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About Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University is a private, nonprofit university dedicated to advancing human understanding through innovative education, groundbreaking research, and impactful practice in behavioral science.

Founded in 1975 and located in the heart of Silicon Valley, PAU offers graduate and undergraduate programs in psychology, counseling, social work, and behavioral science, including the PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium with Stanford Medicine. Grounded in human dignity, PAU’s scholars, clinicians, educators, and learners share a single conviction: that understaning how people think, feel, behave, relate, heal, and make meaning is among the most essential work of our time.

Palo Alto University offers graduate, undergraduate, and continuing and professional education programs through online, hybrid, and residential learning modalities. PAU prepares the next generation of behavioral science leaders to understand the full complexity of human experience and to meet the defining challenges of our time. Our scholars conduct research that advances our understanding of people: how they think, feel, behave, relate, heal, and make meaning. PAU extends the reach of behavioral science through applied practice, community partnerships, and education that meet people where they are.

The History of PAU

PAU was founded in 1975 as the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (PGSP), an independent, professional school and re-incorporated as Palo Alto University in August 2009. Continuously accredited since 1986 by WASC, PAU’s Doctoral programs in psychology are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and its Master’s in counseling programs by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

PAU in the Community

PAU has many collaborative partnerships with community organizations and institutions, including Stanford School of Medicine, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other mental health care organizations.

PAU's teaching clinics deliver low-cost mental health services to the local community while also providing valuable, supervised training to PAU graduate students. In addition, PAU sponsors several academic research centers devoted to child mental health, evidence-based care for LGBTQ clients, excellence in diversity and community care, and internet-based global healthcare.

Serving professionals across 95 countries worldwide.

Number of years as leading institution in the field of psychology.

550

Explore 550+ continuing education programs across various specialties.

97%

Internships at APA accredited sites based on 95% average internship match rate over last six years (Doctoral Program).

2.6K+

2,675 continuing education hours fostering professional growth.

100

% APA match for PsyD program.

400+

Trusted by 404+ organizations internationally.

50K+

Over 50,000 students advancing careers through our programs.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Degree Type	Program Name	Traditional Classroom Offering	Hybrid Offering (Night/Weekend Classes)	Online Offering
Bachelor of Science (BS)	Psychology
Bachelor of Science (BS)	Business Psychology

Graduate Programs

Degree Type	Program Name	Traditional Classroom Offering	Hybrid Offering (Night/Weekend Classes)	Online Offering
Master of Arts (MA)	MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Master of Science (MS)	Master of Science in Psychology
Master of Social Work (MSW)	Master of Social Work
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)	PhD in Clinical Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)	PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)	PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium

Continuing & Professional Studies

Specialty	Online Offering
Child & Adolescent
Clinical
Counseling
Digital Mental Health
Forensic
Police & Public Safety
Certificates & Certifications

May

Admissions

Join Interim Director Dr. Blanca Pineda at 5:15 pm PST to explore PAU’s online MS in Psychology . This session featur...

Wed, May 27, 2026

05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST

Jun

Admissions

Meet PAU at our Admissions Info Session — learn about programs, application steps, and how to get started.

Wed, June 3, 2026

05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST

Jun

Admissions

Discover PAU’s Master of Social Work program. Meet with Program Director, Dr. Rose Wong, to learn about —curriculum, adm...

Wed, June 3, 2026

05:30 PM – 06:15 PM PST

Jun

Money Talks is a Financial Literacy Course for al...

Thu, June 4, 2026

12:00 PM – 01:00 PM PST

Zoom Link

Jun

Admissions

Register for our Bachelor's Live Information Session. Learn about transfer credits, admissions process, and career pathw...

Thu, June 4, 2026

03:30 PM – 04:15 PM PST

Jun

Admissions

Discover PAU’s Master of Social Work program. Meet with Program Director, Dr. Rose Wong, to learn about —curriculum, adm...

Wed, June 17, 2026

05:30 PM – 06:15 PM PST

Jun

Admissions

Discover PAU’s doctoral programs — PhD and PsyD pathways — connect with our admissions team in this live event.

Thu, June 18, 2026

05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST

Jul

Admissions

Discover PAU’s doctoral programs — PhD and PsyD pathways — connect with our admissions team in this live event.

Thu, July 9, 2026

05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST

PAU Welcomes Commencement Speaker, Jonah Paquette, PsyD

May 18, 2026

Join Palo Alto University in welcoming commencement speaker Jonah Paquette for the Class of 2026 ceremony as we celebrate resilience, purpose, and PAU’s 50th…

May 03, 2026

Dr. Blanca Pineda has spent her career bridging psychology and technology. Now she's leading PAU's newest user experience research track in the MS in…

May 03, 2026

Palo Alto University launches a User Experience Research track in its MS in Psychology program, preparing behavioral scientists for careers in user experience.

Hannah Bales with he fmaily in fornt of a decorated Christmas tree

March 18, 2026

Hannah Bales, LCSW, Field Director in Palo Alto University’s MSW program, brings deep clinical experience and a commitment to community-engaged field…

Marcos Apolonio stands with his daughter in San Francisco’s Castro District, smiling at the camera with rainbow pride flags flying above the Harvey Milk Plaza building in the background, photographed in March 2025.

