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Department of Transformative Inquiry

Self-inquiry, and personal growth combined with rigorous academic inquiry and action in the world

In an era of increasing complexity 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 and integrate a focus on personal growth, action in the world, and explorations of the possible. 

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Transforming Academia through Transdisciplinarity

What does it mean to do creative work beyond a single discipline? Professor Alfonso Montuori explains how academia has marginalized creativity and why we’re bringing it back.

CIIS’ Transformative Inquiry programs have been intentionally online since their inception: our doctoral program was among the first of its kind, and we have over 30 years of experience facilitating rich, engaging online learning. We believe asynchronous conversation fosters thoughtful interaction and deep learning, and provides opportunities for students with additional responsibilities to discover the education that works with their schedules.

Our Programs

Through rigorous academic study and deep personal inquiry, our programs provide the framework to envision, and engage in transformative change.

Department of Transformative Inquiry

This two-year, online master’s is designed for students with a passion for leadership who want to make a difference in the world. Through self-exploration and dynamic courses with a community of like-minded individuals, they develop the skills to realize their vision.

Department of Transformative Inquiry

Our unique online Ph.D. goes beyond traditional academic boundaries to unite leading-edge transdisciplinary research, self-inquiry, and global perspective. Students develop creative scholarship that meets the complexity and potentials of this fast-changing age.

Round Table

Round Table for Creative Futures

Transformative Studies faculty combat the despair and increasingly dystopian expectations of the future, and share how creativity can be used to inspire hope and action.

Faculty Research and Scholarship

Our faculty have a broad range of research interests including: 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.

Our Upcoming Events

Oct11

Attend the Fall Open House on October 11, 2025 to get to know your admissions counselors and learn more about CIIS' bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. programs.

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Our Department in Action

Faculty News

A new review of the Handbook for Creative Futures, edited by CIIS lecturer Dr. Gabrielle Donnelly and Professor Alfonso Montuori, celebrates its value as a guide to finding hope in hard times.

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