Named for psychologist Alfred Adler, the university is known for weaving social justice and community engagement into graduate study. The Chicago campus sits amid downtown energy, with light-filled classrooms, collaborative lounges, a focused library, and access to partner sites across the city. Students tap advising, counseling, and academic support for working adults, while classes favor small-group discussion and hands-on practice guided by faculty with real cases.
Student life tilts professional but not dull. Expect student orgs, speaker talks, volunteer projects, and Chicago perks after class, from theaters to the lakefront. The culture has a reputation for being mission-driven, diverse, and welcoming of career changers. Career prep builds through practica, field placements, and mentorship, connecting with community agencies, hospitals, schools, and nonprofits. Chicago adds internships, quick transit, and neighborhoods that double as living labs, with a steady nudge to turn learning into community impact.
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Adler University with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Illinois. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in Illinois vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Psychology (10)
Most Graduates (64.8%)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
42.0101
Psychology, General.
(PostBacCert)
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and collective behavior, the physical and environmental bases of behavior, and the analysis and treatment of behavior problems and disorders. Includes instruction in the principles of the various subfields of psychology, research methods, and psychological assessment and testing methods.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
11-9199 |
Managers, All Other |
$149,890
|
$122,240
|
-$27,650 (-18.4%)
|
19-3032 |
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists |
$134,400
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
19-3033 |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists |
$106,850
|
$72,440
|
-$34,410 (-32.2%)
|
19-3039 |
Psychologists, All Other |
$111,340
|
$101,970
|
-$9,370 (-8.4%)
|
19-4061 |
Social Science Research Assistants |
$63,560
|
$60,760
|
-$2,800 (-4.4%)
|
25-1066 |
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary |
$93,530
|
$90,570
|
-$2,960 (-3.2%)
|
42.2801
Clinical Psychology.
(Spec)
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of clinical psychology, involving the analysis, diagnosis, and clinical treatment of psychological disorders and behavioral pathologies. Includes instruction in clinical assessment and diagnosis, personality appraisal, psychopathology, clinical psychopharmacology, behavior modification, therapeutic intervention skills, patient interviewing, personalized and group therapy, child and adolescent therapy, cognitive and behavioral therapy, supervised clinical practice, ethical standards, and applicable regulations.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
11-9199 |
Managers, All Other |
$149,890
|
$122,240
|
-$27,650 (-18.4%)
|
19-3033 |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists |
$106,850
|
$72,440
|
-$34,410 (-32.2%)
|
25-1066 |
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary |
$93,530
|
$90,570
|
-$2,960 (-3.2%)
|
42.2803
Counseling Psychology.
(PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of psychological counseling, involving the rendering of therapeutic services to individuals and groups experiencing psychological problems and exhibiting distress symptoms. Includes instruction in counseling theory, therapeutic intervention strategies, patient/counselor relationships, testing and assessment methods and procedures, group therapy, marital and family therapy, child and adolescent therapy, supervised counseling practice, ethical standards, and applicable regulations.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
11-9199 |
Managers, All Other |
$149,890
|
$122,240
|
-$27,650 (-18.4%)
|
19-3033 |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists |
$106,850
|
$72,440
|
-$34,410 (-32.2%)
|
21-1014 |
Mental Health Counselors |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
21-1019 |
Counselors, All Other |
$58,070
|
$54,060
|
-$4,010 (-6.9%)
|
25-1066 |
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary |
$93,530
|
$90,570
|
-$2,960 (-3.2%)
|
42.2804
Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
(PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on the scientific study of individual and group behavior in institutional settings, applications to related problems of organization and industry, and that may prepare individuals to apply such principles in industrial and organizational settings. Includes instruction in group behavior theory, organizational theory, reward/punishment structures, human-machine and human-computer interactions, motivation dynamics, human stress studies, environmental and organizational influences on behavior, alienation and satisfaction, and job testing and assessment.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
11-3121 |
Human Resources Managers |
$160,480
|
$121,040
|
-$39,440 (-24.6%)
|
11-3131 |
Training and Development Managers |
$140,590
|
$122,250
|
-$18,340 (-13%)
|
11-9199 |
Managers, All Other |
$149,890
|
$122,240
|
-$27,650 (-18.4%)
|
13-1071 |
Human Resources Specialists |
$79,730
|
$65,960
|
-$13,770 (-17.3%)
|
13-1111 |
Management Analysts |
$114,710
|
$111,720
|
-$2,990 (-2.6%)
|
13-1151 |
Training and Development Specialists |
$73,760
|
$57,550
|
-$16,210 (-22%)
|
19-3032 |
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists |
$134,400
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
25-1066 |
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary |
$93,530
|
$90,570
|
-$2,960 (-3.2%)
|
42.2813
Applied Psychology.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the application of psychological theories and methods to real-world settings and problems, such as business and industry, government, education, military, and community settings. Includes instruction in applications of psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, counseling, human factors, research methods and statistics, and program evaluation.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
11-9199 |
Managers, All Other |
$149,890
|
$122,240
|
-$27,650 (-18.4%)
|
19-3039 |
Psychologists, All Other |
$111,340
|
$101,970
|
-$9,370 (-8.4%)
|
25-1066 |
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary |
$93,530
|
$90,570
|
-$2,960 (-3.2%)
|
42.2899
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Other.
