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Multiple major news outlets covered CIIS’ new B.S. in Psychedelic Studies and the University’s tradition of excellence in consciousness research.
CIIS’ upcoming new B.S. in Psychedelic Studies made local and national news multiple times this week, first appearing in a major profile of the program in the San Francisco Chronicle by Nanette Asimov. Asimov interviewed program faculty and CIIS President S. Brock Blomberg about the innovative online, three-semester, degree-completion program — the first of its kind in the nation — and focused on the ways that psychedelics are poised to transform mental health care.
CIIS’ leadership in psychedelic studies spans decades, rooted in our pioneering contributions to transpersonal psychology and consciousness research. The work of distinguished faculty—alongside influential figures such as Stanislav Grof—established CIIS as an early academic home for the exploration of altered states of consciousness and integrative healing. This legacy of inquiry and innovation laid the foundation for the creation of the Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research in 2015, which has since become a national model for ethical training in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Building on that momentum, CIIS is now preparing to open a University-affiliated ketamine clinic and has launched the nation’s first Bachelor of Science in Psychedelic Studies—further deepening our commitment to transformative, research-informed mental health care and education.
From Asimov’s interviews with faculty:
“‘The field is going to explode,’ said Nick Walker, a professor in the School of Undergraduate Studies. ‘We believe that psychedelic-assisted therapy — done well and ethically — can be extremely beneficial.’
Today’s researchers say there is growing evidence that psychedelics can help people not only with PTSD, but also depression, addiction and anxiety.
‘We don’t want people to dive in recklessly — a wild cowboy thing,’ Walker said. ‘We’re definitely on the side of doing it carefully. Understanding the science. The risks. The ethics.’”
Asimov also spoke with students who plan to enroll in the first cohort of the new B.S. about the experiences that led them to pursue a degree in psychedelics and their hopes for their upcoming studies. Michael Bochey, a fire inspector who spent 12 years as a firefighter and paramedic, was drawn to the degree after psychedelics helped him recover from PTSD from his years as a first responder.
“‘If psychedelics can save lives — and I truly believe they can — then I want to help legitimize and integrate them into the spaces where they are most needed,’ said Bochey, who is making a documentary about firefighters using psychedelics to heal from trauma.”
The Chronicle’s story was picked up by a number of other outlets, including San Francisco’s Fox affiliate KTVU, and the Guardian, which expanded on Asimov’s reporting.
Classes for the B.S. in Psychedelic Studies begin August 28 and applications for the fall semester close April 15.
Complete your degree by exploring the science and spirituality of psychedelics
The Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research Certificate — the nation's first program of its kind — expands eligibility to nonclinical applicants.
CIIS to launch the first-ever undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Psychedelic Studies offering, planned to begin in fall 2025.
CIIS plans to expand its community health services with the launch of a new psychedelics clinic that will provide patients with ketamine-assisted treatments, the first of its kind to be associated with a university in the United States.
