California Institute of Integral Studies

What is the history of California Institute of Integral Studies?

California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) was founded in San Francisco in 1968 as the California Institute of Asian Studies. Its early focus on bringing Asian philosophical traditions into conversation with Western scholarship remains visible in its interdisciplinary approach to education.

The institution later adopted the California Institute of Integral Studies name as its academic scope expanded. Today, its programs extend beyond philosophy and religion into fields including psychology, counseling, and interdisciplinary studies. That history helps explain why students may encounter both conventional academic coursework and approaches that examine experience, culture, and personal development.

What are the faculties and departments at California Institute of Integral Studies?

CIIS is a specialized institution whose programs concentrate on psychology, counseling, consciousness studies, and interdisciplinary education. Its academic organization includes the School of Professional Psychology and Health, the School of Consciousness and Transformation, and the School of Undergraduate Studies.

Graduate options include programs in counseling-related fields and studies of consciousness, spirituality, and social change. Undergraduate study is a smaller part of the institution and is particularly relevant to applicants seeking to complete a bachelor's degree after earlier college work. Prospective students should examine the curriculum for their specific degree: programs with similar-sounding names can lead to different credentials, clinical training requirements, and career paths.

What is the location of California Institute of Integral Studies?

CIIS is located in San Francisco, California, at 1453 Mission Street. Its urban setting puts students near public transit and city services rather than on a conventional, self-contained residential campus.

For students attending in person, transportation and housing plans are consequential parts of the enrollment decision. Regional transit may provide an alternative to driving, but travel time depends on where a student lives and when classes meet. San Francisco International Airport serves the region for students traveling longer distances.

What is the mission and vision of California Institute of Integral Studies?

CIIS describes its educational purpose in terms of an "integral" approach: studying people and society across intellectual, psychological, cultural, and spiritual perspectives. Its stated priorities also include diversity, social justice, and ecological responsibility.

The institute's intellectual roots include dialogue between Asian and Western traditions, but it is not best understood as a single-faith college. Applicants considering a particular program should look at its required courses and teaching methods to see how the institution's philosophy shapes day-to-day academic work.