Doctoral students wishing to specialize in Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion should possess a master's degree in a discipline relevant to the program (e.g. religion, ecology, environmental studies, biology, anthropology, environmental history, geography, literature, philosophy) from an accredited graduate institution. Applicants to the doctoral program should identify two core faculty members whose expertise closely matches the student's proposed course of study and research project. Doctoral applicants should demonstrate research preparation suggestive of their motivation to complete a doctoral dissertation.

Online Admissions Application
Begin the application process by submitting an online graduate application and submitting the non-refundable $65 application fee payment.

Degree Requirement
A bachelor's and master's degree in a discipline relevant to the program from a regionally accredited institution.

Minimum GPA
A GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous coursework is required. However, a GPA below 3.0 does not automatically disqualify an applicant and CIIS will consider a prospective student whose GPA is between 2.0 and 3.0. These individuals are required to submit a GPA Statement and are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions to discuss their options.

Transcripts
Official transcripts from all accredited academic institutions attended where 7 or more credits have been earned. If transcripts are being mailed to CIIS, they must arrive in their official, sealed envelopes. Transcripts from institutions outside the US or Canada require a foreign credit evaluation through World Education Services (WES) or CIIS will also accept foreign credential evaluations that are in a comprehensive course-by-course format from the current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Statement of Purpose
A two-page (typed, double-spaced) statement of your educational and professional objectives.

Autobiographical Statement
A four-to-six page (typed, double-spaced) introspective autobiographical statement discussing your values, emotional and spiritual insights, aspirations, and life experiences that have led to your decision to apply.

Two Letters of Recommendation
Recommenders should use standard business format and include full contact information-name, email, phone number, and mailing address.

Academic Writing Sample
A writing sample of eight to ten pages (typed, double-spaced) that demonstrates your capacity to think critically and reflectively and demonstrates graduate level writing abilities. A sample that uses outside sources must include proper citations. You may submit copies of previous work, such as a recent academic paper, article, or report that reflects scholarly abilities.

Please note: International students and individuals who have studied at institutions outside the US and Canada have additional requirements.

Admissions Option 2

The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 36 units of coursework, which is followed by two comprehensive exams, a dissertation proposal, and original research to write a dissertation reviewed by a committee of three experts. Doctoral students publicly present their research findings at least twice during the course of their studies at relevant conferences at CIIS and nationally.

Coursework for doctoral students addresses religions and spiritualties; ecology and environmentalism; cosmology; the philosophy of religion; and transdisciplinary thinking. Additionally, all doctoral students take at least two courses in research theory and method, including Theory and Method in the Integrative Study of Religion and Ecology. Additional language or methodology courses may be required by the student's advisor. Students admitted with an MA in a field other than philosophy, religion, or environmental humanities may need to take up to 18 supplemental units of philosophy and religion courses.

Most courses are between one and three units; course offerings vary from year to year. Below are sample outlines. The two comprehensive exams, proposal writing, and dissertation carry 0 units and are charged at a flat fee each semester.

Year 1	Year 2
Theory and Method in the Integrative Study of Religion and Ecology Ecology in a Time of Planetary Crisis Religion course (3 units). Options may include: Christianity and Ecology Buddhism and Ecology Philosophy course. Options may include: History of Western World Views Philosophy and Ecology Whitehead's Philosophy Electives	Touch the Earth Religion course (same tradition as the first year) Ecology course. Options may include: Environmental Ethics Science, Ecology and Contested Knowledge(s) The Epic of the Universe Toward an Integral Ecological Consciousness Feminism, Globalization, and Justice course. Options may include: Ecofeminist Philosophy and Activism The Eco-Social Vision Electives

Ph.D. in Ecology, Spirituality, and Religion California Institute of Integral Studies

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