Master of Science in Counseling, Addiction Counseling

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. After acceptance to the University as a candidate for graduate studies, we will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance into your academic program so you can enroll and begin your classes!

• Blended, mostly online with in-person classes one night per week at our location in downtown Bismarck
• Online with video conferencing
• All students participate in an on-campus residency at our main campus in Bismarck, ND for one week during the summer semester

View the student handbook and practicum & internship manual for more information.

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

Core Counseling Faculty

• Dr. Jenise Wilson
• Dr. Christina Jurekovic

• Tuition: $695/credit
• Application fee: $45
• Technology fee: $43 per credit

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

View additional information regarding the accreditation of this program, including program statistics, objectives, data, and the counseling student handbook.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Mary’s Graduate Counseling program is to develop competent counselors and servant leaders in the school, addiction, and clinical mental health field, through advanced study and emphasis on professional identity, appreciation for diversity, ethical and reflective practice, evidence-based intervention, and value-driven education.

The following will be needed when you have applied for admission so we can get you accepted into the graduate program. The preferred application date for the fall semester is March 1 with the final application deadline of July 1.

• Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to candidates with a degree in Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice, or a closely related human service field.
• When submitting your official transcripts:
  • You can request transcripts at most schools by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office.
  • Have your transcripts sent to:
    Office of Admissions
    University of Mary
    7500 University Drive
    Bismarck, ND 58504
  • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu
  • Graduated from the University of Mary before? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
• Application/enrollment fee - This will be collected at the time you fill out the online application.
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Two references (include contact information as part of the application)
• Two to four-page Statement of Purpose indicating why you are applying to the University of Mary’s graduate Counseling program; why you would like to become a counselor; how the Benedictine values will shape your education and future work; and what you could contribute to our program. 

Selected candidates will interview with the counseling program faculty. After all admissions materials have been submitted and an interview has been conducted, an admissions decision will be made. Students who do not meet one or more of the above requirements may be considered for admission, upon careful review of their transcripts, professional/work experiences, and in-person interview.