Admission Drop In-Session
Get answers about any of our programs, the application process, and resources to support your journey.
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.
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.

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 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.
PAU is a non-profit university first accredited in 1986 by WASC and continuously accredited since.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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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Get answers about any of our programs, the application process, and resources to support your journey.
Meet PAU at our Admissions Info Session — learn about programs, application steps, and how to get started.
Get answers about any of our programs, the application process, and resources to support your journey.
Discover PAU’s Master of Social Work program—curriculum, admissions, and career opportunities.
Learn more about how to graduate in 1-2 years with transferrable credit.
Discover PAU’s doctoral programs — PhD and PsyD pathways — and connect with our two Program Directors and admissio...
Get answers about any of our programs, the application process, and resources to support your journey.
Discover PAU’s MA and MS programs, admissions process, flexible options, and career pathways at our info session.
Get answers about any of our programs, the application process, and resources to support your journey.
Get answers about any of our programs, the application process, and resources to support your journey.