Phillips Graduate University (PGU), located in Chatsworth, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, was a private nonprofit graduate institution dedicated to practical, real-world education in psychology and management. Founded in 1971 as the California Family Study Center by Clinton E. Phillips, Ph.D., and David Jansen, D.Min., it built on pioneering work in family systems theory from the 1950s at the American Institute of Family Relations. The school evolved, renaming to Phillips Graduate Institute in 1992 and Phillips Graduate University in 2016. It offered doctoral programs in Business Administration, Psychology, and Organizational Management & Consulting, plus master's in family therapy, art therapy, and human relations.
PGU emphasized hands-on training through clinics and consortia, preparing thousands of graduates for leadership in counseling, therapy, and corporate roles. Enrollment peaked around 125 students, with a 20:80 male-female ratio and 100% acceptance rate, reflecting its specialized focus. In 2019, amid challenges, PGU transferred its flagship Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program to Campbellsville University's Los Angeles Education Center at the same Plummer Street site. Today, as of 2026, PGU operates as an alumni hub, but its legacy influences local higher ed. Jobs at Phillips Graduate University historically centered on this therapeutic and managerial niche, attracting professionals passionate about applied psychology.
Jobs at Phillips Graduate University revolved around its graduate-only curriculum, blending theory with clinical practice. Core programs included the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), Art Therapy, and Doctor of Organizational Management & Consulting. Faculty positions often involved teaching systems theory, family dynamics, and consulting skills, while admin roles supported clinics and research.
Typical openings encompassed tenure-track professors, adjunct lecturers, clinical supervisors, and directors of programs like the MFT Consortium. With LA's diverse population, roles emphasized multicultural competence. For broader context on university job types, PGU exemplified specialized graduate teaching positions. Explore lecturer jobs or professor jobs for parallels. Post-transfer, similar opportunities appear at the LA Education Center, focusing on MFT licensure in California.
Key terms for jobs at Phillips Graduate University include:
For faculty jobs at Phillips Graduate University, a PhD or PsyD in psychology, counseling, or a related field was essential for full-time roles. MFT faculty needed LMFT licensure in California, often with a master's minimum for adjuncts. Admin positions like program coordinators required at least a master's in human relations or education. These aligned with California's Board of Behavioral Sciences standards, ensuring graduates met licensure paths. Research doctorates were preferred for tenure-track, emphasizing applied dissertations over pure theory.
PGU's research emphasized practical applications: family therapy outcomes, art therapy efficacy, and organizational behavior. Expertise in evidence-based practices, like structural family therapy or trauma-informed care, was crucial. Faculty contributed to consortia studies on diverse LA populations, publishing in journals on multicultural counseling. Grants from therapy associations funded projects, prioritizing real-world impact over basic science.
Ideal candidates had 3-5 years of clinical practice, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and grant experience. Skills included curriculum design, student mentoring, and hybrid teaching—vital in PGU's small classes. Competencies like cultural humility, conflict resolution, and data analysis for program evaluation stood out. For admin, HR in higher ed or nonprofit management was key. Check research assistant tips adaptable here, or postdoc jobs for entry research paths.
The process for jobs at Phillips Graduate University started with an online portal or email submission: CV, cover letter highlighting PGU alignment, teaching statement, three references, and transcripts. Interviews included teaching demos and panels on ethics. Post-2019, apply via Campbellsville LAEC sites.
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PGU championed diversity through culturally responsive curricula, training therapists for LA's multicultural fabric. Initiatives included recruiting underrepresented faculty, scholarships for diverse students, and clinics serving immigrant families. As a nonprofit, it partnered with community orgs for equity in mental health access. Post-transfer, Campbellsville LAEC continues Christ-centered inclusivity, emphasizing cultural awareness in MFT.
In Chatsworth, PGU's campus offered intimate vibes: modern clinics, small cohorts (under 20/class), fostering mentorship. Work-life balance shone via flexible schedules—therapists balanced teaching/clinical hours—and LA perks like nearby hikes, beaches. Faculty enjoyed professional development sabbaticals, wellness programs amid SoCal sun. Events like consortium workshops built community, reducing isolation in grad ed. Proximity to Hollywood and Valley networks enriched networking without big-city grind.
By 2026, PGU's legacy endures via alumni leading in therapy. The 2019 MFT shift to Campbellsville expanded access, now offering cloud computing alongside therapy. No major 2025-2026 hiring news, but LA's demand for MFTs grows with mental health needs. Monitor higher education news for updates.
Jobs at Phillips Graduate University offered rewarding paths in therapy and management education. Though transitioned, skills transfer to higher ed jobs, university jobs, or LA roles. Polish your profile with higher ed career advice, post your resume, or post a job today.
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