Undergraduate Degree

PAU works to keep the admissions process quick and easy. For consideration for admission into our bachelor’s degree programs, you must have completed approximately two years of transferrable college-level coursework. This can include credit granted for alternative forms of education, such as 

• Experiential Learning Credit (granted after a university portfolio review)
• Foreign Language Competency (granted after a review of a taped formal interview and writing sample)
• Military Education Credit for Veterans (https://www.va.gov/resources/how-do-i-get-college-credits-for-my-military-service/)
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) (https://clep.collegeboard.org/)
• High School Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate Exams (IB)

Course credits that are not awarded as general education or major requirement transfer credit may still transfer as elective units, upon review and approval of the Department Chair. A complete summary of transferable credits will be provided to admitted students before the deposit deadline.

Ready to continue your educational journey at PAU? With no letters of recommendation and no application fee, we have streamlined the application process to make it easy for you. 

When applying to Palo Alto University, you must complete the following criteria: 

• Submit an Online Application
• Submit unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions attended
  • Final official transcripts from all colleges attended are required for enrolling students. We recommend you arrange to have them sent to PAU by the first day of classes. PAU places a registration hold on your student record if we do not receive transcripts in time. Failure to submit final official transcript(s) by the end of the first term results in being dropped from classes.
• Completion of the following courses:
  • Intermediate Algebra or higher
  • Introduction to Psychology or higher
  • General education requirements
• At least 84 transferrable quarter units completed at the time of enrollment. Only courses from regionally accredited institutions with a grade of C or higher are transferable and must be at the 100 level (non-remedial) or equivalent to be eligible for transfer.
  
  Transferable units may include:
• Introduction to Psychology
• General Education units
• Lower-division or upper-division elective units
• Upper-division transfer units applicable to major requirements
• Alternative forms of general education or elective units, such as AP tests, IB tests, CLEP, and US Military credit

We accept undergraduate applications on a rolling basis beginning in mid-September 2023. The online application remains open until the program cohorts fill up.

The Office of Admissions must receive all application materials before the application review can take place. Once we receive your application, an admissions counselor reviews your application and schedules a meeting to discuss your goals and enrollment plans.

• Introduction to Psychology
• General Education units
• Lower-division or upper-division elective units
• Upper-division transfer units applicable to major requirements
• Alternative forms of general education or elective units, such as AP tests, IB tests, CLEP and US Military credit.

• Completion of general education requirements
• Completion of all classes required for the major
• 180 quarter units in total
• Completion of 90 upper-division quarter units
• 45 units must be completed at Palo Alto University
• Students must complete a minimum of 30 units in their major at PAU, and must be enrolled at PAU during the last two terms prior to graduation.

On-Time Graduation Mean Earning a Professional Salary Sooner

PAU's tuition stabilization policy ensures that tuition is predictable over the course of a student's academic program.

• 2022-23 undergraduate tuition and fees for Palo Alto University are $23,230.
• Additional academic costs per year include an average of $1,268 a year for books and supplies.

On-Time Graduation Means Lower Cost

Many students and their families assume that attending a public university is the most affordable option for undergraduate education. However, as state funding dwindles, public universities are often serving more students with fewer resources. At large public universities, students cannot always get courses they need to graduate on time.

Palo Alto University Does Things Differently

Palo Alto University places a high priority on student success and affordability:

• PAU organizes its undergraduate course schedules so that degree programs can be completed within two years.
• Students who complete the program will graduate and start earning a professional salary faster than many students attending state universities who often need 3 or 4 years to complete their degrees.
• Students can relax about class registration (classes are guaranteed) or unpredicable tuition increases, and immerse themselves in the rigorous and engaging academic programs that PAU offers.

Grant and Scholarship Availability

• 71% of PAU undergraduate students were offered grant or scholarship aid, significantly reducing the cost of attendance. The average scholarship and grant award was $5,051.
• 43% of PAU undergraduate students were offered an average of $4,406 through Pell grants.
• 86% of PAU undergraduate students were offered student aid.

The program empowers you to chart a fulfilling journey toward making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities. It also serves as a solid foundation for pursuing an advanced degree, opening up a world of possibilities for your future career path.

The bachelor’s degree in psychology and social action is well-suited for students who have already completed some college credits and are interested in the human mind and social justice. 

While PAU's program is ideal for California Community College transfer students who have earned core credits from another institution, nontraditional students who have completed two years of college are encouraged to apply.

