Ph.D. in East-West Psychology

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.

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.