PhD in Psychology

Reimagining Professional Practice

Degree Description

Meridian University's PhD in Psychology program offers an immersive and transformative experience, empowering you on a journey from vocation to the realization of your future profession.

Within the rising complexities of our contemporary world, the domain of psychology yearns for an inspiring transformation, a paradigm shift that liberates it from traditional confines, reigniting the profound connection between the human soul, the boundless realm of imagination, and scholarly investigation into the intricate nature of the human psyche. At Meridian University, we embrace this challenge with innovation and integration, weaving a diverse tapestry of orientations into a meta orientation known as 'Integral-Imaginal Psychology.' This holistic approach transcends conventional boundaries, inviting you to embark on a profoundly transformative journey, becoming an integral part of a new era in psychological exploration.

The carefully crafted curriculum of Meridian’s PhD in psychology program extends over 108 academic credits and blends academic rigor with personal growth and hands-on practical experience. As an integral part of our comprehensive program, you'll have the opportunity to engage in fieldwork, applying theoretical knowledge within real-world client interactions. This interweaving of theory and practice, personal and relational experiences, and the dynamic interplay of research and application makes this program so uniquely holistic. As you advance through the program, your academic journey culminates with the completion of an original research dissertation, serving as a testament to your scholarly achievement and contribution to the domain of psychology.

Meridian’s curriculum is a vibrant tapestry, woven with diverse threads, drawing from somatic psychology, spiritual psychology, ecopsychology, depth psychology, energy psychology, transpersonal psychology, humanist psychology, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. But we don't stop there; we also weave in spiritual traditions, mystical philosophy, deep ecology, cultural history, mythology, indigenous wisdom traditions, poetic imagination, and social critique. This rich blend of psychological domains and orientations lays the foundation for a transformative learning experience like no other.

Meridian’s PhD in Psychology program is highly transdisciplinary and perfect for those seeking a blend of intellectual exploration and creative expression. It is an invitation to integrate knowledge, wisdom, and personal growth into a powerful force for positive change. Meridian’s larger vision is for you to become an active agent of change and healing, fostering a profound connection between self and society.

Meridian’s integral and participatory approach to education will prepare you for Psychologist licensure educational eligibility and/or Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC) educational eligibility across multiple states.

At Meridian, we place a profound emphasis on the quest for meaning, recognizing it as the cornerstone of psychological life. Whether you're immersed in qualitative research or immersed in clinical practice, your work centers around understanding and nurturing this very human pursuit.

At Meridian University, we invite you to follow your sacred purpose, to develop both conceptual understanding and the capacities to undertake participatory research that can breathe new life into personal and cultural transformation. This program is far more than just a degree; it's a transformative journey that begins with your inner calling toward becoming a catalyst for healing, transformative change, and meaning making in a rapidly evolving world that needs a new kind of integral practitioner enabled by the capabilities you will develop through Meridian’s PhD in Psychology.

Ph.D. in Psychology

Heather H.

State Licensure

The Meridian student body is global. Students in the US can seek educational eligibility for licensure in multiple states and for multiple license types. Map is for illustrative purposes. For detailed license information per state, click below. In another state or region not listed below? Contact the Admissions Team for more information.

STATE LICENSURE DETAILS

Alaska

MFT and LPC

Arizona

MFT

California

MFT, LPCC, and Psychologist

Hawaii

MFT, MHC, and Psychologist

Illinois

MFT

Pennsylvania

LPC

Texas

MFT and PSY

"Difference is that raw and powerful connection from which our personal power is forged."

AUDRE LORDE

Educational Objectives

To develop leadership capacities which further professional engagement with the profession of psychology.
To develop creative inquiry practices and skills.
To develop cultural praxis skills.
To develop conceptual understanding and the capacities and skills to undertake participatory research that can create new meaning and serve to potentially revitalize personal and cultural transformation.
To develop competencies required to facilitate transformative learning with an understanding of human development and therapeutic outcomes across multiple domains of psychological practice and levels of human systems.

At A Glance

Applications Accepted:

Quarterly

Highest Degree Required:

Bachelors

Learning Formats:

Hybrid & Online

Program Length:

33-48 Months

Total Credits Required:

108 Credits

Cost Per Credit:

$676

Accreditation:

WASC

Graduation Requirements

Students who enter with a Bachelor’s degree must complete 133 credits (1080 hours) of which 25 credits are from fieldwork (750 hours).
Students who enter the program with a qualified Master’s degree (Advanced Standing) must complete 117 credits (920 hours) of which 25 credits are from fieldwork (750 hours).
The completion of an original research Dissertation is required.
Students have a maximum of eight (8) years from their initial date of enrollment to complete this degree.
Doctoral students must complete 60 hours of personal exploration in a psychotherapeutic process.

Admission Requirements

A Bachelor's degree is required for admission to Meridian's graduate degree programs.
Students submit an online application form along with documents such as official transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The Admissions Committee reviews all applications and invites select applicants to proceed to an interview. More information is available on the Application Process page.
All students are expected to be proficient in the English language as all instruction at Meridian is offered in English.

Woman looks over her shoulder in the library while sitting at desk with laptop.

Academic Structure

Meridian’s academic structure gives students the flexibility to navigate the University’s curricular architecture in ways that match their passions, professional goals, and other life commitments.

The structure is designed to serve a diverse student body, who live around the globe, have varied cultural and clinical visions for their careers, and are at different stages in their professional journey.

Students enroll in a degree program, can elect a concentration, and register for one or multiple courses each quarter. In addition to core courses for the specific degree program and anchor courses that represent the Transformative Learning intent of Meridian’s curriculum, students select elective courses that align with their Meridian concentration, background, and career path.

Learn More

Learning Formats

Meridian University offers two learning formats: Online and Hybrid.

The Online format is ideal for students completing their degrees remotely, combining synchronous and asynchronous learning.
The Hybrid format is tailored for those seeking a blend of online learning and in-person classes at Meridian’s Los Angeles Campus.

Learn More

Accreditation and Financial Aid

Meridian University is a degree-granting higher education institution accredited by the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). As an accreditor, WASC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. WASC is also an accreditor of the University of California, Berkeley, UCLA, and Stanford University.

Meridian is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in the Federal Student Aid programs as well as by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs for the training of veterans and other eligible persons.

The University is approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide form I-20 to eligible international students, enabling travel to and stay in the United States.

Meridian offers institutional financial aid to qualified international students.