Master of Applied Psychology (MOAP)

Program Overview

The Master of Applied Psychology, a nonclinical degree program, is designed to prepare socially responsible professionals and leaders to devise practical solutions to complex problems within a multitude of public and private sector employment settings. The program incorporates Adler University’s social justice mission, emphasizing inclusiveness and culturally competent practices that prepare passionate agents of change to meet the ever-evolving needs of dynamic workplace settings and thriving diverse communities. Students will master core competencies in socially responsible practice, applied research, business and community applications, and varied skills for leadership, program management, and cross-cultural communication.

Experienced faculty members will guide students through a rigorous curriculum that focuses on building academic knowledge and developing professional skills. Students will apply real-world problem solving and develop solutions that apply the principles of applied psychology and demonstrate a commitment to social justice within a wide variety of environments. Students will also complete a capstone that will reflect the culmination of their learning and training experiences within the program and will serve to advance their preparation to contribute to the field. Student must, within their first month of study, successfully obtain student membership with the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and maintain good standing through their course of studies.

Graduates of this program will use the knowledge they have gained to implement effective solutions, resolve practical problems, improve the experience of individuals and groups, and participate in their field of interest within a diverse cross-cultural community. Program graduates will be poised to practice and lead within diverse fields and occupations such as government and nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, business and industry, health care, human resource management, addictions, family and domestic violence, public safety and emergency management systems, and youth and older adult services.

Admission Requirements

Adler University takes great pride in its diverse student body. Students represent a wide range of professional interests, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and academic and work histories. The University admits individuals with a strong record of academic achievement and a commitment to social responsibility.

Applicants to the program must have the following:

• A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Evidence of interest and experience in social change efforts.
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher for all undergraduate or graduate coursework.
• Completion, with a grade of C or better, of a three-credit course in research methods.
• International students must have a minimum score in one of the following English proficiency tests:
  • 92 or better on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) with no band lower than 22.
  • 7.0 IELTS overall with no bands below 6.5.
  • PTE must have a minimum score of 62.

Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission:

• Application and application fee.
• Statement of intent answering the following questions:
  • Why are you interested in your chosen field and program?
  • Why is Adler University’s program a good fit for you?
  • What are your career goals and interests?
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S. and Canada)
  • Please have official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
  • Unofficial transcripts are accepted for any schools in which a degree was not received.
  • Applicants with international (outside the U.S. or Canada) post-secondary education should send a scan of their official transcript to the admissions office as this program is exempt from the requirement to complete a transcript evaluation. Please speak to your admissions adviser if you require more details.
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All applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements will be required to interview with a program representative. Applicants will be assessed on their academic background, work and/or volunteer experience, and fit with University mission and program of interest. Based on the interview, the decision will be (a) direct admission to the graduate program of interest (MOAP), (b) admission to the Graduate Preparatory Program (GPP) + MOAP, or (c) denied admission.

International applicants without a social sciences background or with an overall IELTS score of 6.5 and a writing band score of 6.5, or an Internet-based TOEFL of 88 and a writing band of at least 22, may also be considered for admission with a requirement to start in the Graduate Preparatory Program to fulfill the language and/or prerequisite requirements.

Students who are admitted to the GPP are required to successfully complete this 12-week, non-credit program.

*Applicants submitting admission documents (transcripts, bank documents, English proficiency scores, etc.) that are found to have been altered or fabricated will be denied admission. Denials based on fraudulent documents cannot be appealed.

International Applicants

Applicants with international (outside the U.S. or Canada) post-secondary education should send a scan of their official transcript to the admissions office as this program is exempt from the requirement to complete a transcript evaluation. Please speak to your admissions adviser if you require more details.

 Applicants submitting admission documents (transcripts, bank documents, English proficiency scores, etc.) that are found to have been altered or fabricated will be denied admission. Denials based on fraudulent documents cannot be appealed.

International students must have a:

• Minimum score in one of the following English proficiency tests:
  •  92 or better on the IBT (Internet-based TOEFL).
  • 6.5 IELTS in all bands; overall IELTS of 7.0
  • PTE must have a minimum score of 62.
• Statement of intent.
• Resume indicating related experience.

All applicants who meet the minimum requirements in (1) and (2) will be required to interview with a program representative. Applicants will be assessed on their academic background, work and/or volunteer experience, and fit with the University mission and program of interest. Based on the interview, the decision will be (a) admission to the graduate program of interest (MOAP), (b) admission to the Graduate Preparatory Program (GPP) + MOAP, or (c) denied admission.

Students who are admitted to the GPP are required to successfully complete this 12-week, noncredit program.  

International Applicants

 Applicants with international (outside the U.S. or Canada) post-secondary education should send a scan of their official transcript to the admissions office as this program is exempt from the requirement to complete a transcript evaluation. Please speak to your admissions adviser if you require more details.

 Applicants submitting admission documents (transcripts, bank documents, English proficiency scores, etc.) that are found to have been altered or fabricated will be denied admission. Denials based on fraudulent documents cannot be appealed.

Practicum - Vancouver Campus

Social Justice Practicum (SJP)

In their first year of the MOAP program, students will spend approximately eight to 10 hours per week over the course of six months at an approved Social Justice Practicum (SJP) site and must concurrently enroll in required coursework. A minimum of 200 hours of SJP is required. For more information, students should contact the manager of community action and engagement, Vancouver Campus.

Graduation Requirements

1. Satisfactory completion of 39 credit hours, including all required courses.
2. Satisfactory completion of 200 hours of the Social Justice Practicum.
3. A cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and no more than two courses or six credits with a final grade of C.
4. Successful completion of the MOAP Capstone.
5. Submission of completed graduation application and full payment of all outstanding tuition and fees.

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