Global Online Ph.D. in Psychology: Delivery Format
Online Learning:
The program's distance learning format combines the use of online technology with conventional distance learning methods and tools. Students unfamiliar with online learning environments will receive an introduction to our online technology at their opening seminars.
Seminars:
Seminars are five to six days in length and comprise important community building and experiential aspects of the curriculum, both of which are essential to ITP's pedagogical approach to transpersonal education. Group and individual advising, dissertation consultation, and the beginning sessions of online courses also occur at the Seminars.
Seminars are held twice a year (summer and winter), with the exception of Year 5. During this year students are required to attend only the summer seminar. Each seminar is held locally in the Bay Area.
Academic Calendar:
Students are enrolled year round (summer, fall, winter, and spring terms). During each 7-week term students usually take two courses at any given time, with breaks in between terms. Students should expect to spend between 20-26 hours a week on their studies. Course load responsibilities include reading assignments, writing projects, Internet research, online course participation, and different types of collaborative work with faculty and fellow students.
Advisors:
Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program will be assigned a faculty advisor. A faculty advisor offers each student guidance and direction in their educational journey. Forming a relationship with a faculty advisory is an important part of a student's experience and plays a central role in helping the student make the best out of their program.
Online Classes, Study Guides, and Dissertation
Classes begin with an in-person, face-to-face seminar and continue in an online conferencing environment. Courses are based upon Study Guides or syllabus assignments assembled by members of the Institute's faculty. The Study Guides contain overviews of the course content, annotated bibliographies, questions, experiential exercises, application and practice exercises, assignments, suggestions for further study, and additional resources.
Students should expect to spend between 20-25 hours a week on their studies. Course load responsibilities include reading assignments, writing projects, internet research, online course participation, and different types of collaborative work with faculty and fellow students. Courses maintain a balance of intellectual content, personal integration, and praxis.
During the last half of Year 4, and throughout Year 5, the student works with three faculty members to:
- Prepare preliminary and formal dissertation proposals
- Conduct an original, independent research project
- Write a Dissertation describing this work
Please note: If the Dissertation is not completed by the end of Year 5, the student registers for Continuation until the project is completed. Depending on the student's ability to focus on their research, a sixth year or more is generally added for completion of Ph.D. dissertation writing and filing of forms.
For more information on Global programs, please contact Allison Perry at global.admissions@itp.edu or 650-493-4430, ext. 240.
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