Program Overview
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.
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Concentrations
As part of the M.A. in Military Psychology, students will select from two specialized concentrations – Psychology of Terrorism; and Addiction Studies – for professional development in the program that fits their passion and career goals.
Psychology of Terrorism
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.
Addiction Studies
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.
Student Outcomes
Today, mental health professionals equipped with specialized knowledge of military psychology are in high demand for working with the unique needs and trauma experienced by military personnel, retirees, veterans, and their families. There is an alarming rise in psychological issues among these populations and the growing demand for practitioners trained to administer to them have been increasingly well documented and publicized in recent years.
Careers in Military Psychology
Students are prepared for positions in research, educational, and medical facilities; at military schools and bases; and in various government including agencies and Service Headquarters Commands. Responsibilities can entail direct services for military personnel and their families during deployment and upon returning to civilian life.
Our emphasis on socially responsible practice means our students and faculty embrace a broad range of perspectives and theoretical approaches. They work to build and maintain bridges across social, economic, cultural, racial, and political systems. They empower others to identify and address shared problems and foster the development of social equality, justice, and respect through compassionate action.
Graduate Spotlight
Blake Schroedter, Psy.D.
Psychology: Specialization in Military Psychology
Blake Schroedter, Psy.D., is an Adler University alumnus and associate professor in the Online Campus Military Psychology program. He is also a clinical psychologist and heads the Effingham Clinic for the Road Home Program run by the Rush, an academic health system in Illinois. The clinic serves men and women in Central Illinois returning from military service. A veteran himself, Schroedter was awarded the Bronze Star and Golden Combat Spurs in 2009 during a deployment to Afghanistan for his role in training and operating with the Afghanistan National Army. He was recently named to the Illinois Bicentennial Honor 200 list for “going above and beyond in serving fellow veterans and their communities.”
Curriculum
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.
Military Psychology Courses
Find course descriptions and more information in the Adler University course catalog.
Core Courses
This course introduces the student to the specialty of Military Psychology which aims to improve the lives of service personnel and is applicable to a wide range of areas within the military community.
This course provides students with the opportunity to integrate socially responsible strategies with operational psychology in military environments.
This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of mental health law, the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), the military justice system, and social justice as it relates to Adlerian principles.
This course introduces the students to the concepts, goals, strategies, ideologies, and psychological theories associated with terrorism and operations other than war (e.g. disaster relief, peace keeping and enforcement).
This course is a comprehensive study of military ethics, morality, social justice, and is designed to benefit both the student seeking professional leadership development in the reserves or active duty and practitioners who seek to serve them
This course examines the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual impact of being in combat or experiencing a conflict.
This seminar course provides students with an overview of the principles of Adlerian theory as they relate to socially responsible professional practice in the areas of leadership and applied psychology.
Electives
This course explores how resiliency theory and positive psychology can be applied to the military community in an effort to minimize the long term impact of stress related to life in the military.
This course provides an overview of the psychological and sociological dimensions of the warrior culture. In doing so the student will learn to assess research and develop a literature review on a specific area of military culture.
This course will specifically examine the social service and behavioral health systems that are responsible for providing psychiatric, mental health, substance abuse, and family care for those who are serving, or have served, and their families. It will provide a primer on the structure and functions of these medical and behavioral health delivery systems within the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare systems.
Thesis or Capstone
Students must take either capstone course, or the three-course thesis series
The Capstone course provides students with a unique opportunity to complete a project that will reflect their learning and training experiences throughout the program.
This course represents the first phase of the thesis. The MA Thesis is a student-directed study conducted in consultation with an assigned Chair in an area of applied psychology with relevance to the curriculum.
This course represents the second phase of the thesis. The MA Thesis is a student-directed study conducted in consultation with an assigned Chair in an area of applied psychology with relevance to the curriculum.
This course represents the third phase of the thesis. The MA Thesis is a student-directed study conducted in consultation with an assigned Chair in an area of applied psychology with relevance to the curriculum.
Psychology of Terrorism Concentration
Students completing the Concentration in Terrorism must complete the following three courses for their elective coursework requirements.
This course will introduce the students to the concepts, goals, strategies, ideologies, and psychological theories associated with terrorist groups. Emphasis will be placed on terrorist motives and on how terrorist actions have affected the course of history and current foreign and domestic policies.
The purpose of this course is to educate the behavioral health professional in the mental health disaster response crisis counseling program model.
This course will provide an introduction to the ongoing efforts to implement U.S. biodefense preparedness.
Concentration in Addiction Studies
Students enrolled in the Addiction Studies Concentration must complete the following 9 credit hours of elective coursework.
This course provides an introduction to substance use and the treatment of addictive disorders. Assessment of substance use disorders and current treatment models for substance use, misuse, abuse, dependence, and concurrent disorders are discussed.
This course advances and deepens the degree of understanding of theoretical models and research related to addictions counseling. The areas of application include addictive behaviors, alcohol and substance abuse, etiology of addiction, and dual diagnosis and comorbidity.
Social Justice Practicum
The Social Justice Practicum (SJP) is a first-year, non-clinical and non-discipline specific experiential practicum that begins in the second course period of the student’s program. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to utilize collective power and social justice strategies to build a more equitable society.
The Social Justice Practicum (SJP) is a first-year, non-clinical and non-discipline specific experiential practicum that begins in the second course period of the student’s program. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to utilize collective power and social justice strategies to build a more equitable society.
The Social Justice Practicum (SJP) is a first-year, non-clinical and non-discipline specific experiential practicum that begins in the second course period of the student’s program. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to utilize collective power and social justice strategies to build a more equitable society.
The Social Justice Practicum (SJP) is a first-year, non-clinical and non-discipline specific experiential practicum that begins in the second course period of the student’s program. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to utilize collective power and social justice strategies to build a more equitable society.
Social Justice Practicum
200-hour internship to give students real world experience
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.
Faculty Spotlight
Joseph Troiani, Ph.D.
Director of the Master of Arts in Military Psychology
Joseph E. Troiani, Ph.D., Director of the Master of Arts in Military Psychology program for Adler University’s Online Campus, was recently interviewed for a news segment on WGN-TV. The segment featured Kevin Milligan, a former Army Ranger who was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after serving overseas from 1998 to 2003. In an effort to spread healing contact, Milligan started The Unconditional Hug, where he offered hugs to passersby in downtown Chicago. Dr. Troiani commented on how the ability to be close to someone can facilitate the healing process for those diagnosed with PTSD.
Online Learning Format
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.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants are required to have:
- A baccalaureate degree, by the date of matriculation, earned from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from an international college or university.
- A GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) in their baccalaureate degree.
- Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 will be considered for conditional admission by submitting two letters of recommendation from a current professor, supervisor, and/or someone who can attest to the applicant’s ability to be successful in a graduate program. Exceptions may be made for applicants with a conferred graduate degree.
- Applicants with a GPA below a 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Two letters of recommendation**
Conditional Admission Status
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.
Provisional 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.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition for Adler University’s programs is charged each term according to the number of registered academic credits. The number of credits a student will register for varies by academic program and by term. To estimate the amount of tuition and fees that would be charged in a given term, please use our Tuition Estimator tool below, or read about tuition and fees for all Online programs.