Sofia University has been at the forefront of scholarly research in the field of transpersonal psychology since the establishment as the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in 1975.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Chinese (PhDC) in Transpersonal Psychology aims to train scholar-practitioners in transpersonal psychology with familiarity of the Chinese wisdom tradition. It builds upon your prior master’s degree through exploration and consideration of both classic and modern studies of transpersonal psychology.You will strengthen your research and analytic skills as well experiential practices while simultaneously carving out a deep understanding of the multiple dimensions of our human experience.
Our PhDC program is facilitated primarily online. Through the program, we invite you to develop holistic, research-based applications to the challenges and opportunities that humans alone and in groups experience. The program applies transpersonal principles to help foster transformation individually, socially, and professionally.
To complete the doctorate in three years, you will engage in 6-9 units per quarter, moving through all the required and elective courses totaling in 75 credits. You will complete your dissertation “Mini Proposal” by the middle of your second year, setting into motion your work on this major contribution to the scholarly literature. Throughout the dissertation process, you will register for a sequence of courses that support you through each research and writing phase, and that keep you in regular contact with your faculty committee.
The PhDC journey takes 3 years to complete. Students may choose to spend 1.5 years studying online and the other 1.5 years in residence in California campus. Extension over 3 years will be considered after consultation with the program chair.
Spring Start Date: | April 6, 2026 |
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Summer Start Date: | July 7, 2025 |
Fall Start Date: | September 29, 2025 |
Winter Start Date: | January 12, 2026 |
Program Length: | 3 years |
Total Number of Units: | 75 |
Estimated Total Cost: | $71,450 |
Estimated Fees: | $3,575 |
Format: | Online |
Key Program Highlights:
We blend scholarship in transpersonal psychology with meaningful, transformative learning that inspires reflection, self-actualization and authentic leadership development.
Transpersonal Inquiry
Intensive inquiry in transpersonal philosophy, theory, and research.
Methodological Prep
A research methods sequence that prepares students for dissertation work.
Applied Learning
Integrative and transformational educational experiences of community-building and applied learning.
Biannual Seminars
Twice yearly off-campus seminars in Northern California. To learn more, we invite you to visit our seminars page.
Community Praxis
An optional community praxis sequence.
Career Outcomes
Non-Profit Work
Median wages (2023)
$46.15 hourly, $96,000 annual
Lawyer
Median wages (2023)
$77.66 hourly, $161,530 annual
Consultant
Median wages (2023)
$48.65 hourly, $101,190 annual
Social Work
Median wages (2023)
$29.46 hourly, $61,330 annual
Researcher
Median wages (2023)
$23.80 hourly, $49,500 annual
Social Advocate/Leader
Median wages (2023)
$29.49 hourly, $61,330 annual
Teaching
Median wages (2023)
$40.376 hourly, $83,980 annual
Nurses
Median wages (2023)
$61.77 hourly, $128,490 annual
Coaching
Median wages (2023)
$35.29 hourly, $73,400 annual
Psychotherapists
Median wages (2023)
$45.34 hourly, $94,310 annual
Counselors
Median wages (2023)
$46.07 hourly, $95,830 annual
Physicians
Me115.00 hourly, $239,200 annual
*Career information provided through this website is based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data provided through O*net online.
Curriculum:
To receive a PhD in Transpersonal Psychology, students must successfully complete a minimum of 75 units. The following are specific degree requirements.
- 33 units in Core Courses
- 134 units in Electives
- 18 units in Dissertation Courses
- Advancement to Candidacy
Core courses introduce students to foundational theories and research methods in transpersonal psychology. As part of the Core, students must attend and successfully complete four residential seminars (i.e., GPHD7000 taken four times) during their matriculation in the PhD program.)
Students deepen their knowledge of transpersonal theory, research and applications through the selection of elective courses; they may opt to pursue a concentration to fulfill a portion of the electives requirement. Concentrations are offered in three areas of study, contributing 15 of the 28 units for this area of study:
- Dream Studies
- Transpersonal Ecopsychology
- Research in Psychedelic Sciences
TThe dissertation is structured as a sequence of six 3-unit courses. Each quarter’s course, students are expected to accomplish a specified number of activities related to dissertation planning, researching and writing. The courses guide students through the various steps in developing a faculty committee and research proposal, conducting research and analyzing data, and writing and defending a comprehensive report about the results.
The Advancement to Candidacy process is designed to enable students to demonstrate their attainment of academic writing and critical thinking skills at a level appropriate for the conduct of independent dissertation research. To complete the process, students must complete the following milestones:
- GPHD8997 – Introduction to Dissertation Proposal Writing (“Mini-Proposal”) (3)
- DOC9001-1 – Dissertation: Committee Formation and Final Proposal (3), during which a meeting with the Committee concerning the dissertation proposal is held and the proposal is approved.
Alumni Stories
My time at Sofia University–the course work, the opportunity to collaborate so closely with the faculty, and the commitment to whole-person education– allowed me to refine my vision for the Inner Explorer program, develop and pilot it in various iterations and finally to rigorously study the effects. These have all proven critical steps in my ability to co-found this nonprofit company, launch several programs, and most importantly, help children succeed in school and ultimately in life.
Lauren Bakosh
Alumna, PhD in Transpersonal Psychology
Class of 2013
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Below you’ll find some frequently asked questions about Sofia University’s PhD in Transpersonal Psychology program, providing additional details about the course structure, its timeline, and other key aspects.
The PhD in Transpersonal Psychology is primarily conducted online, with four residential seminars that occur over the course of the three-year program. These seminars may be held in-person or via virtual teleconferencing, and span five consecutive days each.
Yes, while the course is designed to be completed in three years as a full-time student, arrangements for part-time study can be made.
The “Mini Proposal” for your dissertation is due in the middle of your second year of the program. This initiates your work on the dissertation and keeps you engaged with your faculty committee.
The estimated total cost of the PhD in Transpersonal Psychology program is $71,450. It is also estimated that the total fees will be $3,575.
