
PhD in
Ph.D. in East-West Psychology
California Institute of Integral Studies

Key Information
Campus location
California, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
4 - 7 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
Request info
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Request info
* 1st Priority deadline: Submit by February 15th at 11:59pm PT for guaranteed review. After this date, some programs may be full and only interview for waitlist spots or not be able to further review applications.
Introduction
The mission of the PhD in East-West Psychology at CIIS is to explore the convergence of Eastern, Western, and Indigenous psychologies and spiritualities in the spirit of dialogue and integral inquiry. Our students engage in research subjects that explore the meaning of this convergence for a diverse, multicultural, and peaceful 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, 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 non-ordinary states of consciousness.
Admissions
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in East-West Psychology at CIIS consists of 40 units of online or in-person coursework, including an introductory course with a retreat component, two comprehensive exams, proposal writing, and dissertation research. Students work closely with their advisors to design an individualized curriculum and participate in research classes designed to help articulate their dissertation research project.