Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in South Dakota, Ranked (2026)
South Dakota's sole APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral program for 2026, with cohort size, the 1,800 pre-doctoral + 12-month post-doctoral supervised experience, EPPP plus the South Dakota oral examination, and South Dakota's PSYPACT status (effective July 2024).
Key Takeaways
- South Dakota has only 1 APA-accredited doctoral psychology program: University of South Dakota (USD) Clinical Psychology PhD (Vermillion), continuously APA-accredited by APA Commission on Accreditation since 1971; most recent reaccreditation October 2023 for the maximum 10 years awarded (next review ~2033).
- USD Clinical PhD offers a Clinical/Disaster Psychology specialization that is one of the only tracks of its kind in any APA-accredited PhD in the United States. Anchored by USD's Disaster Mental Health Institute (DMHI), an internationally recognized research/service center. PhD requires 106 credit hours core (with disaster mental health specialization +12 additional credits).
- USD Clinical PhD typical cohort size 5 to 7 students per year (~70 students completed since 2009). 91% of completers became licensed. 4 to 6 years to complete. Most students funded via assistantships; UND tuition $340/credit resident, $654/credit non-resident with typical waivers/offsets reducing annual cost to $5,592-$6,400. Cross-cultural focus including Native American populations.
- No APA-accredited PsyD programs in South Dakota. No APA-accredited Counseling Psychology doctoral programs. USD's School Psychology PhD is NASP-accredited but NOT APA-accredited (110 credit hours, no GRE required, 100% Praxis pass rate). South Dakota State University (SDSU) Brookings offers a master's in Industrial/Organizational Psychology only; no APA-accredited doctoral psychology program.
- South Dakota licenses psychologists through the SD Board of Examiners of Psychologists under SDCL 36-27A. Required supervised experience: 1,800 hours pre-doctoral over 2 consecutive calendar years or less + 40 hours/week over 12 consecutive months post-doctoral under a provisional license.
- Exam sequence is the EPPP (scaled score 500+; ~$600 ASPPB) plus a state oral examination on ethics and SD laws/regulations (jurisprudence functions through oral exam, not a separate written test).
- Fees: Initial license $200; application fee (includes oral exam) $300; oral exam retake $200. ANNUAL renewal by July 1 at $300/year (Note: SD psychologist renewal is annual, NOT biennial).
- South Dakota is a PSYPACT operational state since July 1, 2024 (HB 1017 enacted May 16, 2024). SD-licensed psychologists can provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services across other PSYPACT member states via APIT and TAP. SD has no state income tax, meaningful take-home pay advantage. Strong Indigenous mental health vertical: 9 federally recognized tribes including Oglala Sioux (Pine Ridge, largest reservation by population in the Great Plains Area serving ~26,000 Lakota).
South Dakota runs the smallest APA-accredited doctoral psychology training landscape: only 1 program statewide. University of South Dakota (USD) Clinical Psychology PhD (Department of Psychology, 414 E. Clark Street, Vermillion, SD 57069) has been continuously APA-accredited by APA Commission on Accreditation since 1971; most recent reaccreditation October 2023 for the maximum 10 years awarded (next review ~2033). Scientist-practitioner model.
USD Clinical PhD requires 106 credit hours core (with Disaster Mental Health specialization +12 additional credits). 4 to 6 years to completion. Cohort size ~5 to 7 students per year (~70 students completed since 2009). 91% of completers became licensed. USD tuition 2024-25: $340/credit resident; $654/credit non-resident. Approx $5,592-$6,400 annual after typical waivers/offsets. Most students funded via assistantships.
USD's Clinical/Disaster Psychology specialization is one of the only tracks of its kind in any APA-accredited PhD in the United States. Anchored by USD's Disaster Mental Health Institute (DMHI), an internationally recognized research/service center housed in the department. Other specializations include rural mental health (focus), cross-cultural focus including Native American populations, trauma, and substance abuse. The Department also includes 12 active research labs and an on-site fully functioning mental health clinic (Psychological Services Center).