To be eligible for the BS in psychology and social action program, students must have completed 84 quarter units of transferable coursework and must submit the following materials:

• Completed online application
• Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts required upon enrollment)
• Statement of purpose
• Completion of: Introduction to Psychology or higher, Intermediate Algebra or higher, most general education requirements

Courses in the psychology and social action bachelor’s degree program are offered both online (in “live” synchronous and recorded asynchronous sessions) and on campus during the day. 

PAU's psychology and social action program may be even more valuable than a traditional psychology degree because it explores perspectives of human behavior and social issues that require a grasp of psychology and understanding individual behaviors in a social, cultural, ethnic, political, and economic context. 

The degree is ideal for attaining a rewarding entry-level position and helps working professionals expand their career opportunities. Our program also serves as the perfect stepping stone for those interested in a master's or doctoral degree in psychology.

Delve Into the Human Mind Through Courses in Social Action and Psychology

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the program combines foundational and advanced courses in psychology and social action, providing students with both the depth and breadth of study needed to master the key concepts of each subject. Courses in the program include:

• Psychological writing
• Psychology of learning and memory
• Social psychology
• Research design and methods
• Psychology of gender
• Cross-cultural psychology
• Cultural anthropology
• Ethnic identity and social stratification
• Philosophy of ethics
• Social problems
• Theories of personality

The program offers online and on-campus courses, allowing students the flexibility to choose the learning option that best suits their circumstances. 

PAU students are also guaranteed a spot in their desired classes, with no waitlists or risk of being frozen out. This ensures they can always secure a place in the courses they want. Additionally, students can complete the BS in psychology and social action degree in just two years.

The online business psychology degree program is designed primarily for transfer students who are curious about the intersection of business and behavioral science. Students interested in these disciplines find that our program allows them to complete their bachelor’s degree while balancing their work commitments. 

Offered fully online, students can graduate with their Bachelor of Science in Business Psychology in just two years.

Students interested in a career in the business world also find immense value in the program’s ability to combine an in-depth business curriculum with comprehensive courses in psychology. Our program prepares graduates for a range of exciting positions in the industry, as well as graduate programs in industrial and organizational psychology, business, and other related fields.

Explore an Interdisciplinary Program Leading to a Versatile Skill Set

In addition to foundational general education courses that students have already completed, PAU students pursuing their business psychology degree online also take core classes in:

• Business writing and communication
• Organizational behavior
• Human resources and management
• Marketing, finance, and information technology
• Business ethics
• Customer behavior analysis
• Employee motivation and satisfaction
• Career planning and development
• Multicultural studies
• Human behavior and interpersonal effectiveness
• Theories of personality and assessment

Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, PAU offers all program courses fully online, providing flexibility and convenience where students need it most. Additionally, PAU students can always secure a spot in their desired classes since space is guaranteed, and there are no waitlists or chances of being frozen out. 

PAU's general education requirements largely mirror the requirements to transfer to a CSU.  Classes that are already articulated (meaning already identified as completing CSU A-E requirements), and for which the student received a C grade or better, are automatically credited.

The Chair of the Department of Undergraduate Education evaluates non-articulated courses on a case-by-case basis. This process determines whether a course sufficiently matches the content and learning outcomes of a general education course. This evaluation is usually completed by reviewing the catalog entry for the course in question but may require a review of the course syllabus.

Major Requirements

Undergraduate program faculty determine transfer credit for major requirements. Students requesting transfer credit toward their major should work with their admissions counselor to complete the Transfer Credit Request Form, and submit syllabi of the courses they wish to transfer. These requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with faculty determining whether a course sufficiently matches the content and learning outcomes for an upper-division degree requirement course.

Credits Granted for Alternative Educational Experiences

Experiential Learning Credit 

(granted after a university portfolio review)

Foreign Language Competency 

(granted after a review of a taped formal interview and writing sample)

Military Education Credit for Veterans 

Palo Alto University’s undergraduate programs will accept transfer credit awarded for courses taken in the armed services. In order to have your military educational experiences evaluated for credit, you must submit evaluated transcript(s) from the appropriate agency.

The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard now use the centralized Joint Services Transcript System, which will electronically send your official transcript to PAU upon your request. The transcript includes your military training and occupational experience along with American Council on Education college credit recommendations. The Air Force uses the Community College of the Air Force.

(https://www.va.gov/resources/how-do-i-get-college-credits-for-my-military-service/)

Palo Alto University considers both military service and military coursework for academic credit using the guidelines issued by the American Council on Education (ACE). We refer to the ACE “Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Services” when determining applicable transfer credit for military experience and training. Job specialties (MOS, AFSC, Rate) must have a recommendation evaluation by ACE (in the ACE Guide) for credit to be awarded.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

(https://clep.collegeboard.org/)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams (MIN SCORE OF 50), 

High School Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate Exams

Ap exams (MIN SCORE OF 3) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams (MIN SCORE OF 4) may be used as substitutes for some general education requirements.

Credit evaluation begins with a review of submitted transcripts. Courses from regionally accredited institutions with a grade of C or higher are transferable and must be at the 100-level (non-remedial) or equivalent in order to be eligible for transfer. Members of the Office of Admissions staff determine initial credit for general education courses or elective units. 

Credit Evaluation for General Education and Elective Units

• Members of the Office of Admissions staff determine credit for general education courses or elective units.
• Credit evaluation begins with review of transcripts. Classes that are already articulated (meaning already identified as completing CSU A-E requirements), and for which the student received a C grade or better, are automatically credited.
• The Associate Director of Admission evaluates non-articulated courses on a case-by-case basis. This process determines whether a course sufficiently matches the content and learning outcomes for a general education course. This evaluation is usually completed by reviewing the catalog entry for the course in question but may require a review of the course syllabus.

Credit Evaluation for Major Requirements

• Undergraduate program faculty determine transfer credit for major requirements.
• Students requesting transfer credit toward their major should complete the Transfer Credit Request Form, and submit syllabi of the courses they wish to transfer. These requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with faculty determining whether a course sufficiently matches the content and learning outcomes for an upper-division degree requirement course.

General Guidelines

• Courses that are not awarded as general education or major requirement transfer credit may still transfer as elective units, upon review and approval of the Associate Director of Admissions.
• A complete summary of transferable credits will be provided to admitted students before the deposit deadline.
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams (MIN SCORE OF 50), High School Advanced Placement (AP) exams (MIN SCORE OF 3) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams (MIN SCORE OF 4) may be used as substitutes for some general education requirements.
• Only courses from regionally accredited institutions with a grade of C or higher are transferable and must be at the 100-level (non-remedial) or equivalent in order to be eligible for transfer.

Transfer Credit Policy for Veterans

Palo Alto University’s undergraduate programs will evaluate courses taken in the armed services for transfer credit. In order to have your military educational experiences evaluated for credit, you must submit evaluated transcript(s) from the appropriate agency.

The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard now use the centralized Joint Services Transcript System, which will electronically send your official transcript to PAU upon your request. The transcript includes your military training and occupational experience along with American Council on Education college credit recommendations. The Air Force uses the Community College of the Air Force.

Palo Alto University considers both military service and military coursework for academic credit using the guidelines issued by the American Council on Education (ACE). We refer to the ACE “Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Services” when determining applicable transfer credit for military experience and training. Job specialties (MOS, AFSC, Rate) must have a recommendation evaluation by ACE (in the ACE Guide) for credit to be awarded.

Students in the BS Psychology and Social Action program are required to complete a nine-month senior internship as part of their studies. The internship gives students experience with the practical applications of psychology and social action and helps them explore career options.

Students interested in research have the opportunity to intern as a research assistant with professors actively engaged in psychological research. Students who prefer to work in a community agency, clinical setting or other social action setting intern in local community agencies and organizations.

Senior interns will earn academic credit toward graduation. They work approximately eight hours per week at their internship site, while also completing required senior course work. Students already employed in social service settings may be able to do their internship at their place of employment with the approval of their faculty advisor.

At their internship sites, students are supervised by a professional member of the agency staff. They are also mentored by a PAU professor, who helps them integrate their internship experiences with their coursework.

Internship sites may include community mental health centers, schools, community service agencies, nonprofit organizations, or other similar settings. Organizations at which PAU students have interned include:

• Alameda Police Department
• Bill Wilson Center
• Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula
• Catholic Charities
• Children's Health Council
• County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency
• Family Matters In-Home Care, LLC
• Kaiser Permanente
• Salvation Army
• Santa Clara County Social Services
• Service League of San Mateo County
• Silicon Valley Animal Shelter
• Social Media Marketing University
• Stanford University School of Medicine – Research Assistance
• Target Specialty Products
• Trumpet Behavioral Health
• Ujima Adult and Family Services, Inc.

