The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), a private graduate school in San Francisco, offers transformative education that integrates academic rigor with spiritual inquiry, rooted in the integral philosophy of Haridas Chaudhuri and inspired by Sri Aurobindo.
Established in 1968 and accredited since 1981, CIIS hosts around 1,900 students in over 30 graduate and certificate programs spanning psychology, health, consciousness studies, Chinese medicine, and more—many combining traditional academics with spiritual and esoteric traditions.
With flexible learning formats, award-winning counseling centers, and pioneering initiatives like its psychedelic therapies program, CIIS emphasizes holistic human development and societal transformation. Its diverse student body, global alumni network, and reflective campus environment, including a Zen garden, underscore its commitment to educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) |
| Location | 1453 Mission Street, San Francisco, California |
| Founded | 1968 (as California Institute of Asian Studies) |
| Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission (since 1981) |
| Student Enrollment | ~1,900 students |
| Schools & Colleges | – School of Professional Psychology and Health – School of Consciousness and Transformation – American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) – School of Undergraduate Studies |
| Programs Offered | Over 30 graduate degrees & certificates; limited undergraduate programs |
| Special Features | – Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research – Six counseling centers – Rooftop Zen Garden |
| Learning Formats | Online, hybrid, in-person, full-time, part-time, intensive weekends |
| Admissions Requirements | GPA ≥ 3.0, essays, recommendations, transcripts, writing sample, test scores (for some) |
| International Students | 8–10% of student body; TOEFL/IELTS/PTE required |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 17:1 |
| Notable Alumni | Angela Davis, Seraphim Rose, Joanna Macy, Deborah Santana, Douglas Vakoch |
California Institute of Integral Studies: A Hub for Transformative Education
The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) stands as a unique private graduate school in San Francisco, dedicated to fostering transformative education that integrates academic rigor with spiritual exploration. Founded in 1968 as the California Institute of Asian Studies, it adopted its current name in 1980 and has been regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC Senior College and University Commission) since 1981.
A Rich History Rooted in Integral Philosophy
CIIS’s origins are deeply intertwined with the “integral philosophy” introduced by Haridas Chaudhuri, drawing inspiration from Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga. This foundational principle emphasizes a holistic view of human beings, integrating material and spiritual values, and bridging Eastern and Western philosophies and worldviews. This commitment to integral education aims to combine scholarly pursuit with personal and societal transformation.
Comprehensive Academic Offerings
Located at 1453 Mission Street in San Francisco’s SoMa area, CIIS serves approximately 1,900 enrolled students with a diverse array of over 30 graduate and professional certificate programs, alongside limited undergraduate offerings. The institute’s academic structure is organized into the following schools and a college:
- School of Professional Psychology and Health: Offers programs in clinical psychology (with emphases like depth psychology), integral counseling psychology, somatic psychology and therapy, expressive arts therapy, drama therapy, human sexuality, and integrative health studies.
- School of Consciousness and Transformation: Provides cutting-edge programs in philosophy, consciousness, and cosmology; ecology, spirituality, and religion; integral and transpersonal psychology, East-West psychology, and transformative leadership. Unique offerings include a PhD in Human Sexuality.
- American College of Traditional and Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) at CIIS: Offers professional and postgraduate degrees in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
- School of Undergraduate Studies: Houses the Bachelor of Arts Completion (BAC) program, a student-centered model for nontraditional students to complete their undergraduate degree, with options in Interdisciplinary Studies and Psychology.
Many courses at CIIS combine mainstream academic curricula with a spiritual orientation, drawing from a broad spectrum of mystical and esoteric traditions. Programs are offered in various formats, including online, blended (on-campus & online), full-time, part-time, and intensive weekend options. The institute is known for its pioneering programs, such as the Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research, which was the first university-affiliated certificate program in this field.
CIIS also maintains six award-winning counseling centers, providing affordable mental health services to the community and valuable training for its clinical and counseling students.
