Antioch University Santa Barbara: Empowering Education for Social Change

Introduction

Antioch University Santa Barbara (AUSB) stands as a beacon of progressive education, deeply rooted in a 175-year legacy of fostering civic engagement and social justice. Founded in 1977, the Santa Barbara campus is part of the Antioch University system, which includes campuses in Keene, New Hampshire; Seattle, Washington; Los Angeles, California; and Yellow Springs, Ohio, also home to Antioch College. Antioch University Santa Barbara provides a transformative educational experience designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become ethical, community-minded leaders and agents of change.

A Legacy of Innovation and Social Justice

Antioch College was established in 1852 in Yellow Springs, Ohio, with Horace Mann, a prominent educator, social reformer, abolitionist, and key figure in the creation of the US public school system, serving as its first president. Mann's vision was to establish a nonsectarian, coeducational university that moved away from conventional grading systems. In 1863, Antioch demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity by approving a policy that prohibited the rejection of applicants based on race. The College began to expand out-of-state in 1963, creating a network of schools. Antioch has a long-standing commitment to helping students practice democracy, not merely study it.

Strategic Location and Partnerships

Since 2023, Antioch University Santa Barbara has been located on the campus of Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), forming a strategic public-private alliance. This partnership facilitates a smooth transfer path for community college students to pursue four-year degrees and advance into meaningful careers. The AUSB/SBCC connection enables local students to complete their bachelor’s degrees at AUSB in high-demand fields such as business and entrepreneurship or environmental studies. In Santa Barbara, where climate resilience, affordable housing, education equity, and community connectedness are paramount, Antioch University plays a vital role.

Academic Programs Designed for Social Impact

Antioch University Santa Barbara offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs tailored for students who view education as a tool for social change. Recognizing that many prospective graduate students must balance career, family, and civic commitments with academic responsibilities, course convenience and program flexibility are key considerations in program design.

Undergraduate Studies

Antioch’s undergraduate programs have a 50-year history of helping students complete bachelor’s degrees, advance their careers, and engage more deeply in their communities and fields of study. The School of Undergraduate Studies provides a diverse array of subjects, including:

Read also: AUNE's Innovative Approach

Addiction Studies
Business, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, & Management
Child Development & Education
Communication & Media
Creative Writing
Environmental and Urban Studies
Global & Social Justice Studies
Health Counseling & Psychology
Human Services Administration
Liberal Studies
Psychology
Queer Studies
Spiritual Studies

The curriculum is designed to be antiracist and inclusive, offering multiple ways for students to achieve their learning and educational goals. Students can attend classes at the Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Seattle campuses, or remotely from anywhere in the world, through classroom-based learning, live remote video conferencing, asynchronous online offerings, and hybrid options.

Graduate Studies: Clinical Psychology

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program, a flagship offering at AUSB, equips students with trauma-informed skills, multicultural awareness, and LGBTQ+ affirmative approaches. The program prepares students for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). To address the Central Coast’s need for bilingual and Latinx-informed therapists, the Clinical Psychology program offers a specialized concentration in Latinx mental health.

At AUNE, CFT programs prepare students to become socially proficient couples and family therapists by integrating the principles of social justice and diversity throughout all courses and clinical work.

STEAM Certificate Program

The STEAM Certificate Program trains educators in inquiry-driven, experiential pedagogy, and authentic assessment as tools for instruction and curriculum design.

Preparing Leaders for a Dynamic Future

Antioch University Santa Barbara is committed to developing leaders who can navigate complex challenges and contribute to a more just and equitable world. With Santa Barbara's tightly connected network of businesses, nonprofits, and civic leaders, the university offers an ideal environment for students to test and refine their skills in ethical, community-minded leadership in real time.

Read also: Notable Alumni of Antioch

Addressing Contemporary Needs

Ohio’s students are increasingly diverse, with the number of English Learners doubling over the past two decades. Antioch University Santa Barbara recognizes the importance of addressing these evolving demographic needs and preparing professionals to serve diverse populations effectively.

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