ACCREDITATIONS + accolades
Adler University is fully accredited in Canada, the U.S., and for distance education, ensuring programs meet high academic and professional standards.
approvals
Documents confirming Adler’s accreditation status can be reviewed by contacting the University’s Office of Compliance.
Higher Learning Commission
Adler University in Chicago is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), with select programs accredited by professional bodies.
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413
800.621.7440
info@hlcommission.org
Canada accreditations
Adler University in Vancouver is recognized by the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education and is a Designated Learning Institution. Our programs meet the quality assurance standards for graduate education in Canada.
Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills + Training – British Columbia
All degree programs are offered at Adler University Vancouver with the consent of the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Education and under the authority of the Degree Authorization Act.
Adler’s degree programs qualify for the Ministry’s Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, which means the institution meets or exceeds quality assurance standards set by the Province of British Columbia.
The Ministry has also designated Adler University as an “Exempt Status” institution, which provides for expedited review of Master’s degree proposals.
Government of Canada
The Government of Canada has deemed Adler University as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that offers post-graduation work permit eligible programs.
U.S. accreditations
Select programs are accredited by professional bodies, demonstrating academic rigor and supporting licensure pathways.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
202.336.5979
apaaccred@apa.org
Adler University Chicago offers a doctoral program in clinical psychology that is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Questions about the accreditation status of the Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program can be directed to the address above.
The Adler Community Mental Health Internship Program and the Adler Juvenile Justice Internship Program at Adler Community Health Services (ACHS) are also accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 – 113th Street N., #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727.210.2350
The Master of Arts (M.A) in Counseling Psychology: Art Therapy degree program at Adler University Chicago is approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Council for Accreditation of Counseling + Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510
Alexandria, VA, 22314
703.535.5990
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Adler University Chicago is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Council of Rehabilitation Education (CORE)
1699 East Woodfield Road, Suite 300
Schaumburg, Illinois 60173
847.944.1345
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling Psychology: Specialization in Rehabilitation Counseling program at Adler University Chicago is accredited by the Council of Rehabilitation Education (CORE).
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage + Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
112 South Alfred Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703.838.9808
coa@aamft.org
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Couple and Family Therapy program at Adler University (Chicago Campus) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Couple and Family Therapy program at Adler University Chicago is also accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA)
401 East Sangamon Avenue
Springfield, Illinois 62702
217.698.8110
Adler University is accredited as an Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor Training Program by the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc. (IAODAPCA). This certification process is based on the Illinois Model for Certification of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors.
Distance Learning accreditations
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.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
Adler University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Carnegie classifications
Adler University has held a Carnegie Classification since 1987. Adler is one of 68 institutions in the United States to receive this designation.
Special Focus: Graduate Studies
The classification reflects Adler’s focus on graduate education — specifically master’s and doctoral programs — and is part of the newly overhauled 2025 Carnegie Classification system by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education (ACE). Prior to the 2025 update, it was classified as a Special Focus Four-Year: Other Health Professions Schools.
Elective Classification for Community Engagement
Adler has held the Elective Classification for Community Engagement from the Carnegie Foundation since 2015. This classification recognizes deep, reciprocal partnerships that connect academic learning with community impact at the local, national, and global levels. The designation highlights Adler’s ongoing commitment to collaboration beyond the classroom and meaningful public engagement that advances social well-being
ACCOLADES
Adler University is consistently recognized for advancing excellence in graduate education, community engagement, and systemic change. Our accolades reflect the strength of our mission — to challenge convention, create change, and advance health and well-being for all.
Higher education excellence and distinction AWARD
Adler has been an annual recipient of the Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Award from Insight Into Academia magazine since 2024. Recipients of the annual HEED Award — a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities — demonstrate an outstanding commitment to academic excellence, belonging, and community-building across all levels of campus life.
2024 top online Ph.D. programs in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Forbes Advisor named Adler as having one of the country’s top online Doctor of Philosophy programs in Industrial and Organizational Psychology (I/O). The program received recognition on both the ‘Best Online Ph.D. In Organizational Psychology Programs Of 2024’ and ‘Best Online Doctorates In Psychology Of 2024’ lists. Among the institutions selected, Adler University stands out for its commitment to producing forward-thinking, socially responsible organizational experts who harness scientific research to optimize human potential.
Forbes Advisor, a reputable source for insightful financial and educational rankings, rigorously evaluated online Ph.D. programs in psychology and organizational psychology across the United States.
Most Popular Psychology Degree Programs Ranking
Research.com included Adler University in its 2024 Most Popular Psychology Degree Programs Ranking in America.
The recognition from Research.com reflects the University’s commitment to high-quality, student-centered psychology education. This acknowledgment underscores Adler’s success in fostering a rigorous and enriching academic environment based on a thorough evaluation led by experienced data scientists.
Ranked in the top 25 across four categories for online psychology and leadership programs
Intelligent.com ranked Adler in the top 25 across four categories for online psychology and leadership programs, using a comprehensive methodology that emphasized academic quality, cost, graduation rates, and return on investment. Adler was recognized for:
• #10 in Best One-Year Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs of 2025.
• #17 in Best Online Accelerated Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs of 2025.
• #25 in Best Online Master’s in Organizational Psychology Degree Programs of 2025.
• #25 in Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs of 2025.
Vancouver COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM RANKED IN TOP 10 BEST
The Adler counselling psychology program in Vancouver, B.C., was named among the top 10 best by CourseCompare, Canada’s education resource that helps learners reach their career goals. The University’s counselling psychology program was ranked No. 6 on the Best Master’s in Counselling Psychology in Canada of 2025 list. CourseCompare compiled the list by evaluating programs based on practicum hour requirements, accreditation with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and other provincial licensing bodies, graduation and employment rates, delivery methods, and program reputation among students, graduates, and employers.
Still wondering?
Still have questions about accreditation or program recognition? Contact our team for details on licensure, eligibility, or how accreditation supports your academic and career goals.