
Alliant International University took shape in 2001 through the merger of the California School of Professional Psychology and United States International University. The merger helps explain its present emphasis on professional education, particularly psychology, education, business, and fields connected to public service.
The California School of Professional Psychology was founded in 1969 to train psychologists. United States International University developed a broader range of academic programs and an international focus. Alliant retained elements of both institutions' identities, including the California School of Professional Psychology name within its academic organization. Applicants reviewing older records should be aware that a credential earned before the merger may carry a predecessor institution's name.
Alliant organizes much of its teaching around professional schools rather than a broad, traditional undergraduate college. Its academic offerings span psychology, education, business, forensic studies, and other career-oriented fields, with a substantial graduate and doctoral presence.
The California School of Professional Psychology offers programs associated with clinical psychology and related disciplines. Other academic units include the California School of Education, the California School of Forensic Studies, and a school focused on management and leadership. Representative areas of study include counseling, organizational psychology, teacher preparation, criminal justice, and business administration. Programs and degree levels differ by campus and online format; a degree appearing in an institution-wide directory is not necessarily taught in person in San Diego.
Applicants considering a licensed profession should examine the specific program, its campus or online format, required supervised experience, and the state in which they intend to practice. A university's ability to award a degree does not by itself establish eligibility for every professional license.
Alliant's San Diego campus is in San Diego, California, in the city's northeastern area rather than its downtown core. Alliant also operates at other California locations and offers online study, so prospective students should confirm where their particular courses and required in-person activities take place.
The San Diego setting can matter to students seeking placements in schools, clinics, businesses, or community organizations, although access to any particular placement depends on the program. Commuters should plan around San Diego's travel times and the scheduling of evening or weekend classes. San Diego International Airport serves the region, but it is not adjacent to campus.
Alliant states an educational mission centered on preparing students for professional practice and work across diverse communities. Its stated priorities include applied learning and the connection between academic study and practice.
Those priorities are consistent with its concentration of professional programs, but a mission statement describes an institution's aims, not a verified outcome for every student. A useful way to assess fit is to compare that stated approach with the curriculum, supervised training requirements, faculty expertise, and professional outcomes of the program under consideration. Alliant is a private university; applicants should evaluate its academic and professional policies at the program level rather than assume one institution-wide experience.
Name of the institution
Alliant UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1952Alliant University is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.