Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) | Adler University

As the nation’s only Psy.D. program rooted in social justice, Adler University offers a unique and immersive learning experience engineered to create positive change for individuals and communities.

Our Psy.D. program is based on the scholar-practitioner model that integrates research and training. Undertake a rigorous curriculum of theoretical knowledge, clinical competencies and research skills that meets the National Register of Health Service Psychologists requirements and state licensure guidelines.

Guided by field-experienced faculty, you’ll study evidence-based psychology practices and focus on Adlerian principles as you complete supervised practicum experiences in clinical and community settings. Successful completion of the program also requires a dissertation and a full-time internship in your final year. Our Pre-Doctoral Internship Program through Adler Community Health Services (ACHS) offers APA-accredited internship opportunities exclusively for Adler University students.

Admission Requirements | Adler University

For a student to acquire admission to Adler University, he or she must meet the following requirements: 

- Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution.

- Present an academic record that demonstrates ability to fulfill the academic demands of the program. Successful applicants typically have a GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate coursework.

- Practicum or work experience in psychology or a related field is highly desirable and is considered in the evaluation of applicants.

- Complete the equivalent of 18 semester-credit hours in psychology with grades of "C" or better, including the following prerequisite course subjects: General or Introductory Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality and Research Methods or Statistics. Equivalent coursework in other social sciences may also be considered. Students may be admitted prior to completing these prerequisites, but all students must complete these courses by the end of their first semesters of enrollment at Adler University.

- Approved applicants will be invited to complete interviews as the final step in the application process. Applicants should submit all application materials to the Office of Admissions prior to the application deadline.

- For students applying to the Psy.D. program for the fall 2018 term or beyond, students will be required to submit GRE scores as part of their applications. GRE scores for master's degree program applicants are not required.

Degree Requirements | Adler University

For each student, completion of the degree program requires: 

- Satisfactory completion of all required credit hours, including all required courses
- Satisfactory completion 1,500 minimum hours of clinical practicum
- Satisfactory completion of 200 minimum clock hours of community service practicum
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and no more than 2 grades or 6 credit hours of "C" 
- Successful completion of all qualifying examinations
- Successful completion of the doctoral dissertation and oral defense
- Satisfactory completion of an approved internship 
- Fulfillment of the residency requirement
- Submission of graduation application and full payment of all outstanding tuition and fees
- Faculty member approval for graduation and recommendation to the Board of Trustees for the conferral of the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

Students must fulfill all degree requirements through courses offered at Adler University. Students can transfer up to 24 credits (21% of the total credits required) of coursework taken at a graduate level pending approval based on review by the program director. Students must complete a minimum of 3 full-time academic years of graduate study (or the equivalent thereof), at least 2 of the 3 academic training years (or the equivalent thereof) must be at the institution from which the doctoral degree is granted and at least 1 year must be in full-time residence (or the equivalent thereof) at that same institution.

Create Social Change at Adler University

Founded in 1952, Adler University graduates socially responsible practitioners — educated to be effective agents of social change in the pursuit of justice. Our rigorous programs and passionate faculty provide the tools, skills and real-world experience needed to address society’s most challenging issues.

Adler University offers graduate degrees designed for social change in psychology, counseling, family therapy and public service. Put your passion to work in a program uniquely dedicated to engaging communities and advancing social justice — online or at our Chicago or Vancouver campuses. Create Social Change at Adler University

Institute Accreditation at Adler University Graduate Program

Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. (230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413, 800-621-7440 / 312-263-7462, info@hlcommission.org, www.ncahlc.org)

The Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association and qualifies graduates to sit for the national licensure examination. American Psychological Association (APA) (750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, 202-336-5510, www.apa.org/ed/accreditation)