The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Degree Programs

A group of forward-thinking psychologists and educators established The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 1979. They shared a unique vision: students would receive hands-on training in urban, ground settings. This state-of-the-art approach gave graduates practical skills to work with people from diverse backgrounds in clinics, nonprofits, government agencies, and private practices.

The school started by preparing students for clinical psychology careers. Now it has grown substantially. Students can choose more than 40 graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs that address current and emerging integrated health needs. These programs cover psychology, business, behavioral sciences, counseling, and medicine.

The Chicago School has shown consistent growth since its inception. The institution added online and certificate options in 2006 to make programs more accessible. New campus locations opened in Anaheim, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Washington, D.C. Students at these urban locations immerse themselves in diverse communities.

The school now serves more than 6,100 students who study online or at one of six metropolitan campus locations. These students contribute over one million hours of service work each year. This shows the school’s dedication to community service.

The educational approach focuses on four core elements:

• Education that combines theory with practical training
• State-of-the-art solutions to evolving societal needs
• Community participation through cultural competence
• Effect on individuals, organizations, and communities worldwide

The Chicago School differs from traditional graduate education. Students learn theory, practice, and cultural competence to create positive change globally. They receive ground training early in their education and get exceptional opportunities to implement learning under experienced professionals.

The school holds strong accreditation credentials. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission has accredited it since 2011. Many programs also have specialized accreditation from agencies like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Council of Accreditation and Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

The Chicago School became the founding institution of The Community Solution Education System in 2009. This integrated nonprofit system of colleges works toward student success and community impact. Through collaboration with other institutions, they achieve remarkable success in the ever-changing digital world, creating positive outcomes for universities, students, and communities.

School info

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology runs several campuses throughout the United States. Its flagship campus sits in downtown Chicago along the Chicago River. This prime location gives students excellent opportunities to gain field experience and build networks in a vibrant, multicultural setting. Students can also choose from campuses in Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Diego, Dallas, and Washington, D.C., each with unique advantages based on location.

The Chicago School’s campus facilities support both academic growth and professional development. Every location offers dedicated spaces where students can study, train, and work together. The Facilities department handles infrastructure support, room bookings, event planning, and emergency readiness at each campus. Student ID cards or fobs control campus access, with specific hours set before each semester starts.

One of the school’s strongest assets is its faculty. Scholar-practitioner instructors work actively in their fields at every campus. These professionals bring the latest methods and techniques to their classrooms, bridging the gap between theory and real-life application.

Several specialized centers make the educational experience richer. The Chicago Campus houses the Diversity Center, a 5-year old hub that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Los Angeles Campus features the ConCISE Center, which works with small businesses on leadership programs and planning initiatives. Each campus also runs a Center for International Studies that helps expand psychology’s impact in underserved global communities.

Career Services helps students succeed by offering workshops and tailored help with resumes and career growth. The Office of Placement and Training manages practicum and internship experiences that provide valuable field training. The library resources, available both on campus and online, include a Test Kit Center with psychological assessment materials.

The Chicago Campus will move to an innovative facility in the West Loop by 2026. This change shows the school’s steadfast dedication to creating modern learning environments for its students.

The Chicago School’s focus remains consistent across all locations. Students get immersive, multicultural field experiences that prepare them to create meaningful change in their communities.

Programs offered

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides a complete range of academic programs at various degree levels. The institution leads the nation by awarding most U.S. doctoral degrees (7.75%) in clinical, counseling, and applied psychology fields.

The school excels in five main disciplines:

• Psychology: Students can choose from bachelor’s to doctoral level programs with specialized tracks in clinical psychology, applied psychology, forensic psychology, and international psychology. Since 1979, the institution has been pioneering psychology education that emphasizes early hands-on training throughout its curriculum.
• Medicine: Students tackle modern healthcare challenges through interdisciplinary programs that feature flexible online learning and international field experiences. The Master of Public Health program equips graduates to address challenges in the U.S. healthcare system.
• Business: Programs focus on business dynamics and consumer behavior patterns. Students can specialize in Organizational Leadership, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and Behavioral Economics. Expert practitioner-scholar faculty provide individual attention in small class settings.
• Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy programs prepare graduates to enhance wellness and resilience in communities of all types. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs in Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, and online formats have earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
• Behavioral Sciences: Applied Behavior Analysis programs prepare students for Board Certified Behavior Analyst® certification. The curriculum emphasizes multicultural practice and actual service opportunities.

Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience across all disciplines. The institution’s educational approach emphasizes hands-on training, which helps students apply classroom concepts in practical settings under expert guidance.

The B.A. in Psychology gives undergraduates two options: a 90-credit Focused Path and a 120-credit Standard Path. Graduate students can choose from master’s programs, doctoral degrees, and specialized certificates that advance their expertise in specific areas.

Online options

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology makes online learning work around your life, which means students can pursue their education without putting everything else on hold. Students get various online program formats that fit different needs and schedules.

The school offers flexible full-time and part-time online programs from short credentials to doctoral degrees. Students can choose from these major fields:

• Behavioral Sciences – including Applied Behavior Analysis programs
• Psychology – with various specialization tracks
• Business – focusing on organizational leadership and psychology
• Counseling – including Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Medicine – offering interdisciplinary healthcare education

The school’s online education runs on an eight-week term format with six enrollment periods each year, giving students plenty of scheduling options. This matches Provost Dr. Bill Brown’s vision: “We have always championed the belief that universities should change to meet the needs of students, not the other way around”.

These online programs stand out by including synchronous “residencies” – learning retreats where students meet virtually or in person. Students strengthen their course knowledge, prepare for clinical work, and build lasting connections. This hands-on approach helps students avoid feeling isolated while learning remotely.

