The Top 10 Psychology Graduate Programs in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is home to some of the nation‘s top psychology graduate programs. With a vibrant academic community and wealth of experiential learning opportunities available in the city, Chicago psychology programs attract talented students from across the country.

This definitive guide provides an in-depth overview of ten standout psychology graduate programs in Chicago. From globally-ranked research universities to small private colleges, prospective students can find the best fit for their academic and career goals.

1. University of Chicago Psychology PhD Program

The University of Chicago Department of Psychology is world-renowned for its pioneering research across disciplines like social psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience and more. The Psychology PhD program provides rigorous scientific training for students to pursue academic and research careers.

Key Highlights

• 5 to 7 years to complete program
• Average incoming class size: 8-10 students
• 10:1 student to faculty ratio
• Comprehensive exam, master‘s thesis and PhD dissertation required
• Access to university research centers like the Center for Decision Research

With a highly selective admission rate around 5-8%, the University of Chicago psychology PhD program accepts only the most promising scholars. Applicants should demonstrate strong research experience and potential.

Notably, the program matches all admitted PhD students with faculty mentors to guide students through developing their research interests. Graduates from the program are well-prepared for competitive postdoctoral, academic and industry positions.

2. Northwestern University PhD Programs

Northwestern University offers multiple doctoral programs in psychology, including PhD tracks in cognition and perception, developmental psychology, and more. The psychology faculty represent leaders in studying learning processes, memory, child development and related topics.

Key Highlights

• 5-6 years to complete PhD
• Average cohort size: 8-15
• 12:1 student to faculty ratio
• Training in statistical methods and experimental design
• Partnership with Northwestern schools of education, medicine, business and communication

With around 300 graduate students in total, Northwestern psychology PhD programs provide close mentorship and interdisciplinary opportunities. The first two years focus on coursework and research rotations, while the later years emphasize independent research.

Competitive applicants have strong GRE scores, undergraduate research experience, and clear research interests aligning with the program. Graduates pursue academic faculty roles or research careers in their specialty.

3. University of Illinois Chicago Psychology MA and PhD

For over 100 years, the University of Illinois Chicago Department of Psychology has offered high-quality training in psychological research and practice. UIC offers terminal master‘s and doctoral programs with specializations in brain, behavior and cognition.

Key Highlights

• 2 years (MA) or 5 years (PhD) to complete
• Average cohort size: 8 (MA), 4-6 (PhD)
• 13:1 student to faculty ratio
• Option to design custom research concentration
• Strong community partnerships across Chicago

Distinctive features of UIC psychology graduate programs include opportunities to engage with the diverse Chicago community through research partnerships and clinical programs. With a robust alumni network in the region, UIC psychology graduates have access to mentors and careers in Chicagoland.

UIC psychology looks for promising students with demonstrated research aptitude, strong letters of recommendation and purposeful career ambitions. Financial assistance is available via teaching and research assistantships.

4. Loyola University Chicago MA, MS and PhD Programs

Loyola University Chicago‘s Clinical Psychology PhD program ranks among the top in the nation. Spanning masters and doctoral levels, Loyola psychology degrees emphasize the scientist-practitioner model with clinical training.

Key Highlights

• 2 years (MA), 3 years (MS) or 6 years (PhD) to complete
• Average cohort size: 4-8
• 10:1 student to faculty ratio
• 2,000+ hours of practicum training required (PhD)
• Options in clinical psychology, neuroscience, child development and more

The selective Clinical Psychology PhD program requires a bachelor‘s degree, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and relevant experience. By successfully defending a dissertation, graduates emerge prepared for licensure and clinical practice.

Meanwhile, the terminal masters programs offer options for those aiming to enter counseling, research, or related fields with a master‘s credential.

5. DePaul University MA and PhD Programs

DePaul University‘s College of Science and Health offers psychology graduate programs spanning masters and doctoral levels. DePaul psychology graduate students work closely with faculty mentors while benefiting from the university‘s prime Chicago location.

Key Highlights

• 2 years (MA) or 4-5 years PhD (PhD) to complete
• Average cohort size: around 12
• 15:1 student to faculty ratio
• Integrates scientific training with real-world experience
• Nationally-ranked Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology PhD

Distinctive features include the blended online and on-campus learning in DePaul psychology masters programs. At the doctoral level, the I/O psychology PhD concentrates on workplace psychology and human performance science.

Applicants are assessed holistically on academic credentials, written statements, letters of recommendation and other factors aligned with program expectations.

6. Adler University MA Programs

Adler University offers multiple master‘s in psychology programs focused on training socially responsible practitioners. With campuses in Chicago and Vancouver, Adler serves local and international students through its mission of social justice and community health.

