Was the program name changed from PGSP-Stanford to PAU-Stanford?

In 2009, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (PGSP) was re-incorporated as Palo Alto University (PAU). At that time, we chose to retain the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium at Palo Alto University name. However, after fifteen years, we determined that a change was needed to better reflect the two institutional partners in the Consortium – PAU and Stanford – and to streamline communication. Beginning in the 2024-25 academic year, the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium was renamed the PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium. Importantly, this name change has not impacted any other aspect of the Consortium, including financial support, leadership, or faculty. There have been no contractual changes to the Consortial Agreement. This change is solely a rebranding effort to ensure a clear and consistent identity for PAU across all of its programs.

 

How do Consortium students identify themselves, given the consortial nature of the program?
Consortium students are full-time, registered PAU students who engage in a program that is 50% Stanford-affiliated. Within both the community and the field of psychology, students typically identify as PAU-Stanford PsyD students.

 

What does the PAU-Stanford PsyD diploma look like?   

The degree is conferred by Palo Alto University. At the top of the diploma, the title "PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium" is arched. Below this, the phrase reads, "The Board of Trustees of Palo Alto University, on the nomination of the faculty, has conferred upon [graduate name] the degree of Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology." Beneath this is the degree date, the PAU seal, and the signatures of two Consortium Oversight Committee members: the PAU President and the Stanford Psychiatry Department Chairperson.

 

How many admissions offers are made? How many applicants do you admit? 

We receive approximately 650-750 applications annually. From this pool, we interview around 100 candidates. Ultimately, we extend about 50 admission offers for 30 available spots.

 

Do PAU-Stanford PsyD students have access to the specialty tracks in the PhD program (e.g., Forensic, Neuropsychology, Meditation, Psychology and the Law)?

The PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium is a rigorous full-time program with three years of full-time coursework. As such, it is a rare exception that a student is in the position to take extra coursework outside of the PsyD curriculum.

 

I am interested in applying to both Palo Alto University’s PhD Clinical Psychology program and the PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium.  Do I need to submit two different Statements of Purpose?

Yes, although both programs are committed to training clinical psychologists, the programs have different strengths, training missions, structure, and faculty. When applying to the Consortium please ensure that you have provided a personal statement referencing the specific aspects of the PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium that will help you realize your career goals.

 

Does the PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium have electives? 

Yes, while the program primarily follows a cohort model, students have the opportunity to take electives. These include both adult and child-focused options. See our Course Descriptions for details.  

 

Does the PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium offer funding opportunities?

Yes, we have a limited number of funding offers that we distribute based on several broadly defined criteria including merit and financial need. More information will be provided upon receiving an interview. 

 

Are there teaching or research assistantships available to students?

The program does have several teaching assistantships available to students after they complete the first year of the program. Teaching assistantships are granted on a course-by-course basis, and students may apply for more than one during their time in the program. Unlike traditional PhD programs, we do not offer formal research assistantships. Several faculty in the program have research grants, though, and do hire student assistants as part of their ongoing research projects. Students interested in pursuing this type of experience are encouraged to contact the faculty member they want to work with to determine availability.

 

I have completed graduate-level coursework. Do you have a transfer credit policy?

TRANSFER CREDIT POLICY

• Graduate Level: Only graduate-level courses are eligible for transfer credit. A graduate-level course is any course for which a student received graduate credit at their previous institution(s), including graduate-level courses taken as an undergraduate.
• Acceptable Grades: A grade of “B” or better is required in the graduate-level course to be eligible for transfer credit.
• Accreditation: Previous graduate work must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution.
• Deadline for Requesting Transfer Credit: Requests for review of transfer credit must be submitted by August 1 of the year the student plans to enroll in the Consortium.
• Maximum Credit Awarded: A maximum of eight (8) units per quarter may be transferred, for a total maximum of 24 units into the Psy.D. program.
• Transfer Unit Equivalencies: A student will be awarded the number of units equivalent to the transferred course at Palo Alto University, which operates on a quarter system. The transferred course must equal or exceed the number of units of the corresponding PsyD course. Multiple courses and their syllabi may be combined to meet eligibility for a Consortium course if the total units earned and content covered are determined equivalent.
• Time Limit for Transfer Credit: To be eligible for transfer credit, the course must have been completed within five years of the student’s matriculation at Palo Alto University.
• Transferable Courses: Only foundational courses are eligible to be met by approved transfer credit. Students applying for review of transfer coursework should indicate which course(s) they are applying to waive.
• Appeals and Exceptions: A student may appeal transfer credit decisions in writing to the Curriculum Committee. Appeals must be submitted within one week after the incoming student is notified of the outcome of their transfer credit application.

Please note:

• Because the PsyD program is billed on a flat-rate quarterly tuition schedule, transfer or waiver of units will not result in a reduced tuition rate.
• Due to the cohort model with required courses in each quarter, transfer credits will not shorten the time to completion of the program. However, students who are allowed to waive required coursework will have more time available for supplemental practica, research assistantships, paid employment, etc.