Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in North Dakota, Ranked (2026)
The 2 APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs in North Dakota for 2026, both at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, with cohort sizes, the 3,000 supervised hours (1,500 pre-doctoral + post-doctoral remainder), EPPP plus the North Dakota oral examination, and North Dakota's PSYPACT status (effective August 2023).
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota has 2 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs, both at the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks. UND Clinical Psychology PhD APA-accredited since 1969 (one of the longest-accredited Clinical PhDs in the upper Midwest). UND Counseling Psychology PhD last APA site visit July 2021, awarded 10 years of accredited status, next review 2030-2031 academic year (accreditation through 2031). UND is the only institution conferring APA-accredited doctoral degrees in psychology in ND.
- North Dakota State University (NDSU) Fargo does NOT offer an APA-accredited Clinical or Counseling PhD. Verbatim from NDSU: "The Department of Psychology at North Dakota State University (NDSU) does not offer a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or any form of clinical training at this time." NDSU's PhD options are Cognitive, Health, Social, and Visual and Cognitive Neuroscience (non-clinical research tracks).
- UND Clinical PhD admits ~7 students annually from 100+ applications; maintains ~40 students total in doctoral training at any time. 100% placement rate on APA/CPA-accredited internships. 4 to 6 years to complete. Most students receive full tuition waivers through graduate research/teaching assistantships for the first two years and typically beyond. UND graduate part-time rate: $498/credit (ND resident); $748/credit (non-resident) for 2025-2026.
- UND's INPSYDE (Indians into Psychology Doctoral Education) Program is a national differentiator. Funded by Indian Health Service. Verbatim: "INPSYDE has recruited, trained and graduated more American Indian clinical psychologists than any APA-accredited clinical program in history." The flagship of three such programs currently authorized by Congress. American Indian students have comprised more than one third of the UND graduate clinical student cohort since inception.
- UND Counseling Psychology PhD is housed in the Department of Education, Health and Behavior Studies within the College of Education and Human Development (separate department from Clinical PhD). 4 to 6 years to completion. GRE NOT required. Concentrations: integrated behavioral healthcare, vocational psychology, multicultural and social-justice issues, counseling and assessment across the lifespan (including child and adolescent psychotherapy), consultation, leadership, and grant writing. Optional Child and Adolescent Counseling Emphasis available.
- North Dakota licenses psychologists through the ND State Board of Psychologist Examiners (NDSBPE). Required supervised experience is 3,000 total supervised hours with at least 1,500 hours pre-doctoral internship and remaining hours post-doctoral supervised.
- Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; $600 ASPPB) plus a state oral examination covering North Dakota-specific laws and ethics (in addition to the EPPP).
- Fees: NDSBPE Application Initiation Form $450; PLUS Online Application $200 (paid to ASPPB); EPPP referral fee $600 (paid to ASPPB). Total upfront initial-licensure outlay ~$1,250+. Renewal $250; 40 CEUs every two years with minimum 3 CEUs in ethics, law, or jurisprudence.
- North Dakota is a PSYPACT operational state since August 1, 2023. ND psychologists can pursue an APIT (Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology) through ASPPB to provide telepsychology across all PSYPACT-participating states.
North Dakota runs a small but distinctive APA-accredited doctoral psychology training landscape with 2 programs, both at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. UND is the only institution in ND offering APA-accredited doctoral degrees in psychology, and notably hosts both a Clinical PhD and a Counseling PhD, a rare combination for a low-population state.
UND Clinical Psychology PhD (Department of Psychology, Columbia Hall Room 2000, 501 N Columbia Rd Stop 8380, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8380) has been APA-accredited since 1969 (one of the longest-accredited Clinical PhDs in the upper Midwest). Scientist-practitioner model. UND graduate tuition 2025-26: $498/credit ND resident and $748/credit non-resident. Most students receive full tuition waivers through graduate research/teaching assistantships for the first two years and typically beyond. 4 to 6 years to completion. Receives 100+ applications/year, admits ~7 students annually; maintains ~40 students total in doctoral training at any time. Curriculum spans clinical assessment and psychometric theory, behavior pathology, advanced therapeutic interventions, child and adolescent psychopathology. 100% placement rate on APA/CPA-accredited internships.
UND's INPSYDE (Indians into Psychology Doctoral Education) Program is a national differentiator. Funded by Indian Health Service. Verbatim: "INPSYDE has recruited, trained and graduated more American Indian clinical psychologists than any APA-accredited clinical program in history." The flagship of three such programs currently authorized by Congress. American Indian students have comprised more than one third of the UND graduate clinical student cohort since inception. Affiliations: Northern Prairie Community Clinic (NPCC), Columbia Hall Room 1300, provides telehealth to rural ND residents and serves as practicum training site.
