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Master of Psychology: Health + Wellness

Online

The Adler University Master of Psychology in Health and Wellness prepares graduates to promote mental well-being across healthcare, community, and organizational settings. This program blends psychology, neurobiology, and leadership with applied training in wellness design to prepare graduates to create evidence-based solutions for healthier systems.

  • 36 credits
  • 2-year program, full-time: accelerated path in as little as 16 months
  • Online synchronous courses offered on weekends
  • Part-time opportunities
  • Capstone project
  • Pathway to doctorate
AppLY NOW (opens in a new tab) REQUEST INFORMATION all programs

Admission Deadlines

Term Priority Final
Fall 2027 International applicants N/A 8/15/2027
Fall 2027 Domestic applicants N/A 8/15/2027

Program overview

One of the only programs of its kind in Canada, Adler University’s health and wellness psychology online program responds to rising demand for professionals who can connect psychology, neurobiology, and leadership to tackle today’s health challenges. Students build the insight to shape policy, spark innovation, and strengthen resilience in health care, public health, and community settings.

As this field accelerates, the program offers a bold look at the intersection of human behavior, health promotion, and leadership, graduating professionals ready to redefine mental health and wellness systems.

Why choose the health and wellness psychology program at Adler?

  • Professional standards alignment: Curriculum aligns with standards set by the Canadian Psychological Association, American Psychology Association Division 38 (Health Psychology), and the Society for Public Health Education.
  • Flexible learning options: The 36-credit online program is delivered through live virtual courses scheduled on weekends. This gives students flexibility to complete their programs from anywhere while balancing their employment or other responsibilities.
  • Comprehensive and practical curriculum: Rooted in the biopsychosocial model, the program integrates psychology, neurobiology, health promotion, and leadership for applied impact.

CAPSTONE project


Students complete a capstone project focused on secondary research in health and wellness, allowing them to synthesize existing studies to address real-world health challenges. Through this structured five-chapter manuscript, students will deepen their expertise and develop as subject matter experts in their chosen areas.

Careers That Redefine well-being

Graduates of Adler’s psychology master’s in health and wellness program will be prepared to apply their professional skills and knowledge base to various fields in entry-level to middle-management roles.

An Adler University student smiles in the library of the Vancouver Campus.

HEALTH CARE + PUBLIC HEALTH

Develop and implement wellness initiatives, influence health policy, and improve health and community outcomes within hospitals, clinics, and public health systems in roles such as:

• Wellness Program Manager: Lead organizational wellness initiatives.
• Patient Experience Manager: Improve care delivery and satisfaction.
• Program Manager: Oversee health promotion or behavioral health programs.
• Health Coach: Guide hospital patients in lifestyle, nutrition, and stress management.

A woman with a Ph.D. in Art Therapy holds a tablet as she speaks to a small group seated in a well-lit room with large windows and beige curtains.

EDUCATION + ADVOCACY

Collaborate with schools, universities, and advocacy organizations to expand access to wellness resources, strengthen resilience in learning environments, and advance public understanding of mental health through outreach and awareness initiatives in roles such as:

• School Wellness Coordinator: Design programs that promote student and staff well-being.
• Community Outreach Coordinator: Connect organizations with mental health resources and programs.
• Advocate: Advance public understanding and influencing legislation around mental health and wellness
• Training and Education Specialist: Deliver workshops and curricula on stress management, resilience, and wellness.

A woman with glasses and a clipboard, possibly an Art Therapy Ph.D., speaks to two people sitting opposite her in a brightly lit room adorned with framed art and plants.

Community + social services

Design and deliver programs that address pressing social issues — from family and domestic violence to services for children and older adults — strengthening support networks and enhancing quality of life in roles such as:

• Community Program Coordinator: Develop initiatives that respond to local needs.
• Family Services Specialist: Support families navigating domestic challenges.
• Youth Program Manager: Create resources and opportunities for children and adolescents.
• Social Services Case Manager: Connect individuals with essential community resources.

Three people are seated indoors having a serious discussion; one woman, possibly an Art Therapy Ph.D., gestures while holding a notebook, another woman listens intently, and a man is seen from behind.

Government + policy

Inform decision-making at the local, national, and global levels by translating psychological research into actionable policy, advocating for systemic reform, and promoting sustainable wellness practices in roles such as:

• Policy Analyst: Evaluate and shape policies that impact community well-being.
• Legislative Affairs Specialist: Advise policymakers on wellness and mental health initiatives
• Public Health Policy Advisor: Integrate research into population health strategies.
• Advocacy Director: Lead campaigns to advance systemic reforms in health and wellness.

Admissions requirements

Apply Now (opens in a new tab) international applicants

Eligibility

Applicants to the MOPHW program must meet the following requirements:

  • A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
  • A GPA of 2.75 or higher for all undergraduate or graduate coursework.

International students:

  • A minimum overall TOEFL iBT score of 4.5 is required, with no individual section score below 4.5. Adler University’s Vancouver Campus institutional code for receiving official test scores is 6215.
  • 7.0 IELTS overall with no bands below 6.5.
  • PTE must have a minimum score of 66.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission:

  • Application fee.
  • Completed application submitted via the online portal.
  • Statement of Intent.
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S. and Canada). International transcripts must be evaluated by a transcript evaluation service.

