School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences

The School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences (BAS) comprises a wide range of programs across numerous departments:
- Department of Clinical Psychology: Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology
- Department of Criminal Justice: Criminal Justice Major, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (Bachelor’s Completion), Criminal Justice Minor (Professional)
- Department of Higher Education: Master of Science in College Counseling and Student Development, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Higher Education, Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Leadership, and the Doctoral-Level Certificate in Strengths-Oriented Higher Education
- Department of Kinesiology: Kinesiology Major (with concentrations in Health Professions and Applied Exercise Science), Adapted Physical Activity Minor, Master of Science in Physical Education (also online), Master of Arts in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential, Master of Arts in Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization, and Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization
- Department of Marriage and Family Therapy: Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), and the Substance Use Disorders Certificate
- Department of Physical Therapy: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rehabilitation and Movement Science, and the Physical Therapy Postprofessional Clinical Fellowship in Movement and Performance
- Department of Psychology: Psychology Majors (BA and BS), Psychology Minor, Alcohol and Drug Counseling Minor, Master of Science in Research Psychology and Data Analysis, Master of Science in Child Life (including Advanced Standing option), Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with Specialization in Children and Adolescents, Play Therapy Certificate, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Bachelor’s Completion), and minors in psychology and alcohol and drug counseling (professional)
- Department of Social Work: Social Work Major (BSW), Certificate of Distinction in Undergraduate Social Work Research, Master of Social Work (MSW), and the Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance Services
All programs within the school carry a distinctly Christian perspective that challenges students 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 and held on APU’s Azusa campus and at regional locations throughout Southern California.
Accreditation
All Azusa Pacific programs are accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, and professional programs in the School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences have earned the following specialized accreditations:
- The Master of Arts in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), which is transitioning to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- The PsyD program is accredited by the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA)1. APA accreditation recognizes that the program meets the standards for quality programs in psychology as stated in the APA’s 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 MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- The Pupil Personnel Service Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance Services, Master of Arts in Physical Education and Single Subject Teaching Credential, Master of Arts in Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization, and Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization programs are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
- 1
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First St., NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, (202) 336-5979.