MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY
MA in Psychology
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SET OUT ON A JOURNEY OF PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Build an integrative understanding of human consciousness and its relationship to the domains of mind, body, and spirit.
Have you ever wondered how you could move forward both personally and professionally in ways that align with your inner values and goals for your future?
The MA in Psychology is a degree program synthesizing information from different fields of knowledge such as Psychology, Consciousness Studies, Philosophy, Spirituality, Human Development, Ecology, and Personal Growth that prepares you for a role in transformative work.
You will:
- Nurture your own transformative approach to life and relationships using the mental, emotional, somatic, imaginal, and spiritual tools woven into your coursework
- Integrate knowledge in a way that transforms yourself and others through the application of mind-body-spirit principles to personal and community development
- Draw insights from ancient wisdom and the frontiers of scientific knowledge where the objective world of neurons, signals and hormones participates in the deeply meaningful processes of our inner world in ways that inspire … from new life choices to revolutionary scientific research
- Discover how our differences make for stronger communities, more effective approaches to healing, and better psychology
- Develop a more discerning mind while deeply cultivating your inner clarity, compassion, and potential for making a difference in the world
- Interact with your classmates by sharing thoughts and ideas that have meaning for you while learning from their perspectives.
As you imagine who you want to become in life, are you a person who wants to:
- Be the most effective change agent possible in business, your community, and our shared world
- Enrich your understanding of your own life and relationships
- Complete a step toward a doctoral degree leading to a psychology license, or prepare for doctoral studies in the transformative work of healing mind and body …
… then this program is for you.
Degree Requirements
Master of Arts in Psychology
The MA in Psychology program requires 56 quarter units that are a mix of core curriculum, specific psychology courses, electives that you select, and a thesis.
MA to PhD Pathway in Psychology
This degree satisfies the prerequisites for matriculation into CIHS’ PhD in Psychology program. Students who complete this MA program may transfer a maximum of 28 units from their CIHS MA in Psychology into the CIHS Psychology PhD program, subject to Program approval.
Concentrations (optional)
Students can choose, but are not required, to declare a concentration to complete an MA in Psychology. Currently five different concentrations are offered: an Individually Designed Concentration (IDC) and three Program Designed Concentrations (PDCs).
The IDC option is flexibly designed between the student and the program director or other faculty that the program director assigns.
PDC’s reflect specific domains of expertise that the program offers students. Requirements for a PDC include using 12 units of elective courses to take 3 approved courses associated with that PDC. Students pursuing a PDC should schedule a meeting with the program director for instructions regarding admittance requirements and administrative details. PDCs are subject to change.
Consciousness & Transformation Concentration (PDC)
Parapsychology Concentration (PDC)
Parapsychology aims to investigate reports of exceptional human experiences and/or abilities which, in principle, appear to be outside of conventional psychological and scientific explanation. These include remote viewing or clairvoyance, telepathy, psychokinesis (or mind-over-matter), precognition, distant healing, and evidence that points to the postmortem survival of consciousness. Since 1969, the Parapsychological Association has been an affiliate organization of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Psychedelics, Consciousness, & Transformation Concentration (PDC)
This concentration offers an immersive journey into the realms of consciousness, transformation, and healing through the study of psychedelics and self-transcendence. Blending experiential learning with cutting-edge research, students will explore non-ordinary states of consciousness, the neuroscience of self-transcendence, and the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. With courses covering foundational practices, phenomenology, cultural history, and research methodologies, this concentration prepares students to navigate and integrate transformative experiences mindfully and ethically. Whether seeking personal growth, academic insight, or professional expertise, this concentration provides a rich, multidisciplinary foundation for understanding and utilizing the profound potential of psychedelics in healing and self-awareness.
Spirituality & Whole Person Psychology Concentration (PDC)
Individually Designed Concentration (IDC)
The Individually Designed Concentration (IDC) option was created to meet the needs of students who wish to design a unique course of study within the MA in Psychology degree program. Students with IDC concentrations complete the same core courses and units for the degree program, and design the IDC within their elective course units. Students who want to pursue an IDC should schedule a meeting with the program director to review administrative details.
