Licensure
Graduation from this program does not grant immediate licensure as a counselor. Licensure differs by state and is obtainable by completing additional client contact hours after graduation. Students are responsible for researching licensure requirements for the state in which they plan to practice.
Certification
All Master of Science students are eligible to begin the process for the National Certified Counselor certification by taking the NCE six months before or after they graduate.
Students specializing in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling are eligible to begin the process for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification by taking the CRC exam after a student has completed 75% of coursework or after graduation.
The School Counseling specialization prepares students for endorsement/certification in the state of South Dakota. Students are responsible for researching school counseling certification requirements for any state in which they wish to practice.
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization is designed to meet the requirements of the South Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners. Graduates of this specialization are eligible for certification as a Counselor Associate under South Dakota Codified Law, 36-32-14. Once graduates complete an approved plan for the remainder of the supervised clinical experience, they are eligible for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health (LPC-MH).
Standards and Accreditations
The Master of Education specialization in Administration of Student Affairs meets the guidelines of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS).
The Master of Science in CHRD specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and College Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
The Master of Science in CHRD specializing in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE).
