Online or In-Person Classes | Palo Alto University

Follow your passion for advocacy or business with a degree in psychology.

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PAU understands that most of its students are juggling work, family and many other responsibilities.
Online and hybrid formats enable students to attend class when it's more convenient and keep their jobs while completing their degree.
Our courses are offered online (synchronously and asynchronously), with a full-time day program available once we can return to campus

Online Format

PAU's online format offers the flexibility of online course delivery. The format and schedule enable students to continue working while completing their degrees. There is no residency requirement. Courses are offered in both asynchronous and live, synchronous formats. Students generally complete three courses per term: one "live" course one evening each week via Zoom, and two asynchronous courses with no live class requirement. Instructors do offer regular video conference sessions as well. Please note that online students must be located in a state in which we are authorized to provide online education.

On-Campus (Day) Format

In this full-time program, students take four courses per term. Classes are scheduled on-campus between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday. The program is ideal for students seeking a more traditional college experience that includes lots of face-to-face interaction with professors and fellow students, and access to the resources of a college campus. Classes meet once a week, Monday through Thursday, for three hours (usually 8:30 am - 12 pm or 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm).

Comparing Formats

	On-Campus Psychology and Social Action	Online Psychology and Social Action	Online Business Psychology
Quarters per year	3 Fall, Winter and Spring	4 Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer	4 Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer
Classes per week	4	3	3
Classes per week on campus	4	0	0
Classes per week asynchronous online	0	2	2
Classes per week synchronous online	0	1	1
Class hours	Monday-Thursday 8 am - 4 pm	Synchronous evening and asynchronous	Synchronous evening and asynchronous
Location	On-Campus	Online using a combination of live video conference and asynchronous discussions with professors	Online using a combination of live video conference and asynchronous discussions with professors

Technology Requirements

PAU uses the ZOOM video conferencing system to foster real-time interaction among professors and students. To experience ZOOM, sign up for an online info session.Students will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection to participate in online classes and download course materials. Online students also need a headset with a microphone to join discussions. All PAU faculty teaching online courses receive training on best practices and instructional effectiveness for online courses.