Master's Project

Completion of the Master’s Project marks the end of your academic journey at the Adler Graduate School.  It is the final stage of your work toward the master’s degree.  At this final stage, you have achieved not only a general awareness about the helping profession, but a specific set of knowledge about Adlerian psychology. Optimally, the Master’s Project demonstrates one of the best qualities of Adlerian psychology – psychology of use.  

The Master’s Project is an in-depth study of a topic in your area of academic interest and the topic’s interface with Adlerian psychology.  In consultation with a Master’s Project’ Chairperson, you select an academic topic of personal interest and/or community significance and examine it through the Adlerian lens.  The project is an in-depth investigation of this topic, including the history of the issue, current status, clinical/practical utilization, and future implications.

Two Paths for Completing the Master’s Project

Option One: Research Paper.

An in-depth academic investigation (a literature review) of a topic of academic interest related to Adlerian psychology. A well-conceived and well-written research paper is part of your academic portfolio which can be presented to graduate schools (i.e., Ph.D, Psy.D) as a part ofyour admission materials should you decide to pursue a terminal degree.In addition, the Adler research paper could well lay the foundation for future graduate research such as a doctoral dissertation.

Option Two: Experiential Project.

An in-depth academic and experiential investigation of a topic of community significance, studied in current academic research, and interfaced with Adlerian psychology.For example, you could create a grant proposal, a new community or therapeutic program development plan, a theatrical play, or a book submitted for a publication.A highlight of such a project may be a community-based or professional event (in-service training, conference presentation, play, art exhibit, or other type of presentation).