Psychology Schools in Chicago
Find a top psychology degree in Chicago or learn what psychology career you can have in the Windy City.
The Essentials: Chicago
- Psychology Schools: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, DePaul University, National Louis University
- Online Psychology Schools: Adler School, University of Phoenix, Argosy University
- Average Annual Psychologist Salary: $99,930
- Potential Area Employers for Psychologists & Counselors: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Weiss Memorial Hospital, MacNeal Hospital
Psychology Schools in Chicago
By Kimberly Ross
At The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, tailor your psychology degree to your interests with programs like international psychology, clinical forensic analysis, organizational leadership and business psychology. Not only the largest graduate school of its kind in the US, it is also the only one in the Midwest that offers a degree in clinical forensic psychology.
The Adler School of Professional Psychology is the oldest independent school of psychology in North America. Besides an array of master's degree and doctoral degree programs in psychology, the school offers certificate programs in various fields, including clinical neuropsychology, substance abuse counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. Students can also choose unique concentrations, such as these:
- Advanced Adlerian Psychotherapy
- Art Therapy
- Child and Adolescent Psychology
- Traumatic Stress
- Primary Care Psychology
Other notable colleges where you can earn a psychology degree in Chicago include DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago and University of Illinois at Chicago.
Chicago's Job Market
A sampling of job search engines shows that there are quite a few opportunities for those looking to use a psychology degree in Chicago. See below for the mean annual salaries* of common psychology careers in the nation's third largest city:
| Psychology Career | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Psychologist | $99,930 |
| Counselor | $42,830 |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $39,980 |
| Social Worker | $52,940 |
Licensure and Psychology Associations in Chicago
To work in Chicago as a licensed psychologist, counselor, marriage and family therapist or social worker, you will need to meet the guidelines set by the designated Illinois board for your area of study. For additional support throughout your career, you will want to consider joining a local or state association that pertains to your field, such as these:
- Chicago Association for Psychoanalytic Psychology
- Illinois Counseling Association
- Illinois Psychological Association
- Illinois School Psychologists Association
- National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter
These associations provide professionals with a forum for discussing issues related to their psychology field, a resource for continuing education opportunities and in-depth information on pertinent topics.
*Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salary may vary according to geographic location, years of experience and employer type.
Psychology Degrees USA
Did You Know?
- Chicago is one of only two cities in the US that is home to two different major league baseball teams, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox.
- The Historic Route 66 begins in Chicago on Adams Street in front of the Art Institute of Chicago.
- Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo is the nation’s oldest public zoo and one of only three free zoos in the country.
- The Second City opened its doors in Chicago in 1959 and has since launched the careers of John Belushi, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Tina Fey and Steve Carell, among many other comics.