Los Angeles Pacific University Psychology Programs

Los Angeles Pacific University sits in San Dimas, California. This specialized institution excels in psychology programs while offering quality education. Students enjoy a close-knit learning environment at this not-for-profit college. The yearly tuition costs around $12,000, making it an affordable choice. Recent studies show the campus ranks highly for safety.

LAPU belongs to the Azusa Pacific University System and carries forward its tradition of academic excellence. The university caters specifically to busy adult learners through online education. Its roots go back to 1899, showing a 121-year-old legacy of educational commitment. The institution breathes new life into the Los Angeles Pacific name, which played a vital role in Azusa Pacific University’s history.

The university’s founding president, Dr. Reynolds, brought fresh ideas and leadership. His 16-year experience as CIO and Executive Vice President at Azusa Pacific University proved invaluable. Dr. Reynolds, who became President Emeritus in July 2025, brought extensive knowledge in computer science, information systems, and higher education.

The Western Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredits LAPU. This premier accrediting agency oversees educational institutions in the western United States. LAPU’s accreditation highlights its dedication to student learning outcomes, quality teaching, and thorough scholarship.

The university’s psychology programs stand out for their complete approach. Students in the Master of Arts in Psychology program learn theory, research, and practical applications. This broad educational experience opens up academic and professional opportunities. The 36-unit program prepares graduates for careers in industrial and organizational psychology, developmental psychology, or general psychology. Many students use it as a stepping stone to doctoral studies.

LAPU’s psychology department boasts faculty with impressive credentials. Many hold doctoral degrees from respected schools like Azusa Pacific University, Northcentral University, Regent University, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and Washington State University. Students learn from professionals with varied viewpoints and specializations in psychology.

Programs offered

Los Angeles Pacific University has psychology programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels that help students reach their educational and career goals.

The university’s Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology (BAAP) program gives students professional knowledge and practical skills in general psychology. Graduates can build careers in social services, government agencies, justice departments, and nonprofit organizations. BAAP students get a great chance to substitute up to three graduate-level classes (9-units) toward their bachelor’s degree requirements if they plan to apply for the Master’s in Psychology.

The foundation of LAPU’s psychology offerings is the Master of Arts in Psychology (MAP) program. This non-clinical, non-licensure track degree covers everything in the psychology profession. Students can complete this 36-credit program in 18-24 months, and it sets them up perfectly for doctoral studies. The program combines theory, research, and practice to expand students’ career and academic possibilities.

The Master’s program stands out by letting students choose from three specialized areas:

• General Psychology – Students get into psychological principles in various settings through psychoeducational training, intervention strategies, research, and human service management. They can work in mental health agencies, correctional facilities, or educational settings.
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology – This emphasis heads over to workplace applications through continuous improvement strategies, positive performance interventions, and values-based approaches in organizations. Students can build careers in human resources, training, marketing, organizational development, or become corporate researchers or consultants.
• Developmental Psychology – Students learn to handle issues people face from birth to death using cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and theological approaches. This prepares them for careers in education, social services, mental health, or nonprofit organizations.

The Master’s curriculum has core courses like Tests and Assessment, Social and Cultural Psychology, Professional and Ethical Issues, Research and Evaluation Methods, Literature Review Advanced Topic, and a Graduate Psychology Culminating Experience. On top of that, each emphasis needs 12 credits of specialized coursework.

LAPU’s psychology programs are a great choice if you want an education that blends psychology with Christian values. These programs provide theoretical foundations and practical applications that prepare you for immediate career entry or further academic studies.

Online options

LAPU’s psychology programs offer a flexible online format that creates a path for busy professionals to advance their education without disrupting their current commitments. Students can work at their own pace through various digital learning activities in the Master of Arts in Psychology program.

The university has created a detailed online learning environment where students learn through multiple digital channels. The course materials include online videos, interactive exercises, quizzes, and group conversations in online discussion forums. This approach keeps learning engaging even in a distance format.

We designed LAPU’s online psychology programs around an asynchronous learning approach. This method lets students:

• Get lectures, readings, and assignments at convenient times
• Study from anywhere in California or even outside the state
• Balance academic work with work and family responsibilities
• Complete coursework at their own pace

The self-paced program includes some real-time elements to improve the learning experience. Live sessions, webinars, and virtual discussions help students and faculty members connect and learn together. This balanced approach gives flexibility while keeping the collaborative benefits of traditional education.

Students can choose from six different start dates throughout the academic year. They can begin their studies when it works best for them instead of following traditional semester schedules. The curriculum adapts to meet students’ different needs and priorities.

The online psychology degree covers the same material as traditional programs. The core curriculum includes social psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, and cognitive psychology. Students can explore specialized areas like behavioral neuroscience or forensic psychology while enjoying the convenience of remote learning.

The online format works well for professionals in related fields or those changing careers. The biggest difference between LAPU’s online and traditional psychology programs is not content quality but delivery method. Online programs are available to students who cannot attend fixed campus classes.

Yes, it is LAPU’s way of making quality higher education available to adult learners with busy schedules and responsibilities. The program maintains academic excellence while giving students the flexibility they need.

Accreditation

Accreditation is the proof of academic credibility for higher education institutions. Los Angeles Pacific University has earned prestigious recognition from one of the most respected accrediting bodies in the western United States. LAPU’s full accreditation comes from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a premier agency that assesses educational institutions throughout the western region.

