Undergraduate Degree
Earn a Bachelor's Degree With Our Psychology Undergraduate Programs
At Palo Alto University, we know that learning is a journey. We meet you where you are to help achieve your career goals on your terms. Our undergraduate degree programs are designed for transfer students interested in the intersections of psychology and other disciplines. You can complete the program in just two years with both online and on-campus experiences available, including day and evening classes.
No letters of recommendation or application fee are required.
General Education
College Transfer Made Easy
PAU's application process is designed with busy students in mind. No letters of recommendation or application fee are required. Students should plan to complete most of their general education requirements prior to enrolling at PAU.
Learn how your credits will transfer before you apply.
BS in Psychology and Social Action
This program is ideal for students with a passion for community advocacy and outreach. The curriculum includes classes in psychology, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, and economics, and students complete a nine-month internship to gain real-world experiences. Graduates can find roles at nonprofits and community agencies or prepare for graduate programs in psychology.
Learn MoreBS in Business Psychology
This program combines strategic business practices with the study of psychology and social sciences. Students will develop a keen understanding of human behavior, motivation, and group processes, and learn how to apply that knowledge in a professional setting. Graduates will prepare for careers in sales and marketing, human resources, and management.
Learn MoreFive Reasons to Make PAU Your Transfer Choice
- Affordable & Accredited — Flexible & Fast
- 80% Graduation Rate (Compared to 60% National Average)
- Transfer Pathways: Community College
- 45-year Legacy of Psychology Education and 15-year Legacy of Online Education
- Psychology Majors with 21st Century Relevance
Versatile degrees that incorporate many different fields of study, a bachelor's in psychology can serve as a valuable foundation for a wide variety of career paths. Graduates may go on to work in roles related to psychology, or they may pursue careers in other areas, including business, law, or education.
Undergraduate Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a BS (Bachelor of Science) and a BA (Bachelor of Arts) degree?
Palo Alto University (PAU) only offers Bachelor of Science degrees. A Bachelor of Science degree focuses more on science and mathematics courses and is opportune for achieving a psychology degree. A Bachelor of Arts degree, on the other hand, deals with more liberal arts courses and requires people to take courses not necessary for achieving a psychology degree, such as foreign language courses.
How long will it take to get my BS (Bachelor of Science) degree at Palo Alto University?
All of the undergraduate programs at Palo Alto University are designed as bachelor completion programs. This means that students complete a focused two-year program. The curriculum is carefully arranged so that students are able to build a strong knowledge base as they progress through the sequence.
What is the difference between the undergraduate "day programs" and the "hybrid programs"?
Palo Alto University offers programs that fit a variety of schedules. The undergraduate day programs are a more classic approach to college, with classes held weekdays in the mornings and early afternoons. For those with work, family, or other commitments, PAU offers an online program. This programs are structured such that students take most of their classes online, asynchoronously, with only one "live" class in the evenings once a week, per quarter. Both programs are a two years long, however day students do not take summer courses.
How often does Palo Alto University accept students?
Students are accepted once a year for the fall term. This is allows the various programs to keep a cohort structure and tuition stabilization. PAU has a rolling admissions policy for accepting applications, and students may apply online at any time throughout the year. There is no application fee.
What is rolling admissions?
PAU maintains rolling admissions when dealing with undergraduate applications. This means that applications are accepted throughout the year until the cohorts are full. As qualified applications are received, students are notified of their acceptance status quickly and efficiently. This allows students to apply early, plan ahead, and prepare for their educational plans.
What is a cohort?
The undergraduate programs are structured in cohort systems. Entering a cohort will mean that students take classes with the same people throughout their two years in the PAU programs. This allows students to get to know their peers personally, and helps create a strong network of friends and professional connections. The cohort system enhances a student's academic experiences by creating an environment that is more conducive to collaborative learning.
What is tuition stabilization?
PAU's tuition stabilization policy ensures that tuition is predictable over the course of a student's academic program.
What are the requirements to transfer into the undergraduate programs?
Transferring into PAU's undergrad programs is easy and convenient. Students are required to have completed 84 units of transferrable credit, plus an Introduction to Psychology course. Transfers from community colleges are welcome, as are students from CSUs, UCs, and other universities from around the country. Contact PAU's admissions office today to obtain more information and to meet with an admissions counselors and go over program options:
Are there scholarships and financial aid available?
Yes! Since PAU is an accredit institution, students are eligible to receive state, federal and institutional aid. This gives students both grant and loan options when paying for school. Private scholarships are also available through PAU. Check with the financial aid office for details and deadlines.
What options are there for students to get involved in extra curricular activities?
There are many options for students to get involved in social, service learning, and academic activities.
Future International Students
Palo Alto University offers Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Social Action and Business Psychology. These programs are uniquely designed for students transferring from a California Community College or those who have completed approximately two years of college and now wish to major in psychology. Accredited by the WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC), the Psychology and Social Action program is offered in online and day formats, while the Business Psychology program is offered online, adapting to the different educational needs of our students.
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