Adler University: Shaping Leaders for Social Impact Through Graduate Programs

Adler University, named after Alfred Adler, a pioneer in community psychology, offers a range of graduate programs designed to equip students with the skills, experience, and flexibility to address today's societal needs. Rooted in Adlerian psychology, which emphasizes social interest, community connection, and the interdependence of individual and collective well-being, Adler University prepares graduates to shape healthier systems, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact. The university offers programs in Chicago, Vancouver, B.C., and online, serving approximately 2,000 students annually.

A Tradition of Socially Engaged Education

Founded in 1952, Adler University builds on Alfred Adler's vision by focusing on the interconnectedness of individual and community well-being and systemic interventions to drive positive change. The university's approach encourages students to not only master theory but to embody its values, bringing purpose and responsibility into their professional practice. This results in practitioners, scholars, and leaders uniquely equipped to influence systems, elevate communities, and redefine what is possible in health and human services.

Adler University believes that learning is inseparable from doing. Every program extends beyond the classroom, ensuring students gain advanced knowledge and practical experience. Through practicums, internships, and community partnerships, students build professional skills, expand networks, and graduate ready to step into leadership with confidence. Faculty mentorship and career support guide them throughout their academic journey, from orientation to graduation and beyond.

Distinctive Programs

Adler University offers a variety of master's and doctoral programs across psychology, counseling, and mental health, recognized for their depth, rigor, and distinctive Adlerian foundation. These programs are designed to meet the needs of adult learners and offer courses online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format.

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

The Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology is among the nation’s longest-standing advanced APA-accredited psychology degrees. The scholar-practitioner model integrates science, research, and community engagement to prepare leaders in assessment, intervention, and supervision who advance well-being and strengthen systems of care. The Adler University Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology empowers students to become expert clinicians who practice with precision, compassion, and evidence-informed mastery. Graduates are trained to lead in assessment, therapy, and clinical research.

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Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Master of Arts in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling develops counselors to deliver accessible, effective care. This CACREP-accredited degree integrates theory, research, and supervised clinical training with Adlerian values, equipping graduates to support individuals and families while advancing healthier systems across communities locally and globally.

Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy

The Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy integrates creative expression with clinical practice to foster emotional healing and growth. CAAHEP-accredited, the program blends Adlerian psychology, art therapy, and clinical training to prepare practitioners who advance care in every setting. The Post-Master’s Certificate in Art Therapy combines the expressive use of art media and psychotherapeutic concepts to encourage the enhancement of your professional identity and build skills to provide service to diverse communities and support social justice and societal change. The 37-credit post-master’s certificate program provides you the required art therapy content courses and experiential learning that is infused with hands-on creative opportunities in all of the art therapy courses. The field experience provides you with supportive and integrative clinical or community based learning opportunities. It includes 100 hours of supervised practicum and 600 hours of supervised internship. 350 of the hours must be in providing direct art therapy services. This post-master’s certificate will help you build on your professional experience and add the healing power of creative expression and exploration to your work.

Master of Arts and Master of Counselling Psychology

The Master of Arts and Master of Counselling Psychology blends academic rigor with real-world practice. A 700-hour practicum, faculty mentorship, and small classes prepare students to enter the field as responsible, effective, and self-reflexive clinicians.

Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy

The Master of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy develops counselling-art-therapy practitioners who advance individual and community well‑being through creative practice. Grounded in psychology, studio art, and applied clinical training, this program prepares graduates to address trauma, promote recovery, and strengthen resilience.

Master of Arts and Master of Counselling Psychology: School and Youth Concentration

The Master of Arts and Master of Counselling Psychology: School and Youth Concentration offers advanced training through rigorous academics, evidence-based practice, and applied experience for those committed to supporting children, adolescents, and their families. To add the specialty to your master’s in counseling, or to enroll in either certificate, you will need to complete 18 additional credits of Counseling and Adolescents course work. Adler Graduate School’s counseling program is offered in three specialty areas with specific requirements aimed at preparing professionals to meet specific client needs. Students will choose one of the specialty areas below to guide their program of study.

Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision

The Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision shapes visionaries in counseling to lead as scholars, supervisors, educators, and clinicians.

Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy

The Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy combines evidence-based coursework with supervised practice, preparing practitioners to help couples and families navigate complex challenges.

Certificate in Sex Therapy

The Certificate in Sex Therapy programs fills quickly, so we encourage you to begin the application process early. While we accept applications throughout the year, the deadline below ensures that students receive full consideration before the program is full.

The Social Justice Practicum

A hallmark of the Adler experience is the Social Justice Practicum (SJP). Adler requires every student to engage in a community-based practicum from the very start of their program. This early immersion provides meaningful, hands-on experience with organizations across sectors, ranging from schools and nonprofits to health centers and advocacy groups. Students learn to connect individual growth with community well-being, developing the confidence, adaptability, and leadership skills that are hallmarks of an Adlerian practitioner. This integration of rigorous academics, early applied learning, and Adlerian values sets Adler apart from other graduate institutions. By the time they complete their degrees, students have not only mastered theory but also gained extensive, real-world experience, leaving them uniquely prepared to drive change in clinical, organizational, and community settings.

Campus Life and Resources

Adler University offers a vibrant campus life across its locations in Chicago and Vancouver. The campuses feature light-filled classrooms, technology-rich spaces, and open collaboration areas that encourage the exchange of ideas and perspectives. Dedicated study spaces and lounges provide room for reflection, while modern clinical training rooms and practicum sites connect students directly with the communities they will serve.

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Adler's Chicago Campus has bright and spacious classrooms with windows to the outside world and the latest technology. Adler’s Vancouver Campus offers multiple collaborative areas with the absolute latest technology. Learning areas and class windows have deliberately been situated to stimulate thought.

Campus life extends well beyond the classroom. Across all modalities, students have access to robust resources that support their academic journey and personal growth, including advising, career services, and wellness programs. A wide range of registered student organizations provide opportunities to build community, collaborate across disciplines, and develop leadership skills. Whether online or on the ground, Adler students are part of a connected, supportive community that equips them with the skills, experiences, and perspectives to lead change.

The Harold and Birdie Mosak Library, located on the Chicago Campus, offers an extensive range of print and digital resources to help students in their scholarly pursuits. The library collection is vast - comprising more than 370,000 e-books, articles, journals, videos, and databases.

Accreditation and Recognition

Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its Chicago location is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), with select programs accredited by professional bodies. Its Vancouver location is recognized by the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education and is a Designated Learning Institution, with select programs accredited by professional bodies. Adler’s online programs meet the same academic and accreditation standards as our on-campus offerings.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Adler University is dedicated to making graduate education both accessible and achievable. The financial aid team supports students in explaining requirements, exploring funding options, and creating a plan that works.

All programs require an online application, résumé/CV, and transcripts. However, some programs may have additional requirements. There is a $30 application fee for Chicago and Vancouver programs that must be paid through the application portal. Adler University offers rolling admissions for most programs, but each has specific application open and close dates.

A Community of Purpose-Driven Individuals

Adler University's student body is made up of individuals who are deeply committed to creating meaningful change in the world. Adler students don't just talk about mental health equity, they go out in their communities and help make it happen, with projects dedicated to specific challenges within a community. In addition, Adler currently has more than 25 student organizations to choose from, offering students wonderful ways to network with future colleagues, develop professional skills, and serve the local community.

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