6 Best Psychology Grad Programs In Chicago, IL (2022 Updated)

I went to this school back in 2015-2016. I was living near the school at the time, but I had to move over 4 hours away after escaping domestic violence. This school hires professors that do not want to see domestic violence victims succeed. Put your money elsewhere. Here is my story: Even with my broken wrist, I managed to complete the courses and coursework, and for a time, the professors were understanding of my situation, since I was not cleared to go back to work yet and was relying on my financial aid to pay for basic things like my phone and my health bills related to my wrist. I ended up getting cleared to go back to work, and had the job opportunity of a lifetime present itself to me. I accepted so I could get back on my feet. However, this was around the same time I had to complete one of my first residency requirements. My student adviser at the time was willing to work with me and found a course that I could take to meet my work life needs. However, it was the only option available to me. Since I had to leave for training for two weeks, the work campus did not allow personal business to be conducted on their computers, which included school work. I emailed my professor, and explained to him the situation that I was going to be gone for training when the class began and explained to him my predicament, asking for a compromise so I wouldn't lose my job. Part of the coursework was to attend GoToMeeting lectures. However, due to the nature of my work, I was unable to stream these lectures as no recording cameras were allowed. I explained all of this to him in e-mails. He did not listen to my emails, giving me responses that made it seem like he wasn't even reading my e-mails, and forwarded me back to the student adviser and washed his hands of it. Ultimately, after enduring a layover at an airport after training had finished, this professor expected me to attend a Go-To-Meeting class with two hours of sleep, then berate me for my lack of participation, after explaining to him my job's requirements and rules, and what had happened since a hurricane caused a delay and lengthy layover on my flight. Thankfully, I am working now, but I wished I never had attend this school. This school only put me further in debt and now I can't even attend the school I want.Reika Chan

I attended 9-11 years ago, so hopefully this has changed. The school psychology program was weirdly punitive. They shamed people for not knowing things like how to dress professionally instead of giving them concrete advice for what they expected. (This is classist.) They required us to be over-the-top obedient to professors and supervisors, even if they were doing something unethical. Meanwhile, they taught how kids do better with a strengths-based approach in which they are listened to. This is true and does not stop when a person turns 18. The professors make students retake classes and redo practicum hours for disagreeing or expressing concern. So students have to pay extra money to learn to suppress their critical thinking. They encourage students to think about "best practices" in their first year practicum. But in the second year their response to problems at practicum sites is "that's just how it is". I was discouraged to get involved with anything "political" like the teachers' strike and campaign to replace campus police officers with counselors because "no one will want to hire you". Their answer to disparities between wealthy suburban districts and underfunded districts like Chicago's was "don't work at CPS if you don't like it". 0/10 Do not recommend.Erin Rusmi

From the Counseling Psychology program perspective, my experience have been exceptional! From the knowledge of the professors to the structured placement process and classroom agendas, I love it! It has been a life changer for me, considering what I’ve learned during my 2 1/2 years here. The instructors are very knowledgeable and have experience on the subjects they’re teaching. You are provided a professional development coach to help maintain stability in classes and graduate on time. Someone is always there to answer questions or help in ways they can. All staff is professional and lead towards the process of your professional development as well . Classes are flexible and class sizes are comfortable ( max 15 students unless blended). I’m currently considering my Phd from here as well.Nia85 Moons

