Ecopsychology

MA in Transpersonal Psychology

The Ecopsychology degree concentration integrates psychology and ecology in the study of human-nature relationships. At Naropa University, contemplative practice and transpersonal psychology provide a foundation for this integration.

The two-year, 38-credit low-residency program follows the general format of the MA Transpersonal Psychology degree. The program begins in late May (at the start of the summer semester) with the online course Meditation for Social Change Leaders (PSYT 603e). Students will also come to Boulder for the three day intensive for this course on June 14–16, 2008 and then stay for the Transpersonal Psychology Intensive on June 19–25. In the second summer students come to Boulder for two courses that run back to back and last two weeks (PSYT 520 and PSYT 685).

Each year, students take two courses on campus in the summer and two courses online in both fall and spring semesters. Students also attend a three-day course in Boulder each winter. The first year is devoted to study of ecopsychology, ecology, transpersonal psychology and contemplative practice. In the second year, students complete both intellectual and service-learning projects, in addition to taking elective courses.

Educational objectives of the program

1. To provide a thorough overview of the intellectual, philosophical and practical aspects of ecopsychology.
2. To deepen our understanding of and connection with nature and to articulate our emerging worldview of the human-nature relationship.
3. To contribute in some tangible way to the earth and our communities as a result of our insights, actions and service work.
4. To create a strong and bonded learning community that can support one another both in person and from a distance.
5. To cultivate, understand and practice contemplative disciplines.
6. To develop a thorough understanding of the multicultural, transpersonal and systems theory aspects of ecopsychology.
7. To foster the individual growth, personal awakening and social/environmental responsibility of all students.
8. To prepare students for careers in which they can be effective social change agents through the use of ecopsychological principles and practices.

Key features and benefits

1. Low-residency program that can be completed in two years with minimal travel.
2. Exposure to some of the leading faculty in the world in ecopsychology and transpersonal psychology.
3. A summer wilderness course in which students receive direct experience and training in ecopsychology, rites of passage and council process/ceremony.
4. Summer and January intensives on campus, which allow community building with fellow students and faculty.
5. Required courses, electives and options for self-designed learning.
6. A contemplative and transpersonal orientation to ecopsychology offered nowhere else in the world.
7. A variety of online communication tools including audio and video lectures, group discussions, private online journals, chat rooms and chats.
8. Exposure to the unique and creative learning community that is Naropa University.