What is NOT APA-accredited in South Dakota: USD School Psychology PhD is NASP-accredited but NOT APA-accredited (110 credit hours, no GRE required, 100% Praxis pass rate). Important to flag because many people assume APA covers school psych here, but APA accreditation in SD applies only to USD Clinical. USD Human Factors PhD is not health service psychology, not APA-accredited. South Dakota State University (SDSU) Brookings School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies offers a master's in Industrial/Organizational Psychology only; no APA-accredited doctoral psychology program. No PsyD programs in SD.
The SD Board of Examiners of Psychologists (housed under SD Department of Social Services; doh.sd.gov directs to dss.sd.gov for licensing) licensure path under SDCL 36-27A requires a PhD or PsyD in psychology from an accredited institution, 1,800 hours pre-doctoral over 2 consecutive calendar years or less + 40 hours/week over 12 consecutive months post-doctoral under a provisional license, the EPPP (scaled score 500+), and a state oral examination on ethics and SD laws/regulations (jurisprudence functions through oral exam, not a separate written jurisprudence test). Initial license $200; application fee (includes oral exam) $300; oral exam retake $200. ANNUAL renewal by July 1 at $300/year (SD psychologist renewal is annual, NOT biennial; distinct from SD's counselor/MFT boards which moved to biennial). Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 10 to 12 years (~6 to 8 years from start of doctoral program).
South Dakota is a PSYPACT operational state since July 1, 2024 (HB 1017 enacted May 16, 2024). South Dakota's PSYPACT Commissioner attended the first in-person PSYPACT national meeting November 18-19, 2024 in Washington, D.C., indicating active participation. PSYPACT enables SD-licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services across other PSYPACT member states via APIT and TAP. SD has no state income tax, a meaningful take-home pay advantage (a Sioux Falls worker earning $75K keeps ~$3,600/year more than a Minneapolis counterpart). SD Human Services Center (Yankton, founded 1879 as the South Dakota Hospital for the Insane) is one of the oldest continuously operating state psychiatric hospitals in the United States; listed on the National Register of Historic Places 1980. Famed psychiatrist Leo Kanner, MD practiced here 1924-1928 before defining classic autism. Renamed Human Services Center July 1, 1974. Strong Indigenous mental health vertical with 9 federally recognized tribes: Cheyenne River Sioux (controls 4th-largest reservation by land area, 4,266.987 sq mi), Crow Creek Sioux, Flandreau Santee Sioux, Lower Brule Sioux, Oglala Sioux (Pine Ridge), the largest reservation by population in the Great Plains Area serving ~26,000 Lakota (45-bed hospital), Rosebud Sioux (3 clinical psychologists, 1 psych NP, 4 SW, 2 mental health technicians at Rosebud Comprehensive Healthcare Facility), Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Standing Rock Sioux portion (spans ND/SD; 6th-largest reservation), and Yankton Sioux. IHS Great Plains Area is the principal federal health provider.
APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in South Dakota
All 1 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of South Dakota (USD Clinical PhD) | $340/credit (resident, 2024-25); approx $5,592/year after typical waivers/offsets. Most students funded via assistantships | On-campus |
University of South Dakota (USD Clinical PhD)
In-State
$340/credit (resident, 2024-25); approx $5,592/year after typical waivers/offsets. Most students funded via assistantships
Out-of-State
$654/credit (non-resident); approx $6,400/year after typical waivers/offsets; same with assistantship funding
Length
4 to 6 years typical (international programs page lists 4.0 years); PhD requires 106 credit hours core + 12 additional credits for disaster mental health specialization
Field Hours
1,800 hours pre-doctoral over 2 consecutive calendar years or less + practicum at on-site Psychological Services Center; affiliations with USD Disaster Mental Health Institute (DMHI)
Concentrations
- The ONLY APA-accredited doctoral psychology program in South Dakota
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1971; reaccredited October 2023 for the maximum 10 years
- Clinical/Disaster Psychology specialization is one of the only tracks of its kind in any APA-accredited PhD in the United States
- 91% of completers become licensed; ~70 students completed since 2009
- Anchored by USD's Disaster Mental Health Institute (DMHI), an internationally recognized research/service center; cross-cultural focus including Native American populations
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in South Dakota
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
South Dakota Board of Examiners of Psychologists
(605) 224-8054
South Dakota regulates psychologists through the SD Board of Examiners of Psychologists (housed under SD Department of Social Services; doh.sd.gov directs to dss.sd.gov for licensing) under SDCL 36-27A.
