Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Program Overview

The Adler University Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Applied Psychology program will prepare students to bring leading edge psychological science to a variety of social justice concerns in local, national, and global settings and systems. With a major emphasis on preparing culturally competent and socially responsible graduates, the program aspires to prepare passionate agents of change to meet the evolving needs of diverse communities. 

Experienced faculty members guide students through a rigorous applied psychology core curriculum that builds upon the student’s general education foundation, and combines academic knowledge, psychological intervention skills, and a deep commitment to social justice. The program incorporates Adler University’s social justice mission emphasizing inclusiveness and socially responsible practices. Students study the application of the science of psychology with a strong emphasis on understanding the social and cultural determinants of power, privilege, and access to resources.

Examining the historical practices in applied psychology against the backdrop of the current and emergent social and cultural contexts of health and dysfunction, courses invite students to develop a critical stance and identify solutions to entrenched problems. By coupling a critical emphasis on social justice and a broad foundation in applied psychology, the program positions students to apply their learning in numerous settings and to function as agents of change in these micro and macro systems. The program culminates in a capstone experience that provides students the opportunity to garner real-world experience within an applied psychology setting.

Graduates of the applied psychology program are poised to enter a wide variety of careers that draw on the broad interpersonal skills, cultural and psychological knowledge, and socially responsible attitudes developed in the program. Career options may include behavioral and medical health care, criminal justice, addiction services, child, adolescent, and older adult services, human resource management, public relations, and other business settings.  The applied psychology program also develops the educational foundation to provide excellent preparation to pursue graduate study in a variety of related fields, such as counseling, clinical psychology, industrial organizational psychology, healthcare management, and social work.

Program Objectives

Upon completion of this degree program, graduates will be able to:

1. Apply psychological theories and evidence-based practices to individuals, systems, and global communities.
2. Apply knowledge of micro and macro systems to the practice of applied psychology.
3. Apply ethical standards and reasoning to the practice of applied psychology.
4. Engage in socially responsible practice in the practice of applied psychology.
5. Demonstrate cultural competence in the practice of applied psychology.