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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.

Who We Are

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).

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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.

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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
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Psychology
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Business Psychology

Graduate Programs

Degree Type Program Name Traditional Classroom Offering Hybrid Offering
(Night/Weekend Classes) Online Offering
Master of Arts (MA)
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Science (MS)
Master of Science in Psychology
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Master of Social Work
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium

Latest News

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Admissions

Meet PAU

Meet PAU at our Admissions Info Session — learn about programs, application steps, and how to get started.

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Dec
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Admissions

Admission Drop In-Session

Get answers about any of our programs, the application process, and resources to support your journey.

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Dec
3
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Master in Social Work

Discover PAU’s Master of Social Work program—curriculum, admissions, and career opportunities.

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Dec
10
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Community

Professional Associations 101

Joining a professional association such as your local chapter of APA, ACA, ACES, or others can help you access res...

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Dec
11
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Master's Degrees Info Session

Discover PAU’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in Psychology—flexible, career-focused degrees.

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Dec
17
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Master in Social Work Info Session

Discover PAU’s Master of Social Work program—curriculum, admissions, and career opportunities.

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Clock Icon 05:30 PM – 06:15 PM PST
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Dec
18
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PsyD and PhD in Clinical Psychology Info Session

Discover PAU’s doctoral programs — PhD and PsyD pathways — and connect with our two Program Directors and admissio...

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A large, diverse group of people stands in a circle, smiling, cheering, and clapping around a central interaction. Several individuals wear conference badges, and the atmosphere is lively and celebratory.
November 21, 2025

Unified Student Orientation: Building Community, Inspiring Connection

Unified Student Orientation at Palo Alto University brought together incoming students from all programs for a day of connection, community-building, and…

A group of five Palo Alto University faculty, students, or alumni stand together smiling in front of a PAU research poster at an academic conference. They are wearing conference badges, and other attendees and poster sessions are visible in the background.
November 20, 2025

Palo Alto University Showcases Leadership and Community at ACES 2025

Palo Alto University faculty, students, and alumni showcased leadership, research, and community impact at ACES 2025 in Philadelphia.

A Writing Studio staff member engages with participants at an outdoor event, speaking with attendees and handing out materials, with others gathered nearby.
November 19, 2025

Writing Studio Expands Support for Doctoral Writers

PAU’s Writing Studio launches a new Dissertation Boot Camp and expands programs that support doctoral students with structure, community, and expert guidance.

Image of President Emerita Maureen O'Connor in a light blue shirt seated on a chair in front of a bookcase
November 19, 2025

Palo Alto University Renames Center for Educational Excellence in Honor of President Emerita Maureen...

Palo Alto University renames its Center for Educational Excellence as the Maureen O’Connor Center for Teaching and Learning and establishes a new endowed fund.

Christie K. Chung smiles at the camera. She is wearing a bright pink blazer over a light top, standing with her arms crossed in a softly lit indoor space.
October 30, 2025

Palo Alto University Welcomes Dr. Christie K. Chung as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affai...

Palo Alto University welcomes Dr. Christie K. Chung as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, beginning January 2026.

The Second Phase of My Life
October 24, 2025

The Second Phase of My Life

After a successful career in journalism and brand communications in China, Maggie Tsai found a new calling in counseling at Palo Alto University. Her journey…

Finding the Balance Between Pragmatism and Idealism
October 24, 2025

Finding the Balance Between Pragmatism and Idealism

From defying convention in the 1970s to shaping inclusive training models today, Dr. Peter Goldblum’s legacy at Palo Alto University reflects a lifelong…

Build Your Own Adventure
October 22, 2025

Build Your Own Adventure

From first-generation student to U.S. Navy clinical psychologist and national LGBTQ health leader, Dr. Nick Grant (PhD ’15) credits Palo Alto University and…

Opening Day
September 09, 2025

Opening Day 2025: Launching PAU’s 50th Year with Innovation, Connection, and Design Thinking

Palo Alto University launched its 50th Anniversary year at Opening Day 2025, celebrating innovation, connection, and a shared vision for the future.

The Power of Giving: PAU Innovart Research Grant Propels Student Research Momentum
August 02, 2025

The Power of Giving: PAU Innovart Research Grant Propels Student Research Momentum

When Maggie Tsai enrolled in Palo Alto University’s Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, she was in the midst of a personal reinvention. A…

Community Message | President Dey's First Week at PAU
July 11, 2025

Community Message | President Dey's First Week at PAU

President Dey reflects on his first week at PAU, highlighting the welcoming community, design thinking-inspired empathy tour, and his commitment to the…

A Commencement to Remember: Launching a Lifetime of Leadership and Service
July 02, 2025

A Commencement to Remember: Launching a Lifetime of Leadership and Service

Celebrating the achievements of Palo Alto University’s Class of 2025 at their memorable commencement ceremony, highlighting leadership, dedication, and…

Celebrating Staff Contributions and Milestones
July 02, 2025

Celebrating Staff Contributions and Milestones

Celebrating PAU staff contributions, milestones, and excellence with heartfelt recognition and awards during our annual Staff Appreciation Celebration.

Honoring Student Excellence at the 2025 PAU Stars Awards
July 02, 2025

Honoring Student Excellence at the 2025 PAU Stars Awards

PAU honors outstanding students at the 2025 Stars Awards, celebrating excellence in academics, service, and leadership in a night of recognition and…

Honoring Faculty Impact and Leadership: 2025 Faculty Distinction Awards
July 02, 2025

Honoring Faculty Impact and Leadership: 2025 Faculty Distinction Awards

Honoring PAU faculty's exceptional contributions in teaching, research, and service at the 2025 Faculty Distinction Awards.

A Night at the Ballpark with the PAU Community
July 02, 2025

A Night at the Ballpark with the PAU Community

PAU community enjoys a memorable night at Oracle Park, fostering connections and celebrating lifelong relationships during a Giants vs. Braves game.

Gratitude for What Was and What Will Be - Maureen's Farewell Message
July 02, 2025

Gratitude for What Was and What Will Be - Maureen's Farewell Message

President Maureen O’Connor bids farewell to PAU, reflecting on leadership and sharing a poem to inspire new beginnings under Dr. Farouk Dey’s leadership.

President Maureen O'Connor to Address the Graduating Class of 2025
June 06, 2025

President Maureen O'Connor to Address the Graduating Class of 2025

President Maureen O'Connor to deliver 2025 Commencement address, marking the end of her impactful tenure at Palo Alto University.

A Legacy Rooted in Teaching and Learning
June 06, 2025

A Legacy Rooted in Teaching and Learning

Celebrating nine years at PAU, President reflects on the growth of the Center for Educational Excellence and its future through a new endowment campaign.

Lessons Learned from PAU’s 2025 Alumni Panel
May 02, 2025

Lessons Learned from PAU’s 2025 Alumni Panel

Insights from PAU’s 2025 Alumni Panel on leadership, personal growth, and overcoming challenges in the mental health field. Learn from Dr. Crockett, Madison…