The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Updated August 6, 2020

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology was founded by practicing psychologists who wanted to provide high-quality psychology training in a not-for-profit setting. In 1979, the nonprofit Midwestern Psychology Development Foundation started and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology began its first classes in 1980.

The school opened in a YMCA Building at 30 West Chicago Avenue before moving to the Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue. In 1986, the school moved to the historic Dearborn Station in Chicago's South Loop. From the start, the school developed a reputation for diversity and multicultural training. The school offered courses like Cultural Issues in Assessment and Intercultural Psychotherapy Laboratory, some of the first classes offered in diversity. In 1988, the school opened an institute for diversity-related training, research and events known as the Center for Inter-Cultural Clinical Psychology.

One of the original impacts was a Cultural Impact Conference, an event that continues on the campus today. In 2004, the school moved to the Chicago downtown area at 325 North Wells Street. The Merchant Mart across the street became the home of Applied Behavior Analysis, Counseling, Forensic Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology and School Psychology. The Center for Inter-Cultural Clinical Psychology became the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Studies in 2005.

The school opened campuses in Los Angeles in 2008 and two more in Southern California soon followed. The school has been an innovator in the field of psychology and other behavioral sciences since it began. The school offers traditional courses as well as flexible evening, weekend and online options. The school has been named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for six consecutive years and has been recognized by the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology for its distinguished service. It has been a recipient of the Military Friendly award for three consecutive years.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Accreditation Details

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Western Association of Schools & College. Regional accreditation indicates that the school meets or exceeds criteria set forth by the accrediting agency that certifies to parents and students that they are receiving excellent education. It also indicates that the school is willing to improve in areas that are identified as needing improvement by the agency. The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Application Requirements

In order to apply to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, students must have a bachelor's degree or be in the process of obtaining a degree from an accredited college or university. Students planning to enter doctorate programs in Clinical, Clinical Forensic or Business Psychology must provide official GRE scores, although official GMAT scores may be substituted for the Business Psychology doctorate. Most Master of Arts programs require a 3.0 GPA or higher while the education specialist and doctoral programs require a 3.2 or higher. Each applicant is reviewed holistically using personal and professional experiences, accomplishments and other factors to determine qualifications. Students are encouraged to contact an admissions specialist before applying.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology for both online and on-campus programs are:

Doctor of Psychiatry, Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Education Programs – $1,350 per credit hour
Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Public Health – $1,085 per credit hour
Educational Specialist – $1,120 per credit hour
Bachelor of Arts – $415 per credit hour

Financial aid is available and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify. Financial aid is available in the form of fellowships, grants, scholarships, student loans and work-study programs. The Financial Aid Office offers phone consultations, informational workshops and money management programs to help students fund their education.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Online Degree Program(s) Available

Master of Public Health

The Chicago School offers a Master of Public Health that is available in an online format. The program focuses on the changing needs of healthcare today with an evidence-based, quality of life and public and private partnerships. The program helps students understand the growing global mindset necessary at succeed in the industry. Students are able to examine and analyze health issues as well as health needs of different populations. Students develop an understanding of how environment, politics, culture and more as well as their impact on human health and behavior. The program requires 42-credit hours that includes 27 core courses, nine credits in a concentration and six fieldwork credits. Students may choose between a Mental & Behavioral Aspects of Public Health Concentration or a Public Policy Development & Advocacy concentration.

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is offered in an online format and prepares students for a career in mental health services in a variety of settings. Students are able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills to deliver culturally appropriate services while advocating for clients. Graduates demonstrate the knowledge and skills that lead to diagnosis, treatment, referral and prevention of mental or emotional disorders. Students are able to diagnose both psychopathology and normal developmental challenges as well as to critically evaluate mental health counseling research. The program is designed to prepare future counselors with the skills they need for professional certification that will allow them to assist others in need. Students develop in-depth understanding of the following counseling areas:

Advocacy
Assessment
Counselor identity
Diagnosis
Ethics
Multiculturalism
Prevention
Program evaluation
Research

Graduates of the program have found leadership positions in business, education, government, non-profit agencies and integrative healthcare. The program requires 60-semester hours as well as a fieldwork experience that includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship. Students must also pass a final comprehensive examination and capstone project during their final semester of internship.

Programs offered at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology are available in a completely online format that allows working adults who may have family, social or work obligations to achieve their higher education goals in order to move into a new career or advance in a current career.