The Chicago School was established by practicing psychologists committed to providing high-quality professional psychology training in a not-for-profit setting. Initial plans for the school were made in 1977 and realized in January 1979 by the nonprofit Midwestern Psychology Development Foundation.

The Chicago School began its first classes at temporary quarters located at 30 West Chicago Avenue before moving to the Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue in 1980. In 1986, following an extensive search, The Chicago School moved to its next location, the historic Dearborn Station in Chicago’s South Loop. In 2004, the school found a new downtown home at 325 N. Wells St. to accommodate the growth that resulted from becoming a psychology graduate school that offers multiple programs focusing on Business Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Industrial/Organization Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, and School and Counseling Psychology programs.

In 1980 the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) authorized the school degree-granting authority. Also in 1980, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) awarded Candidate for Accreditation Status to The Chicago School, with accreditation status first awarded in 1984.

The Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program received American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation in 1987.

During the summer of 1979, the school became an Affiliate Member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP). The school’s NCSPP status was raised to Associate Membership in 1980 and Full Member in 1985.

Several master's degree programs have been implemented since 2001: Clinical Psychology with two separate specializations: Counseling and Applied Behavior Analysis, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Forensic Psychology. Programmatic offerings expanded in 2006 to include a specialist degree program in School Psychology and Executive and Professional Education.

Program Information

Applied Behavior Analysis
Clinical Psychology Graduate Program
Counseling Psychology Graduate Programs
Forensic Psychology Graduate Programs
Industrial Organizational and Business Psychology Programs
School Psychology
Continuing Professional Education