Adler University: Where Psychology Meets Social Justice
In the landscape of American higher education, few institutions can claim a philosophical foundation as distinctive and socially engaged as Adler University. Named after Alfred Adler (1870–1937), the renowned physician, psychotherapist, and founder of Adlerian psychology—often called Individual Psychology—the university stands as a living testament to a vision that transformed how we understand the relationship between individual well-being and community health. Adler is widely recognized as the first community psychologist, having pioneered an approach that placed community life, prevention, and population health at the center of psychological thought. His groundbreaking concept of *Gemeinschaftsgefühl*—a German term meaning “social interest” or “community feeling”—captured the idea that true psychological health comes from a sense of belonging and responsibility to others.
A Legacy Forged in Innovation
The university’s story began in 1952, when Rudolf Dreikurs (1897–1972), a psychiatrist and former student of Alfred Adler, founded the Institute of Adlerian Psychology in Chicago. Dreikurs had immigrated to Chicago after Adler’s death in 1937 and was instrumental in bringing Adlerian ideas to North America. Just two years later, the institute became the Alfred Adler Institute of Chicago. Over the decades, it evolved—becoming the Adler School of Professional Psychology in 1991 and, ultimately, Adler University in 2015. Early instructors and founders, including Bernard Shulman, Harold Mosak, Bina Rosenberg, and Robert Powers, established a tradition of innovation and community impact that continues to this day. The university’s motto, reaffirmed in 1991, captures its enduring spirit: “Not for ourselves alone but for all”. Buy fake USA diploma online.
A Mission Rooted in Social Change
What truly sets Adler University apart is its unwavering commitment to social justice. The university’s mission is explicit and ambitious: to educate students to make real and lasting change to create a more just society. It prepares students to be socially responsible practitioners who engage communities and advance social justice throughout their studies and professional lives. This is not merely rhetorical—students directly engage communities through over 1,700 community partnerships, Adler Community Health Services, and training relationships that provide experiential training in socially responsible practice. The university’s vision is to be the leading academic institution advancing socially responsible practice, healthy communities, and a more just society. Guided by Adlerian values of community health and social interest, graduates are equipped to transform systems, creating a healthier, more unified world.
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Campuses Across North America
Adler University operates as an international graduate institution with campuses in two of North America’s most renowned cities. The flagship campus is located in downtown Chicago, Illinois, at 17 North Dearborn Street. This LEED Gold-certified facility boasts classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology, a library, Mediascape collaborative workspaces, and a wellness studio. The Vancouver campus, established in 2005, is situated at 520 Seymour Street in downtown British Columbia. Also LEED Gold certified, this state-of-the-art facility comprises 30,500 square feet across five contiguous floors, featuring considerable open space for collaboration, a workout studio, and a rooftop terrace. In addition, the university offers a robust online campus that brings together fully online degree programs, enabling students to earn advanced degrees wherever they live.
Academic Excellence and Recognition
Adler University offers more than 25 accredited master’s and doctoral programs across its campuses. The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology program, which began in 1987, is accredited by the American Psychological Association. The Vancouver campus offers Canada’s first traditional Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology. Master’s programs include Counseling Psychology, Organizational Psychology, and specialized concentrations in areas such as Health and Wellness, Crisis Management, and Military Psychology. The university’s online master’s in psychology program has been ranked among the top 10 for 2026 by OnlineMasters.com, and its counselling psychology program has placed among the top 10 in Canada for two consecutive years. Adler has also been recognized as one of the country’s best colleges for women by Newsweek.
Preparing Leaders Who Transform Systems
With over 1,300 students enrolled, Adler University continues to carry forward the visionary work of Alfred Adler. It is a place where students are not merely taught to understand the world, but are equipped to change it—addressing systemic barriers, advancing public health, and transforming the structures that shape communities. For those who believe that education should serve a higher purpose, Adler University offers not just a degree, but a calling.