Education requirement is a PhD or PsyD in psychology from an accredited institution.
Required supervised experience: minimum 1,800 hours pre-doctoral completed over 2 consecutive calendar years or less + 40 hours/week over 12 consecutive months post-doctoral under a provisional license (12-month duration).
Exam sequence is the EPPP (scaled score 500+ to pass; ~$600 ASPPB) plus a state oral examination on ethics and SD laws/regulations (jurisprudence functions through oral exam, not a separate written jurisprudence test).
Fees: Initial license $200; application fee (includes oral exam) $300; oral exam retake $200. ANNUAL renewal by July 1 at $300/year (Note: SD psychologist renewal is annual, NOT biennial; distinct from SD's counselor/MFT boards which moved to biennial). 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 (minimum 1,800 hours over 2 consecutive calendar years or less)
Supervised practice during the doctoral program under faculty and site supervision; not a separate Board credential
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: Not applicable
Provisional License (12-month post-doctoral)
40 hours/week over 12 consecutive months post-doctoral supervised practice toward full licensure
Hours
2,080
Duration
12 consecutive months post-doctoral at 40 hrs/week
Exam: EPPP/oral exam may be pending
Licensed Psychologist
Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony, telepsychology under PSYPACT for SD LPs holding APIT/TAP
Hours
3,880
Duration
1,800 hours pre-doc + 12 months / ~2,080 hours post-doc
Exam: EPPP (scaled score 500+) + state oral examination on ethics and SD laws/regulations
South Dakota does not offer automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must complete the SD oral examination.
South Dakota is a PSYPACT operational state since July 1, 2024 (HB 1017 enacted May 16, 2024). South Dakota's PSYPACT Commissioner attended the first in-person PSYPACT national meeting November 18-19, 2024 in Washington, D.C., indicating active participation. PSYPACT enables SD-licensed psychologists to provide telepsychology and temporary in-person services across other PSYPACT member states via APIT (Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology) and TAP (Temporary Authorization to Practice).
Clinical Psychologist Salary in South Dakota
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
South Dakota psychologist wages run near national medians with wide variation between Sioux Falls (lowest) and Rapid City (highest). The BLS South Dakota OEWS data should be verified for SOC 19-3033. Rapid City MSA Clinical and Counseling Psychologists: ~20 workers, mean hourly $42.26, annual mean wage $87,900. Sioux Falls median annual ~$78,020 (lowest paying area in state). Rapid City median annual ~$102,110 (highest paying area in state). Eastern South Dakota nonmetropolitan area mean ~$81,080. Statewide median range $78,020-$102,110. National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100. South Dakota has no state income tax (a Sioux Falls worker earning $75K keeps ~$3,600/year more than a Minneapolis counterpart).
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)
National median: $96,100
Top metro: $102,110 median (Rapid City) (Rapid City (~$102,110 median))
School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)
National median: $84,940
Top metro: ~$80,000 (Sioux Falls MSA) (Sioux Falls SD 49-5 (largest in SD; ~$80,000/year average), Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown)
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists (SOC 19-3032)
National median: National mean ~$109,000-$139,000
Top metro: Data may be suppressed (Sioux Falls)
South Dakota Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
South Dakota has a small psychology employment market with two huge nonprofit health systems both headquartered in Sioux Falls (unusual concentration for a mid-sized city). Major employers fall into five buckets.
