Message from the Dean

The School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences (BAS) at Azusa Pacific University prepares leaders in the helping disciplines.

BAS comprises a high-quality faculty, comprehensive curricula, and a cohesive learning community. We integrate scholarship and service with a faith perspective that deepens the disciplines. Our programs provide the education and experience you need to make a significant difference in our world.

The Department of Criminal Justice fosters an environment of inquiry, innovation, and lifelong learning for students of criminal justice, who recognize, critically examine, and solve social problems related to crime and criminal behavior.

The Department of Kinesiology prepares competent, compassionate professionals in the fields of physical education, athletic training, and exercise science.

The Department of Higher Education programs focus on preparing values-driven scholars and leaders to have a positive impact on student learning and social justice in higher education.

The Department of Leadership and Organizational Psychology prepares graduates for 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 produces professionals with a solid generalist perspective of patient care in a variety of professional treatment settings, and a strong foundation for postprofessional specialization and lifelong learning.

The Department of Psychology, the Department of Clinical Psychology, and the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy equip students for careers as therapists, counselors, psychologists, and researchers who study human behavior and help people effectively deal with the challenges of life. Also, the clinical psychology and marriage and family therapy programs prepare students for licensure with the state of California.

The Department of Social Work equips students to help advance Christ’s call for social and economic justice and individual well-being in settings such as foster care facilities, counseling centers, hospitals, schools, and other helping agencies that advocate for vulnerable populations and advance social justice.

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.

The selection of a degree program greatly impacts your personal and professional development. We invite you to get to know us—visit our campus, tour our facilities, attend a class session, meet with a faculty member—as you make your decision. We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Deshonna Collier-Goubil, PhD, ABPP
Interim Dean, School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences