How To Apply

Application Requirements

Applicants for both the PhD in Psychology, concentration in Integral Transpersonal Psychology and the PhD in Psychology, concentration in Somatic Psychology must have a master's degree from an accredited institution either in an area of the humanities such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, or education, or in a field that is directly related to their proposed area of dissertation study.

Prospective students will need to submit the following materials:

Online Admissions Application: Begin the application process by submitting an online application and paying the non-refundable $65 application fee. 

Degree Requirement: A bachelor’s and master’s degree (M.A., M.S., or the equivalent) from an accredited college or university.

Minimum GPA: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous coursework is required. However, a GPA below 3.0 does not automatically disqualify an applicant and CIIS will consider a prospective student whose GPA is between 2.0 and 3.0. These individuals are required to submit a GPA Statement and are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions to discuss their options.

Transcripts: Official transcripts from all accredited academic institutions attended where seven or more credits have been earned. If transcripts are being mailed to CIIS, they must arrive in their official, sealed envelopes. Transcripts from institutions outside the US or Canada require a foreign credit evaluation through World Education Services (WES) or CIIS will also accept foreign credential evaluations that are in a comprehensive course-by-course format from the current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Two Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation will be accepted from academic advisors, professors, professional supervisors, or someone able to attest to your ability to undertake the work required for your program. Recommenders should use standard business format and include full contact information-name, email, phone number, and mailing address.

Academic Writing Sample: A writing sample of eight-to-ten pages (typed, double-spaced) that demonstrates your capacity to think critically and reflectively and demonstrates graduate level writing abilities. A sample that uses outside sources must include proper citations. You may submit copies of previous work, such as a recent academic paper, article, or report that reflects scholarly abilities.

Autobiographical Statement: A four-to-six page (typed, double-spaced) introspective autobiographical statement discussing your values, emotional and spiritual insights, aspirations, and life experiences that have led to your decision to apply. 

Goal Statement: A one-to-three page (typed, double-spaced) statement of your educational and professional objectives. Include how you will use the resources of the curriculum to advance your chosen inquiry.

Resume/CV 

Resume - note to concentraion in Somatic Psychology applicants: concentration in Somatic Psychology applicants must have a substantial background in one or more practices for accessing bodily experience, as well as experience working professionally in the field of somatics/somatic psychology.  Make sure to show diverse somatic trainings and workshops that apply to professional practice in your resume. 

Background Outline (concentraion in Somatic Psychology): concentration in Somatic Psychology applications must include a statement detailing professional and personal experience with somatic practices such as Biosynthesis, Bodynamics, Hakomi, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Authentic Movement, Body-Mind Centering, Craniosacral Therapy, Continuum, Feldenkrais, hatha yoga, massage, Rolfing, and other similar disciplines. 

Candidate Selection

Successful candidates for admission into the PhD in Psychology, concentration in Integral Transpersonal Psychology programs typically have the following qualifications:

• A vision that is compatible with the program's mission
• A path of personal growth and/or spiritual growth
• Sufficient maturity and stability to pursue independent self-inquiry and sustained research
• Competence in communication and dialogical skills
• Demonstration of respect for a diversity of viewpoints
• An openness to multiple ways of knowing and whole-person learning
• The ability to clearly articulate educational, professional, and research goals
• Outstanding scholarly writing skills
• A prospective specialization that is consonant with the program's mission and faculty expertise