Palo Alto University (PAU) only offers Bachelor of Science degrees. A Bachelor of Science degree focuses more on science and mathematics courses and is focused on achieving a psychology degree. 

On the other hand, a Bachelor of Arts degree generally requires more liberal arts courses, such as foreign language and humanities.

All of the undergraduate programs at Palo Alto University are designed as bachelor completion programs. This means that students complete a focused two-year program. 

The curriculum is carefully arranged so that students are able to build a strong knowledge base as they progress through the sequence.

Students are accepted once a year for the fall term. This is allows the various programs to keep a cohort structure and tuition stabilization. 

PAU has a rolling admissions policy for accepting applications, and students may apply online at any time throughout the year. There is no application fee.

PAU maintains rolling admissions when dealing with undergraduate applications. This means that applications are accepted throughout the year until the cohorts are full. 

As qualified applications are received, students are notified of their acceptance status quickly and efficiently. This allows students to apply early, plan ahead, and prepare for their educational plans.

The undergraduate programs are structured in cohort systems. Entering a cohort will mean that students take classes with the same people throughout their two years in the PAU programs.  

This allows students to get to know their peers personally, and helps create a strong network of friends and professional connections. 

The cohort system enhances a student's academic experiences by creating an environment that is more conducive to collaborative learning.

PAU's tuition stabilization policy ensures that tuition is predictable over the course of a student's academic program. 

Transferring into PAU's undergrad programs is easy and convenient. Students are required to have completed 84 units of transferrable credit plus an Introduction to Psychology course. 

Transfers from community colleges are welcome, as are students from CSUs, UCs, and other universities from around the country. Contact PAU's admissions office today to obtain more information, meet with an admissions counselor, and go over program options.

Yes! Since PAU is an accredited institution, students are eligible to receive state, federal, and institutional aid. This gives students both grant and loan options when paying for school. Private scholarships are also available through PAU. Check with the financial aid office for details and deadlines.

Students in PAU's undergraduate programs have many opportunities to participate in the larger community.

Whether enrolled in on-campus or online programs, students are encouraged to get involved. Actively participating in student life enhances learning, creates friendships and builds professional relationships. There are many options for students to get involved in social, service learning, and academic activities.

Academic Support

PAU provides students with resources to excel academically:

• Annual orientations to help students get on their feet quickly and effectively.
• Video conferences in online classes that build strong relationships with instructors and members of their cohort.
• Faculty advisors who help students succeed and get support when they need it.
• Regularly scheduled social events with program directors and faculty to facilitate strong connections.

Career Talks and Professional Speaker Series

Experts in psychology and business disciplines are regularly invited to present talks in their areas of expertise. Recent topics have included international consulting, resume writing and job search tips, careers in forensic psychology, susceptibility to hypnosis, positive psychology, the psychology of terrorists and terrorism, and the adolescent brain.

Social Activities

PAU sponsors large scale events and intimate gatherings, including a research forum, an annual gala, lunch-and-learn networking sessions with industry professionals, and more. These provide opportunities for students to meet faculty and students outside of their program. After students graduate they become part of the PAU Alumni Association.

Student Government

The Undergraduate Student Council offers leadership opportunities for interested students.

Student Organizations

More than 20 university-wide student organizations welcome students to join, such as:

• Students for Ethnic and Cultural Awareness
• PAU Running Group
• Healing, Spirituality, and Social Action Group
• Student Parent Association
• Student Veteran Organization
• and many more!

Students are welcome to apply to PAU's undergraduate programs. However, only the day program is eligible for a student visa. Students who will remain in their home country while completing the program are eligible for the online degree options.

PAU uses the ZOOM video conferencing system to foster real-time interaction among professors and students. To experience ZOOM, sign up for an online info session. 

Students will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection to participate in online classes and download course materials. Online students also need a headset with a microphone to join discussions. 

All PAU faculty teaching online courses receive training on best practices and instructional effectiveness for online courses.

This bachelor's degree is excellent preparation for students who plan to attend graduate school to become a counselor or clinical psychologist. They will acquire the knowledge and skills needed for entry into graduate-level programs in psychology, including the PAU graduate programs. Each year several graduates enter our graduate programs.