Forensic Psychology & Police Psychology

Who We Are

At the Adler School of Professional Psychology, we aim to tackle some of society's most complex problems. That's why we're training the next generation of practitioners to reach beyond the therapist's office into the larger global community. In addition to our rigorous course work, we offer students nonclinical community service experience, which provides them with exposure to social issues and insight on how mental health professionals can help create real change. We have provided quality education through a scholar-practitioner model for more than 50 years.

With campuses in downtown Chicago and Vancouver, Adler School students have the opportunity to study in diverse and innovative environments with accomplished faculty in their field.Students receive a unique blend of theory and practice in small class sizes and through practicum experiences with over 700 community partners.

Criminal Justice Related Programs

The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Specialization in Forensic Psychology program prepares graduates for a highly specialized career that integrates their knowledge of human behavior with their active participation in the criminal justice system. Courses focus on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to assist with the unique challenges facing incarcerated individuals and their families. This program prepares graduates to take the Illinois exam for Professional Counselor Licensure (LPC).

The M.A. in Police Psychology is the only psychology program in the country designed specifically for members of the law enforcement community. The central goal of this 33 credit hour program is to develop more open, educated, aware, sensitive, and psychologically protected law enforcement members who are better equipped to interact in the complicated and dangerous environments they face each day. Students build on existing knowledge to develop enhanced psychological strategies for working in the areas of patrol, operations, and management. Courses are taken through the Chicago Police Academy and offered on weekends, in the evenings, and online.

The Master of Arts in Criminology program at the Adler School is specifically designed to train practitioners to address current challenges facing the criminal justice system through a blend of coursework that focuses on the intersection of criminology, psychology and social justice.  This 36 credit hour, non-licensure, online program prepares students to truly make a difference through examining the causes and consequences of criminal behavior, understanding the intricacies and challenges of modern day criminal justice systems and applying theoretical skills and empirical data to address those challenges. The program also prepares students to understand the larger social context which individuals are situated.  This perspective will be a guiding factor in developing intervention and prevention strategies that are practical, effective, socially responsible and sustainable.

Master of Arts in Emergency Management Leadership Program*
The field of emergency management is the core of coordination and support for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts from disaster in communities. The Adler School’s Master of Arts in Emergency Management Leadership program prepares students to address the complex social, emotional, psychological, and political dynamics in emergency situations.  Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively serve and lead support processes addressing an impacted community’s needs. This program takes psychology out of the classroom and private practice, and into the community to provide hands-on service to individuals and groups who need immediate and long-term support.  Offered in an online, hybrid format students take two courses each semester and can complete the program in two years.

*The Adler School is poised to offer this program beginning fall 2013, pending approval by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Accreditation

The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, www.ncahlc.org). The Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA) (750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, 202-336-5510, www.apa.org/ed/accreditation).

Learn More

Continue your academic journey with the Adler School of Professional Psychology!

To receive more information about this program, admission requirements and application procedures, simply complete the form below. The requested information will be sent to you as soon as possible.