Large Health Systems (both HQ Sioux Falls): Sanford Health (Sioux Falls HQ), one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the United States; integrated behavioral health + primary care commitment system-wide; behavioral health positions across SD, ND, MN. Largest employer in SD overall. Avera Health (Sioux Falls HQ), operates a 110-bed inpatient Behavioral Health Center in Sioux Falls (opened 2006); serves SD, MN, IA, NE, ND. Monument Health (Rapid City, formerly Regional Health), dominant West River system covering western SD/Black Hills region.
State Government: SD Human Services Center (HSC), Yankton, state psychiatric hospital founded 1879 as South Dakota Hospital for the Insane (one of the oldest continuously operating state psychiatric hospitals in the United States); listed on National Register of Historic Places 1980. Famed psychiatrist Leo Kanner, MD practiced here 1924-1928 before defining classic autism. Renamed Human Services Center July 1, 1974. SD DSS Division of Behavioral Health.
VA Health Care: Sioux Falls VA Health Care System (regional center of excellence for veteran mental health). VA Black Hills Health Care System: Fort Meade VA Medical Center (113 Comanche Road, Fort Meade) + Hot Springs VA Medical Center (500 N Fifth Street, Hot Springs).
K-12 school districts (NASP-credentialed school psychologists): Sioux Falls School District 49-5 (largest in SD with 25,123 students across 43 schools), Rapid City Area Schools, Aberdeen Public Schools, Brookings School District, Watertown School District.
Tribal Mental Health (massive demand, persistent workforce shortage): 9 federally recognized tribes in SD: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (4th-largest reservation by land area = 4,266.987 sq mi), Crow Creek Sioux, Flandreau Santee Sioux, Lower Brule Sioux, Oglala Sioux Tribe (Pine Ridge) - largest reservation by population in the Great Plains Area serving ~26,000 Lakota; fully accredited 45-bed hospital, Rosebud Sioux Tribe (Rosebud Comprehensive Healthcare Facility staffs 3 clinical psychologists, 1 psychiatric NP, 4 social workers, 2 mental health technicians), Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe (spans ND/SD = 3,571.9 sq mi, 6th-largest reservation), Yankton Sioux Tribe. Indian Health Service Great Plains Area is principal federal health provider: Pine Ridge IHS Hospital (largest service unit in Great Plains Area), Rosebud Comprehensive Healthcare Facility, Standing Rock Service Unit, multiple other clinics. All sites are federally designated HPSAs (NHSC/SD SLRP loan repayment eligible). Persistent psychologist shortage = major opportunity for graduates with cultural competence in working with American Indian/Alaska Native populations.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
SD State Loan Repayment Program (SD SLRP): Health Service Psychologists ARE eligible. Full-time award: up to $25,000/year for 2-year service commitment; half-time award $12,500/year. Service site must be in federally designated HPSA. Eligible disciplines: physician, dentist, dental hygienist, NP, CNM, PA, Health Service Psychologist, LCSW, psychiatric nurse specialist, LPC, MFT.
SD Recruitment Assistance Program (RAP) does NOT cover psychologists. RAP is restricted to physicians, dentists, PAs, NPs, CNMs, CRNAs. (Award context for non-psychologists: $256,840 for physicians/dentists July 1, 2025; $70,751.20 for PA/NP/CNM/CRNA. 3-year service commitment in rural community.)
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal. Up to $50,000 for 2-year full-time commitment at NHSC-approved HPSA site. Psychologists eligible as mental/behavioral health discipline. Many SD sites qualify (rural + tribal land = extensive HPSA coverage).
VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Sioux Falls VA, Fort Meade VA, and Hot Springs 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 by federal/state/tribal/501(c)(3) employers including IHS, VA, state agencies, Sanford/Avera (both non-profit). 120 qualifying payments under income-driven plan.
South Dakota no state income tax: One of nine states with no individual income tax, materially increasing take-home pay compared to income-tax states.
