About BAS
The School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences (BAS) comprises 15 programs within 6 departments.
The undergraduate departments include the:
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science
- Department of Leadership and Organizational Psychology
- Department of Social Work
The graduate departments include the:
- Department of Graduate Psychology
- Department of Leadership and Organizational Psychology
- Department of Higher Education
- Department of Physical Therapy
- Department of Social Work
Students pursuing careers in clinical psychology enroll in APU’s Department of Graduate Psychology for its unique environment that fosters invaluable self-discovery and promotes extensive practical experience. The psychology degree programs prepare students for licensure with the state of California and offer an interdisciplinary approach to the field of psychology.
Department of Leadership and Organizational Psychology and Department of Higher Education graduates earn key leadership roles in colleges and universities, churches, national and international mission and ministry organizations, government, business, health care, public service, and the nonprofit sector.
The Department of Physical Therapy graduates professionals with a solid generalist perspective of patient care in a variety of professional treatment settings and a strong foundation for post-professional specialization and lifelong learning.
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers courses that allow students to specialize in clinical practice with individuals and families as well as community practice and partnerships. Considered the most appropriate academic credential for advanced social work practice, the MSW degree is required for professional licensure in most states.
All programs within the school carry a distinctly Christian perspective that challenges students both intellectually and spiritually while remaining flexible and student oriented. Creative scheduling allows professionals engaged in evolving careers to enroll in graduate courses taught by highly qualified faculty, held both on APU’s Azusa campus and in regionally located community centers.
Professional Accreditation
APU’s School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences values the importance of developing programs of distinction and academic integrity. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Azusa Pacific University offers teacher education programs approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialling (CTC), authorizing elementary and secondary school teaching, and the National Council for the Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE).
Professional programs in the School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences have earned the following accreditations:
- The APU Psy.D. program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)* Commission on Accreditation. APA accreditation recognizes that the program meets the standards for quality programs in psychology as stated in the APA Guidelines and Principles for Accreditation of Programs in Professional Psychology.
- The DPT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- The BSW and the MSW program are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- The Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
*Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE, Washington, D.C., 20002-4242, (202) 336-5979.
