Fielding Graduate University

Fielding Graduate University is a private, nonprofit graduate institution based in Santa Barbara, California. Founded in 1974, it specializes in master’s and doctoral education for working professionals, with a strong focus on psychology, leadership studies, education, and human development. The university is known for pioneering a distributed learning model that combines online coursework with in-person residencies, designed to serve mid-career adults seeking advanced degrees without relocating. Fielding Graduate University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, and its Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Its programs attract experienced professionals interested in applied research, organizational leadership, and community-based practice.

Fielding Graduate University was founded in March 1974 in Santa Barbara, California, by Frederic M. Hudson, Hallock Hoffman, and Renata Tesch. Originally established as The Fielding Institute, the institution was created to serve mid-career professionals seeking advanced graduate education through a learner-centered model. Frederic M. Hudson became the first president in 1974 and helped shape the university’s distributed learning approach, combining distance education with in-person sessions. In the mid-1970s, Fielding launched its clinical psychology program, which later earned accreditation from the American Psychological Association. Over time, the institution expanded its offerings to include doctoral programs in leadership, education, and human development. The school was later renamed Fielding Graduate University to reflect its broader academic scope. Today, Fielding Graduate University continues to operate from Santa Barbara while delivering graduate education globally through its hybrid, distributed format.