About the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University

The nation’s first university-based professional school of psychology, Derner enjoys a storied history and an international reputation.

We offer a comprehensive group of programs at our Long Island campus—from bachelor’s to master’s, doctoral and postgraduate—along with an emphasis on personalized mentoring.

Recognized and Awarded for Excellence

The Derner School of Psychology has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering a Best Undergraduate Psychology Program, a Best Grad School for Psychology, and a Best Clinical Psychology Doctorate Program. The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) ranks us fourth worldwide for psychology-psychoanalysis. And the American Psychological Association and other professional organizations have honored numerous Derner faculty members with awards for career contributions to research.

Our PhD program in clinical psychology has been continuously accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1957. The Internship Consortium program developed for the clinical psychology program is also accredited by the APA as well as the Association of Psychology Postgraduate and Internship Centers. Derner’s MA in School Psychology program is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Guiding Principles

Throughout its history, the Derner School of Psychology has evolved to meet the needs of society. As we continue on that path, we are guided by our commitment to empirical research, interdisciplinary collaboration and social justice.

Derner’s mission is to generate and disseminate knowledge about psychological and behavioral aspects of human experience, with an emphasis on knowledge that can be applied to help those who are struggling with psychological difficulties. Our goal is to provide students at all levels with a deeper understanding of both the mind and the brain and to prepare them for a range of professions, including mental health-related professions. We are dedicated to using science and clinical expertise for the benefit of our students and professionals who will then use those skills to help others. We are an integrative, empirically informed school of psychology with a long psychoanalytic tradition and commitment to social justice that continues to shape all that we do.

We are recognized as an international leader, dedicated to scholarship and committed to preparing our graduates for a changing society.

At the Derner School of Psychology, students engage in academic studies and clinical practice, which help them obtain the necessary skills for a wide range of careers, while also improving their understanding of human behavior.

Thanks to a dedicated and knowledgeable faculty, our psychology programs successfully integrate research, theory and practice—a winning combination for our students.

Amanda Larkin, MA ‘23 School Psychologist, Comsewogue School District

A Lasting Legacy

Our History

Initially known as the Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, the School functioned as a graduate department in the School of Arts and Sciences at Adelphi on Long Island until 1972, when it became the nation’s first university-based professional school of psychology.

Derner’s Prestigious Past

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse community by actively recruiting high-caliber students from various backgrounds.

Our Commitment to Diversity Diversity Library

Dedicated to Affordability

Take a look at our tuition and costs, and then review a complete list of available scholarships and grants. We’ll work with you to help make your Adelphi education affordable.

Tuition & Financial Aid

We’re dedicated to helping every student secure funding, and we offer a wide variety of financial assistance programs in addition to the various state and federal programs.

Financial Aid Info Tuition & Costs One-Stop Student Services Center

Scholarship Opportunities

Adelphi awards merit-based scholarships to qualified accepted students based on many factors. Depending on family need, you may also be eligible for additional grants, loans and the work-study program.

Undergraduate Awards Graduate Awards