(Spec)
Any instructional program in clinical, counseling and applied psychology not listed above.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
11-9199 |
Managers, All Other |
$149,890
|
$122,240
|
-$27,650 (-18.4%)
|
19-3039 |
Psychologists, All Other |
$111,340
|
$101,970
|
-$9,370 (-8.4%)
|
25-1066 |
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary |
$93,530
|
$90,570
|
-$2,960 (-3.2%)
|
42.9999
Psychology, Other.
(PostBacCert, MSc)
Any instructional program in psychology not listed above.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
11-9199 |
Managers, All Other |
$149,890
|
$122,240
|
-$27,650 (-18.4%)
|
19-3039 |
Psychologists, All Other |
$111,340
|
$101,970
|
-$9,370 (-8.4%)
|
25-1066 |
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary |
$93,530
|
$90,570
|
-$2,960 (-3.2%)
|
Health (9)
Most Graduates (26%)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.1501
Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling.
(MSc)
A program that prepares individuals to help prevent substance abuse, counsel individuals and families with drug and alcohol problems, and perform intervention and therapeutic services for persons suffering from addiction. Includes instruction in individual and group counseling skills, psychology of addiction, sociology, crisis intervention, substance abuse identification methodologies, substance abuse treatment modalities, substance abuse prevention and treatment resources, pharmacology and behavioral aspects of abused substances, treatment evaluation, patient observation and education, group dynamics, professional standards and ethics, and applicable law and regulations.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
21-1011 |
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
21-1014 |
Mental Health Counselors |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$96,300
|
-$41,600 (-30.2%)
|
51.1505
Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling.
(PostBacCert, MSc, Spec)
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of marriage and family therapy, involving the diagnosis of cognitive, affective, and behavioral domain disorders, both mental and emotional, within the context of marriage and family systems and the application of short- and long-term therapeutic strategies in family group contexts. Includes instruction in psychotherapy, family systems and studies, small group intervention and therapy, marital problems, depression, identification of psychopathologies and behavioral disorders, holistic health care, practice management, applicable regulations, and professional standards and ethics.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
21-1013 |
Marriage and Family Therapists |
$72,720
|
$68,190
|
-$4,530 (-6.2%)
|
25-1066 |
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary |
$93,530
|
$90,570
|
-$2,960 (-3.2%)
|
51.1507
Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy.
(MSc)
A program that prepares individuals to practice the provision of psychoanalytic counseling to individuals and groups based on the psychodynamic principles evolved from authorities such as Freud, Adler, and Jung. Includes instruction in self-analysis, personality theory, dream analysis, free association and transference theory and techniques, psychodynamic theory, developmental processes, applications to specific clinical conditions, practice management, and professional standards and ethics.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
19-3033 |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists |
$106,850
|
$72,440
|
-$34,410 (-32.2%)
|
51.2301
Art Therapy/Therapist.
