About Palo Alto University
Palo Alto University (PAU), a private, non-profit university located in the heart of Northern California’s Silicon Valley, is dedicated to addressing pressing and emerging issues and specializing in mental and behavioral health sciences to equitably meet the needs of today’s diverse communities.
Who We Are
Palo Alto University offers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs with online, hybrid and residential options. An engaged faculty, who make significant contributions to their fields and thrive as mentors, prepare practitioners and students through rigorous educational programs, research and extensive hands-on clinical practice. When you put all of this together, PAU creates a legacy of confident, competent, and compassionate professionals who are at the forefront of mental and behavioral health sciences, making a difference in their communities.
The History of PAU
PAU was founded in 1975 as the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (PGSP), an independent, professional school and re-incorporated as Palo Alto University in August 2009. Continuously accredited since 1986 by WASC, PAU’s Doctoral programs in psychology are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and its Master’s in counseling programs by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
PAU in the Community
PAU has many collaborative partnerships with community organizations and institutions, including Stanford School of Medicine, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other mental health care organizations.
PAU's teaching clinics deliver low-cost mental health services to the local community while also providing valuable, supervised training to PAU graduate students. In addition, PAU sponsors several academic research centers devoted to child mental health, evidence-based care for LGBTQ clients, excellence in diversity and community care, and internet-based global healthcare.
Excellence in Research, Education & Training
PAU is a non-profit university first accredited in 1986 by WASC and continuously accredited since.
95
Serving professionals across 95 countries worldwide.
50
Number of years as leading institution in the field of psychology.
550
Explore 550+ continuing education programs across various specialties.
97%
Internships at APA accredited sites based on 95% average internship match rate over last six years (Doctoral Program).
2.6K+
2,675 continuing education hours fostering professional growth.
100
% APA match for PsyD program.
400+
Trusted by 404+ organizations internationally.
50K+
Over 50,000 students advancing careers through our programs.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Programs
| Degree Type | Program Name | Traditional Classroom Offering | Hybrid Offering (Night/Weekend Classes) | Online Offering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Bachelor of Science (BS)
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Psychology |
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Bachelor of Science (BS)
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Business Psychology |
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Graduate Programs
| Degree Type | Program Name | Traditional Classroom Offering | Hybrid Offering (Night/Weekend Classes) | Online Offering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Master of Arts (MA)
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MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
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Master of Science (MS)
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Master of Science in Psychology |
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Master of Social Work (MSW)
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Master of Social Work |
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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PhD in Clinical Psychology |
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision |
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Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
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PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium |
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Continuing & Professional Studies
| Specialty | Online Offering |
|---|---|
| Child & Adolescent |
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| Clinical |
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| Counseling |
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| Digital Mental Health |
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| Forensic |
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| Police & Public Safety |
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| Certificates & Certifications |
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