Pacific Oaks College
Pacific Oaks College is a nonprofit, regionally accredited higher education institution established in 1958. Pacific Oaks offers bachelor’s completion and master’s programs designed to meet the needs of California-based and online learners. They strive to create an environment where students’ unique perspectives and experiences can inform their own and each other’s educational journeys.
Pacific Oaks College is home to graduate and undergraduate programs in a variety of fields, like Human Development, Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Education, Teacher Credentialing, and Organizational Leadership. The college is particularly known for their Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs, which are well-regarded both in California and nationwide.
Pacific Oaks practices a progressive approach to teaching and learning, where everyone in the classroom acts as both student and teacher. Learners hone their knowledge by connecting subjects to their own experiences, and sharing what they know with classmates and instructors.
Study at one of two California campuses: Pacific Oaks College Pasadena and Pacific Oaks College San Jose. The college also has remote cohort locations and instructional sites throughout Northern and Southern California, serving the needs of students who live farther afield. Finally, many programs are available in an online format designed to fit your busy life.
Pacific Oaks College online programs are designed for students with diverse scheduling needs and learning styles. Learners pursue their studies through Canvas, an interactive distance-learning tool through which they can access instructors and course materials. Classes are usually offered in seven-week sessions. Online programs are available in several areas, including Early Childhood Education, Education, Human Development, and Organizational Leadership.
Planning to study Early Childhood Education? Pacific Oaks Children’s School may offer graduate, undergraduate, and teacher credentialing students the chance to work with children in this pioneering children’s education center. The Children’s School focuses on providing anti-bias education, peaceful conflict resolution, and the latest in learning and exploration. Pacific Oaks College students might have the opportunity to volunteer or complete a portion of their educational preparation at the Children’s School.
Pacific Oaks recognizes that students may have learned theories and concepts during the course of their life and work experiences – not just in the classroom. Students who have at least five years of relevant work experience might be able to earn a maximum of 24 to 30 credit hours toward a degree, depending on the program. Students interested in having their prior learning considered for potential credit must participate in a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Portfolio Review process.
Student services and resources at Pacific Oaks College are designed to serve the needs of each individual, whether you are pursuing your degree online, on campus, or at an off-site location. The Center for Academic Advising helps students discover and clarify their educational goals, so they can develop a plan that works for them. The Center for Achievement, Resources, and Enrichment (CARE) can provide learning assistance and support, helping students overcome academic challenges. And Career Services offers advising, assistance in writing a resume, job search tools, and more. These and other resources help students make the most of their time at Pacific Oaks.
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Pacific Oaks College’s mission is to prepare students to be culturally intelligent agents of change serving diverse communities in the fields of human development, education, and related family studies. The college emphasizes four core values: respect, diversity, social justice, and inclusion.
Pacific Oaks takes a holistic approach to admissions, which means they weigh students’ life and work experience in addition to their academic backgrounds. The college accepts applications year-round, offering three start dates for campus-based students and six start dates for online students. Candidates may apply online.
Special Learning Opportunities: Undergrad Distance, Grad Distance
Credit Accepted: Credit for life experiences, Credit For Military, Advanced placement(AP) credits
Carnegie Classification: Other special-focus institutions
Religious Affiliation: Not applicable
There are 102 full-time
240 Part-time instructional faculty
Study Abroad Services
Weekend Evening College Services
Academic Career Counseling Services
Library Services
Students of Pacific Oaks College may apply for Federal Financial Aid by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). For eligible graduate students, potential funding sources may include Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford and Graduate PLUS Loans.
Receiving Pell Grants
Receiving Grant or Scholarship Aid
Receiving Student Loans
Pacific Oaks College is accredited by the WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC), a regional accrediting agency serving public and private higher education institutions throughout California, Hawaii, and the Pacific. Some individual programs at Pacific Oaks College may have other accreditations or approvals.
Degree programs that may be pursued at Pacific Oaks College include master’s programs, teacher credentialing programs, and bachelor’s degree completion programs. Master of Arts programs are available in Education, Early Childhood Education, Human Development, Marriage & Family Therapy, Organizational Leadership & Change, and Advocacy & Social Justice.
Pacific Oaks College Program Highlights: M.A. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Discover how to make a different in the lives of young children as you pursue your Master’s in Early Childhood Education degree from Pacific Oaks College. Students explore educational trends, theory, and research-based practices as they as they prepare to pursue work with children and families.
Choose Your Format: Students may opt to study online or at the Pasadena campus. And depending on your lifestyle and goals, you could choose to pursue your M.A. part time or full time.
Trauma Studies Specialization: The Trauma Studies program is a unique track designed to help you work with a particularly vulnerable population. Coursework in this specialization focuses on providing guidance and support to children who have experienced traumatic events such as abuse, assault, immigration, and violence.
Immersive Learning: Students may have the chance to pursue real-world experiences working with kids, families, and educational administrators.
Study with the Experts: Pacific Oaks College has a history of being influential in the field of Early Childhood Education. They launched one of the nation’s first Head Start training programs in 1964. And, their transformative approach to early childhood education is grounded in theory, research, and cultural competencies.
Program Filters
Browse our directory of sponsored listings for graduate programs at Pacific Oaks College. Ready to take the next step? Request information to learn more about what Pacific Oaks College has to offer.
Institution Programs
Through the African-American Family Studies program, students explore mental health theory and practice from a deeply culture-centered perspective. more >
The only master's program of its kind in California, the Latina/Latino Family Studies program equips graduates with broad preparation in marriage and family therapy as well as a special educational emphasis on the diverse mental health ne more >
Our Master of Arts in Education prepares students to take the next step in their professional journey by combining advanced study in Education theory and practice with the academic requirements for the California Multiple Subject English Learner (M more >
