Meet the Faculty at Adler University

Joseph E. Troiani, Ph.D. – Founding Director of the Master of Arts in Psychology: Specialization in Military Psychology program on the Online Campus, and professor in the Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program on the Chicago Campus. Commander Troiani served 32 years in the U.S. Navy before retiring in 2010.

Education: Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Fielding Graduate University; M.S., Strategic Intelligence, National Intelligence University; M.A., Health Administration, Governors State University; Graduate, Naval War College.

Research Interests: All aspects of military and operational psychology along with substance use disorders. I also have a special interest in advocacy and policy change.

Question: Why did you decide to build the Online Military Psychology program?

Dr. Troiani: After establishing the Military Psychology emphasis in the Psy.D. program, we found that a number of students wanted to study military psychology, but were unable to either move to Chicago or commit themselves to a full-time doctoral program. The solution was to create the online Military Psychology Program, which I developed in 2013.

Q: What are some of the courses you teach at Adler University, and what can the student expect to learn?

Dr. Troiani: With the Military Psychology program, I instruct “Operational Psychology,” along with other courses. Students learn theory, application and operationalization of that theory, and its application in real-world settings. Under my mentorship, several students have been awarded the Health Professional Scholarship Program by the branches of the military. Others have gone into the Veterans Administration system.

Q: What social justice issues are you passionate about?

Dr. Troiani: I’m passionate about the inequities that exist in the healthcare system for those experiencing chronic and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, and
those who are serving in our military, veterans, and their families. Also, I am a strong advocate for addressing social exclusion and promoting public and social policy for systems change. I strongly believe that community empowerment is the cornerstone of change.

Q: What do you do outside the classroom?

Dr. Troiani: I am active in the American Psychological Association’s Division 19 – Society for Military Psychology. At the local level, I served as Past President of the Illinois Psychological Association where I founded the Military Psychology Section. Currently, I’m serving as the Vice President of Mental Health America of Illinois, and on the Board of the Illinois Certification Board, Inc. I’m also involved with a number of veterans’ organizations in the community.

Q: What about Adler University resonated with you?

Dr. Troiani: It was the work of Dr. Alfred Adler, the first community psychologist, who because of his experience as a World War I army psychiatrist, saw the need to change society to prevent future conflicts. Adler realized the need for social change and the importance of transforming systems in order to create that change. The University has embraced Adlerian Psychology and its principles in its coursework, practicums, and clinical training. Our graduates are the change agents and leaders of the profession.

To learn more about our Master of Arts in Psychology: Specialization in Military Psychology or Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) programs, contact our Admissions team or fill out the “Request Information” form today!