The Chicago School of Professional Psychology: Chicago, Illinois

About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP) is a not-for-profit, accredited institution with campuses across the country (Chicago, New Orleans, Southern California, and Washington, D.C.) and online.

Founded in 1979, The Chicago School was established by a group of psychologists and educators who wanted to advance the field and provide professional training in a nonprofit setting. Since then, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers more than 20 innovative graduate programs for psychology and related behavioral science disciplines.

With first classes in a YMCA Building in West Chicago, TCSPP has expanded to its current Midwest home on the Chicago River. It’s prime location in the heart of downtown Chicago centers students in a dynamic and diverse city. Just steps away find the theatre district, the famed Magnificent Mile, dozens of museums, great restaurants and clubs.

Discover Masters, PhD and PsyD Degrees and Post-masters certificates in an array of fields. Applied Behavior Analysis, Counseling Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, School Psychology and Business Psychology are some of the options.

Mission, Vision and Values

TCSPP's mission is to meld theory, professional practice and innovation. Wondering about their logo? It symbolizes thechicagoschool values of Education, Innovation, Service, and Community.

Enrollment, Attendance, Graduationi

In Fall 2016, there were 1,360+ graduate students enrolled at TCS in Chicago.

  • 53% Part-time, 47% Full-time attendance
  • 99% Not Enrolled in Distance Education
  • 265 Masters degrees, 160 Doctoral Degrees, 30+ Post-graduate Certificates were awarded

Financial Aid

Eligible students might apply for federal financial aid. For more information, contact a financial aid counselor at the Chicago School. 

Graduate Admission Requirements

TCSPP uses a convenient web-based application. Each program typically comes with a set of required material and prior education. Transcripts, a resume or CV, recommendations, transcripts and personal essay are some of these.

Start Dates

Multiple start dates year-round may be available.

Faculty

In 2016, there were 94 full-time and 38 part-time faculty at TCS in Chicago. i

Why Consider The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago?

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago could provide students with an education that extends beyond theory to include relevant and applicable skills. Frequently, this means the opportunity to experience hands-on practice at centers housed on campus. On the Chicago campus, there are several centers to discover.

The practice arm of the Forensic Psychology department is The Chicago School Forensic Center.The Center may unite students with local organizations on projects that might provide some practical learning experience.

In tandem, students could address some of the unmet needs in the community. Specific clinical services could include victim-related trauma, child abuse and neglect, and recidivism reduction for those who have come in contact with the legal sector.

The Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute, established to honor her service to the disadvantaged, is part of the clinical counseling department at the Chicago campus. Here you might attend conferences and sponsors’ activities designed to stamp out the stigma associated with mental illness.

Also, at campus, there is a Center for International Studies. These Centers expand the reach of psychology into underserved communities worldwide.

Program Model

TCSPP aims to have a transformation impact on students, their communities and the practice of psychology. Their approach is based on ‘The Engaged Professional Model of Education’. It leverages the talents and experiences of faculty practitioners to provide students with a potentially enriched spectrum of insights that could add depth to any program.

Student Experience

Students at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology usually fulfill their practicum and fieldwork requirements in local communities. The networks and ties formed while immersed in this capacity become a part of students’ professional portfolio.

Student Support Services

The Chicago School offers a variety of academic and co-curricular programs and services designed to help students succeed. A multitude of resources are available to ensure students’ smooth transition into The Chicago School as well as provide assistance throughout the educational experience.

  • Career Services
  • Accessibility Services
  • Associations, Groups, Clubs
  • The Graduate Research Forum
  • Office of Applied Professional Practice (APP) – internships/practicum
  • Post-Doctoral Fellowship

Services and Programs for Service Members and Veterans

TCSPP is a recognized student veteran organization, member of Service members Opportunity Colleges and dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service members, and their families.

At the Chicago Campus, the Community Partnerships Department partners with an organization called Kids Rank. Kids Rank was developed specifically for military children, to engage them in hands-on volunteer and skill building projects to foster resilience.

The department also has a partnership with Illinois Connections for Families of the Fallen (ICFF). Through events, workshops, and peer support, ICFF works to help families begin to find their new normal after a devastating loss.

Service Members and Veterans might receive credit for military training and may be eligible for scholarships, financial aid, and a Military Tuition rate.

Chicago School of Professional Psychology Accreditation

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology.

Also, in 2018, the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA) has reaccredited The Chicago School’s PsyD. in Clinical Psychology program at the Chicago campus.

TCS at Chicago Academics and Degree Programs

At the Chicago campus, TCSPP applicants could choose from 25 programs at the Certificate, Masters, EdS, PhD and PsyD degree levels. There are also dual degrees such as the MA Counseling Psychology/MS Applied Behavior Analysis, and MA I-O Psychology Internship Track/Master of Legal Studies.

Many programs come with a choice of emphasis, which could be a perfect way for each individual to customize their studies. For instance, one could earn a MA in Counseling Psychology with a focus in Trauma and Crisis Intervention, Health Psychology, Latino Mental Health, Addiction Disorders or Marital and Family Therapy. Check out some other highlights below, then find a program at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology Chicago that fits with your professional objectives.

Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

A Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) might prepare students to take the exam administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Students could learn to analyze behavior and design interventions whose goal is to improve human behavior.

Successful completion of the exam could enable graduates to earn the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) credential.ii There may also be state professional licensure requirements to practice applied behavior analysis. If this is your goal, your state board could provide more information.

While a 2-year full-time program, students at TCS Chicago could also complete their studies on a part-time basis. There are seven required courses and participants are not required to complete their supervision with The Chicago School to receive their certificate.