Key Highlights

• 2-3 years to complete master‘s
• Average cohort size: 10-15 students
• Small seminar classes, capped at 18
• Robust clinical and community-based training opportunities
• Specializations in clinical mental health counseling, art therapy, sport and health psychology

Adler University takes a selective, personalized approach to admitting graduate students aligned to its community-oriented vision. Applicants are evaluated on demonstrated commitment to social justice causes along with academic factors.

Through rigorous coursework and intensive clinical field training, Adler University MA psychology graduates emerge skilled in strength-based, socially responsible practice. Alumni work in counseling, social services, human resources and more.

7. Chicago School of Professional Psychology

With its downtown Chicago campus along with locations nationwide, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology is oriented toward working professionals and career changers. Psychology masters and doctoral programs leverage faculty expertise in applied clinical practice.

Key Highlights

• 1-2 years (MA) or 5 years (PsyD) to complete
• Average cohort size: 15 (MA), 8 (PsyD)
• Practitioner-scholar training model
• Over 2,000 internship sites available
• Specialty tracks in health, forensic psychology, Latinx/Hispanic mental health

Chicago School graduate students complete internships at community clinics, hospitals, veterans centers and other sites. By culminating their PsyD with a clinical dissertation project, graduates emerge prepared for psychology licensure.

Admissions decisions take a holistic view accounting for personal experience, multicultural awareness and values resonance alongside traditional criteria.

8. National Louis University MA in Counseling Programs

With a 130-year history centered around teacher training, National Louis University today offers graduate programs spanning the social sciences. The NLU Department of Counseling provides rigorous clinical education aimed at community-based practice.

Key Highlights

• 2 years to complete MA program
• Small cohort size allows for individual attention
• Option for advanced standing for already licensed counselors
• Path to LPCC licensure in Illinois
• Specializations in clinical mental health, forensic, addiction counseling

NLU counseling graduate faculty represent experienced licensed counselors training the next generation of practitioners. With a strong track record of licensure exam pass rates and career placements, NLU prepares counselors to provide ethical, multicultural care.

Applicants are assessed on demonstrated suitability for the counseling profession including relational abilities, in addition to prior academic performance and professional promise.

9. Erikson Institute MA Programs in Child Development

Erikson Institute is an international leader in child development education, research and advocacy. Erikson‘s master‘s degree programs equip students with expertise in early childhood and child development to inform careers in teaching, program leadership, policy work and more.

Key Highlights

• 2 years to complete master‘s degree
• Multiple graduate specializations from infant studies to public policy
• World-renowned faculty conduct pioneering research
• Hands-on training through the on-campus early learning center
• Partnerships with Chicago schools, museums, clinics and government

Erikson Institute offers exceptional Ph.D preparation along with direct career pathways for master‘s graduates. Admissions decisions emphasize the values fit and evidence of applicants‘ commitment to young children and families. Graduates often continue serving children through policy, advocacy and education leadership roles.

10. School of the Art Institute MA Programs in Art Therapy and Counseling

Integrating art, psychology and therapy, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago offers distinct graduate programs for those seeking nontraditional counseling careers. SAIC prepares art therapists to facilitate healing and growth through art.

Key Highlights

• 2 years to complete MA in Art Therapy or Counseling
• Hands-on clinical training and fieldwork
• Engages both left- and right-brain capacities
• Applies art therapy traditions from across the globe
• Option for mind/body/spirit specialization

SAIC art therapy embraces diverse identities and life experiences within the admitted student community. Program graduates pursue counseling roles in schools, clinics, community centers and other settings leveraging creative arts approaches.

When applying to psychology graduate programs, candidates should target programs aligning with their experience, interests and career aims. Those with undergraduate research experience should consider research-focused Ph.D programs, while clinically-oriented applicants may prefer Psy.D or counseling programs.

Competitive applicants excel in these areas:

• Academic credentials including GPA and test scores
• Relevant experience (research, clinical, etc)
• Strong letters of recommendation
• Well-crafted written statements

Prospective students will need to check that they meet all requirements for their target programs. Application components often include transcripts, test scores, CV/resume, written statements outlining goals and experience, letters of recommendation, and supplementary materials.

While admissions criteria vary across programs, all aim to admit candidates who demonstrate knowledge, competency and purpose around entering the psychology field. Applicants should articulate how completing the specific program matches their ambitions around improving lives through research, clinical work or other psychology specialties.

We welcome you to reach out with any questions around finding the right Chicago psychology graduate program for your talents and aspirations!