Make An Impact While Advancing Your Career With PAU’s APA-Accredited PhD In Clinical Psychology
97% of PAU Students Match with APA-Accredited Internships & Graduate Fully Prepared for Licensure, Clinical Leadership & Research-Driven Careers
Palo Alto University’s PhD in Clinical Psychology is a fully APA-accredited doctoral program designed for students who are committed to becoming impactful community leaders as licensed clinical psychologists, researchers, and academic leaders.
Grounded in the Practitioner-Scientist model, the program offers intensive clinical training, faculty-led research opportunities, and specialized emphasis areas in fields such as Neuropsychology, Forensic Psychology, LGBTQ+ Mental Health, and more.
"We have a culture here in the University of support among cohorts and students and even across different cohorts. That is something that also is very helpful. And I think that the university actively stimulates these types of spaces. Having a sense of community is one of the major assets that you get here at PAU.”
Why PAU?
➡️ APA Accreditation: Accredited since 1988 — meets all requirements for licensure nationwide. ➡️ Expert Faculty Mentorship: Learn from nationally recognized clinicians, researchers, and thought leaders. ➡️ Real Clinical Experience: Practica + 2,000-hour internship = real-world preparation. ➡️ Custom Emphasis Areas: Choose from 8 PhD tracks aligned with your career goals. ➡️ Scholarships & Financial Aid: Academic and Diversity Scholarships available; FAFSA encouraged. ➡️ Academic Advising: Get 1:1 advising from counselors dedicated to your success. ➡️ PhD Prep: Our MS in Psychology has a PhD Prep Concentration if you want to strengthen your academic foundation before applying for a PhD.
Real-World Impact After Graduation
➡️ 97% APA-accredited internship match rate
➡️ 90% placement in postdocs/residencies within 6 months
➡️ Graduates lead in hospitals, academia, nonprofits, and private practice
"Now I get to do such awesome research and work with children. I feel gratified to be contributing to the field in even small ways,"
➡️ Applications Open on PSYCAS this September for Fall 2026 Cohort
Thinking Ahead to a PhD? PAU’s MS in Psychology Can Help You Get There
Planning to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology but want to strengthen your academic foundation first? PAU’s MS in Psychology with PhD Prep Concentration gives you the structure, mentorship, and coursework to demonstrate doctoral readiness — and a potential bridge into PAU’s residential PhD program.*
Why Choose the MS in Psych PhD Prep Pathway?
Demonstrate Readiness Build a transcript and skillset aligned with PhD admissions standards.
1-Week On-Campus Residency Clinical Interviewing intensive for hands-on training.
Advising & Application Support Prepare for application to PAU’s PhD or other top programs.
*Note: Admission to the PhD in Clinical Psychology program is highly selective and not guaranteed. Students must meet all academic qualifications and receive an invitation to interview.
Discover More Graduate Psychology Programs at PAU
At Palo Alto University, we understand students arrive at different points in their academic journey. In addition to our MS in Psychology and our PhD in Clinical Psychology, we offer pathways to help you reach your personal and professional goals:
APA-accredited PhD program with a practitioner-scientist model & customizable tracks in Forensic, Neuropsychology, LGBTQ+ Psychology & more.
The PAU-Stanford PsyD Consortium offers rigorous, science-informed clinical training for students dedicated to delivering ethical, evidence-based psychological care.
Prepares students for licensure and certification with flexible online or hybrid study options.
Culturally focused clinical MSW with online classes, immersive residencies, & internship placements in California’s public behavioral health system.
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