Master’s Degree Programs
Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Master of Art (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program prepares students to serve their communities as licensed mental health professionals. This Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree can expand career options or retool a career in a profession that makes a difference to the community. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is CACREP accredited.
California graduates of this program can pursue both the Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licenses. Graduates living in other states can pursue similar licenses (see your state's licensure board regulations for qualifying degree requirements).
With residential hybrid (on-campus) and distance learning (online) options with on-ground residencies and evening class scheduling, the program offers flexibility to students who want to pursue graduate studies without needing to relocate if they are located in states where PAU is authorized to offer online educational programs.
Master of Science Degree in Psychology
The Master of Science (MS) in Psychology is an online program that serves two purposes: 1) as a PhD prep program designed to prepare students for PhD studies in clinical psychology at PAU or another institution, or 2) as a terminal degree designed for those interested in research, education, forensics, technology, or government. An MS degree in Psychology supports career advancement in fields that require social science research capability and an understanding of human behavior. The four program concentrations are:
- PhD Prep Concentration (47 units)
- Generalist Concentration (37.5 units)
- Forensic Psychology Concentration (37.5 units)
- Technology and Mental Health Concentration (39.5 units)
All coursework is delivered online and can be completed evenings and weekends, giving students the opportunity to work while enrolled.
Most of the coursework is didactic in nature and does not include an applied clinical component. Thus, the specific degree associated with the program is an MS in Psychology, not clinical psychology, even though some of the curriculum is relevant to clinical psychology.
Students in the PhD preparatory concentration will also take a clinical interviewing course in Palo Alto campus in person during one intensive week in the winter quarter of the second year.
Master of Social Work
The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree prepares students for culturally informed behavioral health practice and licensure as clinical social workers with the purpose of serving the diverse populations of the state of California, especially those receiving care in the publicly funded behavioral health system. This degree can expand career options for individuals already working in human services or open a new career path.
The MSW program fulfills the state of California’s educational requirements for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential. Graduates can pursue the LCSW in California as well as similar licenses in other states (see the state's licensure board regulations for qualifying degree requirements).
The program uses a hybrid delivery format that combines online classes, immersion residencies, and in-person internships. With online classes scheduled on weekdays in late afternoons and evenings and occasional Saturdays, Friday through Sunday (in-person) immersion residences held three times per year, and the possibility of employment-based internships, the program offers flexibility to students who work part-time or full-time. The program can be completed in 24 months. It can be completed in 15 months for Advanced Standing students who hold a baccalaureate social work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).