UND Counseling Psychology PhD is housed in the Department of Education, Health and Behavior Studies within the College of Education and Human Development (separate department from Clinical PhD; administrative contact Karen Harrie, 701-777-2346). Last APA site visit July 2021, awarded 10 years of accredited status; next review scheduled for the 2030-2031 academic year (accreditation through 2031). Scientist-practitioner with multicultural / social-justice emphasis. UND graduate rates apply ($498/credit resident, $748/credit non-resident). "Most students are eligible for full-time fall and spring tuition waivers for the first two years of their program, and for the past several years this has also been true for advanced students beyond their second year." 4 to 6 years to completion. ~7 doctoral degrees awarded annually. GRE NOT required. Concentrations: integrated behavioral healthcare, vocational psychology, multicultural and social-justice issues, counseling and assessment across the lifespan (including child and adolescent psychotherapy), consultation, leadership, and grant writing. Optional Child and Adolescent Counseling Emphasis (selective; requires child/adolescent dissertation topic + two child/adolescent practica). Affiliations include APA, Society of Counseling Psychology (Division 17), UND's Accelerate to Industry (A2i) program.
What is NOT APA-accredited in North Dakota: North Dakota State University (NDSU) Fargo does NOT offer an APA-accredited Clinical or Counseling PhD. Verbatim from NDSU: "The Department of Psychology at North Dakota State University (NDSU) does not offer a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or any form of clinical training at this time." NDSU's PhD options are Cognitive, Health, Social, and Visual and Cognitive Neuroscience, all non-clinical research tracks. No PsyD programs in ND. Verbatim: "Currently, no colleges or universities in North Dakota offer Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degrees accredited by the American Psychological Association."
The North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners (NDSBPE) licensure path requires a doctorate from an APA- or CPA-approved doctoral program in psychology, 3,000 total supervised hours (at least 1,500 must be pre-doctoral internship; remaining hours post-doctoral supervised experience), the EPPP (scaled passing score 500), and a state oral examination administered by NDSBPE covering North Dakota-specific laws and ethics. Fees: NDSBPE Application Initiation Form $450 + PLUS Online Application $200 + EPPP referral $600 = ~$1,250+ upfront. Renewal $250; 40 CEUs every two years with minimum 3 CEUs in ethics, law, or jurisprudence. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 10 to 12 years (or 6 to 8 years from start of doctoral program).
North Dakota has been a PSYPACT operational state since August 1, 2023. ND psychologists can pursue an APIT (Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology) through ASPPB to provide telepsychology across all PSYPACT-participating states. Sanford Health HQ in Fargo is one of the largest rural health systems in the United States; ND State Hospital Jamestown (established 1885) is among the oldest state psychiatric hospitals in the northern Plains. Bakken oil-region behavioral health demand (Williston, Dickinson, Minot) provides western ND with elevated SUD/behavioral-health workforce opportunities. Strong Indigenous mental health vertical with 5 federally recognized tribes (Spirit Lake, Standing Rock Sioux portion straddling ND/SD, Three Affiliated Tribes / MHA Nation, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) plus IHS Great Plains Area.
APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in North Dakota
All 2 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Dakota (UND Clinical PhD) | $498/credit (ND resident, 2025-26 part-time). Most students receive full tuition waivers through graduate research/teaching assistantships for the first 2 years and typically beyond | On-campus | |
| 2 | University of North Dakota (UND Counseling Psychology PhD) | $498/credit (ND resident, 2025-26). Most students eligible for full-time fall and spring tuition waivers for the first 2 years; for past several years this has also been true for advanced students beyond their second year | On-campus |
University of North Dakota (UND Clinical PhD)
In-State
$498/credit (ND resident, 2025-26 part-time). Most students receive full tuition waivers through graduate research/teaching assistantships for the first 2 years and typically beyond
Out-of-State
$748/credit (non-resident); same with assistantship funding
Length
4 to 6 years (estimated, including up to 4 years of supervised practicum + full-year clinical internship)
Field Hours
1,500 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at Northern Prairie Community Clinic (NPCC) and Altru Health System affiliates
Concentrations
- APA-accredited since 1969 (one of the longest-accredited Clinical PhDs in the upper Midwest)
- ~7 admits/year from 100+ applications; ~40 students total in doctoral training at any time
- 100% placement rate on APA/CPA-accredited internships
- Most students receive full tuition waivers through graduate research/teaching assistantships
- INPSYDE Program: "has recruited, trained and graduated more American Indian clinical psychologists than any APA-accredited clinical program in history"
University of North Dakota (UND Counseling Psychology PhD)
In-State
$498/credit (ND resident, 2025-26). Most students eligible for full-time fall and spring tuition waivers for the first 2 years; for past several years this has also been true for advanced students beyond their second year
Out-of-State
$748/credit (non-resident); same with assistantship funding
Length
4 to 6 years to completion
Field Hours
1,500 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum
Concentrations
- Last APA site visit July 2021, awarded 10 years of accredited status (next review 2030-2031, accreditation through 2031)
- GRE NOT required
- ~7 doctoral degrees awarded annually
- Most students receive full-time tuition waivers for first 2 years; commonly extended to advanced students beyond their second year
- Optional Child and Adolescent Counseling Emphasis (requires child/adolescent dissertation topic + two child/adolescent practica)
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in North Dakota
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners (NDSBPE)
(701) 250-8691
North Dakota regulates psychologists through the North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners (NDSBPE).
