Roosevelt University

Founded in 1945 by Edward J. Sparling of the YMCA College in Chicago, Roosevelt University operates on the premise of social justice. The school was established during an era when minorities, immigrants and women lacked the same access to education that the dominating classes held, and Sparling believed that education should be more readily available to anyone who sought it, regardless of their demographic background. As a result, the school has always catered to a diverse student population, and it continues its tradition by offering 116 degree programs to more than 6,100 students enrolled in physical and online classes.

Due to the school's emphasis on providing educational opportunities to underserved demographics, Roosevelt University has a more diverse student body than the typical public, coeducational school in America. Women outnumber men by about two to one, and while the majority race on campus is white, those who identify as African American make up about 20 percent of the total population while Hispanics account for around 16 percent. The average student attending Roosevelt University is 27 years old, and the most popular undergraduate program is psychology. At the graduate level here, counseling psychology ranks among the top five degree programs.

Students who enroll at Roosevelt University can take advantage of the school's close proximity to downtown Chicago and the nearby suburb of Schaumburg. The university continues to promote social justice as the driving force behind its curricula and programs, which means that those who earn a degree from this school will benefit from a philosophy that emphasizes equal access to higher education.

Roosevelt University Accreditation Details

Roosevelt University holds institutional accreditation from The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Certain programs also maintain specific accreditation from varying accrediting bodies. For example, the doctorate in psychology has been accredited by the American Psychological Association while the counseling program holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs or CACREP.

Roosevelt University Application Requirements

When applying to Roosevelt University, interested applicants should read through the guidelines that are designated for their status. For example, undergraduate freshmen will submit different materials from the ones that graduate-level candidates submit. All applicants should fill out an online application, which is available through the school's admissions website. First-time freshman applying for an undergraduate program will need to do the following:

• Submit a completed online application
• Have previous schools send official transcripts directly to the university
• Have SAT or ACT scores sent to the university

The school doesn't require a personal essay, interview or letter of recommendation up front, but the admissions office reserves the right to request these things later in the application process. Transfer and non-traditional adult students will submit an application and any transcripts from previous schools. Unofficial documentation can be mailed through the post office or submitted via email.

In general, graduate students need to submit an online application and official transcripts from all previous schools. Graduate applicants should check out the individual pages for their programs to learn about specific application requirements. For example, those seeking an MA in clinical psychology must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 while those pursuing a doctorate in organizational psychology have to complete a statement regarding their career goals and professional experience.

All applicants except for performing arts majors must pay a $25 application fee. Performing arts applicants pay $100. Links to detailed guidelines on application requirements can be found on the school's admissions page.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition and fees depend on a student's degree program, status as an undergraduate or graduate, and whether the student is enrolled full time or part time. Most undergraduate students on a full-time schedule paid $27,300 per academic year in 2015-2016. Those enrolled in the criminal justice, commerce and enterprise, and sustainability programs paid $606 to $735 per credit hour while those attending the College of Performing Arts paid $34,625. Graduate tuition costs vary by program. For example, full-time candidates seeking a master's degree from the College of Arts and Sciences paid $18,390 for 2015-2016. Part-time students are charged varying rates per credit hour depending on program.

Roosevelt University offers five payment options: full pay, an extended payment plan, tuition reimbursement, direct bill, and financial aid. The full pay option requires students to pay in full for their tuition and fees by registration while the other options include grace periods for students who need to spread out their payments. Financial aid is available to those who need it in the form of:

• Veterans benefits
• Private loans and scholarships
• Grants and institutional scholarships
• Student employment
• Student loans

Students who need financial assistance should consult with a member of Roosevelt University's financial aid department to discuss specifics. Those who take advantage of financial aid can still use the extended payment plan option to fund any outstanding balance on their tuition and fees.

Degrees in Focus: Counseling and Psychology

Students who are looking for counseling and psychology degrees will find a variety of options through Roosevelt University's College of Arts and Sciences. Under the direction of the Psychology Department, students can choose from the following seven options, six of which are at the graduate level:

• BA in Psychology
• Clinical Psychology, MA
• Clinical Psychology (Counseling Practice), MA
• Ph.D. in I-O Psychology
• M.A. in I-O Psychology
• Dual M.A./MBA Degree Option
• Clinical Psychology (Doctor of Psychology -- PsyD)

Students pursuing an MA in clinical psychology or the Clinical Psychology doctorate can also earn a Credential in Clinical Child and Family Psychology. Students can enroll in several of these programs on campus or online, but certain programs may be restricted to a specific campus. For the bachelor's program, students can concentrate on one of three areas: child and family studies, forensic psychology, and neuroscience.

In addition to the general education requirements demanded of all students enrolled at the undergraduate level, psychology majors must complete at least 36 hours in psychology-specific courses. These include courses on the psychology of women, developmental and learning disabilities, and cognitive processes. Graduates of the bachelor's degree in psychology at Roosevelt University will develop the knowledge base, research skills, critical thinking skills and application principles necessary to pursue a variety of positions.