How to Become a North Dakota School Counselor
To become a school counselor in North Dakota, you’ll need a master’s degree in school counseling from a state-approved program, typically around 450 supervised internship hours, and credentials from two separate agencies: an educator’s license from the Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) and an SC03 counseling credential from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The full path takes roughly two to three years after your bachelor’s degree — or six to eight years total from high school — though part-time timelines will vary.
North Dakota Links
If you’re exploring a career in school counseling in North Dakota, the path is clear — but there are a few North Dakota-specific details that trip people up. The state typically requires credentials from two separate agencies, and many candidates don’t realize this until they’re already mid-process. This guide walks through every step so you know what’s coming.
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Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs
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Walden University
MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden University and request information about their programs.
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University of Denver
Earn a Master's degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.
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Campbellsville University
Online Master of Arts in Education in School Counseling Click here to contact Campbellsville University and request information about their programs.
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Sacred Heart University
Online Master of Arts in School Counseling Click here to contact Sacred Heart University and request information about their programs.
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Winthrop University
M.Ed. in Counseling Development - School Counseling Concentration Click here to contact Winthrop University and request information about their programs.
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Auburn University at Montgomery
Education Specialist in Counseling- School Counseling. Click here to contact Auburn University at Montgomery and request information about their programs.
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Butler University
Master of Science in School Counseling. Click here to contact Butler University and request information about their programs.
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University of West Alabama
Master of Education: School Counseling Click here to contact University of West Alabama and request information about their programs.
I’m a High School Graduate…
If you’re a high school graduate just starting to research school counseling, you’re looking at a six-to-eight-year path to becoming fully credentialed. That’s not a reason to hesitate — it’s just a realistic picture so you can plan.
Step One: Earn a bachelor’s degree
You don’t need to major in counseling or psychology right now. Most master’s programs in school counseling accept applicants with undergraduate degrees in any field. What matters more at the graduate level is your GPA, your experience working with young people, and your fit with the program. Pick a major you’ll do well in and use your elective coursework to explore child development, psychology, or education if those subjects interest you.
Step Two: Get experience working with young people
Graduate programs want to see that you’ve spent real time with kids and adolescents before entering a clinical training environment. Volunteering works well for this. Some options across North Dakota:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters through The Village Family Service Center
- School volunteer programs — contact schools and districts in your area directly to ask about opportunities
- Youth-serving nonprofits, after-school programs, and summer camps
This kind of experience also helps you figure out whether school counseling is actually the right fit before you commit to a two-year graduate program.
Step Three: Apply to a state-approved master’s program
North Dakota’s DPI approves specific programs whose curricula meet state credentialing requirements. Applying to a non-approved program can create significant complications when you go to get licensed. Several in-state programs are approved, including North Dakota State University (NDSU), the University of North Dakota (UND), and the University of Mary — though you should verify the current approved list directly with DPI before enrolling. DPI also approves some out-of-state school counseling master’s programs. Contact them directly if you’re considering a program elsewhere.
I have already earned a college degree…
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you’re ready to start the graduate process. Here’s how North Dakota’s credentialing works from this point forward.
Step One: Complete a master’s degree and supervised internship hours
North Dakota requires a master’s degree in school counseling, or in a related area with specific supplemental coursework. Your graduate program will include required coursework covering counseling theory, assessment, group counseling, career counseling, multicultural counseling, ethics, and program management, among other areas.
Approved programs typically require around 450 supervised internship hours in school settings as part of the curriculum, with experience across both elementary and secondary levels — confirm the specific breakdown with your program and with DPI, as requirements may vary. This is where most of the practical training happens, and your program advisor should help you arrange placements that satisfy state expectations.
One thing worth knowing: if your program does not fully meet ESPB standards, additional coursework may be required before ESPB will issue your educator’s license. Ask your program advisor to confirm early so there are no surprises at the credentialing stage.
Step Two: Pass the Praxis School Counselor exam
As part of the ESPB educator’s license process, you may be required to pass the Praxis School Counselor Assessment (test code 5422). Verify current exam requirements directly with ESPB, as requirements can change. The North Dakota School Counselor Certification page covers this exam in more detail.
Step Three: Obtain your educator’s license from ESPB
The North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board handles the educator’s license side of your credentials. This is Step 1 in the two-body process. You’ll apply through the ND Teach portal. If you’ve never held a North Dakota professional educator’s license before, you’ll also need to complete a criminal background check by submitting fingerprint cards to ESPB.
