Department Overview
CIIS’ Transformative Inquiry department has been a pioneer in creative, transdisciplinary online education for over 25 years. Our pedagogy is centered on supporting highly individualized work in a diverse learning community facilitated by rich asynchronous conversations.
In an era of increasing complexity and ambiguity 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. We integrate a focus on personal growth, action in the world, and explorations of the possible. Coursework draws on a diverse range of sources, from academic research to the world’s wisdom traditions as well as personal experience.
Our graduates are trained for professional careers as both thought and action leaders who work in fields such as broadcasting, coaching, academia, and policy. Our faculty have a broad range of research interests, among them systems thinking as a catalyst for personal and social change, consciousness, education reform, creativity and improvisation, personal growth, leadership development, future studies, coaching, and spiritual intelligence.
Learn More About Our Programs
Our Approach
CIIS’ Transformative Inquiry programs have been intentionally online since their inception. We believe asynchronous conversation fosters thoughtful interaction and deep learning that is often superior to exchanges commonly found in face-to-face classes.
Following CIIS’ educational mission, our programs stress an integral perspective in which self-reflection, self-inquiry, and personal growth are combined with rigorous academic inquiry and action in the world.
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.
How to Apply
Application Open Dates
Apply for Spring 2023 starting September 15, 2022 - see a list of spring-admitting programs.
Apply for Fall 2023 starting November 15, 2022 - all programs accept fall applications.
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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.
