M.A. Program Requirements

Program Requirements

The master’s in East-West Psychology at CIIS is a two-year program offered in two formats, online and in-person. 

Our online program is 36 units and courses are taught both in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Students should be prepared to attend some classes in real time and engage in discussion forums through our online portal.

Our in-person program is 37.4 units. Students may take some courses online but 51% of courses must be attended in person. For some online courses students should be prepared to attend classes in real time.

All students have required coursework in psycho-spiritual practice, including eastern, western, indigenous, contemporary participatory spirituality, and socially engaged practices and service learning. 

Working closely with their advisors, students choose electives that support their research subject and are given the opportunity to specialize in one of the following areas: Asian Psychologies, Depth Psychology, Ecopsychology, Indigenous Traditions, Integral and Transpersonal Psychology, East-West Spiritual Counseling, Culture and Psychology, or Psychospiritual practice.

What is the nature of self and its relationship to all beings, the earth, and the cosmos? This course offers students an opportunity to deeply engage in an exploration of Jung's many insights into eco-psychology from a non-dual perspective. As part of this interdisciplinary exploration, depth/transpersonal dimensions of eco-psychology and the implications of applying non-dual understandings through different meditative practices and active imaginations will be explored. There will be a strong self-reflection and experiential component to the course.

This course explores the history and practice of Chan/Zen Buddhism in China and Japan through important life stories, teachings, and cultural manifestations (such as poetry, painting and landscape design) of the founding Patriarchs, masters, and artists. With origins in Indian yoga and Buddhism, Chan developed in China from around the 7th c. in close proximity to Daoist circles and later found fertile ground in Japan, where it became known as Zen. Similar to Dao, the concept and practice of Chan has been conducted through self-cultivation in traditions of intellectual thought and culture in both monastic and household literati settings. The course will trace the historical development of some of these traditions, continuing to contemporary times.

This course explores mystical traditions and contemplative practices in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Although these traditions were born in the "Middle East," they are often referred to as "Western" because of the profound influence they have had in the West. The course includes guest lecturers from each of the traditions and a Contemplative Practice Lab, where contemplative practices from each of these traditions are taught.