I have been enriched and inspired by my experience with the Institute of Imaginal Studies which takes a leadership role in the community by taking the creative imagination to the practical problems and opportunities presented by the world. The Institute’s programs truly correspond to the way of imagination, gathering and cultivating a wide spectrum of ideas, traditions, and modes of expression. The graduate programs hold the necessary tension between creative discovery and the more linear demands of the society we serve. Higher education deeply needs a contagious spread of the vision that the Institute holds and the skills of its pioneering community.

–Shaun McNiff, Author of Art Based Research and
Art as Medicine: Creating a Therapy of the Imagination

Admissions Information
The Institute is committed to creating a pluralist learning community. We seek a diverse group of students and welcome application from all qualified individuals. Our intention is to develop and nurture a learning community in which students and faculty can learn together in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We welcome differences in age, economic status, race, ethnic background, religion, origin, gender, sexual orientation, physical challenge, political views, personal characteristics, and beliefs.

Applying to the Institute
Applications may be submitted to the Institute at any time, although the majority of students begin classes in the Fall quarter.

Application Requirements:

• A Bachelors degree is required for admission to the Institute’s Graduate Programs.
  
• Applicants entering with a Masters degree in Psychology (or its equivalent) may apply for Advanced Standing to the Doctoral programs.
  
• Students are expected to be proficient in the English language as all instruction at the Institute is offered in English.
  

Prospective students are notified when the Institute has received their completed application packet. Following a review of application materials, selected applicants are invited to an admissions interview. The Director of Admissions communicates the Admissions Committee’s decision to the applicant.

Prior Coursework
The Institute’s curriculum is designed for students to take courses in sequence, within a cohort-based model. Transfer units may be granted up to a maximum of 45 units towards Doctoral programs and 9 units towards Masters programs for coursework from other schools, on a case-by-case basis when appropriate. The Institute does not offer academic credit for prior life experience.

International Students
International students are welcome to apply for admission into the Institute's Graduate Programs. Transcripts from schools located outside of the United States must be evaluated and/or translated by a professional agency. All courses at the Institute are conducted in English. Students whose native language is not English are required to submit the results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For admission, students are required to receive a score of 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based. At this time, the Institute does not offer visa services.

Tuition & Fees
Tuition for the academic year is due at the time of enrollment. Tuition for the 2008-09 academic year is:

• Monthly Format: $13,500 annually
• Distance Learning Format: $13,500 annually
  

Tuition may be paid on an annual, quarterly, or monthly basis. Annual tuition is due at registration; quarterly tuition is due on the first day of each quarter (at registration, December 1, March 1, and June 1); monthly tuition is due on the first day of each month (registration, October 1, November 1, etc.). All tuition payments are directed to the Financial Services Coordinator at the Institute’s administrative offices.

A tuition deposit of $100 is due when the student submits their Intent to Enroll form. This deposit is applied toward the first tuition payment; $50 of this deposit is non-refundable.

The cost to the student for the residential plan is:

• Monthly Format: $2,800 annually
• Distance Learning Format: $1,800 annually
  

A residential deposit of $200 is due when the student submits their Intent to Enroll form. Exemptions to the residential plan are considered on a case-by-case basis.

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