Program Overview
The mission of the Ph.D. in East-West Psychology at CIIS is to explore the convergence of Eastern, Western, and indigenous psychologies and spiritualities in the spirit of pluralism, dialogue, and integral inquiry. Our students engage in research subjects that explore the meaning of this convergence for a diverse and multicultural world.
We encourage students to build bridges between disciplines or fields of research (e.g., psychoanalysis and Buddhism), research methodologies (e.g., theoretical, phenomenological, narrative, and heuristic), approaches to knowledge e.g., (using first-, second-, and third-person standpoints), and epistemologies (e.g., Eastern contemplative and Western scientific).
East-West Psychology students contribute their expertise to the expansive field of integral philosophies through original research for their dissertation. Many students use their dissertation to contribute to growing bodies of research in areas such as mindfulness, somatic spirituality, eco-psychology, indigenous and earth-based wisdom, community-building, restorative justice, integral yoga, and nonordinary states of consciousness.
Teaching and Research Assistant Opportunities
East-West Psychology students are given opportunities to work as paid teaching and research assistants as and when available.
Possible responsibilities for teaching assistants include facilitation of experiential learning, teaching portions of a class, working with students outside the classroom on projects, providing feedback to the faculty member on student learning and perceptions, and reading student papers and giving feedback.
Research assistants assist faculty in specific research areas in tasks such as annotated bibliographies, scholarly networking, and maintaining scholarly databases.
The Systems View and East West Psychology: A Conversation with Fritjof Capra and Debashish Banerji
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Career Paths
In a world that increasingly demands an integral perspective, encompassing the personal, interpersonal, cultural, ecological, and spiritual dimensions of human existence, our graduates go on to apply their research in areas such as:
- University professors, college teachers, writers
- Consultants, workshop leaders
- Activists and community organizers
We also support students in envisioning creative applications of psychology in careers outside of clinical and academic settings including:
- Spiritual counseling and leadership
- Integral coaching
- Interreligious mediation
- Ecological activism
Questions? Contact us.
We are here to help! If you have any questions about applying to a program or registering for an Info Session, please reach out to the Admissions Office.
