Graduate Admissions | Palo Alto University

Receive a Graduate Degree From A University At The Forefront of Psychology and Counseling

Which graduate program is right for you?

All programs focus on social justice issues, cultural humility and service to a diverse client population.

Counseling or Psychology? Different Path to Helping Professions at Palo Alto University

Watch Video To Learn More!

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Counselor or Therapist? Request More Information About Our Degrees 5 Psychology Degrees, 20 In-Demand Career Fields

No GRE Required.

General inquiries email admissions@paloaltou.edu or call 650-417-2039.

Counseling and Psychology Graduate Programs

Hero Student Header Image for Palo Alto University

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

PAU's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers training for those who wish to pursue careers as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

MS in Psychology

Our Master of Science in Psychology program is suitable for the student seeking a career in education or research or who plans to pursue a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed for professionals already working in social or behavioral health services who wish to advance their careers. Recent college graduates seeking a career in clinical social work should also apply.

PhD in Clinical Psychology

The PhD in Clinical Psychology program at PAU involves diverse curricula developed specifically for those who seek clinical careers in a specialized field of psychology.

PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

In this program, you will be part of the next generation of leaders moving the counseling profession forward by training new counselors and supervisors, researching effective clinical interventions, and providing influential leadership in organizations.

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Our PGSP - Stanford PsyD Consortium offers students an educational foundation for a career as a practitioner.

Note: PAU would like to announce the closing of the Joint JD/PhD Program in Psychology and the Law with Golden Gate University Law School. The Joint Program has produced some of the best JD/PhD students in the country. This program is no longer being offered at this time.

Academic Programs

Program	Required Entry Degree	Length	Delivery
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	Bachelor’s Degree	9 or 11 quarters, depending on track	Hybrid: Palo Alto, Mountain View, and online Online: 100% live remote classes with two required in-person residencies
MS in Psychology PhD Prep Concentration Generalist Concentration Forensic Psychology Concentration Tech and Mental Health Concentration	Bachelor’s Degree	6 or 7 quarters, depending on concentration	Online Students in the PhD Prep Concentration have one required in-person residency
Master of Social Work (MSW)	Bachelor's Degree	Complete 88 units over 8 quarters	Online Students attend synchronous online classes and several 3-day immersion residencies each year
PhD in Clinical Psychology	Bachelor's Degree	5 years	Palo Alto & Mountain View
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision	Bachelor's Degree	11 quarters (including summers)	Online Palo Alto & Mountain View
PsyD PGSP-Stanford Consortium	Bachelor's Degree	5 years	Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Stanford

Office of Admissions and Outreach

Palo Alto University’s Office of Admissions and Outreach is eager to answer all your admissions questions and connect you with helpful resources as you embark on your application process.
Please direct all general inquiries to admissions@paloaltou.edu, or you can call 650-417-2039.
Due to our remote work, our phone line is not staffed live. Please leave us a message, and we will return your call shortly.

Email Admissions