To start an IDC, the student identifies and secures a faculty advisor whose area(s) of expertise align with the student’s proposed area of study who agrees to oversee the IDC. The faculty advisor (which is often the program director) reviews and approves IDC coursework (including electives and, if necessary, independent studies) and eventually completes the student’s pre-graduation audit to confirm all IDC requirements have been met. Typically, the IDC faculty advisor will also serve as the the student’s thesis advisor.
Coursework
CORE CURRICULUM (28 units)
- Academic Writing Within the Human Sciences (4 units)
- Foundations in Integral Studies (4 units)
- Consciousness Studies (4 units)
- Counseling &
Communications Skills (4 units) - Spiritual Education Option (4 units)
- Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods (4 units)
- Thesis or Capstone Project (4 units)
PSYCHOLOGY COURSES (12 units)
- Psychology of Personality (4 units)
- Lifespan Development (4 units)
- Psychobiology (4 units)
- Multiculturalism and Diversity in Counseling (4 units)
ELECTIVE COURSES AND CONCENTRATIONS (12 units)*
Consciousness & Transformation Concentration (PDC)
- Self-Transcendence: An Experiential Journey (4 units)
- Neuroscience of Consciousness (4 units)
- Meditation and Personal Transformation (4 units)
Parapsychology Concentration (PDC)
- Introduction to Parapsychology (4 units)
- Practical Applications of Psi (4 units)
- Remote Viewing (4 units)
- Self-Transcendence: An Experiential Journey (4 units)
- Phenomenology of Psychedelic and Self-Transcendent Experience (4 units)
- Psychedelics for Transformation (4 units)
Spirituality & Whole Person Psychology Concentration (PDC)
- Elective in Spirituality (4 units)
- Anatomy of Presence (4 units)
- Psychological Energy (4 units)
Statistics (4 units)
Mind-Body and Energy in Psychology (4 units)
Somatic Psychology (4 units)
Introduction to Energy Psychology (4 units)
Pranic Healing (4 units)
Psychology of the Chakras (4 units)
Group and Community Relationships (4 units)
Depth Psychology (4 units)
Psychoacoustics (4 units)
Shamanic Healing and Indigenous Spirituality (4 units)
Program Learning Outcomes
PLO 1: Consider people as ever evolving, multidimensional beings on a developmental journey toward wholeness, which encompasses the domains of mind, body, and spirit.
PLO 2: Apply multidisciplinary research, theory and praxis to aspects of psychology and/or psychotherapy.
PLO 3: Explain holistic thought, in a way that includes consciousness and spirituality.
PLO 4: Describe the theory and application of psychological knowledge to human wellbeing.
PLO 5: Apply mind-body-spirit principles to personal or community development.
Admissions
When you reach out for more information or to apply, you’ll immediately be connecting with one of the leaders in your field of study. Although today these individuals are distinguished professors, once upon a time they were in your shoes and they haven’t forgotten what it is like and what you need.
They are passionate about their area of study, and want to do everything they can to mentor the next generation of experts and leaders to rise up, and exceed what even they have accomplished. As true leaders they know that is the best way of ensuring that their their area of study continues to significantly advance. They want you to succeed succeed beyond your expectations and do everything they can to ensure that – right from the start.
During the application process these leaders will work hard to understand where you’re at and give you their best advice, even if that means not joining their program. All of our faculty and staff are devoted to what is best for you, and the profession they serve.
CIHS is a relatively small family of people who are having an outsized impact on the world. We involve everyone who could possibly be needed to ensure that it’s as easy as possible to join us, and that you thrive with us right from the start.
The admissions team is always ready and overjoyed to help you. The core team consists of the senior Professor for the program that we’ve just mentioned, also known as the Program Director, and the Dean of Admissions. The extended team includes the Provost (the most senior academic leader at the university) and key administrative members of her team such as the Registrar, the Dean of Student Assessments and Outcomes, and the Dean of Student Success.
