About the School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences
The School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences (BAS) comprises eight programs within five departments.
The graduate departments include the:
- Department of Graduate Psychology (Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy; Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology: Family Psychology–Psy.D.)
- Department of Higher Education and Organizational Leadership (Master of Education in College Student Affairs, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership: Operation Impact, Master of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Studies, Doctor of Education in Higher Education–Ph.D., Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership–Ed.D.)
- Master of Science in Human Physiology, Department of Physical Therapy (Doctor of Physical Therapy–DPT)
- Department of Social Work (Master of Social Work)
The undergraduate departments include the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, the Department of Higher Education and Organizational Leadership and the 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.
The Department of Higher Education and Organizational Leadership 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.
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).
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)* Committee 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 is 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.
