6 Distance learning PhD Programmes in Spirituality 2024

Our Ph.D. Degree is the most rigorous degree we offer, requiring completion of 24 semester credits plus 36 credits attained for the doctoral dissertation and a formal defense of the dissertation in an Oral Examination at the conclusion of the dissertation process.

The mission of the PhD in East-West Psychology at CIIS is to explore the convergence of Eastern, Western, and Indigenous psychologies and spiritualities in the spirit of dialogue and integral inquiry. Our students engage in research subjects that explore the meaning of this convergence for a diverse, multicultural, and peaceful world. Our graduates are prepared for professional careers in academia and research, activism and organizational leadership, and spiritual counseling or coaching. Our faculty have a wide range of research interests, among them: Asian wisdom traditions, yoga studies, Integral Yoga, traditional Chinese medicine, Depth and archetypal psychologies, Western religious and esoteric traditions, folklore and mythology, ecopsychology, indigenous psychospiritualities, plant medicines, non-ordinary states of consciousness, and transpersonal and existential psychologies.

The Ph.D. in Women’s Spirituality is a rigorous transdisciplinary online program building students towards thought-leadership and propelling change. The program explores varied spiritual, ecological, and political perspectives rooted in care for the Earth, each other, and the Sacred. Through your coursework and unique research, you will explore transpersonal and embodied ways of knowing holding womanist, feminist, Indigenous and decolonial lenses. Our graduates pursue a unique interdisciplinary curriculum which prepares them for professional careers in academia and research, teaching and education, coaching and counseling, media, and entrepreneurship. Our innovative and diverse faculty pursue research interests in the three areas of the curriculum: Women and World Religions; Feminist and Ecofeminist Philosophy and Activism; and Women's Mysteries, Sacred Arts, and Healing.

The DMin degree is one of the professional doctorates. Like an MD (Doctor of Medicine), a JD (Doctor of Jurisprudence), EdD (Doctor of Education), or DBA (Doctor of Business), a DMin is specific to the pastoral and therapeutic communities. It arose originally for ministers seeking a doctoral degree but who were less interested in the pure research required for a PhD than in applied research in areas of healing, therapy, spiritual growth and counseling where the dissertation was in an area they were seeking to apply in their professional work. Upon completion of Ubiquity’s Doctor of Ministry program, you will be awarded the title “Doctor of Ministry.” This is one of the highest honors society bestows and indicates respect and acknowledgement for an expertise that the larger community can count on for integrity and professional competence.

CIIS’ Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion Ph.D. offers a nurturing community engaged in revitalizing relationships to Earth while exploring the intersections of world religions, Indigenous traditions, eco-spirituality, eco-justice, and eco-feminism.

The PIH program prepares the student for chaplain duties that support people travelling the healing journeys in various healthcare system facets such as clinic, assisted living, hospice, and hospital settings. As a student in the PIH track, you will learn the language of health care, the environments where health care takes place, and how to integrate your support to individuals and their families.