The program may be completed in person or 100% at a distance.
International students from all countries are welcome in person or online.
In person classes are held at our campus in beautiful Encinitas California.
U.S. Based distance students must reside in one of the following states: AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, HI, ID, IL, IN, KY, ME, MI, MS, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, NV, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, WA.
You can apply and be admitted to the program 4 times a year, at the start of each quarter.
We recommend beginning your application as soon as possible if you want to join the next start date.
Just click the button below for more information, or to begin the process…
Why CIHS?
- Fully accredited by WSCUC & non-profit serving students since 1992
- Unique, highly customizable degree programs
- Well known, proven leaders in the fields we specialize in
- World-class faculty and research programs
- Year round enrollment with frequent and convenient start dates
- Ability to complete your program in person, 100% online, or a hybrid between the two
- 10 week classes so you can start and finish faster
- Flexible class hours for working professionals
- Holistic & integral approaches
- Welcoming and inclusive environment
- Small class size with personalized attention
- Exceptional student support services
- Access to CIHS’s Science of Consciousness and Subtle Energy Research Laboratories, and one of the largest Faraday cages in the region.
- Extensive networking and career preparation opportunities
- Diverse faculty and industry professionals from a variety of fields
- Located in the beautiful beach city of Encinitas in northern San Diego, 95 miles south of Los Angeles
The most important benefit of attending CIHS does comes down to our focus on what we do.
We are the only fully accredited consciousness-based university in the U.S.
It’s what we’ve been exclusively focused on since our founding in 1992.
Since the beginning we’ve been a magnet for the top faculty, researchers, and students in the space.
If you want to advance the future of media technology, and have an outsized impact on the world with it, you go to the MIT Media Lab.
If you want to advance the understanding and applications of consciousness, and have an outsized impact on the world with it, you come to CIHS.
There truly is no other fully accredited institution dedicated to it like we are.
Faculty
DR. ARTHUR SUN
“CIHS is the best graduate school. I love the emphasis on scientific rigor and spirituality, and the integration of personal growth in each class. The professors are amazing and the administration is committed to the success and growth of each student. CIHS is an integral school that encourages multiple perspectives. If you want to grow not just academically but personally and spiritually, as well, come check out CIHS.”
CHRIS ORREY
“Receiving higher education from an institute such as CIHS was the most transformative journey of my life. Academic rigor paired with spiritual awakening, psychological healing, and professional development put me through the wringer. I had never felt more complete, whole, and connected to the higher truths that I had never known I already knew. At the same time, my entire worldview was shaken and flipped upside down. I have come to see life, existence, and the perception of the physical world in an entirely new way. I have come to understand, witness and meet the force of nature that underlies human consciousness, that is to the extent of my own pscyho-spiritual evolution.”
FRANCESCA PARETTA
“CIHS has provided me with opportunities to understand psychology in a grounded scientific way, simultaneously exploring life, healing, and consciousness. CIHS is an ideal setting for those who are motivated to contribute to the evolution and progression of academic engagement, experiential learning, and research, and an equally supportive environment for healing practitioners seeking to deepen their skills and add to their credentials, where a multitude of perspectives are accepted and integrated, from wisdom traditions, to clinical understandings, to transpersonal awareness and beyond.”
MICHAEL SCOTT
“CIHS has been an incredible experience so far, both academically and personally. I have found a “home” here where I can study consciousness and subtle energy in ways I couldn’t at previous graduate institutions. The students, faculty, and administration are amazing and have such diverse backgrounds and interests. I can’t wait to see how the school continues to evolve and grow!.”
LAUREN HICKEY
“I am so pleased with my recent PhD from CIHS. Nowhere else could I have achieved such a blended education of psychology, spirituality, and consciousness. The instructors were all well qualified and knowledgeable and assignments were reasonable. CIHS gave me the confidence I needed to expand my private practice. I also have now begun running international retreats. I feel well prepared to present myself as an expert in the field.”