Department of Research Psychology

This is a part-time doctoral program, and the degree is structured so that students complete coursework in 3 years and then move to dissertation phase. Some students do complete in two years by accelerating the coursework. Usually, time to degree is 5.5 to 6 years. 

Students entering the Psychology doctoral programs share an interest in whole-person approaches to psychology such as humanistic, transpersonal, holistic, integral, somatic, contemplative, Jungian, and East-West. This typically includes the following:

• Working professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge, advance their education, contribute to research, and bring greater meaning to their existing field of experience
• Thought leaders and activists who wish to use their education as a foundation for consulting, writing, or teaching in the public sphere
• Individuals who, after varied life experiences, are expanding their worldview into a more whole-person perspective
• International students from diverse places seeking graduate training and a whole-person education

Although a master's degree is required for acceptance into the Psychology Ph.D. programs, the degree does not have to be in psychology. Students with an insufficient background in psychology may be encouraged to take one or more foundational courses in psychology from CIIS’ Integral Counseling Psychology or Psy.D. programs, or at another community college or university.

No, the Research Psychology with a concentration in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology and Somatic Psychology programs are not clinical programs. The programs do not prepare students for licensure as psychological counselors, psychotherapists, or clinical psychologists. However, the degree is designed to serve students who have earned master’s in counseling or psychotherapy. It is expected that some of these students will pursue further doctoral studies researching topics related to counseling psychology, such as integral psychotherapy, somatic psychology, expressive arts therapy, drama therapy, and community mental health.

Graduates from the programs are expected to continue working in their established fields as psychotherapists, social workers, psychologists, counselors, consultants, activists, organizers, leaders, teachers, researchers, nurses, physicians, lawyers, or in fields related to personal development, social change, or environmental protection. Some who are entrepreneurially inclined may use their education as the basis for becoming consultants, writers, speakers, or workshop leaders. A few may go into academic teaching or research and publication.

Yes, the programs are conducted primarily online, with two intensives per year, in-person in fall, virtual in spring.

Yes, the programs are designed for part-time attendance. However, to qualify for financial aid, you must take six units per semester.

Yes, depending upon eligibility. Please consult the Financial Aid Office for specifics at 415-575-6122 or finaid@ciis.edu.

Yes. The University provides various forums during which you can meet with a faculty member to discuss your interest, including the biannual CIIS open houses, as well as various info sessions.

Prospective students interested in visiting CIIS can schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor. Admissions counselors are happy to discuss academic interests and goals and provide materials and financial aid information. Please contact Admissions at ckay@ciis.edu.

Government loans totaling up to $20,500 and various Institute scholarships are available. Additionally, some students are employed within the Institute as student workers (either for pay or tuition exchange). It is best to speak directly with a financial aid officer to understand the specifics, and to request that financial aid information be sent to you.

The Research Psychology department allows a maximum of six semester units to be transferred into the Ph.D. program. However, applicants with an insufficient background in psychology may be required by the Admissions Committee to take additional psychology courses as prerequisites. Students with previous doctoral coursework may request to transfer up to 6 units. The program chair reviews requests for transfer units.