ADMISSIONS
Ready to challenge convention and design systems of care that improve health and well-being at every level? At Adler, you’ll find the training, support, and a community of breakaway thinkers to help you lead lasting change.
What to expect
Adler University takes pride in its accomplished student body, bringing together individuals
with varied backgrounds and perspectives.
Applying to Adler
Strong academic achievement paired with a demonstrable commitment to social responsibility forms the foundation for a successful application. Reviewing the specific requirements for each program is important before applying. Because many programs fill up quickly, early submission is recommended. Use the application portal to track your application status and outstanding materials in real-time. For questions about programs or availability, the Admissions office is available to assist.
Find Your Program
General admissions requirements
The Admissions Committee evaluates applicants on several factors, including:
- Academic performance.
- Content and clarity of written and verbal communication.
- Strength of recommendations.
- Community service interest and/or experience.
- Prior work experience.
- Integrity, motivation, and personal ethics.
Please note that meeting the general requirements does not guarantee admission. Final decisions are made based on the professional judgment of faculty and administrators involved in the review process.
Submit your application
Applications are submitted through Adler University’s online portal, which provides real-time access to track application status and review any outstanding materials. Many programs reach capacity quickly, so submitting your application early is recommended. For questions about programs or availability, contact an admissions advisor.
Application portal (opens in a new tab)
Credit transfers
If admitted, 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. General credit transfer guidelines are as follows:
- A maximum of 12 credit hours may be transferred into an M.A. program.
- A maximum of 24 credit hours may be transferred into the Psy.D. program and Ph.D. programs.
- A maximum of 9 credit hours may be transferred into the Art Therapy Ph.D. program.
Students wishing to transfer from other graduate programs must submit a letter from the dean of their previous program, stating that they are in good academic standing and are free from any academic or disciplinary inquiry or action.
Transfer Credit Policy | Chicago Programs (opens in a new tab)
Receive + accept your admissions offer
If admitted, you will receive a formal offer letter from the director of admissions notifying you of your acceptance in writing. To complete the admission process, you must submit a signed acceptance letter and a non-refundable tuition deposit within 15 days of receiving your offer.
Tuition | Fees | Estimator
Student support services
Every student’s journey is unique. At Adler, our support services staff are here to help you achieve your goals, whether academic or personal.
Explore Student Support Services
Admissions deadlines
Each program may have its own admission deadlines. Review the chart below to confirm your cut-off date.
Doctoral program deadlines
Most programs fill quickly, so we encourage you to begin the application process early. While we accept applications throughout the year, the following deadlines ensure that students receive full consideration before programs are full.
Master’s program deadlines
Most programs fill quickly, so we encourage you to begin the application process early. While we accept applications throughout the year, the following deadlines ensure that students receive full consideration before programs are full.
Certificate program deadlines
Our Certificate in Sex Therapy programs fills quickly, so we encourage you to begin the application process early. While we accept applications throughout the year, the deadline below ensures that students receive full consideration before the program is full.
Meet the admissions team
Ask any Adler student about their admissions experience, and they are guaranteed to say that connecting with an advisor was a huge help. Book a phone call with an admissions advisor today and set your application up for success.
The Adler experience
Rooted in community and shaped by collaboration, Adler offers learning experiences that prepare students to create meaningful impact in Chicago, Vancouver, and around the world online.
Career preparation
Adler provides career preparation opportunities that transcend the classroom. Students engage in experiential learning through practicums, internships, and community partnerships, which build real-world skills and expand their professional networks. With faculty mentorship and career support, Adler prepares students to confidently lead across sectors and systems, from orientation to graduation day and onward.
Student organizations
Find community, make friends, and expand your network with student organizations on each campus. Our diverse range of organizations creates opportunities for everyone to get involved.
Campus culture
Adler University is an international institute of higher learning, with physical campuses in Chicago, Illinois, and Vancouver, British Columbia, and an online campus. Our downtown physical campuses mean lots of activity and opportunities to engage with your fellow students, faculty, and the communities outside our doors.
Hear from our students + alumni
Adler students come to our campuses with purpose and emerge with the clarity, conviction, and skills to lead change. Learn how their experiences shaped their path and strengthened their voice.
“My end goal is to help improve systems that make people, such as refugees, safer and cared for.”
Breanna Mihalovich
Student
“We can positively change our communities by building up others.”
Farrah Beidas
Student
“The training I received at Adler was key to my success as an Army psychologist.”
Maj. Amy Thrasher, Psy.D.
2016 Graduate
Your questions answered
Have a question about something else? Let us know!
Why select Adler for graduate school?
At Adler University, graduate education is more than a degree — it is preparation for a lifetime of leadership and impact. Each step you take in this process brings you closer to advancing health and well-being in communities, organizations, and systems around the globe.
Is Adler accredited? What about its programs?
Adler University is an accredited institution in the United States and Canada.
Its Chicago location is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), with select programs accredited by professional bodies.
Its Vancouver location is recognized by the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education and is a Designated Learning Institution, with select programs accredited by professional bodies.
Adler’s online programs meet the same academic and accreditation standards as our on-campus offerings. We’re authorized through NC-SARA to deliver distance education across participating U.S. states and territories.
What are the requirements to apply and be accepted into Adler?
All programs require an online application, résumé/CV, and transcripts. However, some programs may have additional requirements. Learn more about the admissions process in our Application Guide or contact your admissions advisor for details.
How long does the application process take?
Timelines vary by program. Adler University offers rolling admissions for most programs, but each has specific application open and close dates. To stay on track, review our Application Guide for a general timeline and check your program’s page for exact deadlines.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to be admitted to a master’s program? Do I need a master’s degree to be admitted to a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program?
Applicants can apply for a program while completing their undergraduate program, but they will need to have a bachelor’s degree before they can enroll. Some programs require a master’s to apply. For those programs, you can still apply while completing your final coursework.
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.