A Transformative History...
Sofia University, formerly known as the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (ITP) and founded in 1975, is a private, WSCUC-accredited institution. Historically, the University’s academic emphasis has been on providing graduate degree programs in Transpersonal Psychology. We define Transpersonal Psychology as the scientific study of the full range of human experience, which includes the pain of trauma and dysfunction on the one hand and heights of creativity, intuition, and peak functioning on the other.
The university has diversified its program offerings and incorporated a transpersonal approach into all its new degree programs and disciplines. This expansion includes doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s programs in Business Administration, Computer Science, and Psychology, as well as certificates in Dream Studies and Coaching.
Our core values are:
- Service
- Stewardship
- Transformation
- Academic Excellence
- Cultural Humility
- Innovation
- Inspiration
- Emotional Awareness
- Commitment
Explore our Strategic Plan for 2024 - 2027
Leadership & Board of Trustees.
About Sofia Leadership...
The Board of Trustees of Sofia University is the corporate body established by the charter with complete responsibility for the government and welfare of the University, including the interests of students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Carol Humphreys, PhDPresident
Nami Kim, PhD.Interim Provost & Accreditation Liaison Officer
Dr. Bill Y. ChenInterim Chief Financial Officer
Kathryn LaurinChair of the Board of Trustees
Allen Huang, Ph.D.Vice Chair to the Board of Trustees.
Sofia University is committed to equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility (EIDA).
About our commitment...
Our work on equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility is grounded in the tenets of transpersonal and humanistic psychology. Our mission, vision, and core values have long reflected our commitment to an empathetic, compassionate, and holistic view of all human beings.
Sofia University Board of Trustee's Resolution
The Sofia University Board of Trustees is committed to fostering a more equitable, inclusive, diverse, and accessible university. We endorse and support the implementation of EIDA policies in academic and organizational practices as described in the catalog and other official documents of Sofia University.
Adopted December 11th, 2022.
What is transpersonal psychology?
It is who we are as a university.
Transpersonal psychology is rooted in our identity as a university. Are you interested in learning more about transpersonal psychology, its principles, and its history? Our blog has a ton of great content on the subject contributed by alumni, faculty, staff, and previous members of the Sofia community.
Accreditation & Recognition.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Sofia University has been accredited by the nation’s premier regional accreditation body for higher education, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC), since 1998. Through its rigorous review process, WSCUC confirms that Sofia University possesses the resources, policies, and practices to achieve its educational goals and shows a dedication to the improvement and accountability of its programs. In June of 2022, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) reaffirmed Sofia University’s accreditation for a period of 6 years!
California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)
Sofia University is on California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)’s Listing of Accredited Institutions and Programs.
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Sofia University is on the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s Listing of Accredited and Candidate Institutions (CHEA).
U.S. Department of Education
Sofia University is also among the recognized list of institutions of higher education in the U.S. Department of Education’s database.
Chinese Government Website of Ministry of Education
Sofia University is also among the recognized list of institutions of higher education on Chinese Government Website of Ministry of Education’s database as “Sofia University (Original name is Institute of Transpersonal Psychology，name changed in 2012)”.
State Authorizations for Distance Education
Sofia University is licensed, registered, authorized, certified, or formally exempt in the following states and territories as indicated States Authorization page.
