Counseling group sitting at a table and having a discussion.

Counseling and Human Resource Development Program

Another Level of Teaching and Training

The counseling and human resource development programs provide high-quality academic and clinical preparation through evidence-based curriculum to train critical thinkers. With field specialists located across the state, ÈÕ±¾avÊÓÆµ is uniquely positioned to offer this program on the Brookings campus, at the Rapid City location and online.

Our Graduate Degrees

Our programs prepare individuals to work with people in a range of settings, including mental health agencies, higher education institutions, private practice, schools (pre-K–12), nonprofits, hospitals and care facilities and other public institutions.

Counseling and Human Resource Development —
Our Mission

The goal of the counseling and human resource development program at ÈÕ±¾avÊÓÆµ is to develop and prepare students to become proficient and accomplished professionals in their chosen specialty area. As graduates, they will display and exemplify a high level of professional integrity, multicultural competence, wellness, resilience, advocacy and intellectual curiosity.

Vital Statistics of Programs

2025 vital statistics for each program in the department.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Number of graduate: 32

Program completion: 96%

Placement rate: 100%

NCE Pass Rate (National Pass Rate is 91%): 100%

Enrollment: 70

College Counseling Program

Number of graduates: 3

Program completion: 100%

Placement rate: 100%

NCE Pass Rate (National Pass Rate is 91%): N/A

Enrollment: 7

Marriage and Family Counseling Program

Number of graduates: 5

Program completion: 100%

Placement rate: 100%

NCE Pass Rate (National Pass Rate is 91%): N/A

Enrollment: 15

Rehabilitation Counseling Program Under CORE Standards

Number of graduates: 5

Program completion: 100%

Placement rate: 100%

NCE Pass Rate (National Pass Rate is 91%): N/A

Enrollment: 13

School Counseling Program

Number of graduates: 7

Program completion: 100%

Placement rate: 100%

NCE Pass Rate (National Pass Rate is 91%): 100%

Enrollment: 19

The coursework has been a good mix of challenging and engaging. I've learned a lot.
Jaida Fehrman , counseling and human resource development student
ÈÕ±¾avÊÓÆµ Campus Tour
Graduate Student talking with professor and looking at something on their laptop.
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Preparing for the Future
Internships

The graduate student internship program is an experiential course that allows students to participate in activities and to carry professional responsibilities specific to their respective fields under the direct supervision of a qualified professional. A significant number of graduates speak highly of their internship experience and regard their site supervisor as one of the most influential people in their professional development.

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Unique Experiences
Play Therapy Coursework

Play therapy is a specialized set of knowledge, skills and attitudes for working with children that offers a safe and trusting environment to address emotional, behavioral and cognitive difficulties. Play therapy coursework is completed in a cohort model. Play therapy studies at ÈÕ±¾avÊÓÆµ include at least seven graduate credits.

Accreditation

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

The M.S. in counseling and human resource development specializing in clinical mental health counseling, college counseling and school counseling have been fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs since Nov. 1, 1994. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. The program is currently accredited under the 2001 standards and will be reviewed again in 2017.

The rehabilitation counseling program was first accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education in 2009. Since its merger with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, the program has been accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs since July 1, 2017. This program is designed to prepare graduates to be eligible for licensure in counseling and certification through the Commission for Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs accreditation provides recognition that the content and quality of the counseling and human resource development program has been evaluated and meets standards set by the profession. Graduates from Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs-accredited programs score higher on national counselor exams, are perceived by others to have better counseling abilities, obtain state licensing easier and are eligible to waive two years of supervised field work after graduation that is required for the national certified counselor credential offered through the National Board of Certified Counselors.

Student Resources
Resources for Counseling Students
students on laptops
Research
A stack of books
Administrators and Staff
Faculty
Contact Us
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Counseling and Human Resource Development Program
Physical Address
802 11th Ave.
Brookings, SD 57007
Mailing Address
Thompson Center 105, Box 2214
Brookings, SD 57007
Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.