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Admissions

Applying for Admission

Applying for Admission

Adler University takes pride in its accomplished student body, bringing together individuals with varied backgrounds and perspectives.

The admissions process is designed to identify candidates with strong academic achievements and a commitment to their chosen field. Prospective students are encouraged to review the admissions requirements for their specific program and connect with an admissions counselor for guidance. For those seeking financial support, a range of resources and options are available to assist with funding your education.

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.

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.

Many of our programs fill quickly, so we encourage you to submit your application early. This will provide you with entry to our application portal with real-time access to track your application status along with any outstanding documents.  If you have questions regarding programs and space availability, please contact Admissions.

Official Transcripts

The Chicago Campus requires applicants to submit official transcripts from ALL colleges/universities attended. Official transcripts should be sent to:

Adler University – Office of Admissions
17 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60602

Official electronic transcripts should be sent to [email protected].

Acceptance of Admission

Acceptance of Admission

The Director of Admissions will notify you of acceptance in writing. To complete the process, you must submit the applicable tuition deposit to our Chicago Campus.

Transfer Credit

Transfer Credit

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, the Art Therapy Ph.D. program may transfer a maximum of 9-credit hours.

Please click here to download the Transfer Credit Request Form.

International Applicants

International Applicants

We have a long tradition of attracting students from around the world to study in our collaborative learning environment.

In addition to a completed application, all transcripts from outside of North America (including Mexico) must be evaluated on a course-by-course basis by a NACAC (National Association for College Admissions Counseling) approved service.

We highly recommend one of the following services:

Please note that we require an official course-by-course international credential evaluation but do not require official copies of the original transcripts.

If a course-by-course evaluation is ordered, applicants will only be required to submit the official international credential evaluation to the University as this service provided a verified copy of the official transcript(s) and translations to the University. Applicants must be sure to send in all transcripts and order the course-by-course evaluation.

Studying in the United States

International students may apply for an F-1 (student) or J-1 (exchange student) Visa. Please submit the required tuition deposit as well as the following forms to Adler University:

  1. Affidavit of Financial Support
  2. International Student Request for I-20
English Language Proficiency Assessment

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit English proficiency test scores from one of the following testing services directly to the University. Scores are only valid if taken within two years of enrollment. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in an accredited program in Canada or the United States may not be required to prove English language proficiency.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • Adler University’s code for receiving test scores is 1147.
  • Paper-based TOEFL minimum score is 580.
  • Computer-based TOEFL minimum score is 240.
  • Internet-based TOEFL minimum score is 92.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • A minimum Overall Band score of 7.0 is required.
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
  • A minimum Overall Score of 66 is required.
Admissions Deadlines

Admissions Deadlines

We are currently accepting applications for Spring and Fall 2025.

While we accept applications throughout the year, the following deadlines ensure that students receive full consideration prior to programs being full:

ProgramPriority Deadline
Psy.D. programFebruary 15, 2025
Ph.D. programsFebruary 15, 2025
Masters programsApril 1, 2025

Many of our programs fill quickly, so we encourage you to begin the application process early. If you have questions regarding programs and space availability, please contact Admissions.

Disability Services at Adler

Disability Services at Adler

Adler University seeks to facilitate an environment where all students thrive academically and professionally. Disability Services within the Office of Student Affairs serves and supports students by creating a learning environment that removes barriers. Disability Services coordinates the accommodations a student may need to be successful.

To learn more about accessibility at Adler or to initiate the accommodations request process, contact Disability Services or call 312-662-4141.

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Live and Learn in the
City That Works

Located in the heart of the city, the Adler Chicago campus was designed to provide and inspire the learning and living experience. To that end, we have created an environment that caters to your mental, emotional and intellectual growth. Our classrooms are bright and spacious with windows to the outside world. Our technology is the very latest and best. In our Library, you will find every resource you need to research, form and shape your journey. At Adler, we have made it our mission to create a space with more than enough room to share your thoughts and flex your intellect.

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