Statement of Intent

Applicants are required to provide a statement of intent answering the following questions. They should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced.

  • Who are you and what is your background?
  • What ignited your passion for psychology?
  • Why are you interested in the master’s program at Adler University?
  • Where do you see yourself in future practice?
  • What is your greatest strength and area for improvement, academically and professionally?

How to Apply + Submit Transcripts
  1. Visit Adler University’s online application portal, create an account, and submit your application, fee, Statement of Intent, resume/CV, and references’ details.
  2. Have official transcripts sent directly from each issuing institution or approved service to the Office of Admissions prior to the application deadline. Do not upload official copies to the portal.

    Adler University – Office of Admissions
    520 Seymour Street
    Vancouver, BC V6B 3J5

    Official electronic transcripts should be sent to admissions@adler.edu.

Curriculum | internships | practicums

This cutting-edge health and wellness master’s program goes beyond theory, providing students with direct experience in psychometric assessment, wellness program design, and evidence-based leadership. Across 36 credits, the curriculum builds from foundational courses to advanced applications in health promotion, leadership, and wellness design.

Completion of the program includes the courses below, along with additional requirements outlined in the Adler University catalogue.

ADLER UNIVERSITY COURSE catalogue

CORE COURSES

History and Systems for Applied Psychology

Focuses on the conceptual origins and evolution of modern ideas in applied psychology with an emphasis on historical and contemporary viewpoints that have influenced and shaped accepted models and systems within the field.

Current Issues and Applications in the Psychological Sciences

Provides an overview of foundational psychological sciences and the related applications in the field. A broad review of scientific approaches to inquiry, methodological frameworks, professional skills, and application will be reviewed in fundamental areas of psychology.

Ethics and Socially Responsible Practice

Focuses on establishing and promoting ethical and socially responsible practice within the field of applied psychology. Students will evaluate human rights, welfare, and public health and safety of groups and individuals as these constructs relate to the practice of applied psychology.

Research Methods in Organizational Psychology 

This course explores qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research approaches in Health & Wellness Psychology. Students critically evaluate research methodologies and develop a research proposal using both qualitative and quantitative methods to prepare for their Capstone Project. 

Community Psychology and Program Evaluation

Investigates a range of pervasive social justice issues that impact the well-being of individuals and communities. In this course students will study a wide variety of forces and structures in the community which affect the positive growth, development, and functioning of its members.

Cognitive, Affective, and Biological Bases of Behaviour

Explores biological bases of behaviour throughout the lifespan with an emphasis on practical applications of current neuroscience research. Students will critically analyze practical situations as they relate to the impact of biological structures and physiological systems on psychological functioning.

Positive Psychology for Health and Wellness

Explores the history, theory, and research methods of positive psychology as it applies to professional settings and the public health sector. Students will be exposed to the methodology in assessment of positive emotions, character strengths, and meaning in life.

Mindfulness-Based Approaches to Health and Wellness

Provides an introduction to mindfulness and other meditative and mind-body approaches to counseling. The course focuses on theory, technique, and practice. No prior experience with meditation is required, though students must be willing to practice selected techniques daily throughout the semester, as meditative and mind-body techniques cannot be learned through description alone.

Biological Bases for Health and Wellness

Provides an overview of biological, physiological, and pharmacological foundations for optimal human development and psychological well-being. Students will be exposed to different explanatory models of human functioning from a naturalistic and holistic organism perspective.

CAPSTONE

These courses provide students with unique opportunities to complete projects that will reflect their learning and training experiences throughout the program.

Capstone Prep.

This seminar will provide students with an opportunity to meet in a small group format with peers and the faculty member as part of the project advising process. With guidance from their faculty and peers, students will review and discuss their project topics and research methodologies with the goal of developing, refining and completing their project’s Chapter 1 by the end of the course. Students will also learn about the ethical responsibilities related to conducting systematic secondary literature analysis and research. 

Capstone I

With guidance from their faculty and peers, students will review and discuss their project topics and research methodologies with the goal of developing, refining and completing their manuscript Chapter 1, 2 & 3.

Capstone II

his course will provide students with an opportunity to meet in a small group format with peers and the faculty member as part of the project advising process. With guidance from their faculty and peers, students will review and discuss their project topics and research methodologies with the goal of developing, refining and completing their project Chapter 4 & 5 and final manuscript.

ADLER SOCIAL INTEREST PRACTICUM

Your opportunity to create lasting change on local and global systems, almost from day 1.

The Adler Social Interest Practicum (ASIP) at Adler University’s Vancouver Campus is a non-clinical, community-based experience that reflects Alfred Adler’s concept of social interest. The practicum places students with mission-driven organizations where they complete a minimum of 150 approved hours across two semesters, typically 8-10 hours per week. Alongside their placements, students participate in required workshops. Each practicum is evaluated through midterm and final supervisor reviews, student self-assessments, and feedback on the site and project, with grades of High Pass, Pass, Remediation, or Fail. The experience culminates in a campus-wide presentation of outcomes, assessed by multiple evaluators, offering students both applied training and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful community change.

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“My passion for psychology runs deep, and I’m especially thrilled to collaborate with colleagues and engage with students whose diverse perspectives enrich the academic environment.”

– Jason Walker, Psy.D., Ph.D.
Program Director
MEET THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Faculty

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