PhD Counseling Psychology at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

Develop the clinical and research skills you need for a fulfilling career as a counseling psychologist. This program is grounded in the scientist-practitioner training model with a multicultural and social justice emphasis. Be prepared for a career as a practitioner, faculty member, consultant, researcher, or agent of change. No GRE is required.

Department: Department of Education, Health & Behavior Studies | Duration: 4-6 years (98 credit hours) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (Dec. 1) | Location: Grand Forks, ND, United States

What you will study

Students seeking the Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Counseling Psychology and Community Services Department. Below is a list of coursework required to complete a Ph.D. Required courses include COUN 501 Ethics: Counseling and Counseling Psychology; COUN 505 History of Psychology; COUN 510 Counseling Methods; COUN 515 Methods of Research; COUN 517 Assessment in Counseling; COUN 518 Group Theory and Process.

Career pathways

A Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from UND prepares you to work as a licensed psychologist in settings such as: Community mental health agencies, Hospitals and medical centers, Independent private practice, Consultation and policy work.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies’ current minimum general admission requirements as published in the graduate catalog. Keep grade of B or higher in at least four graduate level counseling courses or equivalent, including Counseling Methods, Theories and Techniques of Counseling, Counseling Practicum and Research Methods (for post-Master’s applicants). Overall GPA of 3.0. Eighteen (18) semester credits of undergraduate psychology including coursework in general psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, personality theory, experimental and research methods, and statistics. Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog. Students are selected on the basis of undergraduate GPA; master’s degree GPA (if applicable); reference letters; clinical experiences; career goals; research and clinical interests; and the applicant’s personal statement.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,441 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Education'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same table lists Minnesota residents $17,070. Source

International applicants: USD 26,882 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Education'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences