Ph.D. Psychology, Specialization in Creativity Studies

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Specialization Coordinator: Robert Cleve, Ph.D.

Psychology Faculty Academic Advisor: Vasiliki Georgoulas-Sherry, Ph.D.

Department Chair: Israel Espinosa, Psy.D.

The Creativity Studies specialization is designed for students who want to explore and learn how to accomplish in-depth research related to a particular phenomenon related to creativity and make a meaningful contribution to the field. The Department of HCP degree program encourages students to examine vital contemporary questions about the theories, process, and innovative production of creativity and investigate environments that support different types and models of creativity. Students in the Creativity Studies Specialization are focusing their studies on areas they are passionate about in order to take the careers they have to the next level or to go in a whole new direction.

Discovering Creative Solutions to Complex Problems

A complex and fast-changing world demands new, creative approaches to everything from corporate strategies to child development and even household chores. From schools to big business, the importance of understanding and encouraging both creative and innovative/purposeful solutions has been widely researched and recognized. There are opportunities at both the M.A. and Ph.D. level to earn a degree in Psychology at Saybrook University specializing in Creativity Studies. Saybrook's rich tradition of humanistic studies includes its association with former faculty member Rollo May, who wrote the classic The Courage to Create. May, along with humanistic psychology pioneers such as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, proposed that expression of creativity is a key to self-actualization.

Saybrook’s unique approach to creativity goes well beyond the arts to encompass “everyday creativity,” the origin of everyday life, which encourages personal and professional growth as well as health benefits. The program is designed to be applicable to a broad range of professional pursuits.

While creativity is increasingly recognized as a vital part of both a healthy psyche and a thriving economy, there are still many unanswered questions that need serious exploration through scholarship. General learning goals include understanding the history, research, and practical application of creativity studies. Students enrolled in this Specialization will develop specific learning goals guided by a highly experienced faculty member tuned into their specific interests, aspirations, and personal passion.

At the conclusion of your studies, students in this Specialization will be able to:

• Understand, critically analyze, and conduct psychological research.
• Be a subject matter expert in the field of creativity and a specific aspect of creativity.
• Work to engage others in efforts to promote life-enhancing change.
• Bring innovation and creative approaches to your research, work, and personal choices, moving beyond disciplinary and paradigmatic boundaries.
• Combine critical, empathetic, and creative thinking with self-reflection to develop self-knowledge, self-realization, and expansion of consciousness.
• Place your work within a whole person perspective across multiple contexts and acknowledge your own biases and unchallenged assumptions.
• Display an awareness of strengths and challenges incorporating humanistic values, authenticity and compassion.