I'm not entirely sure how the reviews I have written (two of them thus far) keep getting deleted from Google, but I digress. I attended the "School" for over a year and I strongly discourage (may I say "beg") any reader from attending Adler. I'm going to try to discuss objective, hard facts about the School, instead of just stating a potentially biased opinion. 1. The School's administration is notoriously uncaring of students (another review states that the school is run more like a business–and I agree with this). In my cohort, 20% (that is 1 in 5 of the students in my class) were dismissed under, what we shall call, suspicious circumstances. If you are ever in a situation which calls for interactions with them, you may as well drop out of the School right then, because they will ignore you and administratively withdraw you without hesitation. 2. You will be hard pressed to find a school which has a higher tuition (cost per credit) than Adler. The vast majority of Adler's programs are Master's programs–which, speaking from a financial perspective (and I realize this is not the most ideal way to perceive anything)–will cost you at least $50,000 to complete. By contrast to other schools, this is outrageous. Just a heads up, most Master's level therapists don't make significantly more than $50,000 a year. 3. And what does a student get with this cost? I have mentioned the administration above. Let me tell you what else to expect. The Adler School includes an "Institute on Social Exclusion", whose purpose is to provide employment and training opportunities for disadvantage populations. Now, when I was at Adler, a part time professor that was applying for a full time position was receiving rave reviews from students and colleagues alike. The school offered him the position, and everyone was happy. But, shortly thereafter, the school redacted their offer because they read his application over again and saw that he was a reformed felon. Although he stated to the program director (his immediate supervisor for that position) that he went to prison for 1 year due to a nonviolent crime, she failed to mention it to the hiring committee. When they finally got word of this, they decided that he was not worthy of the job…even though the school itself preaches about its Institute on Social Exclusion whose purpose is to provide jobs for people in this man's situation. What else will you get with Adler? Well, certainly a questionably accredited degree. Recently, it was found that one of their program directors lied about his credentials in order to receive his position. He did not receive the training that was required for his Program Director position. I believe he had a master's degree, and lied and said that he had a doctorate. In any case, the students who were taught under him certainly did not receive the education that they deserved, paid for, expected, or needed for certification. I implore you not to attend Adler. Look elsewhere for better training, a better school, and a better price tag. Additionally, one of the 5 star reviews on this page is by a professor at Adler…so it is probably not reliable. EDIT: The professor has now removed their review after my initial post.Anonie Mouse

I attended their faculty meet & greet, and didn't get questions i wanted, but did learn a lot about what programs they offer, and got a great tour of their colorful, and unique looking campus. The reason for me not getting a chance to talk to the faculty members that run the programs of my interest, was due to it being a large group of students asking questions. The programs that had my interest were substance abuse treatment, art therapy, and sport and health psychology were pretty crowded, so i said forget it and went with the tour group. Prior to visiting Adler University i didn't these programs even existed at the University. Other programs are clinical psychology; military psychology; child and adolescent psychology; adlerian psychology; traumatic stress psychology; primary care psychology and behavioral medicine; counselor education and supervision; clinical mental health counseling; couple and family therapy; rehabilitation counseling; forensic psychology; and public policy & administration. The campus itself was pretty colorful, and unique with quotes on the walls. For some odd reason the campus makes me think of protons and neutrons due to the colors, and design. Hehe, it's that unique! Campus classes are small with tables in a circle for lectures. Compared to any other campus I've been on it looks very peaceful, and easy to atleast know what everyone that attends the campus looks like; maybe even their names. Not a bad University for someone that wants to take their career in psychology to higher levels. Some advice! Do the research yourself, or make the time to go out and tour the campus yourself. The faculty meet & greet was crowded, and me personally felt more like a number that was invited to their campus. If i would've known that it was going to be that way, i would've not attended. But anyway! Enjoy, if you are considering Adler University.Thomas The gAzelle

I am giving this University 2 stars. Pros: Adler has some awesome instructors who are really interested in imparting knowledge. If it were for them only — I would give the university five stars. I had a 4.0 GPA there. CONS: PLEASE READ What ever they tell you the cost of your degree will be, double it. I was part time (3 Classes) and my tuition was 19,000 a semester and that didn't include books. Then they have a Social Justice Practicum. This was a 300 hour joke. (Did I mention you get charged for this practicum) For my "SJP" I was cold calling, some people were working at the German Library stacking books others were babysitting. Basically, (even thought they will say it isn't) you are a glorified secretary. It was really a waste of time. I was very upset because social justice is why I chose that school. Then they have the Social Justice Practicum Seminar (which are required) Again another waste of time, all they talked about was white privilege each time. God forbid if you are white, you will become their whipping boy or girl. You will really not feel safe in these forums. In one of these seminars I stood up and said, for god's sake, I may be white, but I am gay with a learning disability, from the middle of Nebraska, I am in a gay marriage with an adopted child. I understand (maybe not totally) what being an underdog is like. I left after one semester, spending almost 19 grand, having to take part in a 300 hour "Social Justice Practicum", so the school could say they stand for social justice. I decided to transfer to a college that walked the Social Justice walk. I did get a 4.0 that semester so I didn't leave for my grades. Honestly, there are other colleges that teach respect and social justice, that will cost far less. I would not recommend Adler University.Jesse Hammond

This is a great place to learn, grow, and develop yourself in socio-emotional learning. It is also very beneficial in helping people realize their human potential in personal and professional leadership and coaching!Tiffany Emerson

Fabulous cuisine, exceptional people, world-class research, at least average facilities. Truly the greatest department at UChicago.Joe Klafka

Will a degree in Psychology from here be valuable? Probably not Will you be able to get a position to justify the extreme cost? Hell no Job CorpsPublic Truth