Admissions and Student Life
Admission to CIIS typically requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, and some programs may necessitate SAT or ACT scores. English proficiency tests (TOEFL, PTE, IELTS) are also required for international applicants, who make up 8-10% of the diverse student body, representing over 30 countries. The admission process usually involves an application fee, official transcripts, an essay, two letters of recommendation, and an academic writing sample. The institute boasts a student-faculty ratio of 17:1.
A notable feature of the CIIS campus is its Zen Garden, a rooftop sanctuary accessible to all, providing a tranquil space for reflection and relaxation.
Notable Alumni
CIIS has educated a wide range of individuals who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. Some of its notable alumni include:
- Seraphim Rose: Influential Orthodox hieromonk and religious writer.
- Angeles Arrien: Cultural anthropologist and author.
- Will Hall: Mental health advocate.
- Haridas Chaudhuri: Integral philosopher and co-founder of the institute.
- Angela Davis: Political activist.
- Joanna Rogers Macy: Environmental activist and author.
- Deborah Santana: Author, activist, and philanthropist.
- Douglas Vakoch: Astro-biologist.
The California Institute of Integral Studies continues to be a distinctive institution, committed to educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and fostering a community dedicated to meaningful growth, innovative research, and societal transformation.
FAQs about California Institute of Integral Studies
What is the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)?
CIIS is a private, nonprofit graduate university in San Francisco that integrates academic study with spiritual exploration, offering programs rooted in integral philosophy.
Where is CIIS located?
CIIS is located at 1453 Mission Street in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood of San Francisco, California.
When was CIIS founded?
CIIS was founded in 1968 as the California Institute of Asian Studies and adopted its current name in 1980.
Is CIIS accredited?
Yes, CIIS is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 1981.
What type of programs does CIIS offer?
CIIS offers over 30 graduate degree and professional certificate programs, as well as a limited number of undergraduate programs through its Bachelor of Arts Completion (BAC) program.
What are the main schools within CIIS?
The institute includes the School of Professional Psychology and Health, the School of Consciousness and Transformation, the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM), and the School of Undergraduate Studies.
What is integral education?
Integral education at CIIS combines academic rigor with personal, spiritual, and societal transformation, drawing on both Eastern and Western traditions.
Does CIIS offer online programs?
Yes, CIIS offers programs in multiple formats including online, hybrid (blended), on-campus, full-time, part-time, and weekend-intensive formats.
What is the Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research at CIIS?
It’s a pioneering program offering a certificate in psychedelic-assisted therapies and research—the first university-affiliated program of its kind in the U.S.
Does CIIS have counseling services?
Yes, CIIS operates six award-winning counseling centers that provide low-cost mental health services and training opportunities for clinical students.
Who can apply to CIIS?
Applicants must typically hold a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Some programs may require test scores, writing samples, and letters of recommendation.
What is required for international applicants?
International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE), and follow general application guidelines including transcripts and recommendations.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at CIIS?
CIIS maintains a student-faculty ratio of approximately 17:1.
How diverse is the student body at CIIS?
CIIS students represent more than 30 countries, with international students making up 8–10% of the population.
Are there undergraduate programs at CIIS?
Yes, CIIS offers a Bachelor of Arts Completion program for nontraditional students, with options in Interdisciplinary Studies and Psychology.
What are some notable alumni from CIIS?
Notable alumni include political activist Angela Davis, environmentalist Joanna Macy, Orthodox monk Seraphim Rose, author Deborah Santana, and astro-biologist Douglas Vakoch.
Is there a spiritual or contemplative space on campus?
Yes, CIIS features a rooftop Zen Garden that provides a peaceful space for reflection, open to all students and staff.
What is the application process like?
The process includes submitting an application fee, official transcripts, an essay, two letters of recommendation, and an academic writing sample. Some programs may have additional requirements.
Does CIIS offer financial aid or scholarships?
Yes, CIIS provides financial aid options, including federal student aid, institutional scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
Can students attend CIIS part-time?
Yes, many programs at CIIS are designed to accommodate part-time students with flexible scheduling.
What sets CIIS apart from other universities?
CIIS stands out for its unique integration of academic study with personal and spiritual development, its commitment to Eastern-Western synthesis, and its holistic, socially engaged approach to education.
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