Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University

In 1976, the Illinois School of Professional Psychology was independently founded by Michael Markovitz with the country's first free-standing doctoral program in clinical psychology. Its name later changed to the American Schools of Professional Psychology. The Education Management Corporation (EDMC) then acquired the School for joining Argosy University in 2001. Argosy is an accredited system of private for-profit institutions spanning 28 locations across the United States. The Illinois School of Professional Psychology is ideally situated on North Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago just blocks from Millennium Park. More than 24,800 students enroll across the entire Argosy system in campus-based and online programs.

Argosy University in Chicago has been recognized as one of the system's premier locations. In 2012, Washington Monthly magazine ranked Argosy University-Chicago as the 184th best national university for social mobility, service, and research. The Guide to Online Schools honored Argosy as the 30th top online college in America. In particular, the Illinois School of Professional Psychology was granted the Anixter Center Award for Training in Rehabilitation in 1997. Twice, the School received Award for Promotion of Cultural Diversity from the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP). Argosy University is also listed among GI Jobs magazine's top "Military Friendly" schools.

Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University Accreditation Details

Since it's headquartered in California, Argosy University is institutionally reviewed by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This is one of six regionally accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Argosy's Chicago campus is licensed by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). The Illinois School of Professional Psychology has been granted approval from the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychology Association (APA). The PsyD program is also granted Association of Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) membership for quality training experiences.

Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University Application Requirements

Eligible applicants to the Illinois School of Professional Psychology must have graduated with a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. university or certified foreign institution. The Master of Arts program mandates a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Candidates for the PsyD program must have achieved a 3.25 GPA or higher in attempted graduate coursework. Having at least 24 credits in psychology and the social sciences is strongly recommended. International students studying on F-1 visas from non-English speaking nations must score at least 550 (paper-based) or 79 (Internet-based) on the TOEFL. Both MA and PsyD applicants must complete an interview with the admissions committee.

To apply, interested students wishing to attend the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Chicago must contact the Admissions Department. A six-digit alphanumeric code will be given for completing the online application form. Supplemental materials include:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools
• Personal/professional goal statement with self-appraisal
• Current resume, curriculum vitae, or career summary
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
• Three professional letters of recommendation
• Official Graduate Entrance Exam scores (optional)
• Payment for the $50 non-refundable application fee

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students attending the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University are charged per credit hour. The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program will cost $750 per credit. The program's total tuition will be $37,500. For the Doctor of Psychology program, graduates will pay $1,162 per credit. Over five to six years, PsyD students must afford a total of $113,876 for tuition. Chicago students are required to pay the $500 housing fee for the Clinical Psychology Retreat. Graduates should also budget for the $100 testing kit fee, $1,800 doctoral residency fee, $95 digital resource fee, and $25 student activity fee.

Around 81 percent of full-time Argosy University-Chicago students receive financial aid. After filing a FAFSA form, students could quality for borrowing Federal Direct Unsubsidized, Federal Perkins, or Federal Direct PLUS loans. Argosy offers an Additional Unsubsidized loan for PsyD students. Certain graduates may have up to $35,000 covered in the National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program (LRP). Federal Pell and FSEOG Grant money is provided to low-income students. In-state residents should apply for the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) or Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG). Federal Work-Study and graduate assistantships are offered for 20 hours per week. Scholarships, including the Dean's Scholarship, Chancellor Scholarship, and Alumni Scholarship, are also awarded.

Psychology and Counseling Degrees

Since graduating its first class in 1980, the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Chicago has developed psychology programs. Following a scholar-practitioner model, the School offers various professional development resources. The in-house Psychological Services Center provides practicum training. The International Cross-Cultural Awareness and Support Group (ICAS) engages students in global disaster relief. Students also participate in the annual Psychology Day at the United Nations. Studying abroad is offered in nations like Germany, Korea, Greece, The Netherlands, and South Africa. Aspiring psychologists can pursue the:

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology

Argosy's Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology program meaningfully integrates theory with professional practice to equip students for further doctoral study. Consisting of 50 credit hours, the curriculum involves courses in statistics, child development, mental health dysfunction, diversity, cognitive assessment, personality, experiential theory, aging, and cognitive behavioral therapy. MA students complete a full-year practicum experience for developing a portfolio. The program also includes a Clinical Research Project (CRP) to hone investigation skills. Courses are conveniently held at the Chicago campus in daytime, evening, or weekend format.

Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

As the longest continually APA-accredited PsyD in the Midwest, the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology at Argosy University-Chicago prepares graduate students for earning state licensure as clinical psychologists. The 98-credit program can be completed with flexible morning, afternoon, and evening course sessions over five to six years. PsyD students tailor their curriculum with concentrations in Child & Adolescent Psychology, Client-Centered & Experiential Psychotherapies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Diversity & Multicultural Psychology, Family Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, Neuropsychology, or Psychoanalytic Psychology. The program culminates with a year-long, APPIC-approved clinical internship.

Outside the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Argosy University in Chicago also offers a MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA Community Counseling, MA Forensic Psychology, MA Industrial/Organizational Psychology, MA Marriage & Family Therapy, and MA Sport-Exercise Psychology.