Introduction
The Holistic Psychology program at Passion University explores beyond conventional clinical and analytic methods. Most people’s challenges are multifaceted, with various aspects of self-interacting in suboptimal ways. Passion University encourages research and studies on innovative and creative approaches, particularly experiential involvement and developing strategies and solutions that incorporate multidisciplinary modalities.
Ph.D. in Holistic Psychology
The Ph.D. in Holistic Psychology program is primarily a research program that provides an academic setting and collaboration on emerging theories and practices within human psychology. It also prepares graduates to promote psychological and physical well-being at the individual, family and systemic levels. The University’s passion-based education enhances practitioners’ ability to interact with clients, observe, assess their needs, and provide holistic solutions.
Entry Requirements
As a prerequisite for acceptance to the Ph.D. program in Holistic Psychology, students should have completed the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree in a related field and have several years of meaningful professional experience. Preferred applicants will hold a qualification, certification or registration in a health, healing, counseling, helping or allied profession.
Suggested Curriculum
The following is a suggested curriculum. Students work with their academic counselors and mentors to create a personalized program. The academic committee reviews and evaluates program applications and proposals.
A typical Ph.D. in Holistic Psychology curriculum has five main requirements for a total of 134 credit units:
- Public Health Foundations (56 units)
- Psychology Core Courses (24 units)
- Specialization Track (16 units)
- Holistic Psychology Electives (20 units)
- Research and Ph.D. Dissertation (18 units)
Holistic Health Foundations
Psychology Core Courses
Core modern psychology courses include developmental psychology, family dynamics, personality theories, psychopathology, psychotherapy, clinical methods, and mind and consciousness.
- Developmental Psychology and Family Dynamics
- Personality Theories and Psychopathology
- Psychotherapy and Clinical Methods
- Mind and Consciousness
- Religions, Mythologies and Symbolic Systems
- Research Methods
Specialization Track
The newly expanded curriculum allows each student to select a specific study track within the program: applied psychology, somatic psychology, or transpersonal psychology. Students take 16 units in one of the following three areas:
- Applied Psychology Module: organization consulting, human resources, mediation & conflict resolution, curriculum development.
- Somatic Psychology Module: somatic experiencing, movement therapy, aquatic healing, sexual healing, energy medicine.
- Transpersonal Psychology Module: social & cultural psychology, humanistic psychology, Jungian psychology, shamanism & altered states, spirituality & consciousness.
Research Preparation
Ph.D. students must pursue studies that provide advanced research knowledge necessary for success in their Dissertation. At least four credit units of research preparation coursework are required. This might focus on quantitative and qualitative methods or participatory action research techniques, especially subject selection, research design, and statistical analysis, as appropriate to each student’s proposed project. Through this requirement, students learn to effectively define applied problems or theoretical issues and articulate the rationale for the study. They should learn to present an effective scholarly review of the academic literature and implement quantitative, qualitative or participatory action methods for evaluating academic issues.
Comprehensive Examination
Once the student has completed the coursework elements of the degree, they schedule the Comprehensive Examination. The primary mentor and a faculty member representing the minor field of study conduct the examination’s written and oral components. The written portion is an open book style with selected essay questions requiring creative responses that reach for the higher levels of cognition. Your answers are expected to draw from your program’s primary and secondary competencies with proper referencing of the scholarly literature. The oral component of the examination is usually completed by telephone conference and is intended to allow a detailed investigation of your written responses.