Palo Alto University: Programs, Opportunities, and Impact in Behavioral Health

Palo Alto University (PAU), nestled in the San Francisco Bay Area, stands as a private, non-profit institution dedicated to advancing education and training in mental and behavioral health. With campus locations in Palo Alto and Mountain View, PAU offers a range of accredited programs, from bachelor's to doctoral levels, designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to make a significant difference in the lives of others.

A Wide Array of Academic Programs

PAU's academic structure is designed to accommodate students at various stages of their academic and professional journeys. The university's offerings encompass undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees, along with continuing education programs that enhance clinical, research, and practical skills.

Undergraduate Programs: Building a Foundation

The Undergraduate (UG) Program at PAU is tailored for transfer students aspiring to complete their bachelor's degrees in two years, with a focus on social action and psychology or the intersection of business and psychology. This program offers two Bachelor of Science degrees:

Business Psychology (BP) Program: This program aims to develop graduates who can apply psychological principles to solve real-world business challenges. Students explore how theories in psychology can be used to address issues such as employee motivation, sales, marketing, consumer behavior, and human resource management.
Psychology and Social Action (PSA) Program: Designed for students passionate about community advocacy and outreach, this program combines a core curriculum in psychology with coursework in anthropology, business, economics, philosophy, and sociology. Students also participate in a nine-month internship to gain practical experience.

PAU's bachelor's degree programs are specifically designed for students transferring from California Community Colleges or those with approximately two years of college experience. The university welcomes transfers from community colleges, as well as students from California State Universities (CSUs), University of California (UCs), and other universities nationwide.

All online classes incorporate weekly live videoconference sessions, enabling students to engage in real-time interactions with their professors and classmates. Performance is evaluated through various methods, and in the MS in Psychology program, independent third parties proctor exams.

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Master's Programs: Specialization and Advanced Training

Palo Alto University offers two master's degree programs:

M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling MFT/LPCC: This program is approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), ensuring rigorous standards of quality for both Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) areas of study.
M.S. in Psychology: Designed to prepare students for careers in teaching, research, and related business and nonprofit sectors, this program offers four specialized tracks, allowing students to tailor their coursework to align with their career aspirations. Students in the PhD Prep Concentration can apply to transition to PAU's PhD in Clinical Psychology program.

Doctoral Programs: Leadership and Research

PAU offers a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and participates in the PAU-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium program. These programs provide students with advanced training in clinical practice and research.

Continuing Education: Lifelong Learning for Professionals

PAU's Division of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) offers over 550 self-paced programs taught by renowned experts. These programs enable working mental health professionals to deepen their specialized knowledge and earn continuing education credits. With content curated by psychologist Dr. Patricia Zapf and an Advisory Board, the continuing education programs focus on developing skills, following best practices, and improving credibility.

Online Learning at PAU

Palo Alto University offers several programs in online formats, all of which include weekly live class sessions via videoconference. PAU utilizes the ZOOM video conferencing system to facilitate real-time interaction between professors and students. Students need a reliable computer and internet connection to participate in online classes and access course materials.

Preparing for a Career

Graduates of Palo Alto University programs are well-prepared for a variety of roles in the behavioral health field. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding necessary to succeed in their chosen careers.

Students in the BS in Psychology program are required to complete a six-month senior internship as part of their studies. Those interested in research can intern as research assistants with professors actively engaged in psychological research. Senior interns earn academic credit and work approximately eight hours per week at their internship sites, while also completing required senior course work. Internship sites may include community mental health centers, schools, community service agencies, nonprofit organizations, or similar settings.

Graduates of PAU's counseling programs will have internalized the roles, responsibilities, and relationships of a professional counselor, adhering to ethical and legal standards. They will be equipped to advocate for clients, addressing systemic barriers and promoting access, equity, and success.

A Supportive and Engaging Community

Palo Alto University fosters a supportive and inclusive community where students are encouraged to get involved and build meaningful connections. Students have access to various resources and opportunities to enhance their learning and professional development.

Experts in psychology and business disciplines are regularly invited to present talks, and PAU sponsors large-scale events and intimate gatherings, including a research forum, an annual gala, and lunch-and-learn networking sessions with industry professionals. These events provide opportunities for students to meet faculty and students outside of their specific programs.

Transfer Credit and Financial Aid

Palo Alto University's undergraduate programs accept transfer credit awarded for courses taken in the armed services, using the guidelines issued by the American Council on Education (ACE).

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As an accredited institution, PAU students are eligible to receive state, federal, and institutional aid, including grants and loans. Private scholarships are also available through PAU.

A Legacy of Excellence

Palo Alto University traces its roots back to 1975, when the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology was founded. Over the years, PAU has evolved and expanded its offerings, establishing itself as a leading institution in behavioral health education. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, PAU continues to shape the future of mental health care.

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