MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) - Communities across the nation are calling for more engineers and more mental health counselors.

Next fall, Minot State University will answer that call.

The campus is adding two new degree programs to prepare students for careers where they’re needed most.

Federal data from 2023 shows 160 million Americans live in areas with mental health professional shortages .

Minot State Professor Krystal St. Peter said North Dakota is feeling the impacts too.

“Nationwide, there’s a shortage of mental health and addiction counselors. But also in North Dakota, yes, our communities definitely could use more,” said St. Peter.

By next fall, the university plans to add a Master’s degree in mental health and substance use counseling, so students won’t have to choose between the

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