LAPU’s latest WSCUC accreditation action occurred on July 18, 2025. This action confirmed the institution’s compliance with all required standards. WSCUC’s full picture showed that LAPU meets or exceeds quality standards in all evaluated areas. LAPU’s current accreditation extends through 2035, giving students pursuing psychology degrees long-term stability and assurance.

WSCUC’s detailed accreditation process looks at many aspects of university operations. The agency focuses on student learning outcomes, quality teaching methods, and scholarly work among its accredited institutions. LAPU maintains this recognition through a rigorous evaluation process that has detailed proposals, documented results, site visits, and peer review.

Students researching Los Angeles Pacific University Psychology programs will find this accreditation status valuable. WSCUC accreditation confirms that LAPU’s degrees meet nationally recognized academic quality standards that employers, educational institutions, and licensing boards accept.

LAPU’s accreditation experience started with WSCUC Candidacy status. The university achieved its original accreditation in 2018, showing its dedication to high educational standards. Regular review cycles continue with upcoming evaluations scheduled for Fall 2026 (Interim Report) and Spring/Fall 2033 (Offsite Review and Accreditation Visit).

LAPU has also secured approval to train veterans under the Veterans’ Bill of Rights. This recognition expands educational opportunities for military service members and shows the university’s dedication to serving diverse student groups.

Students can get more information about LAPU’s accreditation by calling (626) 624-4673. They can also access key documents including LAPU’s latest WSCUC accreditation report, WSCUC action letter from original accreditation, and WSCUC site visit team report.

Admission Requirements

Los Angeles Pacific University’s Master of Arts in Psychology program has specific academic requirements for admission. Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The accrediting organization should have recognition from the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

The graduate psychology program at LAPU requires a minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Students need to submit official final transcripts that show completion of their bachelor’s degree. The university evaluates the most recent 30 graded semester credits or 45 quarter credits if your cumulative GPA falls below 3.0.

Students must complete STAT 280 with at least a C- grade or its equivalent before entering the Psychology Master’s program. This course is a prerequisite for PSYC 670. It’s worth mentioning that STAT 280 won’t count toward your graduate degree totals.

The university offers provisional admission to students who don’t meet the minimum GPA requirement. These students get full acceptance but must achieve good academic standing in their first semester. They need to maintain a 3.0 GPA or better, either cumulative or in their most recent semester.

Some applicants need to submit an admissions petition:

• Students previously dismissed from LAPU or other academic institutions
• Those with GPAs substantially below the 3.0 admission minimum

LAPU accepts applications throughout the year through its rolling admission process. Application submission for a specific term doesn’t guarantee admission for that start date.

The university stands firm on ethical admissions practices. Your application must contain truthful information. Students who provide false information face immediate dismissal at any point during their studies.

The final decision about admission stays with the university. LAPU can deny admission based on its policies and standards. Right now, international student admission applies only to those who come through formal partnerships with universities/organizations or qualify for U.S. federal student aid with a social security number.

Tuition

Money matters significantly in graduate education decisions. Los Angeles Pacific University’s Master of Arts in Psychology program costs $680.00 per credit for 36 credits. This brings the total program cost to about $24,480. The university’s documents mention an estimated major cost of $20,400. These costs may vary based on course selections.

Military members on active duty pay a lower rate of $612.00 per credit. This makes the program more affordable for service members. Students can take advantage of several discounts. Azusa Pacific University and Los Angeles Pacific University’s alumni get a 10% tuition reduction for Master’s degrees. The university extends this 10% discount to active duty personnel, veterans, and their spouses.

LAPU uses a term-based academic calendar. Some documents show a flat rate of $5,000 per academic year ($2,500 per term). Students need to plan for expenses beyond tuition. The Cost of Attendance (COA) includes books and supplies ($600 per 4-month term), food and housing ($10,112 per 4-month term), transportation ($150), personal expenses ($2,252), and loan fees ($72).

Off-campus graduate students can expect to pay around $17,266 for a 4-month term (2 sessions) or $34,532 for an 8-month term (4 sessions). Active duty military students receive different estimates that factor in their housing allowances.

Students should budget for additional one-time fees like the $75 graduation fee. LAPU offers full tuition refunds for courses dropped before noon PT on Friday of Week 1. Students who withdraw after this deadline receive no refund and get a “W” grade.

Financial aid options include federal grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, PLUS loans, private scholarships, and education loans.

Additional Information

Psychology students at Los Angeles Pacific University need to understand practical aspects beyond their academic work. The coursework includes sensitive topics about sexual history, abuse, neglect, psychological treatment, and interpersonal relationships. Students who find these topics challenging should reach out to their instructors or seek help from treatment providers.

LAPU tracks student success through two key metrics. The first metric looks at how many students continue from one session to the next. The second metric measures enrollment from year to year. Students get great support through their assigned success coaches who stay with them throughout their program.

Psychology graduates leave LAPU with several core skills. They learn to blend Christian faith with psychology practice and master key personal and professional ethics. The program teaches them to use technology for statistical analysis and helps them understand cultural and diversity issues. These skills open doors to careers in doctoral studies, government, education, private business, and healthcare sectors.

A current student shares their experience: “Enrolling at LAPU has truly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made… my professors and success coach have been invaluable in building my confidence. Now, just one semester away from completing my Bachelor’s in Psychology, I feel more confident than ever about pursuing my dream of becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist”.

LAPU takes pride in its alumni’s achievements. The university encourages graduates to share stories about how their education has shaped their life’s path.