Psychology Programs in South Dakota
Mental health is crucial for a functional individual and a thriving society; this is one reason psychologists are in great demand nationwide.
Residents of South Dakota with an affinity for understanding how the human mind works and helping people will be glad to know that this field is an incredible option for them to consider. Not only are projections positive in the state, but candidates will also have access to professional resources from organizations such as the South Dakota Psychological Association.
Furthermore, interested individuals will have the luxury of working in their environment of choice, including corporate settings, clinics, hospitals, or as consultants. To help residents begin their careers on a strong foundation, we have provided resources dealing with several important aspects of starting a psychology career in South Dakota.
Top Psychology Schools in South Dakota
Below are some high-quality destinations where you can earn a psychology degree in South Dakota.
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, SD Online + Campus
The University of Sioux Falls offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program for aspiring regional psychologists. This program begins with a general introduction to the field of psychology but ultimately allows students to specialize in either mental health or applied science.
Tuition
$21,150 per YearContact
(605) 331-5000
admissions@usiouxfalls.edu
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD Online + Campus
The University of South Dakota is the premier destination for receiving postsecondary training in the state. Thankfully, the school offers several psychology programs for interested candidates, including a bachelor's degree program for undergraduates.
Tuition
$9,432 - $12,942Contact
(877) 269-6837
admissions@usd.edu
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD Online + Campus
At South Dakota State University, residents of the state and beyond may participate in a Bachelor's in Psychology program to learn general topics and start their careers on a strong foundation. Moreover, this program can be taken online, providing extra convenience and flexibility to accommodate prior commitments.
Tuition
$259 - $654 per CreditContact
(800) 952-3541
SDSU.Admissions@sdstate.edu
Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD Online + Campus
Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is another notable institution with a strong Psychology program. This undergraduate program excels in several areas, including research and hands-on training opportunities.
Tuition
$253 - $622 per CreditContact
(605) 626-3011
admissions@northern.edu
Sinte Gleska University
Mission, SD Online + Campus
Sinte Gleska University’s Associate in Mental Health Counseling/Counselor may be the perfect option for candidates looking to start their Psychology careers in an assistant position. This will allow them to learn at their own pace before possibly enrolling in the school's Bachelor’s degree program in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling.
Tuition
$2,640 - $4,714Contact
(605) 856-8100
101 Antelope Lk Cir, Mission, SD 57555, US
Mount Marty University
Yankton, SD Online + Campus
Lastly, candidates may consider Mount Marty College to receive the base-level education necessary to start their Psychology careers in South Dakota. Situated in Yankton, the university offers a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology for interested candidates, along with the opportunity to receive hands-on training.
Tuition
$370 - $995 per CreditContact
(605) 668-1545
admission@mountmarty.edu
Licensure & Certification
The South Dakota Department of Social Services, through its Board of Psychologist Examiners, regulates licensure issues for psychologists in the state. The board expects full licenses for candidates who will be practicing in a professional capacity.
To become licensed, candidates must first graduate from a doctorate program accredited by the American Psychological Association or the Canadian Psychological Association.
The next issue is supervised professional experience. In this regard, individuals must have spent one year in an internship and more time receiving on-the-job training in a postdoctoral environment.
They must receive a total of 1,800 hours of experience.
Lastly, applicants are expected to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and the South Dakota oral examination, which covers jurisprudence and ethical considerations.
Salary & Career Outlook
In South Dakota, a psychologist can expect to earn an average salary of close to $168,553 per year. This figure is consistent with the national rate, especially for mid-level professionals.
Top-level earners, who make up the highest 10% in the state’s psychology salary bracket, receive around $262,496 annually. For various reasons, beginners or those in the bottom 10% might earn closer to $108,231.
Factors like specialization, location, and experience are the “other reasons” that may help some professionals achieve salary growth faster than others. Regarding location, Sioux Falls is one of the best-paying regions in South Dakota, offering psychologists $174,530 annually.
Psychologists who work in Mitchell are also well-rewarded, with an annual average salary of $172,593.
Job Outlook
Whereas other occupations are expected to grow by 4% over the coming decade, psychology is expected to grow by at least 7% from 2013 to 2023. Some subdisciplines in psychology enjoy growth projections of up to 10% and 14%.
These figures were provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which highlights the demand for psychological services in schools, healthcare centers, hospitals, and social services as the driving force behind the projection. Furthermore, the Bureau points out that the demand for psychologists will continue to increase as more people seek counseling and organizations seek to improve office morale and employee mental health.