HOW TO apply
Ready to take the next step toward your graduate studies? Find step-by-step guidance on how to apply to Adler University and start your journey to making a meaningful impact.
Choosing a program
Explore Adler’s programs to find the best fit for your goals and interests. Learn how each program prepares you to make a difference in your field and your community.
AdmissionS requirements
Understand what you need to meet Adler’s admissions requirements. From academic records to supporting documents, get clear information to help you prepare a strong, complete application.
Chicago general requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited institution.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred.
- Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they can demonstrate additional academic strength or significant professional experience.
- Official transcripts are required from all post-secondary institutions you have attended.
- An interview may be required for certain programs.
- English language proficiency is required if your undergraduate degree was not completed in English. Acceptable tests include TOEFL or IELTS.
Note: Some programs have specific prerequisites, so always confirm program-specific requirements with your admissions advisor if you’re unsure.
Vancouver general requirements
The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants on a number of factors:
- Academic performance.
- Content and clarity of written and verbal communication.
- Strength of recommendations.
- Personal and professional presentation throughout the admission process.
- Community service interest and/or experience.
- Prior professional work experience.
- Integrity, motivation, and personal ethics.
Note: Possession of the minimum requirements does not ensure admission. The University reserves the right to admit or deny admission based on the professional judgment of faculty and administration involved in the admission process.
Some programs have specific prerequisites, so always confirm program-specific requirements with your admissions advisor if you’re unsure.
Online general requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited institution.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred.
- Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they can demonstrate additional academic strength or significant professional experience.
- For the Online campus, Official transcripts are required for all degree-granting post-secondary institutions you have attended.
- An interview may be required for certain programs.
- English language proficiency is required if your undergraduate degree was not completed in English. Acceptable tests include TOEFL or IELTS.
Note: Some programs have specific prerequisites, so always confirm program-specific requirements with your admissions advisor if you’re unsure.
Preparing Your application materials
Prepare to submit an application that reflects your strengths and goals. Learn which materials you’ll need to gather, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and your statement of intent. This section guides you through what to include, how to organize it, and tips to help you apply with confidence and clarity.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
Transcripts from any previous higher education institution are needed for the application process. Unofficial transcripts can be used for application review, but an official transcript must be received.
Required Official Transcripts
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S. and Canada)
- Please have official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
- Unofficial transcripts are accepted for any schools in which a degree was not received.
International applicants are also required to submit the following:
- All transcripts from outside of North America, including Mexico, must be evaluated by a transcript evaluation service such as World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credentialing Evaluators (ECE). Please note that we require all official transcripts — and official translations if not in English — as well as the course-by-course international credential evaluation.
- If a WES ICAP course-by-course evaluation is ordered, applicants will only be required to submit the official international credential evaluation to the University as this service provides a verified copy of the official transcript(s) and translations to the University.
Sharing Official Transcripts
Adler University requires applicants to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Official electronic transcripts should be sent to admissions@adler.edu.
For physical transcripts:
- CHICAGO PROGRAMS:
Adler University – Office of Admissions
17 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60602
- VANCOUVER PROGRAMS:
Adler University – Office of Admissions
520 Seymour Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 3J5 - ONLINE PROGRAMS:
Online student’s transcript can be mailed to either campus addressed to: “ATTN: Office of Admissions, Online Campus.”
Official Transcripts from Foreign Institutions
Official Academic Documents:
Official degree transcripts for applicants within Canada, the U.S., or the Caribbean are either mailed directly from the home institution’s registrar’s office OR sent digitally in an official capacity by the home institution to Adler’s Office of Admissions.
Q: When do I need an international evaluation of my transcripts?
A: All transcripts outside of North America (including Mexico) must be evaluated on a course-by-course basis by a National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC)-approved service including SpanTran, OneEarth, World Education Services, Educational Credentialing Evaluators.
Students from all other nations will need to complete a course-by-course international transcript evaluation from one of the following services:
- WES: https://www.wes.org/
- ECE: https://www.ece.org/
- ICES: https://www.bcit.ca/ices/
- SpanTran: https://www.spantran.com/
Students should also send a scan of their official transcript to the admissions office to accompany their international transcript evaluation.
*Some programs may be exempt from the requirement to complete a transcript evaluation please speak to your Admissions Advisor for more details.
Official paper academic documents must be issued by the institution in a sealed and stamped envelope or sent via a secure transcript service to:
Adler University International Admissions
520 Seymour Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 3J5
RÉSUMÉ OR CV
Your résumé or Curriculum Vitae should summarize your academic history, professional experience, research, community involvement, and relevant achievements. Highlight work or volunteer experience that connects to your field of interest.
STATEMENT OF INTENT
Each program has its own requirements for the letter of intent, so be sure to review the specific program page for details.
As general guidance, your statement should be clear and well-organized, explaining why you want to pursue graduate study at Adler University. Discuss your academic interests, career goals, and how Adler’s programs align with your aspirations. The letter is an opportunity to demonstrate your motivation and fit with Adler’s mission.
RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
When completing your application in Adler’s online portal, you will be asked to submit the names and contact information of those you’d like to have submit a recommendation. These individuals will provide your letters of recommendation and should be able to your academic ability, professional strengths, and potential for graduate study.
Once you list your recommenders in the online application, they will receive a link to complete a brief survey and upload their letter of recommendation. All required letters must be submitted in order to complete your application
Each program may have specific requirements about the number or type of recommendations, so check your program’s page for details.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY SCORE
Students wishing to enter directly into a graduate academic program must provide evidence of English proficiency by one of the following options*:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based Test
- Applicants must have a minimum Overall Score of 92, with no sections under 22
- Adler University’s Vancouver campus code for receiving test scores is 6215
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Applicants must have a minimum overall score of 7.0 (with no band below 6.5).
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Applicants must have a minimum score of 66.
Adler University verifies all English proficiency test scores with the testing organizations. Any applicant submitting scores that are inaccurate will be denied admission.
*English proficiency scores must be officially reported. Students who have completed a degree in Canada or the U.S. or have a degree fully taught in English may have the English proficiency score requirement waived.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS
Some programs may require additional documents, such as a writing sample, portfolio, or specific coursework prerequisites. Check the admissions requirements for your chosen program to ensure you provide all required materials.
Have transfer credits? Bringing in transfer credits? Find out how they count toward your degree.
Ready to apply?
Get started in the application portal.
What Happens next
After you submit your application, your admissions advisor will schedule time to speak with you to finalize your file. Once we’ve received all your application materials, our Admissions Committee will review your file.
Most programs require an interview for eligible candidates. If that’s the case, your advisor will reach out to schedule it and let you know what to expect.
After your interview, you can expect to hear your final admissions decision within several weeks.
If you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your advisor will be by your side to answer questions, keep you informed, and make sure you feel supported through each step.
Credit transfers
Have previous graduate coursework? Learn how Adler’s credit transfer process works, what’s eligible, and how to apply existing credits toward your program to save time and reduce costs as you complete your degree.
Chicago
If accepted for admission, you may receive transfer credit for graduate-level courses previously taken at other accredited institutions. You must submit a transfer credit request to the Office of Admissions. A maximum of 12-credit hours may be transferred into an M.A. program, and a maximum of 24-credit hours may be transferred into the Psy.D. and Ph.D. programs. However, a maximum of 9 credit hours may be transferred into the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Art Therapy program.
Download the Transfer Credit Request Form (opens in a new tab)
Vancouver
If accepted for admission, you may receive transfer credit for graduate-level courses previously taken at other accredited institutions. You must submit a transfer credit request to the Office of Admissions. A maximum of 12 credit hours may be transferred into an M.A. program, and a maximum of 24 credit hours may be transferred into the Psy.D. program.
Students wishing to transfer from other graduate programs must submit a letter from the dean of their previous program stating they are in good academic standing and free from academic or disciplinary inquiry or action.
Transfer Credit Request Form | Master's Programs (opens in a new tab)
Online
For our master’s programs, a maximum of 12 credit hours from other accredited institutions may be transferred. Students accepted for admission may be granted transfer credit for graduate level courses previously taken at another accredited institution. Upon enrollment into a degree program, a review of the unique academic and training history will occur and a determination will be made at the discretion of the University.
For our Ph.D. programs, a maximum of 12 credit hours from other accredited institutions may be transferred for the Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program; and a maximum of 12 credit hours may be transferred for the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership program. Students accepted for admission may be granted transfer credit for doctoral level courses previously taken at another accredited institution. Students can also submit relevant master’s-level coursework to transfer in for elective courses. Upon enrollment into a degree program, a review of the unique academic and training history will occur and a determination will be made at the discretion of the University.
Financing Your degree
Explore options for financing your degree at Adler. Learn about scholarships, financial aid, and resources to help you plan and manage your education costs.
Meet Our admissions team
From your first question to your final decision, the team is here to support you.
Frequently Asked admissions questions
Find answers to common questions about applying to Adler, requirements, deadlines, and next steps.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, there is a $30 application fee for Chicago and Vancouver programs that must be paid through the application portal. Online programs do not have an application fee.
How does the letter of recommendation process work?
When completing your application in Adler’s online portal, you will be asked to submit the names and contact information of those you’d like to have submit a recommendation. Once you list your recommenders in the online application, they will receive a link to complete a brief survey and upload their letter of recommendation. All required letters must be submitted in order to complete your application.
Do I need to submit a transcript from the institution where I studied abroad?
No. If the coursework was completed at your home institution in the U.S. or Canada, it will already appear on your transcript.
Can I defer admission?
Yes, but there is a non-refundable fee, and you need to submit a written request that includes your reason for deferral. For programs in Chicago and Vancouver, you can only defer for one year. Online programs can only be deferred for one term.
What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition is based on the cost per credit hour and the number of credit hours needed to graduate. The number of credits needed to graduate can be found on each program’s page. Students can expect the cost per credit hour to go up on an annual basis. Learn more about Adler University tuition and fees.
The due date for students paying in full is typically two weeks before the start of the term.