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Department of Transformative Inquiry

Self-reflection, self-inquiry, and personal growth combined with rigorous academic inquiry and action in the world

In an era of increasing complexity with ever-multiplying challenges and opportunities, there is a critical need for wisdom and vision in a wide array of settings, from education and the environment to businesses and local communities. Our programs frame education as a creative, transdisciplinary process and integrate a focus on personal growth, action in the world, and explorations of the possible. 

CIIS’ Transformative Inquiry programs have been intentionally online since their inception. We believe asynchronous conversation fosters thoughtful interaction and deep learning, and provide opportunities for students with additional responsibilities to discover the education that works with their schedules. 

Round Table

Round Table for Creative Futures

CIIS Professor Alfonso Montuori and CIIS alumna Professor Gabrielle Donnelly were curious how to combat the despair and increasingly dystopian expectations of the future, and how creativity specifically could be used to inspire hope and action.

Our online Ph.D. in Transformative Studies focuses on the development of creative, transdisciplinary, leading-edge research in a context where academic research, self-inquiry, and global context are intimately related.

Our online master’s degree in Transformative Leadership is designed for students who have a passion for leadership in their personal lives and who want to make a difference in the world. They will work in a community of like-minded individuals to develop the skills and personal qualities needed to make their vision a reality.

Our Programs

Through rigorous academic study and deep personal inquiry, our programs provide the framework to envision, and engage in transformative change.

    Butterfly by Krzysztof Niewolny

    The M.A.

    M.A. in Transformative Leadership – This two-year, online master’s is a non-traditional degree program for creative, passionate, innovative leaders.

    Mountains and trees by Ricardo Gomez

    The Ph.D

    Ph.D. in Transformative Studies – We are committed to exploring leading-edge issues in innovative ways that combine scholarship, creativity, and self-inquiry.

    Butterfly by Krzysztof Niewolny
    Mountains and trees by Ricardo Gomez

    Our Upcoming Events

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    Our Department in Action

    Faculty News

    A new review of the Handbook for Creative Futures, edited by CIIS lecturer Dr. Gabrielle Donnelly and Professor Alfonso Montuori, celebrates its value as a guide to finding hope in hard times.

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