Step Four: Apply for the SC03 counseling credential through DPI
This is the step many candidates don’t know about until late in the process. In addition to the ESPB educator’s license, you typically need a separate school counseling credential — the SC03 — issued by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. This credential covers your scope of practice as a school counselor (PreK through grade 12) and has its own renewal requirements. You’ll also apply for this through ND Teach.
The short version: ESPB issues the educator’s license. DPI issues the counseling credential. You are typically required to hold both to practice as a school counselor in North Dakota. The North Dakota School Counselor Certification page covers renewal requirements and additional credential details.
Step Five: Find a position
North Dakota employs approximately 770 school counselors statewide, with around 60 job openings projected each year through 2032 — reflecting roughly 6.9% growth for the decade (based on current labor data; verify the latest figures with the North Dakota workforce agency or BLS). The median salary is approximately $60,330 per year. Pay tends to be higher in metro areas — Bismarck, for example, reports a higher median, though metro estimates may vary due to sample size and reporting differences. Demand is consistent across the state, including in smaller districts that can be harder to staff.
I’m a certified counselor from another state…
North Dakota evaluates out-of-state credentials individually rather than offering automatic reciprocity. Your existing license won’t transfer directly. Both ESPB and DPI will review your coursework, experience, and licensure against North Dakota’s requirements and determine what, if anything, you still need to complete.
In practice, this typically means submitting transcripts and your existing license documentation to both agencies, then waiting for an individual evaluation. ESPB has a specific pathway for applicants who hold a valid school counselor license from another state. You’ll also need to complete a criminal background check through ESPB if you haven’t previously held a North Dakota educator’s license.
Start by contacting both ESPB and DPI directly before you apply. The North Dakota School Counselor Certification page covers the reciprocity process in more detail.
A Note on the Alternate Access License
If you’re a career changer who wants to start working in a school setting while completing your master’s degree, ESPB offers an Alternate Access License. This allows you to work under supervision while finishing your credentialing requirements. It’s not a shortcut — you still need to complete the full degree and credential process — but it does allow you to start earning in the field before you’ve finished everything. Requirements and availability are subject to change. Confirm current details directly with ESPB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a teaching license to become a school counselor in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, school counselors are generally required to hold a valid educator’s license issued by ESPB in addition to the SC03 counseling credential from DPI. The educator’s license doesn’t mean you need to have worked as a teacher, but it does require meeting ESPB education and exam standards. Confirm current requirements with ESPB, as specifics can change.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in North Dakota?
Most candidates complete the process in two to three years after their bachelor’s degree — six to eight years total from high school. If you’re attending part-time, four or more years of graduate study is more realistic. The application and background check process can add several weeks to a few months on top of your program completion.
Can I complete my master’s program online?
Some approved programs offer hybrid or online options. The key requirement is that your program be approved by the North Dakota DPI — not just regionally accredited. If you’re considering an online program based outside North Dakota, contact DPI to confirm the program is on their approved list before you enroll. Your internship hours will still need to take place in person at school sites.
What’s the difference between the ESPB license and the DPI credential?
ESPB issues the educator’s license — it’s the credential that establishes you as a licensed educator in North Dakota, similar to what teachers hold. DPI issues the SC03 school counseling credential, which specifically authorizes you to practice as a school counselor (PreK–12). You are typically required to hold both to work in a North Dakota public school. Think of it as one agency clearing you as an educator, and another clearing you as a counselor.
What if I started a program that isn’t on North Dakota’s approved list?
Contact DPI before you get too far into a non-approved program. In some cases, you may be able to supplement your coursework to meet ND’s requirements. In others, you may need to transfer to an approved program or complete additional graduate credits. Getting this confirmed early saves significant time and money.
- Two credentials, two agencies — North Dakota typically requires both an educator’s license from ESPB and an SC03 counseling credential from DPI. Most states use one licensing body. ND uses two.
- Your program choice matters — Only enroll in a program approved by the North Dakota DPI. Out-of-state programs may qualify, but confirm with DPI before you start.
- The internship is substantial — Approved programs typically include around 450 supervised hours across both school levels. Confirm the breakdown with your program and DPI.
- Career changers have an option — The Alternate Access License may allow you to work in a school setting while completing your credentials under supervision (verify with ESPB).
- The job market is steady — North Dakota projects around 60 openings per year through 2032, with a median salary of approximately $60,330.
If you’re ready to find a master’s program that aligns with North Dakota’s requirements, start with state-approved options to avoid surprises at the credentialing stage.
