Pacific Oaks College

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Pasadena, CA
Pacific Oaks College

www.pacificoaks.edu | We prepare passionate teachers & counselors to empower others, reduce bias and change attitudes.

Twitter | Instagram Pacific Oaks' campus is in Pasadena, Calif., and classes are also offered through our online campus. Founded more than 65 years ago by a small group of Quaker families, Pacific Oaks College is dedicated to the fundamental Quaker principles of inclusion, social justice, and the valuing of every human being. The institution is known and recognized for its pioneering efforts to reduce bias within our nation's education system, and for equipping graduates with the skills they need to help people from diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and strengths uncover and realize their unique individual potentials. Pacific Oaks is known for its progressive approach to learning—valuing real-world experiences as well as academic achievements. This philosophy is embodied through opportunities such as the Credit for Life Experience option, which allows students to gain academic credit for real-world experience acquired in the workplace. Students may earn up to 24 credits in this manner—credits which can be applied toward a bachelor's degree and count toward application for an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy or Human Development. Three basic concepts underlie the educational philosophy at Pacific Oaks:
•that every individual has a fundamental worth;
•that growth is a dynamic and life-long process;
•and that every individual has a unique identity and human potential. Pacific Oaks is accredited by the WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC), and has been since 1959.

02/27/2026

Social work is about showing up ethically, compassionately, and effectively. 🌿

Pacific Oaks College’s accredited BSW and MSW programs combine our long-standing commitment to social justice with hands-on learning opportunities in both urban and rural communities.

Our graduates are prepared to promote equity, strengthen systems of care, and improve quality of life as culturally intelligent agents of change.

02/26/2026

Education is an invitation to question, reflect, and act. Learning here empowers students to participate fully in shaping a more just and compassionate future. 🌿

02/25/2026

Rebuilding isn't just about building structures. It's about futures. 💚🌿

The LA Times featured Pacific Oaks College in their story on how Altadena is reimagining childcare in the wake of devastating fires—and we're honored to be part of this critical work.

Nearly $2 million in grants from Pacific Oaks and our partners has helped 43 childcare providers reopen, replace materials, pay staff, and keep families enrolled through tuition support. Because when childcare centers close, it's not just the educators who lose, but working families who depend on safe and stable care for their children.

Read the full LA Times story and see what's possible when education institutions step up to lead with purpose. 🌿
🔗 https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-02-24/altadena-pasadena-child-care-rebuilding-la-fires-eaton-fire

02/23/2026

Respect. Diversity. Social justice. Inclusion. 🌿

We were founded on progressive values that honor every individual’s dignity and lived experience. What began as an inclusive approach to early childhood education continues to guide our work across education, human development, cultural and family psychology, and organizational leadership.

These values are not just part of our history, they shape how we teach, learn, and show up for one another every day. 💚

02/20/2026

Healing happens in relationship. 💚

Marriage and Family Therapy focuses on helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with care and connection. At Pacific Oaks College, our MFT programs prepare students for licensure while centering cultural humility, ethics, and community-based practice.

Graduates leave equipped to support mental health and well-being across diverse communities.

02/16/2026

The power of community means being proud of where you came from. 🌱

Pacific Oaks alumnus Billy Truong was born in Vietnam and came to the U.S. as a refugee with his family. Growing up in Los Angeles, his early life was shaped by displacement, resilience, and the support of others.

At Pacific Oaks College, Billy found a learning environment that honored his lived experience. Through his studies in human development, he was able to reflect on his journey for the first time, and recognize how far he had come.

Since graduating, Billy uses his story to advocate for children experiencing homelessness, carrying forward the same respect and care he received at Pacific Oaks.

💚 This story is part of The Power of Community, highlighting how lived experience becomes a source of strength and change.

02/14/2026

At Pacific Oaks College, love shows up in meaningful ways.

It looks like creating spaces where people feel seen and respected. It looks like listening deeply, learning together, and showing up for one another, especially when it matters most.

This Valentine’s Day, we honor love not as a moment or a message, but as a practice rooted in kindness, justice, and care for our communities. Because when education is grounded in empathy and connection, it becomes a powerful force for healing and change. 💚

02/13/2026

Early Childhood Education is where curiosity begins. 🌿

At Pacific Oaks College, our Early Childhood Education programs are grounded in play-based, evidence-informed learning that supports the whole child, physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and linguistically.

From bachelor’s to doctoral degrees, our ECE programs prepare educators and leaders to shape learning environments where children thrive.

02/12/2026

At Pacific Oaks College, learning is a lifelong journey—one that evolves as students grow, reflect, and discover new ways to serve their communities. 🌱

02/09/2026

Now accepting applications for Spring II. 🌿

Classes begin March 2, with options available online and at our Pasadena campus.

Here at Pacific Oaks College, we meet you where you are—whether you’re returning to school, advancing your career, or pursuing a calling rooted in service and community. Our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way. 💚

🔗 Learn more and apply at pacificoaks.edu

02/06/2026

Education inspired by community. 🌍

Pacific Oaks College offers programs in:
Early Childhood Education | Education | Teacher Credentialing | Human Development | Business & Management | Marriage & Family Therapy | Psychology | Social Work

Study online, at our Pasadena campus, or through off-site locations that meet learners in their own communities and workplaces. Wherever you are, Pacific Oaks is here to support your journey. 💚

02/05/2026

Parents are partners in learning. 🌱

Research—and experience—shows that children thrive when families and educators work together. At Pacific Oaks College, we prepare future teachers to build strong, respectful relationships with families that support children’s growth both inside and outside the classroom.

🔗 Read more: https://www.pacificoaks.edu/voices/from-the-magazine/parents-are-partners-teacher-parent-collaboration-in-early-childhood-education/

Address

45 Eureka St
Pasadena, CA
91103

Website

https://www.pacificoaks.edu/admissions/contact-admissions/

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