Education requirement is a doctorate from an APA- or CPA-approved doctoral program in psychology.
Required supervised experience is 3,000 total supervised hours, of which at least 1,500 must be pre-doctoral internship (the remainder is post-doctoral supervised experience).
Exam sequence is the EPPP (ASPPB scaled passing score 500; $600 fee to ASPPB at time of referral plus testing-center fees) plus a state oral examination administered by the North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners, covering North Dakota-specific laws and ethics (in addition to the EPPP).
Fees: NDSBPE Application Initiation Form $450 (paid to NDSBPE) + PLUS Online Application $200 (paid to ASPPB) + EPPP referral $600 (paid to ASPPB). Total upfront initial-licensure outlay ~$1,250+. Renewal fee $250; 40 CEUs every two years with minimum 3 CEUs in ethics, law, or jurisprudence. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 10 to 12 years (~6 to 8 years from doctoral program start).
Supervised pre-doctoral internship (at least 1,500 hours)
Supervised practice during the doctoral program under faculty and site supervision; not a separate Board credential
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: Not applicable
Licensed Psychologist
Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony, telepsychology under PSYPACT for ND LPs holding APIT
Hours
3,000
Duration
3,000 total supervised hours: at least 1,500 pre-doctoral internship + remaining post-doctoral
Exam: EPPP (scaled score 500) + state oral examination covering ND-specific laws and ethics
North Dakota does not offer automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must complete the ND oral examination.
North Dakota is a PSYPACT operational state since August 1, 2023. ND psychologists can pursue an APIT (Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology) through ASPPB to provide telepsychology across all 40+ PSYPACT-participating states.
Clinical Psychologist Salary in North Dakota
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
North Dakota psychologist wages run roughly at or above national medians. The BLS North Dakota OEWS data should be verified for SOC 19-3033. North Dakota offers compensation 10% above the national median despite employing the fewest clinical psychologists of any state. National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100; national median for all psychologists is $94,310. School Psychologists national median is $84,940.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)
National median: $96,100
Top metro: Verify with BLS MSA pages (Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks)
School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)
National median: $84,940
Top metro: Verify with BLS (Fargo Public Schools, Bismarck Public Schools, Grand Forks Public Schools, West Fargo, Minot)
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists (SOC 19-3032)
National median: National mean ~$109,000-$139,000
Top metro: Data may be suppressed (Fargo)
North Dakota Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
North Dakota has a moderate psychology employment market concentrated in Fargo (Sanford Health HQ), Bismarck (state capital + CHI St. Alexius), and Grand Forks (UND + Altru Health). Major employers fall into five buckets.
Health systems: Sanford Health (HQ Sioux Falls SD with major presence in Fargo; Sanford Medical Center Fargo is the largest hospital in ND; Sanford Bismarck). One of the largest rural health systems in the United States; integrated behavioral health + primary care commitment system-wide. Essentia Health (Fargo and statewide ND footprint). Altru Health System (Grand Forks; co-located with UND, common practicum/internship site for UND graduate clinical psych students). CHI St. Alexius Health (Bismarck; part of CommonSpirit Health).
State government: North Dakota State Hospital (Jamestown), state psychiatric facility established 1885, among the oldest state psych hospitals in the northern Plains. ND HHS Behavioral Health Division (Bismarck).
VA: Fargo VA Medical Center (covers eastern ND); Black Hills VA Health Care System serves western ND.
K-12 school districts (school psychologists): Fargo Public Schools, Bismarck Public Schools, Grand Forks Public Schools, West Fargo Public Schools, Minot Public Schools.
Tribal / IHS: Indian Health Service (federal employer; 5 federally recognized tribes in ND). Spirit Lake Tribe (Fort Totten). Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (Fort Yates; straddles ND/SD border). Three Affiliated Tribes / MHA Nation (Fort Berthold). Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa (Belcourt). Strong career pathway via UND's INPSYDE pipeline for culturally-competent psychologists serving tribal mental health.
