Chicago School of Professional Psychology Degree Programs
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an undergraduate certificate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology that is available completely online. The program can be completed in as little as five months with full-time study. Students gain an understanding of the methods used to create effective organizations. They learn to manage organizational change, select and motivate teams while also increasing productivity. Courses include organizational behavior, organizational culture, and design as well as management and leadership, to name a few.
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Business Psychology Minor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology is available both online and on campus. The program builds a foundation on principles of organizational performance. Students develop an understanding of organization development, workplace motivation, and satisfaction as well as human resource development and management.
The Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is available online and on campus. The program is available in either an internship or thesis track. Students are provided strong foundational skills used by organizations to address, assess, engage, retain and increase the productivity of employees. Students may also choose to concentrate their studies in Human Resources. Students who choose an internship track may complete their requirement at an approved site or at their own workplace. The thesis option requires two additional courses and students must select, research and defend a topic related to organizational psychology.
The Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership is available both online and on campus. The program prepares students to become ethical leaders and managers while providing them with the tools they need to work with a diverse population. The program is specifically designed for working professionals, helping them understand how to effectively apply psychological theories of leadership to an evolving business climate. The program includes a strong core curriculum and students are able to customize their degree using a wide range of electives.
The Ph.D. in Business Psychology is available both online and on campus. It provides an overall understanding of how to create effective organizations. Students may also add a Consulting track. Students gain an understanding of the strategies necessary to assume high-level responsibilities in an increasingly global business environment. They learn how to properly advise organizations in areas like strategic planning, talent management, executive coaching, employee engagement, diversity, inclusion and the management of change.
About the Chicago School of Professional Psychology
In 1979, a group of psychologists and educators made a decision to provide professional training in a non-profit setting. The first classes were held in a YMCA building on West Chicago Avenue, moving to the Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue in 1980. By 1986, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology had outgrown its location and began searching for a new home. It relocated to historic Dearborn Station in the South Loop and, by the 1990s, the school was gaining a national reputation for its emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity.
In 2004, the school moved again to North Wells Street along the Chicago River. After space across the street at Merchandise Mart was obtained for additional classes and offices, the school added degrees such as Applied Behavior Analysis, Counseling, Forensic Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and School Psychology. Online programs were added in 2006 and an additional campus created on both the East and West coasts.
Today, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology has earned the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for several years and contributes more than one million service hours each year. The National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology has recognized the school for their Outstanding Contributions in the Area of Diversity as well as for their Outstanding Commitment to Advancing Professional Advocacy and Public Policy.
Chicago School of Professional Psychology Accreditation Details
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. The most recent accreditation review took place in 2016 and the report outlined the school’s capacity, infrastructure, strengths, weaknesses, priorities, and plans as they met the criteria set forth by the agency. Other accreditations held by the school include:
- American Psychological Association
- Behavior Analysis Certification Board
- Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
- Council of Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Master in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
- National Association of School Psychologists
Chicago School of Professional Psychology Admissions Requirements
In order to apply for the Certificate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, students should complete an online application and provide official high school transcripts. A current resume that properly highlights at least three years of post-bachelor’s experience or five years of uninterrupted work experience is also required. In order to be accepted, students must have access to a computer that is less than three years old, broadband internet and Microsoft Office Suite.
Applicants to the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Business Psychology must have a high school cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher. Students must provide official high school transcripts as well as official transcripts from any colleges or universities attended along with an application. Students may be considered with a GPA lower than 2.3 but will need to provide a current resume, letter of recommendation and an essay of intent.
In order to apply to the Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology or the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, students must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. They must complete an application and submit a resume as well as a 500-700 word essay explaining why they chose the program, why it is important for them to study the subject matter, any professional career goals and how the program will assist them in achieving those goals. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities must also be provided along with three letters of recommendation.
Applicants to the Ph.D. in Business Psychology must complete an application and provide a current resume. They must also complete an essay of at least 500 words that describes what area of business psychology they hope to impact and how their contributions will differ from those with other business degrees. The essay must also describe the challenges the student faced working with people from other cultures, faiths, and beliefs. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities are required along with three letters of recommendation. Official GRE scores may also be required.
Chicago School of Professional Psychology Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the Certificate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is $1,164 for both online and on-campus programs. Tuition for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Business Psychology Minor is $445 for both online and on-campus students. Tuition for the Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership is $1,164 for both online and on-campus courses. The Ph.D. in Business Psychology is $1,449 per credit hour, both online and on campus.
Financial aid is available in the form of fellowships, grants, scholarships and student loans. On-campus students may also be eligible for work-study programs. In order to qualify, all students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), regardless of income as some aid is merit-based rather than need-based.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology understands that education is not just about theory but is a commitment to service, community, and innovation.