Online | Master of Arts
Drawing on Alfred Adler’s longtime expertise in military psychology and education, Adler University’s fully online Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychology: Specialization in Military Psychology trains students to become socially responsible mental health professionals with specialized knowledge of military psychology. Graduates are equipped to work with the distinct needs and trauma experienced by military personnel, retirees, veterans, and their families; and are prepared for positions in research, education, medical facilities, military institutions, veteran support organizations, and government agencies.*
Our emphasis on socially responsible practice means our students and faculty embrace a broad range of perspectives and theoretical approaches. Adlerian principle enables us to empower others to identify and address shared problems and foster the development of social equality, justice, and respect through compassionate action.
Our faculty includes practitioners with real-world experience in behavioral health, psychology, and the military. Their expertise offers students a deep understanding of military culture from biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives.
This product or service has not been approved or endorsed by any governmental agency, and this offer is not being made by an agency of the government.
The concentration on the Psychology of Terrorism examines the bio-psycho-social-spiritual dimensions of the terrorism phenomena along with the political psychology dimension. Contributing factors such as oppression, social injustices, and inequities are examined. Psychological consequence management of terrorism and mental health disaster response to all hazards are also instructed. Biodefense and security addresses chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events being either premeditated, accidental or natural occurrences.
Students completing the Concentration in Terrorism must complete the following three courses for their elective coursework requirements.
The concentration in Addiction Studies gives students a foundation in the education, prevention, intervention, and treatment of Alcohol and Other Drug Use (AOD) disorders. Specifically, students learn the theories, techniques, and core functions of substance abuse treatment, focusing on evidence-based research and best practice standards from a social justice standpoint. This concentration will prepare students to understand and address the growing issue of substance addiction among military populations, and meet the increased need for those who understand addictions.
Students enrolled in the Addiction Studies Concentration must complete the following 9 credit hours of elective coursework:
This 36-credit program is offered entirely online and can be completed in as few as 12 months, making it an attractive option for students who may be currently employed. Our asynchronous learning model allows for convenience and flexibility. All components of this program can be accessed through an Internet browser running on an IBM PC (Windows or Linux) or Apple Macintosh (Apple OS). Students must have access to a broadband Internet connection and a personal computer manufactured within the last three years.
Find course descriptions and more information in the Adler University course catalog here.
Doing is learning. A unique and proven program designed to give students real world experience throughout their time at Adler University, the Social Justice Practicum is a required 200-hour internship that spans four courses (or terms for online programs). Every student is given a number of civic-minded categories to choose from. They submit their desired areas of interest. After which, they are assigned a specific and aligned community outreach site where they will work 8 to 10 hours per week.
Applicants are required to have:
Applicants admitted on a conditional basis must achieve a 3.0 cumulative GPA in their first two courses in order to achieve full admission status and continue in the program. Applicants not meeting this standard may be dismissed from the university. Applicants admitted on a conditional basis are not eligible to repeat coursework until they achieve a full admission status.
Applicants admitted on a provisional basis must submit all outstanding collateral, as defined in their acceptance letter, prior to the end of their first course to achieve full admission status and continue in the program. Applicants not meeting this standard may be dismissed from the university.
**Letters of recommendation may be waived based on cumulative grade point average from your degree-granting institution. Letters of recommendation should be submitted by professional references on letterhead.
Adler University approaches online learning with the same commitment to academic excellence and student support that has been the hallmark of our 65-year history. Our innovative online graduate courses deliver an engaging, interactive learning experience designed to accommodate your busy schedule.
Online learning offers a great deal of independence and flexibility, but that doesn’t mean that you’re alone. Our online student body is supported by the same administrative and academic staff who serve our on-campus students. Your instructors are also available to answer your questions, provide more information, and connect you with additional resources to help you succeed. In addition, your cohort classmates will be a source of ongoing support and collaboration as you progress through your degree program, and well after graduation.
You may have a fulltime job, family obligations or other things that command your attention. We get it. That said, you have a passion to make the world a better place. We have online programs that are crafted and curated to give you skills to make it happen.
No matter where in the world or in life you are.
Adler is a tight knit community of radical thinkers and doers. Know, that as an online student, you are not alone. You are one of us. The work you will be asked to do, will be the same as every other Adler student. The skills you will learn will be just as powerful. And the degree you will receive, will speak just as loudly.
Chicago Campus graduate Karolina Przegienda, M.A. ‘15, Psy.D. ‘18, shares how her work as an active-duty military psychologist is helping raise awareness of the importance of mental health services in the military.
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