Chicago School of Professional Psychology Online

Yes, CSPP is online and offers over two dozen bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificate programs that distance learners can complete remotely. NCES data shows that 92% of undergrads and 78% of graduate students participate exclusively in online learning through the Los Angeles campus.

While CSPP is generally a good school, it has faced challenges. In 2008, forty students at its Los Angeles campus filed a $30 million class action lawsuit against CSPP. These students were allegedly told that CSPP Los Angeles was programmatically accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), but it was not. Students graduated with degrees that are not accepted by employers because they are not accredited, unlike programs at its Chicago campus. 

However, CSPP has made four of our rankings lists, including #3 for Best Online Colleges in Illinois and #4 for Best Online Master's Degrees in Counseling Psychology. CSPP is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Its favorable accreditation status reflects CSPP's sound financial practices and the delivery of high-quality academic programming that meets federal standards.

To provide the most trustworthy results, OnlineU only includes accredited online institutions on its site. 

CSPP is known for its approach to education. It equips students with the understanding and skills to apply the practice of psychology to a variety of professional settings. CSPP helps prepare students for careers in healthcare, the criminal justice and legal systems, global corporations, nonprofits, and private practice, to name a few.

CSPP also boasts that this unique approach to learning "transforms diverse classrooms into dynamic learning environments where students develop cultural humility skills that help them better understand and respect the cultural nuances of the individuals and communities they will support." It aims to help individuals become culturally competent, engage in meaningful communication, and foster relationship-building.

CSPP doesn't report which bachelor's degrees provide the highest earnings for graduates. 

To gain perspective, however, OnlineU's proprietary Salary Score ranks colleges by how much their alums earn compared to graduates with the same degree nationwide. Out of 100 total points, CSPP has a bachelor's Salary Score of 93, 70 for its master's degrees, and 42 for its doctoral degrees. Its online general psychology bachelor's degree has a Salary Score of 93; its online master's degrees in clinical counseling and applied psychology have Salary Scores of 72. Its doctoral degree in psychology scores 90.

It's moderately difficult to get into CSPP: The U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard shows CSPP accepts 37% of first-year applicants. It's unclear what the graduate-level acceptance rate is. However, while CSPP considers entrance exam scores from the ACT/SAT, it doesn't require them. This practice can help remove some barriers to higher education. 

When applying to college, an admissions or program advisor can help determine if you are competitive enough to be considered for admission.

You need at least a 2.3 GPA or higher to get into CSPP's bachelor's degree programs, such as an online bachelor's degree in criminology, and up to 3.0 for some of its master's degree programs, such as an online master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. Knowing this information is essential when picking a college, so you choose one that fits appropriately with your academic standing and increases your chances of acceptance.

Although individual degree programs may have additional requirements, CSPP's admission requirements for undergraduate distance learners generally include the following:

• An application 
• A $50 application fee
• Official high school transcripts or GED, showing diploma conferral or equivalent and a minimum 2.3 GPA
• Official college transcripts if transferring credits
• Official military transcripts, if applicable

If an applicant's GPA is lower than 2.3, they also have to provide the following:

• A curriculum vitae or resume
• One letter of recommendation
• A college application essay

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