Adler University

At Adler University, learning is inseparable from doing. Every program is designed to extend beyond the classroom, ensuring students gain both advanced knowledge and the practical experience to apply it. 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.

  A hallmark of the Adler experience is the Social Justice Practicum (SJP). For many programs, applied work begins later in a student's studies, but 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.

Degrees Offered

 
Adler University offers master's, doctoral (Ph.D. and Psy.D.), and certificate programs recognized for their depth, rigor, and distinctive Adlerian foundation. Students pursue graduate study in psychology, counseling, mental health, organizational leadership, and related disciplines, choosing Adler for an education that is both academically challenging and purposefully applied. Every program combines advanced scholarship with hands–on practice, preparing graduates to stand out as leaders in their fields — and graduates leave prepared to lead change, transform systems, and expand access to care in their communities. 

What sets Adler apart is its grounding in Adlerian psychology. Rooted in the principles of social interest, community connection, and the interdependence of individual and collective well–being, our approach shapes both what students learn and how they learn it. Students are encouraged not only to master theory, but to embody its values, bringing purpose and responsibility into their professional practice. The result is an education that produces practitioners, scholars, and leaders uniquely equipped to influence systems, elevate communities, and redefine what is possible in health and human services.

 

Faculty

The faculty at Adler University are not only highly regarded thought leaders in their fields but they are passionate about creating engaging learning environments. They help students deeply connect with their coursework, peers, and community. Adler faculty also brings real–world experience into the classroom, continually raising the standard of academic excellence and helping students apply their training through meaningful insights. At Adler, our faculty become mentors, collaborators, and champions of our students' success. 

Adler University is dedicated to making graduate education both accessible and achievable. Through scholarships, grants, and financial aid options, we work to reduce barriers and ease the cost of your studies — so students can focus on building real–world skills without the weight of financial stress. 

Our financial aid team supports our students to explain requirements, explore funding options, and create a plan that works. From the first application step to securing the right mix of aid, the financial aid team is here to support students every step of the way. 

Adler University is an international graduate institution with students learning in Chicago, Ill., Vancouver, B.C., and online around the world.

Whether studying steps from Chicago's cultural and professional hubs, in the heart of Vancouver's vibrant urban landscape, or from a home community through our online campus, students are connected by a shared purpose: to advance health, well–being, and social impact. Each setting is designed for graduate learners, offering bright collaborative spaces, modern technology, and opportunities to engage with surrounding communities.

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.

Facilities

 
Adler University's facilities are designed with one purpose: to create environments where graduate students can think boldly, collaborate deeply, and put learning into practice. Our 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.

The Adler University Library is a cornerstone of this experience, offering extensive collections in psychology, counseling, leadership, and Adlerian philosophy — accessible both on campus and online. Beyond books and journals, students gain access to research databases, expert staff support, and integrated digital resources that strengthen scholarship and professional practice.

Every detail of our facilities — from flexible learning spaces to resource centers — is designed to mirror the Adlerian approach: connecting theory with real–world application, individual growth with collective impact. Whether in Chicago, Vancouver, or online, Adler provides spaces that prepare students to lead and to transform the systems around them.

Students

 
–Adler feels like home.– We hear this all the time from our students. By creating a culture that is supportive, collaborative, and action–oriented, Adler has become home to the boat–rockers, independents, and socially engaged practitioners of the world. While our programs are crafted to hone the skills needed to transform systems, the feeling you will get from your Adler experience is one of community. A community of like–minded people who are extremely vehement, supportive, and determined. It's not uncommon for our alumni to return to Adler to mentor and reconnect. 

The Adler University student body is made up of individuals who are deeply committed to creating meaningful change in the world. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and professional paths, but they share a common purpose: to advocate, to lead, and to serve their respective communities with integrity and compassion. 

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. Our student organizations are living proof of how Adler comes together and stands as one for the good of all. 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.