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About Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University (PAU), a private, non-profit university located in the heart of Northern California’s Silicon Valley, is dedicated to addressing pressing and emerging issues and specializing in mental and behavioral health sciences to equitably meet the needs of today’s diverse communities.

Palo Alto University offers undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs with online, hybrid and residential options. An engaged faculty, who make significant contributions to their fields and thrive as mentors, prepare practitioners and students through rigorous educational programs, research and extensive hands-on clinical practice. When you put all of this together, PAU creates a legacy of confident, competent, and compassionate professionals who are at the forefront of mental and behavioral health sciences, making a difference in their communities.

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

Feb

Admissions

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

Thu, February 26, 2026

05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST

Feb

Community

Join APASA for a Lunar New Year Celebration next Friday, February 27th at 5-8pm on the MV campus! We’ll have delicious c...

Fri, February 27, 2026

05:00 PM – 08:00 PM PST

Mar

Admissions

Don’t miss this live, student-led panel discussion and information session. Hear directly from current doctoral stude...

Mon, March 2, 2026

05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST

Zoom Link

Mar

Admissions

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

Tue, March 3, 2026 – Thu, February 5

05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST

Mar

Admissions

This exclusive virtual event offers a comprehensive introduc...

Wed, March 4, 2026

05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST

Mar

Admissions

Thu, March 5, 2026

05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST

Mar

Admissions

This exclusive virtual event offers a comprehensive introduc...

Tue, March 10, 2026

05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST

Mar

Admissions

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

Wed, March 11, 2026

05:30 PM – 06:15 PM PST

Mar

Admissions

Discover PAU’s MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and MS in Psychology at this in-depth info-session. Learn more ab...

Thu, March 12, 2026

05:15 PM – 06:00 PM PST

Zoom Link

Mar

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

Thu, March 19, 2026

12:00 PM – 01:00 PM PST

Zoom Link

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…

Finding the Balance Between Pragmatism and Idealism

October 24, 2025

From defying convention in the 1970s to shaping inclusive training models today, Dr. Peter Goldblum’s legacy at Palo Alto University reflects a lifelong…

October 22, 2025

From first-generation student to U.S. Navy clinical psychologist and national LGBTQ health leader, Dr. Nick Grant (PhD ’15) credits Palo Alto University and…

September 09, 2025

Palo Alto University launched its 50th Anniversary year at Opening Day 2025, celebrating innovation, connection, and a shared vision for the future.

The Power of Giving: PAU Innovart Research Grant Propels Student Research Momentum

August 02, 2025

When Maggie Tsai enrolled in Palo Alto University’s Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, she was in the midst of a personal reinvention. A…

Community Message | President Dey's First Week at PAU

July 11, 2025

President Dey reflects on his first week at PAU, highlighting the welcoming community, design thinking-inspired empathy tour, and his commitment to the…

About Palo Alto University

Who We Are

The History of PAU

PAU in the Community

Excellence in Research, Education & Training

Academic Programs

Latest News

PsyD and PhD in Clinical Psychology Info Session

APASA: Lunar New Year Celebration - Join APASA for a Lunar New Year Celebration on Friday, February ...

PhD in Clinical Psychology Student Panel Discussion

Meet PAU

Meet the PhD Faculty and Clinic Directors

Bachelor's Information Session

Meet the PhD Faculty and Clinic Directors

Master in Social Work Info Session

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling & MS in Psychology Info Session

Saving and Investing on a Budget - Financial Literacy Course

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

Finding the Balance Between Pragmatism and Idealism

Build Your Own Adventure

Opening Day 2025: Launching PAU’s 50th Year with Innovation, Connection, and Design Thinking

The Power of Giving: PAU Innovart Research Grant Propels Student Research Momentum

Community Message | President Dey's First Week at PAU