March 18, 2026

Palo Alto University welcomes Dr. Marcos Apolonio, DSW, LCSW, as a new MSW Assistant Professor, bringing rich clinical, teaching, and cross‑cultural experience.

Winter Gathering Brings Employees Together

February 11, 2026

Faculty and staff gathered in person for a winter holiday celebration filled with food, activities, and shared moments that strengthened community at PAU.

PAU employees gather at Allen Calvin Campus

February 11, 2026

People Operations hosted a Cocoa & Cookies Meet and Greet at Wiesneiski Hall, bringing staff together to connect and share updates on supporting employees at…

PAU’s Commitment to Academic Freedom and Approach to Public Statements

February 10, 2026

Read Palo Alto University’s official statement on academic freedom and its thoughtful, mission-aligned approach to issuing institutional statements on national…

PaloA lto University staff enjoying the celebration

February 05, 2026

Palo Alto University launched the year with its All In Community Celebration, bringing faculty and staff together to connect, reflect, and align around shared…

January 13, 2026

PAU alumna Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh shares the research behind her Emergent Love Model, redefining how couples build intentional, lasting relationships worldwide.

January 13, 2026

PAU launches a new Clinical MSW program focused on culturally informed behavioral health practice, preparing graduates to meet California’s urgent workforce…

Co-Inquiry in the Age of AI: Rethinking Research Education at PAU

January 13, 2026

At PAU’s Provost Colloquium, Dr. Charlotte Beard explores how artificial intelligence can support ethical learning, critical thinking, and human-centered…

Chloe Corcoran stands in front of an audience speaking

January 08, 2026

Chloe Corcoran of Palo Alto University delivered the keynote at San Mateo County’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, centering compassion, accountability, and…

Board of Trustees Welcomes Four New Members

December 18, 2025

Palo Alto University has elected four new members to its Board of Trustees as it celebrates 50 years of advancing mental and behavioral health education.

A large, diverse group of people stands in a circle, smiling, cheering, and clapping around a central interaction. Several individuals wear conference badges, and the atmosphere is lively and celebratory.

November 21, 2025

Unified Student Orientation at Palo Alto University brought together incoming students from all programs for a day of connection, community-building, and…

A group of five Palo Alto University faculty, students, or alumni stand together smiling in front of a PAU research poster at an academic conference. They are wearing conference badges, and other attendees and poster sessions are visible in the background.

November 20, 2025

Palo Alto University faculty, students, and alumni showcased leadership, research, and community impact at ACES 2025 in Philadelphia.

A Writing Studio staff member engages with participants at an outdoor event, speaking with attendees and handing out materials, with others gathered nearby.

November 19, 2025

PAU’s Writing Studio launches a new Dissertation Boot Camp and expands programs that support doctoral students with structure, community, and expert guidance.

November 19, 2025

Palo Alto University renames its Center for Educational Excellence as the Maureen O’Connor Center for Teaching and Learning and establishes a new endowed fund.

Christie K. Chung smiles at the camera. She is wearing a bright pink blazer over a light top, standing with her arms crossed in a softly lit indoor space.

October 30, 2025

Palo Alto University welcomes Dr. Christie K. Chung as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, beginning January 2026.

October 24, 2025

After a successful career in journalism and brand communications in China, Maggie Tsai found a new calling in counseling at Palo Alto University. Her journey…

About Palo Alto University

Who We Are

The History of PAU

PAU in the Community

Excellence in Research, Education & Training

Academic Programs

Latest News

MS in Psychology Info Session

Meet PAU

Master of Social Work Info Session

Exit Counseling and Loan Repayment - Financial Literacy Course

Bachelor's Info Session

Master of Social Work Info Session

PsyD and PhD in Clinical Psychology Info Session

PsyD and PhD in Clinical Psychology Info Session

PAU Welcomes Commencement Speaker, Jonah Paquette, PsyD

Centering Human Experience in Technology: Dr. Blanca Pineda on Leading PAU’s New UXR Track

PAU Launches New UX Research Track in MS Psychology Program

Meet Hannah Bales, LCSW

Meet Dr. Marcos Apolonio

Winter Gathering Brings Employees Together

Cocoa, Cookies, and Connection: People Operations Brings Warmth to PAU

PAU’s Commitment to Academic Freedom and Approach to Public Statements

All In Together: Kicking Off 2026

Love by Design

Building a Culturally Informed Future for Behavioral Health

Co-Inquiry in the Age of AI: Rethinking Research Education at PAU

Honoring Lives, Uplifting Community: Chloe Corcoran Keynotes Transgender Day of Remembrance

Board of Trustees Welcomes Four New Members

Unified Student Orientation: Building Community, Inspiring Connection

Palo Alto University Showcases Leadership and Community at ACES 2025

Writing Studio Expands Support for Doctoral Writers

Palo Alto University Renames Center for Educational Excellence in Honor of President Emerita Maureen...

Palo Alto University Welcomes Dr. Christie K. Chung as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affai...

The Second Phase of My Life