How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in South Dakota
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a South Dakota clinical psychology doctoral program is the simplest decision in the United States: there is only 1 APA-accredited doctoral psychology program (USD Clinical PhD in Vermillion). Most South Dakotans pursuing doctoral psychology training leave the state; in-state seats are extremely limited. Here is how to actually navigate the SD landscape.
If you want the only APA-accredited doctoral psychology program in South Dakota: University of South Dakota Clinical Psychology PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1971; reaccredited October 2023 for the maximum 10 years; 91% licensure rate; 106-credit PhD requirement).
If you want disaster mental health specialization: USD's Clinical/Disaster Psychology specialization is one of the only tracks of its kind in any APA-accredited PhD in the United States. Anchored by USD's Disaster Mental Health Institute (DMHI), an internationally recognized research/service center. Specialization adds 12 credits to the 106-credit Clinical PhD core.
If you want Native American / Indigenous mental health training: USD's Clinical PhD has a cross-cultural focus including Native American populations, supporting careers serving SD's 9 federally recognized tribes. Pine Ridge (Oglala Sioux) is the largest reservation by population in the Great Plains Area with ~26,000 Lakota. IHS Great Plains Area + Rosebud Comprehensive Healthcare Facility + Standing Rock Service Unit + multiple other clinics provide significant career pathways.
If you want training in two huge HQ'd health systems: Sanford Health and Avera Health are both headquartered in Sioux Falls = unusual concentration for a mid-sized metropolitan area. Both are large nonprofit systems with integrated behavioral health. Avera operates a 110-bed inpatient Behavioral Health Center (opened 2006).
If you want VA training: Sioux Falls VA Health Care System is a regional center of excellence for veteran mental health. VA Black Hills Health Care System (Fort Meade + Hot Springs) covers western SD veterans.
If you want maximum PSYPACT mobility: SD became a PSYPACT operational state on July 1, 2024 (HB 1017 enacted May 16, 2024). SD LPs holding APIT/TAP can practice telepsychology across 40+ PSYPACT jurisdictions.
If you want no state income tax: SD is one of nine states with no individual income tax, materially increasing take-home pay. A Sioux Falls worker earning $75K keeps ~$3,600/year more than a Minneapolis counterpart.
If you want rural HPSA loan repayment: SD State Loan Repayment Program awards Health Service Psychologists up to $25,000/year for 2-year service commitment at federally designated HPSA sites. NHSC LRP up to $50,000 for 2 years. Note: SD Recruitment Assistance Program (RAP) does NOT cover psychologists (physicians/dentists/PAs/NPs/CNMs/CRNAs only). All Indian Country sites in SD are HPSAs.
Caveats worth knowing before applying: South Dakota has only 1 APA-accredited doctoral psychology program. USD's School Psychology PhD is NASP-accredited but NOT APA-accredited (don't assume APA covers school psych in SD). South Dakota State University (SDSU) Brookings offers a master's in I/O Psychology only; no APA-accredited doctoral psychology program. No PsyD programs in SD. SD requires a state oral examination on ethics and SD laws (jurisprudence is via oral exam, not written). SD psychologist renewal is ANNUAL ($300/year), NOT biennial.
Related Pages
Counseling Programs in South Dakota
CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the South Dakota LPC license, a master's alternative to the 6-8 year clinical psychology doctorate
MSW Programs in South Dakota
CSWE-accredited social work programs and South Dakota LCSW licensure
ABA Programs in South Dakota
BACB-verified course sequences and South 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
- SD Board of Examiners of Psychologists
- SDCL 36-27A (Psychology Licensing Statute)
- PSYPACT, Compact Map
- PSYPACT State Legislation
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS South Dakota Estimates
- SD DOH State Loan Repayment Program
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- USD Clinical Psychology PhD
- USD Disaster Mental Health Institute (DMHI)
- SD Human Services Center (Yankton) History
- IHS Great Plains Area