MA in Transpersonal Psychology

What is Transpersonal Psychology?

Transpersonal psychology integrates spiritual wisdom and practices with the insights and methods of psychology. The discipline offers both a fuller and richer understanding of human psychology and a more psychologically sophisticated approach to spiritual development. As an expression of Naropa's contemplative educational approach, the MA program in Transpersonal Psychology guides students into a transformational relationship with themselves and
their world.

Integrating theoretical, experiential and service aspects of transpersonal psychology, the MA explores optimal mental health, transformation and self-transcendence, mindfulness and meditative practices, ritual, the integration of the personal and transpersonal, and the applications of spirituality in the world and our daily lives.

As a 36-credit, two year, low-residency program, the transpersonal psychology curriculum combines online course work with two, weeklong summer intensives. Students enter the program in the beginning of the summer semester (late May or early June) with an online course, followed by a residential intensive in June when important community building happens. During the first summer, important foundations are laid for subsequent course work that takes place online during the fall and spring semesters.

The MA in Transpersonal Psychology provides a broad platform for personal and professional growth. This growth enhances and expands students’ current life work and supports the discovery of new, meaningful directions. Applicable to many fields, the MA serves as a launchpad into education, business, organizational development, social services, community development, nonprofit organizations and health care arenas. Graduates of the MA in Transpersonal Psychology program are empowered to undertake a more whole, spiritually awakened, compassionate engagement with the world.

The low-residency Transpersonal Psychology program allows professionals in clinical and counseling psychology to expand their understanding and practice, but does not offer licensure, clinical internships or psychotherapy training. (See MA Transpersonal Counseling Psychology program.)

Within the MA in Transpersonal Psychology program,
a concentration in Ecopsychology focuses on the nature and human nature relationship and its importance to the health of all beings.