Alliant History

On July 1, 2001, United States International University (USIU) and Alliant University/CSPP were joined to create a new university — Alliant International University. Here's a brief look at the earlier years of the two academic organizations that combined in Alliant International University.

California School of Professional Psychology

CSPP was founded in 1969 with help from the California Psychological Association. CSPP was the nation's first independent graduate school of professional psychology.

The founders' premise was that the health care needs of society required a psychology training program blending professionalism and science in new and creative ways. Now more than 30 schools of professional psychology follow CSPP's model.

In the early 1970s, CSPP awarded AA, BA, MA, and PhD degrees. The school offered majors in clinical psychology, community psychology, developmental psychology, child and family life, the clinical practice of psychotherapy and assessment, and community change and organizational development. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the school chose to offer study primarily in clinical psychology; at one point the only terminal degree offered was the PhD. In recent years, the university added programs in organizational studies, social and policy studies and education.

Students were admitted to the first campuses in San Francisco and Los Angeles in 1970. The San Diego campus was added in 1972 and the Fresno campus was founded in 1973. In 2000, CSPP changed its name to Alliant University. CSPP has trained over 6,000 professional psychologists, many of whom hold leadership positions in the field of mental health care in California and throughout the US.

United States International University

The university that became USIU was founded in 1952 as California Western University. Sitting on 90 acres in the Point Loma area of San Diego, Cal Western was a liberal arts college that emphasized small classes taught by highly qualified faculty. Many students received individualized instruction.

In 1965, the University received a Federal land grant for a new campus in the Scripps Ranch area of San Diego.

In 1967, the University's name was changed to United States International University to reflect its expanded commitment to a global perspective. In 1968, construction began on the Scripps Ranch. The property, previously the site of Camp Elliott, a Marine Corps training facility, is now the home of Alliant's largest campus.

USIU had campuses throughout the United States and the world, including such places as Hawaii, Colorado, France, Canada, Palau, England and Japan. USIU offered bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs and granted degrees in business, education, psychology, international relations, performing and visual arts, and a number of other disciplines. USIU has a worldwide network of more than 20,000 alumni/alumnae who hold prominent positions in varied fields.