About the Ph.D.

Program Overview

CIIS’ Integral and Transpersonal Psychology Ph.D. is one of the few programs in the world that offers an online Ph.D. in whole-person approaches to psychology. It is a research-oriented program dedicated to systematic knowledge-building and the advancement of transpersonal psychology.

Whole-person psychologies expand the horizons of conventional Western psychology to include mystical and spiritual experiences that transform human consciousness.

Our approach engages a comprehensive framework that includes the living systems of body, community, society, and the world as interconnected processes of evolution in a living, breathing cosmos. From this perspective, it becomes possible to ask new and compelling research questions that lie close to the heart of what it is to be human.

Students choose from three focus areas: Integral and Transpersonal Psychology, Consciousness Studies and Contemplative Neuroscience, and Somatic Studies.

Doctor of Philosophy in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology

At least two courses from electives offered within the Integral and Transpersonal Psychology Ph.D. program. Students may add up to two program-approved, doctoral-level courses from within other online doctoral programs at CIIS (East-West Psychology, Transformative Studies, Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness, Women's Spirituality). (12 units)

This focus area is designed to bring together consciousness studies, contemplative psychology, and neuroscience. Whole-person approaches bring to neuroscience the ability to ask new and thought-provoking questions that arise from the more holistic and systems perspectives of integral and transpersonal standpoints. The focus area will address issues of philosophical context through courses in consciousness studies that are offered within this program and other doctoral programs at CIIS. (12 units)

The focus area in Somatic Studies is designed for students with experience or strong interest in movement, potentially including martial arts, a bodywork practice, a specific movement or dance practice, an advanced sport practice, or a gyrotonic, Pilates, or other similar practice. Coursework will consider the worldwide burgeoning of embodiment literature beginning in the mid-20th century and rapidly growing into the present, as well as its relevance to consciousness studies. (12 units)