and non-ethnic minority clients. The values suppositions of various cultural groups will be examined. In-class group experience is included. F,S,SS.

COUN 510. Counseling Methods. 3 Credits.

Two training components are combined to provide an intensive prepracticum experience. The didactic component introduces the basic interviewing and active listening skills; a laboratory component provides practice in the practical application of those skills in simulated counseling interviews. Corequisite: COUN 530. F,S,SS.

APA Accredited M.A. in Counseling

The On-Campus Counseling M.A. program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Our first accreditation review was completed in July 2024, and we earned ten years of accredited status.

Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation: 

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association 
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 
Phone: 202.336.5979
E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org

Best Counseling Online Master's Degree

#3 Best Health Degrees
#4 Online College Plan
#8 TheBestSchools
#13 College Values Online

#2

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

Several college ranking sites put UND’s master's in counseling in the Top 15 best online programs in nation. One of the reasons UND is consistently ranked so highly is because we’ve been educating engineering students at a distance for 40 years.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

  • Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
  • Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
  • Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
  • Employment rate and graduate salary

Flexibility is important to our online students. That’s why we’ve designed the online master's in Counseling to be 100% online and never require a campus visit.

Flexible Online Master's in Counseling Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

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

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Top-Tier Master's in Counseling Online

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. 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.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

 

Leaders in Education

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

Explore More Options

Connect with the counseling faculty you'll work with or find additional educational opportunities.

Department Contact
Karen Harrie
Administrative Secretary
P 701.777.2346

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