Minimum Admission Requirements
Degree Requirements
Curriculum Sequence
Graduation Requirements
Practicum

Click Here to request more information.

Click Here for a printable information sheet about the Master of Arts in Gerontological Counsleing Program.

Program Director: Mark Bilkey, Psy.D.  

     The United States is experiencing a demographic revolution which is having profound effects on families, communities, and the older individual. Longer life spans have created a critical need to prepare students who can help older adults capitalize on their capabilities and reach their maximum human potential.

    The Master of Arts in Gerontological Counseling program is designed to provide students with a sound foundation of coursework and practical training needed to work with older adults and their families. Students will be exposed to the impact of psychological, biological, and socio-cultural factors on the aging process in order to gain a holistic understanding of the needs and issues of older adults. Completion of foundational coursework, specialized studies, and supervised training, ensures graduates are well prepared to take a leadership role in a variety of human services agencies and organizations in the public and private sectors. Graduates of this program are also prepared to sit for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Illinois.

   ""Addressing the psychological and social needs of our older adults is one of our most exciting and greatest challenges in our country and I look forward to creating that journey with dedicated individuals at our school""

-Mark Bilkey, Psy.D.
 Program Director

What sets this program apart from those of other institutions?

• Educational training is focused on social responsibility, emphasizing the application of skills in advocacy, consultation, systems change, and leadership.
• Graduates of this program are prepared to apply for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) exam in Illinois.
• The opportunity to take coursework in a variety of formats from face-to-face to online.
• With additional supervised experience, graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC) examination in the state of Illinois. Licensure requirements in other states are similar, but specific requirements may vary.
• The Dreikurs Psychological Services Center (PSC) provides on-site psychological services to the public and serves as a clinical training site for students in the School's Master's programs.
• Faculty members include licensed professionals who combine practice with their instructional duties.
• Downtown Chicago location provides students with a diverse learning environment.
• As the oldest independent psychology school in the North America, Adler School offers students a vast alumni network.

Some Professional Affiliations for Student Networking

The Gerontological Society of America (GSA)
http://www.geron.org

The American Society on Aging (ASA)
http://www.asaging.org

American Psychological Association (APA)
http://www.apa.org

American Counseling Association
http://www.counseling.org

Psi Chi – The National Honor Society in Psychology
http://www.psichi.org