Applicants to the Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis programs must possess a Masters degree from an accredited institution, that was conferred in behavior analysis or other natural science, education, human services, engineering, medicine, or related behavior analysis field approved by the BCBA®.

TCSPP suggests that interested applicants contact the BCBA® to confirm acceptance of their degree prior to beginning coursework. A practicum site approval form is also required from students seeking to complete Practicum supervision requirements through the program’s BCBA® approved Practicum Experience.

Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology at the Chicago campus in either a 4-year part-time or 2-year full-time format.

Curriculum could cover a wide range of topics. Among them, violence and risk assessment, theories of criminology, treatment of the adult offender, evaluation and treatment of sex offenders. Also, TCSPP allows participants to tailor their program through electives such as the ones below.

  • Adult or Juvenile Offenders
  • Correctional, Law Enforcement or Terrorism
  • Mediation and Dispute Resolution
  • Sex Offenders
  • Hostage Negotiation

Also, the MA Forensic Psychology, Professional Counselor Licensure Track program aligns with degree and coursework requirements to be eligible for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Illinois.

Candidates for licensure must pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). Also, students in this track must accrue at least 700 hours of clinical experience over the span of 9 to 12-month practicum/internship under the supervision of a master’s level licensed clinician or psychologist.

To apply, students need to have earned a Bachelors degree, submit letters, an essay, resume or CV. GRE scores are suggested and optional. The licensure track requires an applicant to have successfully completed (with a grade earned of ‘C’ or better) at least one (1) undergraduate course in either statistics or research methods.

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

A Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) is a clinical degree often based on practical work and examinations rather than a dissertation. The Psy.D. Clinical Psychology program at the Chicago campus is APA-accredited. It aligns with degree, coursework, and supervised clinical experience requirements for eligibility for clinical psychologist licensure in Illinois. If this is your goal, make sure to inform yourself about the path to licensure, especially if you live out of state.

The flagship program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, the PsyD in Clinical Psychology is planned-out as a 5-year, full-time program. In addition to broad coursework, participants finish three years of practicum.

PsyD students might also take part in Research Clerkships associated with their chosen area of emphasis. These experiences pair a student with faculty mentors and other students who work to develop their scholarly skills and evidence based clinical practice.

Also, the Chicago School offers students the chance to enroll in elective courses that align with their specific educational and professional goals. For example, students have the option to take a Major Area of Study in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology or an area of focus in Neuropsychology.

Associated with each major area are intervention and elective courses, practicums, Research Clerkship and a selected topic for dissertation research. Clusters of elective courses may be available in the following themes.

  • Child, Adolescent and Family Psychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • International Psychology and Human Rights
  • Psychotherapy and Spirituality in Psychology
  • Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)

The Chicago School’s Clinical Psychology program accepts applicants who have earned a bachelors degree from a regionally accredited institution and who meet other entrance requirements. Successful applicants typically have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants may also need to submit GRE scores, strong written essays, resume or CV, and three letters of recommendation. At least 18 credit hours of psychology that includes a course in abnormal psychology, lifespan and statistics. Other details are provided by the school.

Choose a Program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - Chicago

Discover which psychology graduate program could line up with your career and academic goals! Scroll the page to pick your perfect degree, then contact The Chicago School of Professional Psychology directly, easily and right away!

School Headquarters: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago 325 North Wells St., Chicago, IL 60654


[i]nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=The+Chicago+School+of+Professional+Psychology&s=all&id=143978 | [ii] bacb.com/bcba/

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Sponsored Programs

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Chicago , IL  
  • An Ed.S. School Psychology degree provides the education and tools a graduate needs to fill the increasingly varied roles of the modern day school psychologist. more >

  • Graduates of the M.A. Forensic Psychology program have a wide variety of opportunities to utilize their skills and knowledge of psychology as it relates to a host of legal situations, mental health challenges, and other specialties. more >

  • Expert hands on training with faculty comprised of both Business & Psychology professionals. Available 100% Online or on Campus. Our I-O master's program provides opportunities for a broad range of real-world learning experiences. more >

  • Applied Behavior Analysis is the ethical design, implementation and evaluation of environmental changes to produce socially significant improvements in behavior. more >

  • The Business Psychology (Consulting Track) Ph.D. is a post-master’s doctoral program that trains doctoral-level psychologists for a career in academic research as well as for corporate, consulting, and other work settings. more >

  • The Business Psychology program (I/O Track) Ph.D. trains doctoral-level psychologists for a career in academic research as well as for corporate, consulting, and other work settings. more >

  • The doctor of psychology, Psy.D., is the highest-level degree for those who wish to apply their knowledge as practicing clinicians. more >

  • Students enrolled in The Chicago School's Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis program will receive a solid education in the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and fundamental behaviorism. Upon graduation, students will be eligibl... more >

  • The post-master's PhD in Behavior Analysis program provides a solid foundation in the science and application of behavior analysis, promoting an interdisciplinary and translational approach to clinical practice through the integration of theory and practi... more >

  • The Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis helps students master Applied Behavior Analysis principles, which are known as one of the most effective evidence-based treatments for autism. more >

  • The M.A. in Counseling Psychology program is distinctive in that students receive a solid foundation in the principles of clinical psychology, along with the essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills they need to work with a range of... more >

  • The PsyD School Psychology degree is a 94 credit hour applied doctoral program that prepares students for licensure as School Psychologists and as Clinical Psychologists in the State of Illinois. It combines our NASP approved EdS curriculum with additiona... more >

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