Students learning online get the same complete support as campus students. They receive guidance from student advisers throughout their education and career services help after graduating. The Online Campus has earned three Quality Matters certifications – for Teaching Support, Online Learner Success, and Online Learner Support. These certifications show the school’s dedication to excellence in online education.

This approach really works for working professionals. PhD graduate Kara Hans shares, “I really appreciated that I could fit a Ph.D. program into my schedule while I worked full time… While online learning can stereotypically feel really lonely, that wasn’t my experience at all at The Chicago School”.

Accreditation

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology stands on solid ground with its complete accreditation credentials. Since 2011, the school has managed to keep its accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This ensures all programs meet strict educational standards.

The school now prepares for its next accreditation review in 2027. A WSCUC Reaffirmation Steering Committee started its work in Fall 2023 to guide the evaluation process. The school’s strong performance in 2017 earned it a 10-year accreditation period, which shows its continued focus on academic excellence.

The school’s programs have earned recognition from specialized bodies too. The American Psychological Association (APA) has granted accreditation to several doctoral programs:

• The School Psychology doctoral (PsyD) program in Chicago received accreditation through 2034
• The Clinical Psychology doctoral (PsyD) program in Washington, D.C. through 2034
• The Clinical Psychology doctoral (PsyD) program in Los Angeles through 2028
• The Clinical Psychology doctoral (PsyD) program in Anaheim through 2031

Dr. Rachel Losoff, School Psychology Department Chair, explains: “It tells students who are applying that our program has a stamp of approval”. APA recognition represents the highest quality in professional psychology training and confirms the department’s efforts to uphold rigorous educational standards.

The Association for Behavior Analysis International has also accredited several Applied Behavior Analysis programs through 2027. This shows the school’s excellence in multiple disciplines.

The Chicago School holds state authorizations in Illinois, Delaware, Georgia, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. This broad approval makes quality education accessible nationwide.

These accreditations give students better legitimacy, more internship options, stronger career prospects, and easier licensing processes. This shows the school’s dedication to providing high-quality, comprehensive education.

Admission Requirements

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology takes an integrated approach to evaluate each applicant’s profile. Their policies aim to promote diversity, and they look beyond traditional metrics when building a diverse student body.

The admissions committees value more than just standardized test scores and GPAs. They assess candidates based on their life experiences, professional background, community service, and their interest in helping underrepresented populations. This approach reflects the school’s steadfast dedication to inclusivity and multicultural competence.

Most programs require:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Competitive GPA (typically 3.0 for master’s programs; 3.2 or higher for PsyD programs)
• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities
• Resume or curriculum vitae detailing relevant experience
• Personal statement or admissions essay articulating professional goals
• Letters of recommendation (typically 2-3) from academic professors or professional supervisors

Each program has specific requirements. The PsyD Clinical Psychology program in Chicago needs 18 credit hours in psychology. Students must complete courses in abnormal psychology, lifespan development, and statistics with a minimum grade of B-. The GRE isn’t mandatory for all programs, but students with undergraduate GPAs below 3.2 might want to submit their scores (School Code: 1119).

The school offers a convenient application process. Students can apply through the online portal and work on their submission over multiple sessions with unique login credentials. The review process starts after submission of all materials and payment of the $50 application fee.

International students need to meet additional criteria. These include proving English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS, and getting their international transcripts evaluated by recognized services like World Education Services. The school helps international students extensively with immigration matters, cultural adjustment, and academic support.

Tuition

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology charges tuition each term based on credit hours, plus required fees. Students should calculate their credit hours per term to plan their budget and financial aid needs.

Students must pay their balances by the first Friday of each term. The school offers free monthly payment plans with no setup fees or interest charges. Your first payment starts in week one, and payments continue until the term ends.

International students can access these scholarship opportunities:

• International Student Tuition Rate – 10% discount for eligible non-immigrant students
• Global Impact Scholarship – 15% tuition reduction for students with minimum 3.5 GPA
• Global Leaders Scholarship – $1,000 award for continuing international students
• Global Partners Scholarship – 20% discount for students from partner institutions
• Local Advantage Scholarship – 25% discount for international transfers from U.S. institutions

Los Angeles campus tuition for 2023-24 was $20,844. This is a big deal as it means that the cost is lower than the national average of $46,950 for similar institutions.

Students can get private education loans through banks, credit unions, and state agencies to cover costs that federal aid doesn’t. These loans need credit checks and might need co-signers. The State of California’s College Fee Waiver program helps eligible veteran dependents with their costs.

MyChicagoSchool account lets you pay online using credit cards, debit cards, or electronic checks. The school processes refunds within 14 days after aid disbursement.

Additional Information

Career preparation is essential to the educational experience at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Students get access to complete Career Services that help them succeed professionally after graduation, beyond what they learn in classrooms.

Handshake, an advanced career management platform, connects students with employers and job opportunities. Students receive their Handshake account automatically within two weeks after starting their first semester. This advanced platform helps students connect with career resources, potential employers, and relevant events.

Career Services helps students perfect their resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, and job search strategies. These resources are valuable during studies and continue to benefit alumni throughout their professional experience.

The Office of Institutional Research measures success through yearly employment outcome assessments. Their recent survey of 2022-2023 graduates (July-September 2024) reached a 13.42% response rate with 194 participants. Data collection follows strict methodological standards and includes margin of error calculations (±6.6%).

The Chicago School’s support services go beyond career preparation. Students can access disability accommodations, international student assistance, veteran support, and registrar services. The school’s dedicated community creates an inclusive campus environment where students can make use of both academic offerings and co-curricular opportunities.