Overview of Program
The Ph.D. Psychology degree program in the Humanistic Psychology department offers mature students a foundation of scholarship based in the tradition of existential, humanistic, and transpersonal psychology. The Ph.D. degree program offers graduate education that helps students expand their outlook beyond the confines of a discrete discipline.
Students may customize their electives in the Ph.D. program, selecting from a wide range of options to expand their horizons and meet a broad range of future professional opportunities. If students declare one of the specializations, their academic requirements will be specific to the focus area. Please see the Requirements under each Specialization for details. The Ph.D. program in Psychology provides flexibility in individual approaches to program planning and the study of Psychology along with a range of opportunities to broaden and deepen knowledge, interests, and areas of academic and professional development. The program provides the opportunity to build upon the foundation provided by an M.A. degree, from one of Saybrook's degree programs or elsewhere. Students follow their program plan and select general elective courses from a wide range of options, developing further areas of knowledge, skill, and expertise to expand the scope of future opportunities and endeavors in professional life. Requirement courses are integral in the successful understanding and conceptualization of the program; no more than one substitution can be made in program plans. This program is not a clinical psychology program, nor is it designed to prepare students for future professional licensure. Students interested in a clinical psychology program should consider admission to the Humanistic Clinical Psychology degree program.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Critical Thinking: Graduates will demonstrate advanced critical thinking skills, utilizing a humanistic lens to analyze complex psychological phenomena and apply theoretical frameworks to real-world contexts.
- Cultural Competence: Graduates will possess cultural competence, displaying an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, experiences, and worldviews, and integrating this awareness into their professional practice.
- Ethical Awareness: Graduates will exhibit a strong ethical awareness, adhering to ethical guidelines in their research, teaching, and practice, and demonstrating a commitment to the well-being and autonomy of individuals and communities.
- Research Proficiency: Graduates will develop proficiency in conducting rigorous research informed by humanistic, existential, transpersonal, and phenomenological perspectives, employing qualitative and quantitative methodologies to advance the field of humanistic psychology.
- Social Justice Advocacy: Graduates will engage in social justice advocacy, actively promoting equity, inclusivity, and social change by addressing systemic disparities, advocating for marginalized populations, and contributing to the creation of a just and sustainable society.
- Applied Skills: Graduates will possess practical skills and interventions grounded in humanistic psychology, enabling them to facilitate personal growth, foster resilience, and promote well-being in various settings, including research, educational, community, and organizational contexts.
Specializations
Ph.D. Psychology with Specialization:
Any student enrolled in the Ph.D. Psychology program may opt to declare one of the specializations offered through the HP department. These specializations are available to students at Doctoral level.
- Creativity, Innovation, & Leadership Specialization (CIL)
- Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health Specialization (CSIH)
- Existential and Humanistic Psychology Specialization (EHP)
- Psychophysiology Specialization (PHI)
- Culinary Nutrition Specialization
- Teaching and Advanced Research (STAR)
College, Degree Program, or Specialization change
Students who wish to change their degree program will be reevaluated by the Department Chair as to the appropriateness of admission to that new program of study. If admitted, those students will be held accountable to the degree program requirements, as specified for the academic year in which such a change of enrollment is granted. For those wanting to change their Specialization, the new Specialization Coordinator will review the student’s objectives for acceptance, and the Department Chair approves the change. In all cases, where possible, current Saybrook completed courses will be considered for application toward the new degree program and/or specialization. Students who change degree programs will have their transfer credit evaluated again by the Department Chair of the new program. Transfer credit awarded is not guaranteed to apply to the new program.
M.A. Psychology to Ph.D. Psychology Pathway
While in the M.A. in Psychology degree program at Saybrook University, students may decide to apply to continue to the Psychology doctoral program. Once such students have completed the modified admissions process to the doctoral program, they may be accepted on the condition of completion of the M.A. degree requirements (i.e., successful completion of the project and all other degree requirements). If the student does not continue to the Ph.D. program, those additional credits completed are awarded toward the M.A. degree. That is, admission into the doctoral program does not commence until the M.A. is complete. Such students will be required to adhere to the University catalog that is in place when they matriculate into the doctoral program (i.e., after completion of the project), not the catalog in place at the time of their conditional acceptance into the Ph.D. program. In terms of transfer credits for students once they have attained the M.A. in Psychology at Saybrook, a maximum of 30 credit hours may be applied toward the Ph.D. Psychology program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Ph.D. Psychology program with specializations in Creativity, Innovation, & Leadership (CIL); Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health (CSIH); Existential and Humanistic Psychology (EHP); and Psychophysiology Specialization (PHI) are well-positioned for diverse and impactful career opportunities. With a Ph.D. in Psychology, students can pursue academic positions as professors or researchers in universities and research institutions, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their specialized areas. They can also work as consultants, trainers, and/or leaders in organizations, utilizing their expertise in creativity, innovation, and leadership to foster positive change and growth.
The CSIH specialization opens doors to careers in holistic health education, guidance, consulting, and mentoring; consciousness and spirituality teaching and research; psionics; and integrative health/wellness centers and industry, promoting well-being and individuals’ spiritual and conscious growth, healthspan, and vibrant longevity. The EHP specialization opens doors to careers as humanistic researchers, psychology educators, or consultants, providing compassionate and existential guidance to individuals seeking personal and professional growth and fulfillment. Additionally, Ph.D. holders may choose to establish their own private practice, offering specialized services in their respective areas of expertise. With their advanced knowledge, research skills, and specialization-specific training, graduates of the Ph.D. program are equipped to make significant contributions to the field of psychology and positively impact individuals, communities, and organizations.
Our Ph.D. Psychology program is intended for professionals who wish to pursue non-clinical careers or expand on their existing licenses. This program is not designed to prepare graduates to qualify for clinical licensure or certification.
Admissions Requirements
Degree Requirements: Master’s Degree
At a minimum, you must have received, or anticipate receiving prior to the start of the semester you are applying into, a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university before applying for a doctoral degree at Saybrook.
The minimum expected grade point average (GPA) requirement is 3.0 from the last degree-granting institution, though exceptions may be made.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credits based on equivalent graduate courses taken at another regionally accredited institution in the same or similar discipline where the student received a grade of B or better may be transferred and will reduce the number of course credits required to be completed at Saybrook. Allowable transfer credits must be suitable for transfer to the intended degree as determined by the Psychology Department Chair. Transfer course credits do not affect the minimum number of credits required for the degree.
Transfer credit to be applied toward required/general electives: (also known as ‘other electives’):
Ph.D. Psychology - May include up to 12 transfer credits completed in the Psychology discipline, 6 of these credits may be from cognate fields, non-degree Saybrook Certificate credits, Saybrook CE credits, or other non-degree credits taken at Saybrook University within the last seven years.*
*Exception to the amount of transfer credits may be made when students complete the M.A. Psychology program within Saybrook (with CSIH, CIL, or EHP Specialization and without Specialization) within the last one year.
University Learning Experience
Virtual Learning Experience (VLE) - Required Fall semesters; Community Learning Experience (CLE) - Optional
All new students begin their studies with a Welcome Week. Welcome Week activities, including a degree program orientation, are held online during the week ahead of the start of the fall and spring semesters. Participation is strongly encouraged.
All students are required to attend the Virtual Learning Experience (VLE) during week one in the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. Although students may complete most courses through distance learning, all our degree programs have VLE requirements. VLEs are academic requirements, and their completion is important for your successful academic progress: they allow you to meet with faculty and co-learners in a synchronous, stimulating, and supportive virtual environment. Our VLEs are an important part of your learning experience as they nurture intellectual and relational creativity, enrich the educational environment, and foster faculty and peer interactions. During the VLE, there are courses being launched, workshops, independent learning activities, peer learning opportunities, community events, and other hands-on experiences intended to nurture professional development, skill building, relationships, and transformative change. You can find the specific hour and track requirements on the Academic Commons University Learning Experience Program Requirements Page linked here. https://tcsedsystem.libguides.com/VLE_Requirements
Students are required to attend the VLE throughout their program and are encouraged to attend the Community Learning Experience (in person) in lieu of the VLE in the fall of odd calendar years.
Certain courses may have additional experiential, participation, or attendance requirements beyond those outlined for the program. Students should consult individual course descriptions for details.
Credits/Hours
The Ph.D. Psychology program requires a total of 66 earned credits. These credits encompass a rigorous curriculum that includes core courses, specialized coursework in the chosen area of focus, research methodology and analysis, and the completion of the essays and dissertation phases. Through a combination of theoretical exploration, experiential learning, and research opportunities, students gain the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for success in their future careers. The credit units and hours invested in the Ph.D. degree ensure that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education, empowering them to make significant contributions to the field of psychology.
Mode of Delivery
At Saybrook University, we are committed to providing a dynamic and flexible online learning experience that combines both asynchronous and synchronous delivery methods. Our Ph.D. Psychology program with specializations in Creativity, Innovation, & Leadership (CIL); Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health (CSIH); Existential and Humanistic Psychology (EHP); and Psychophysiology (PHI) embraces the advantages of online education, allowing students to pursue their studies at their own pace while fostering meaningful real-time interactions.
Through our asynchronous delivery, students have access to a user-friendly online platform where they can engage with course materials, lectures, and multimedia resources at a time that suits their schedule. This flexibility empowers students to balance their studies with other commitments, ensuring an optimal learning experience. They can participate in discussions, complete assignments, and collaborate with fellow students, all while benefiting from the expertise of our dedicated faculty who provide timely feedback and guidance.
In addition to asynchronous learning, our program incorporates synchronous elements to foster a sense of community and enhance real-time engagement. Through virtual classrooms, students have the opportunity to participate in live lectures, interactive discussions, and group activities led by faculty members. These synchronous sessions provide valuable opportunities for students to connect, ask questions, share ideas, and engage in collaborative learning experiences. Our virtual classrooms utilize video conferencing and collaboration tools to simulate the benefits of face-to-face interaction, ensuring an immersive and interactive learning environment.
The combination of asynchronous and synchronous delivery methods allows us to provide a well-rounded and comprehensive online learning experience. Students benefit from the flexibility of guided self-paced study, while experiencing the richness of real-time interactions and discussions with faculty and peers. This blended approach cultivates a supportive and interactive community, enabling students to develop critical thinking skills, engage in meaningful discourse, and forge lasting connections within and outside of their chosen Specialization.
Length of Program
The degree completion time for a full-time student enrolled in the Ph.D. Psychology program following the default course sequence will range from 5 - 6 years. Any breaks in enrollment and/or reduced enrollment may impact completion time.
Required Courses
Ph.D. Research Requirement
The Ph.D. degree program in Psychology requires a sequence of research courses designed to achieve research program learning outcomes. The University research program learning outcomes coincide with program learning outcomes and are related to the skills and knowledge needed to be successful doing research for the dissertation. The research sequence begins with three foundational courses:
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree in Psychology; No Declared Specialization
CIL, CSIH, or EHP Specialization Electives: 3 Credits
Research Course Sequence (taken in order):
Core Ethics Course (select 1 of the following courses):
Core Multiculturalism, Social Justice, & Diversity Course (select 1 of the following courses):
Psychology Specialization Course Option: 12 credits
Other Electives - 15 Credits
Unless otherwise stipulated by program, any other graduate-level coursework will apply toward Other Elective credit requirements.
Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health (CSIH) Specialization Option - 12 credits
Overview
Students in the Department of Humanistic Psychology may opt to declare a Specialization in Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health (CSIH). Students may select many paths through this Specialization based upon their interests. While CSIH Specialization is not required to earn the degree, it will be listed on the transcript if students formally declare CSIH Specialization and complete its requirements. Because CSIH Specialization requirements are subject to change, each student’s CSIH Specialization requirements are established at the time when they formally declare CSIH Specialization.
The CSIH Specialization takes an interdisciplinary and integrative (psyche, mind, body, and spirit) approach to understanding individual, collective, cultural/transcultural, mythic, cosmological, and transpersonal perspectives on multidimensional aspects of human identity and destiny, consciousness evolution, biopsychosocial-spiritual and cultural transformation, spiritual awakening and realization, healing, healthspan and vibrant longevity, calling, individuation and wholeness, wellness and well-being, and human flourishing. We believe that well-being, vitality, and health need to embrace all dimensions of human life. The integrated study of consciousness, spirituality, and integrative health offers unique ways of understanding individuals’ internal and external identity, growth, worlds, and lives as accessible through such pathways as disciplined consciousness exploration and calibration, consciousness studies, the world’s spiritual and wisdom traditions, healing arts, depth psychology, transpersonal psychology, psionics, energy medicine, healthspan and vibrant longevity, spiritual creativity, self-regulation and self-healing, hypnosis and imagery, the arts, personal mythology and dreamwork, and contemplative practices. In this context, students who wish are certainly able to focus their work on transpersonal psychology, transpersonal inquiry, and transpersonal practices, as well as on vibrant longevity, psionics, and/or Exceptional Human Experiences (EHEs).
The study of consciousness, psychology of consciousness, and consciousness evolution offers students opportunities to explore various aspects of consciousness through approaches ranging from ethnography, autoethnography, and historiography to phenomenological, heuristic and Heuristic Self-Search Inquiry, hermeneutic, and art-based explorations of work and community life, interpersonal relationships, spiritual beliefs and practices, deeply evocative spiritual/transpersonal experiences, optimal healthspan, healthful and vibrant longevity, culture, and social action.
Given the diverse array of CSIH Specialization course offerings, in close conversation with the Psychology
Faculty Advisors, students are able to incorporate in their program plans courses that support their individual scholar-practitioner calling, interests, and career goals. The study of spirituality supports students who want to pursue work and/or research in areas such as pastoral care, spiritual guidance, spiritual mentoring, and transpersonal consulting and coaching or who want to integrate their understanding of the spiritual dimension of human life into another profession or field. Faculty members work with students to focus their studies in ways that best meet their academic, professional, personal, and transpersonal goals. CSIH Specialization allows students to focus on the study of interdisciplinary and integrative approaches to self-discovery, transpersonal development, health, healing, healthspan and vibrant longevity, and well-being that have not necessarily been regarded as standard within mainstream medical and psychological paradigms and care. These approaches include spiritual, wisdom, esoteric, mystical, psionic, and Earth-and-Cosmos honoring traditions and practices. Additional alternative health and well-being perspectives, approaches, and practices relevant to psychological, psychospiritual, and physical health and vitality that are studied include personal mythology and dreamwork, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, prayer, contemplation, psychomythology and mythopoetics, energy medicine, healthspan and vibrant longevity, guided imagery, clinical hypnosis, Holotropic Breathwork, biofeedback, Enneagram, the arts, and indigenous healing. Students may also explore spirituality, consciousness, and consciousness calibration research and practice, as well as their role in physical, psychological, psychospiritual, cosmological and attitudinal resilience and vitality; optimal healthspan and robust longevity; health; personal and transpersonal relationships; and organizational mythology, vision, culture, and flourishing.
Although not intended as preparation for licensure, studies in CSIH Specialization can be applied to the work of psychologists and other licensed mental health professionals. Studies can also be applied to transpersonal teaching and research, scholar-practitioner writing, health care, healthspan, innovation and longevity studies, peace work, pastoral care, spiritual mentoring and guidance, conflict resolution and diplomacy, education, consulting, coaching, and/or organizational work.
Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership (CIL) Specialization Option - 12 credits
Overview
The Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership (CIL) Specialization is designed for students who want to engage creative aspects of their existing worlds through in-depth research and make a meaningful contribution to the fields of creativity and psychology. Imagine taking part in a “culture” of creatives, innovators and thought/creative leaders who collaborate with both national (Southern Oregon University Creativity Conference) and most recently international (Possibility Studies Network) entities. This Humanistic degree program encourages students to examine vital contemporary questions about creativity and a strong desire to investigate environments supporting different kinds of applications.
Students in the (CIL) Specialization focus their studies on areas they are passionate about and phenomena they are intrigued by to take their careers to the next level or go in a whole new direction. Our specialization seeks to support the joy and optimism that comes with “creativity” in all forms and to explore what is possible.
A complex and fast-changing world demands new, innovative approaches to everything from corporate strategies to child development and even household chores (everyday creativity). From schools and universities to corporations, the importance of understanding and developing creative concepts that lead directly to unique solutions has been widely researched and recognized as a necessary proficiency. Our students deeply explore their contributions as creative and thought leaders as the third marker of this specialization. It is critical to note that this is not a traditional executive business leadership program, but rather an engaged, applied opportunity to explore their career trajectories through hands-on projects and research, including the areas of Arts-Based Inquiry and Expressive Art interventions.
Saybrook University offers both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in psychology with specializations in Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership. Saybrook’s rich tradition of humanistic studies includes its associations 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 key toward self-actualization.
Saybrook’s unique approach to creativity goes well beyond the arts to encompass “everyday creativity,” or the originality of everyday life, which encourages personal and professional growth as well as potential psychological and health benefits. The program is designed to apply to a broad range of creative professional pursuits.
While the engagement of creativity and innovation 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 research and scholarship. General learning goals include understanding the history, research, and practical application of CIL studies. Students enrolled in this Specialization will develop individualized specific learning goals mentored by a faculty member based on their interests, aspirations, and personal passion.
At the conclusion of their studies, students in this specialization will be able to:
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Demonstrate marketable skills in general creativity and a specific aspect of creativity and innovation subject matter expertise.
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Work to engage others in efforts to promote life-enhancing improvements.
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Bring innovation and creativity to their research, work, and personal choices, moving beyond traditional disciplinary and paradigmatic boundaries.
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Combine critical, empathetic, and creative thinking as creative and thought leaders with self-reflection to develop self-knowledge, self-realization, and expansion of consciousness.
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Place their work within a humanistic perspective across multiple contexts and acknowledge their biases and unchallenged assumptions.
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Display a global awareness of strengths and challenges based on humanistic values, including authenticity and compassion.
Although not intended as preparation for licensure, studies in CIL Specialization can be applied to the work of psychologists and other licensed mental health professionals. Studies can also be applied to creativity teaching, leadership and research, scholar-practitioner writing, health care, healthspan, innovation studies, peace work, pastoral care, spiritual mentoring and guidance, conflict resolution and diplomacy, education, consulting, coaching, and/or organizational work.
Existential and Humanistic Psychology (EHP) Specialization Option - 12 credits
Overview
The Existential and Humanistic Psychology (EHP) Specialization is rooted in a holistic conception of what it means to be a person within the frameworks of humanistic psychology, existential psychology, and phenomenological psychology and philosophy. This Specialization is closely tied to the historic mission and vision of humanistic psychology and Saybrook University. The Specialization is committed to carrying forth Saybrook’s long history of maintaining the legacy of having the leading existential and humanistic scholars on its faculty, while producing the next generation of leaders. Though specialization does not prepare you for licensing as a psychologist, there are master level licensed professionals who are interested in acquiring a Ph.D. in Psychology and deepening their understanding of Existential and Humanistic practices.
The EHP Specialization focuses on a growth-oriented perspective emphasizing human potential, intended to foster an in-depth understanding of individuals, including an honest appraisal of the human condition. The Specialization encompasses both the important history and contributions of existential and humanistic psychology as well as contemporary directions in these fields. Many of the faculty in this specialization are established leaders in the existential and humanistic psychology fields.
From a practice/application standpoint, applications of the EHP approach apply to healthy people engaged in a lifelong journey toward self-knowledge as well as to individuals in psychosocial or spiritual distress. The course of instruction is designed to direct students’ attention toward the growth-oriented dimension of personality, even when people are struggling with psychological distress, and to the role of higher states of consciousness in achieving psychological balance and transformation. However, particularly within the existential tradition, the transformative possibilities inherent in suffering are also important considerations within the Specialization.
Augmenting the usual offerings, which focus on behavior and cognition in psychology, the EHP Specialization presents dynamic theories that define personality as a total gestalt, in the context of a spectrum of states of consciousness beyond traditionally defined models of psychopathology and normative functioning. These states can reach into the realm of self-actualization and the transcendent. An emphasis on fostering existential and humanistic principles in practice and research is encouraged and are viewed as an essential aspect of serving the highest and best interests of humanity.
Psychophysiology Specialization Option - 12 credits
Overview
Psychophysiology is the branch of psychology centering on the physiological bases of human psychological processes. It is the study of the biological bases of behavior among humans. Applied psychophysiology is the subspecialty of psychophysiology which uses knowledge of the biological bases of various behaviors in conjunction with various psychological techniques to help people optimize their behaviors. Applied psychophysiologists are psychologists who develop and use psychological interventions based on such areas as behavioral genetics, hormonal influence on behavior, individual differences in perception, and abnormal physiological patterns to assist clients to recognize and alter problems caused by these biological underpinnings. Common psychophysiological intervention techniques include biofeedback, relaxation training, entrainment, hypnosis, and many others.
Applied psychophysiology focuses on the amelioration/treatment and prevention of disease, as well as creation of optimal functioning patterns in education, sports, and business through teaching people techniques for recognizing and correcting abnormal physiological levels of function and responses. Our clinical concentration or practice focuses on the amelioration / treatment and prevention of disease through teaching people techniques for recognizing and correcting abnormal physiological levels of function and responses. Our non-clinical concentration focuses on teaching clients to function optimally in such environments as the workplace, sports, and school. The field has a long history of making major contributions to education and healthcare in both treatment and prevention arenas. For instance, relaxation techniques are widely recognized as being effective in both the treatment and prevention of headaches.
Culinary Nutrition Specialization Option - 12 credits
Overview
The Culinary Nutrition Specialization prepares students to translate evidence-based nutrition science into practical, food-centered strategies that promote health, prevent disease, and support the management of chronic conditions. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum integrating nutritional science, culinary skills, behavior change, and lifestyle medicine, students develop the knowledge and competencies needed to transform nutrition recommendations into realistic, culturally responsive, and sustainable dietary practices. Emphasizing food as medicine, the specialization equips graduates to apply culinary nutrition principles across clinical, community, educational, and wellness settings, enhancing their ability to improve individual and population health through evidence-informed nutrition interventions.
Teaching and Advanced Research Specialization Option - 12 credits
Overview
The 12-credit Specialization in Teaching and Advanced Research (STAR) serves university learners interested in pursuing academic careers. Innovative, learner-centered, skill-based courses in teaching, grant writing, curriculum design, and academic publication prepare learners for professional and scholarly success in their field of interest. Over four core courses, learners develop a scholarly portfolio to promote academic success post-graduation. This academic dossier will include a written teaching philosophy, Curriculum Vitae, exemplar syllabi and course designs, grant proposals, research publications and presentations. Following completion of the core courses, learners then work with faculty research mentors to apply the dossier to professional academic goals: establishing and building professional networks, refining skills, and participating in academic opportunities. STAR learners are invited to present at the STAR Learner Research Symposium, an annual virtual academic conference featuring learner research presentations.
Any Saybrook student can enroll in RES4010, RES5010, RES5020, or RES5030 as elective courses if they meet the prerequisite requirements.
Upon completion of all required courses:
Upon completion of Essays Candidacy:
Total Degree Requirements with Specialization Option - 66 Credits **
**Dissertation to be completed in a minimum of two semesters. Students registering for the Doctoral Dissertation with required degree coursework outstanding must complete all degree requirements within 10 consecutive semesters, inclusive of summer. Students registering for the Doctoral Dissertation with no outstanding degree requirements must complete their degree program within 9 consecutive semesters, inclusive of summer.
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