(PostBacCert, MSc, FPD)
A program that prepares individuals, in consultation with other rehabilitation team members or in private practice, to use drawing and other art media forms to assess, treat, and rehabilitate individuals with mental, emotional, developmental, or physical disorders. Includes instruction in art, history and theory of art therapy, art therapeutic techniques, psychopathology, patient assessment and diagnosis, cultural diversity issues, legal and ethical practice issues, and professional standards and regulations.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$96,300
|
-$41,600 (-30.2%)
|
29-1129 |
Therapists, All Other |
$73,800
|
$78,260
|
+$4,460 (+6%)
|
51.3603
Hypnotherapy/Hypnotherapist.
(MSc)
A program that prepares individuals to employ the controlled inducement of altered states of consciousness, or trance, to reduce pain, resolve emotional conflicts, and enhance communications as part of diagnostic and treatment programs. Includes instruction in the principles of hypnosis and suggestion, induction and deepening, post-hypnotic suggestion, awakening techniques, regression, pacing and leading, resistance transformation, client testing and management, practice management and regulation, and professional standards and ethics.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$96,300
|
-$41,600 (-30.2%)
|
Public Services (2)
Most Graduates (4.9%)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
44.0401
Public Administration.
(PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to serve as managers in the executive arm of local, state, and federal government and that focuses on the systematic study of executive organization and management. Includes instruction in the roles, development, and principles of public administration; the management of public policy; executive-legislative relations; public budgetary processes and financial management; administrative law; public personnel management; professional ethics; and research methods.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
11-1011 |
Chief Executives |
$262,930
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
11-1021 |
General and Operations Managers |
$133,120
|
$101,730
|
-$31,390 (-23.6%)
|
11-1031 |
Legislators |
$67,390
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
11-3071 |
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers |
$116,010
|
$78,160
|
-$37,850 (-32.6%)
|
11-9131 |
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents |
$93,760
|
$88,740
|
-$5,020 (-5.4%)
|
11-9151 |
Social and Community Service Managers |
$86,100
|
$72,910
|
-$13,190 (-15.3%)
|
11-9199 |
Managers, All Other |
$149,890
|
$122,240
|
-$27,650 (-18.4%)
|
44.0501
Public Policy Analysis, General.
(PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the systematic analysis of public policy issues and decision processes. Includes instruction in the role of economic and political factors in public decision-making and policy formulation, microeconomic analysis of policy issues, resource allocation and decision modeling, cost/benefit analysis, statistical methods, and applications to specific public policy topics.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
11-1031 |
Legislators |
$67,390
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
19-3094 |
Political Scientists |
$137,600
|
$101,230
|
-$36,370 (-26.4%)
|
19-4061 |
Social Science Research Assistants |
$63,560
|
$60,760
|
-$2,800 (-4.4%)
|
25-1065 |
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
$105,160
|
$97,160
|
-$8,000 (-7.6%)
|
Kinesiology (1)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
31.0508
Sports Studies.
(PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the psychological, sociological, and historical aspects of sport and physical activity. Includes instruction in theory of sport, sport psychology, sport in American society, gender and race/ethnicity and sport, and sports history.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
25-1193 |
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary |
$87,980
|
$81,930
|
-$6,050 (-6.9%)
|
Business (3)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0206
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management.
(PostBacCert)
A program that prepares individuals to manage the business affairs of non-profit corporations, including foundations, educational institutions, associations, and other such organizations, and public agencies and governmental operations. Includes instruction in business management, principles of public administration, principles of accounting and financial management, human resources management, taxation of non-profit organizations, and business law as applied to non-profit organizations.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
11-1011 |
Chief Executives |
$262,930
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
11-1021 |
General and Operations Managers |
$133,120
|
$101,730
|
-$31,390 (-23.6%)
|
11-2033 |
Fundraising Managers |
$137,290
|
$85,060
|
-$52,230 (-38%)
|
11-9039 |
Education Administrators, All Other |
$99,460
|
$80,310
|
-$19,150 (-19.3%)
|
11-9111 |
Medical and Health Services Managers |
$137,730
|
$116,260
|
-$21,470 (-15.6%)
|
11-9151 |
Social and Community Service Managers |
$86,100
|
$72,910
|
-$13,190 (-15.3%)
|
11-9199 |
Managers, All Other |
$149,890
|
$122,240
|
-$27,650 (-18.4%)
|
13-2099 |
Financial Specialists, All Other |
$93,890
|
$71,180
|
-$22,710 (-24.2%)
|
25-1011 |
Business Teachers, Postsecondary |
$113,840
|
$134,610
|
+$20,770 (+18.2%)
|
52.0213
Organizational Leadership.
(PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on leadership skills that can be applied to a business, government, non-profit, or educational setting. Includes instruction in organizational planning, dynamics of leadership, finance, team building, conflict resolution and mediation, communication and other management skills.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
11-2033 |
Fundraising Managers |
$137,290
|
$85,060
|
-$52,230 (-38%)
|
11-3121 |
Human Resources Managers |
$160,480
|
$121,040
|
-$39,440 (-24.6%)
|
11-3131 |
Training and Development Managers |
$140,590
|
$122,250
|
-$18,340 (-13%)
|
11-9199 |
Managers, All Other |
$149,890
|
$122,240
|
-$27,650 (-18.4%)
|
13-1111 |
Management Analysts |
$114,710
|
$111,720
|
-$2,990 (-2.6%)
|
25-1011 |
Business Teachers, Postsecondary |
$113,840
|
$134,610
|
+$20,770 (+18.2%)
|
Communication (1)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
09.0199
Communication and Media Studies, Other.
(PostBacCert)
Any instructional program in communication and media studies not listed above.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
99-9999 |
NO MATCH |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Interdisciplinary (1)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.1101
Gerontology.
(PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the human aging process and aged human populations, using the knowledge and methodologies of the social sciences, psychology and the biological and health sciences.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
19-1042 |
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists |
$112,690
|
$74,180
|
-$38,510 (-34.2%)
|
19-3099 |
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other |
$106,440
|
$77,630
|
-$28,810 (-27.1%)
|
25-1071 |
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary |
$137,900
|
$96,300
|
-$41,600 (-30.2%)
|
25-1113 |
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary |
$81,880
|
$72,870
|
-$9,010 (-11%)
|
Security & Safety (1)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
43.0302
Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management.
(PostBacCert)
A program focusing on the application of the incident command system model to formulating and implementing effective response to natural and man-made disasters. Includes instruction in contingency planning, hazard and risk assessment, joint operations, law and ethics, emergency response and recovery, event mitigation, emergency rescue and medical operations, incident command, terrorism and national security issues, law enforcement, relief administration, volunteer and citizen coordination, public relations and applications to specific types of incidents.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
11-9161 |
Emergency Management Directors |
$97,700
|
$60,880
|
-$36,820 (-37.7%)
|
11-9199 |
Managers, All Other |
$149,890
|
$122,240
|
-$27,650 (-18.4%)
|
33-1012 |
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives |
$110,990
|
$84,150
|
-$26,840 (-24.2%)
|
Social Sciences (1)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
45.0401
Criminology.
(PostBacCert)
A program that focuses on the systematic study of crime as a sociopathological phenomenon, the behavior of criminals, and the social institutions evolved to respond to crime. Includes instruction in the theory of crime, psychological and social bases of criminal behavior, social value systems and the theory of punishment, criminal law and criminal justice systems, penology, rehabilitation and recidivism, studies of specific types of crime, social attitudes and policy, and applications to specific issues in law enforcement administration and policy.
Graduate Career Earnings in Illinois
Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code |
Occupation |
US National |
Illinois Avg |
IL vs US |
11-9199 |
Managers, All Other |
$149,890
|
$122,240
|
-$27,650 (-18.4%)
|
19-3039 |
Psychologists, All Other |
$111,340
|
$101,970
|
-$9,370 (-8.4%)
|
19-3041 |
Sociologists |
$111,670
|
$140,040
|
+$28,370 (+25.4%)
|
19-4099 |
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other |
$64,640
|
$59,290
|
-$5,350 (-8.3%)
|
25-1111 |
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary |
$84,820
|
$66,420
|
-$18,400 (-21.7%)
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Adler University
What academic programs and degree levels does Adler University offer?
Adler University offers 34 academic programs across 9 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional).
Most popular program areas include:
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (10 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (9 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
- Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services (2 programs)
- Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.