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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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Meet PAU

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

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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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Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and Business Psychology

Learn more about how to graduate in 1-2 years with transferrable credit.

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Nov
7
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PsyD and PhD in Clinical Psychology

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

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Nov
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MS in Psychology & MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Discover PAU’s MA and MS programs, admissions process, flexible options, and career pathways at our info session.

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Nov
19
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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…

PAU @ WPA Convention 2025: Advancing Mental Health Research
May 02, 2025

PAU @ WPA Convention 2025: Advancing Mental Health Research

PAU faculty and students share groundbreaking mental health research at WPA 2025, showcasing their commitment to advancing mental and behavioral health science.

Connection, Confidence, and Clinical Growth: MS Students Gather In-Person for PAU’s Clinical Intensive Week
May 02, 2025

Connection, Confidence, and Clinical Growth: MS Students Gather In-Person for PAU’s Clinical Intensi...

PAU's Clinical Intensive Week fosters clinical skills, community, and confidence among MS Psychology students through immersive, hands-on learning and…

Monthly Message from President O’Connor - May 2025
May 01, 2025

Monthly Message from President O’Connor - May 2025

Transition and resilience at Palo Alto University: President O’Connor discusses leadership changes, the onboarding of Dr. Farouk Dey, and the search for a new…

Monthly Message from President O’Connor - April 2025
April 03, 2025

Monthly Message from President O’Connor - April 2025

Palo Alto University prepares for a leadership transition, reflecting on its rich history and looking forward to a promising future under incoming President…

Dr. Farouk Dey Appointed as President of Palo Alto University
March 11, 2025

Dr. Farouk Dey Appointed as President of Palo Alto University

Farouk Dey appointed as President of Palo Alto University, bringing innovation and strategic growth to elevate PAU's impact in psychology and behavioral health…