Why Us

Adler Stands For Change

If social justice is your passion, this is where you need to be.

As a fierce champion of social justice, you’ll find that Adler University offers you a unique learning experience with a real-world focus. You will gain valuable skills that you’ll put into practice not only when you graduate, but while you are with us as well. At Adler, we believe that doing is learning. Regardless of whether you attend our Chicago, Vancouver, or Online campus, your experience will be enlightening, immersive, and hands-on. We want you to succeed at every level throughout your time with us. And as you venture out, you will go with a new understanding not just of your calling to advance social justice, but of yourself as well.

University Culture

Adler Feels Like Home. We hear this all the time from our students. By creating a culture that is supportive, collaborative, and action-oriented, Adler has become home to the boat-rockers, independents, and socially engaged practitioners of the world. While our programs are crafted to hone the skills needed to support the vast array of marginalized communities throughout the world, the feeling you will get from your Adler experience is one of the community. A community of like-minded people who are extremely vehement, supportive, and determined. It’s not uncommon for our alumni to return to Adler to mentor and reconnect.

Faculty Excellence

In addition to being highly recognized and regarded thought leaders within their specific fields, the faculty at Adler are passionate and involved social activists for change. They use their real-life experience to constantly reset the bar for academic excellence. And they do not rest on their laurels. In addition to the professional and academic positions that allow them to voice the need for social change, they are committed to walking the walk in their respective fields and communities in need. Ivory towers are not for them. Not when there’s work to be done.

Our Commitment to Diversity

At Adler University we stand for social justice. We will continue to examine what it means to be a social justice institution and hold ourselves accountable for living that mission. At Adler, that means a renewed commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work.

Social Justice Practicum

Doing is Learning. A unique and proven program designed to give students real-world experience throughout their time at Adler University, the Social Justice Practicum is a required 200-hour internship that spans four courses (or terms for online programs). Every student is given several civic-minded categories to choose from. They submit their desired areas of interest. After this, they are assigned a specific and aligned community outreach site where they will work 8 to 10 hours per week.