Bakken oil-region behavioral health demand: Western ND (Williston, Dickinson, Minot) has elevated SUD and behavioral-health workforce demand tied to oil-industry workforce churn.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
ND State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): Administered by ND HHS Primary Care Office / North Dakota Health Service Corps. Up to $50,000 per year for a 2-year service commitment (renewable). Eligible: clinical psychologist, behavior analyst, LPC, LCSW, MFT, psychiatric nurse specialist, licensed addiction counselor (master's/doctoral level). Service required in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) in ND.
ND Healthcare Professional Student Loan Repayment Program: State-funded; codified at NDCC Chapter 43-12.3. Clinical psychologists eligible. Five-year service commitment required. Award amounts vary by discipline and local community match.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal. Up to $55,000 for full-time, 2-year commitment at NHSC-approved site in a Mental Health HPSA; up to $30,000 half-time. 2026 cycle adds $5,000 language-access enhancement.
VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Fargo VA Medical Center and Black Hills VA employed psychologists can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Available for psychologists employed full-time by qualifying nonprofit (501(c)(3)) or government employers (VA, IHS, state hospitals, public schools, tribal entities, Sanford and Essentia nonprofit hospitals). 120 qualifying payments under income-driven plan.
How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in North Dakota
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a North Dakota clinical psychology doctoral program is straightforward given only 2 APA-accredited options, both at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. The bigger choice is whether you want the Clinical PhD (with INPSYDE pipeline) or the Counseling PhD. Here is how to actually narrow it down.
If you want a Clinical PhD with deep INPSYDE pipeline for Indigenous mental health: UND Clinical Psychology PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1969; one of the longest-accredited Clinical PhDs in the upper Midwest; ~7 admits/year from 100+ applications; 100% placement rate on APA/CPA-accredited internships). INPSYDE Program "has recruited, trained and graduated more American Indian clinical psychologists than any APA-accredited clinical program in history." American Indian students comprised more than one third of UND graduate clinical student cohort since inception.
If you want a Counseling Psych PhD with fresh long-term APA accreditation: UND Counseling Psychology PhD. Last APA site visit July 2021, awarded 10 years of accredited status; next review 2030-2031 academic year (accreditation through 2031). GRE NOT required. Optional Child and Adolescent Counseling Emphasis. Multicultural and social-justice issues emphasis. ~7 doctoral degrees awarded annually.
If you want strong tuition support: Both UND programs offer most students full tuition waivers for at least the first 2 years (typically extended beyond). UND tuition $498/credit ND resident; $748/credit non-resident.
If you want maximum PSYPACT mobility: ND has been PSYPACT operational since August 1, 2023. ND LPs holding APIT can practice telepsychology across 40+ PSYPACT jurisdictions, meaningful for rural ND psychologists wanting to serve broader populations.
If you want strong rural HPSA loan repayment: ND SLRP awards up to $50,000/year for 2-year service commitment. ND Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment requires 5-year commitment. NHSC LRP up to $55,000 for 2 years. Federal PSLF applies broadly.
If you want Sanford Health career pipeline: Sanford Medical Center Fargo is the largest hospital in ND and part of one of the largest rural health systems in the United States. Sanford has integrated behavioral health + primary care commitment system-wide.
If you want tribal mental health career: ND has 5 federally recognized tribes (Spirit Lake, Standing Rock Sioux portion, Three Affiliated Tribes / MHA Nation, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) plus IHS Great Plains Area. UND INPSYDE is the dedicated pipeline.
Caveats worth knowing before applying: North Dakota State University (NDSU) Fargo does NOT offer an APA-accredited Clinical or Counseling PhD; NDSU's only PhD options are non-clinical research tracks (Cognitive, Health, Social, Visual and Cognitive Neuroscience). No PsyD programs in ND. ND requires a state oral examination on top of the EPPP. ND uses Annual renewal for some sources (verify cadence). NDSBPE initial application is $450 + $200 PLUS + $600 EPPP ($1,250+ total upfront).
Related Pages
Counseling Programs in North Dakota
CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the North Dakota LPCC license, a master's alternative to the 6-8 year clinical psychology doctorate
MSW Programs in North Dakota
CSWE-accredited social work programs and North Dakota LCSW licensure
ABA Programs in North Dakota
BACB-verified course sequences and North Dakota BCBA practice for students considering applied behavior analysis
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs by State
Browse APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in every state
Sources
- APA Commission on Accreditation, Accredited Programs Directory
- North Dakota State Board of Psychologist Examiners (NDSBPE)
- PSYPACT, Compact Map
- PSYPACT State Legislation
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS North Dakota Estimates
- ND Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment Program
- ND State Loan Repayment Program (Federal SLRP)
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- UND Clinical Psychology PhD
- UND Counseling Psychology PhD
- UND INPSYDE (Indians into Psychology Doctoral Education)