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I had high hopes for CIIS when I first enrolled in 2015. But unfortunately the administrative issues that I have experienced here nearly outweighs the education that I received. This school is expensive and as I come to the end of my program I am starting to have second thoughts about the high pay that I agreed to in coming here. I have had a myriad of issues receiving my financial aid from the Financial aid department in a timely manner. I have also had issues with receiving basic communication... Read More from them. I have to say that the financial aid problems at this institution are a deal breaker for me. I can't in good conscience suggest this school to anyone who isn't paying out of pocket. It is way too stressful to be living in the expensive Bay Area, stacked with school obligations and then be required to work up to three jobs in order to ATTEMPT to keep my financial state above water. When I haven't received my financial aid on time, that has nearly caused me to be evicted from my home TWICE. It is unacceptable. And I haven't received so much as an apology for those stressful circumstances. I hope that they can get it together but after three years of the same problems, I am not sure what it would take. The teachers and the classes were usually well-done and I learned a lot. Unfortunately, I am not convinced that I could not have had a good in-class experience at another, more affordable institution. Be forewarned, that if you plan to attend CIIS, your financial situation may be problematic if you don't have a nice nest egg to fall back on. No such luck for me but beggars can't be choosers-apparently.

The culture of learning and the focus on health at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the California Institute of Integral Studies creates an inspiring environment for studying acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM.) Not only are the instructors experienced both clinically and in the classroom, but they offer exceptional professional support and personal connection. The combination of theory and classroom learning is well balanced by clinical experience. Ancient scientific... Read More knowledge is complimented perfectly with modern integrated medical systems for a truly holistic education. I am honored to be learning in this program and feel I am being well prepared for a career in acupuncture and TCM.

CIIS is an innovative university, with several programs delving into alternative approaches to psychology and mental health. The staff are inclusive and supportive and the curriculum pushes students to think outside of mainstream notions of knowledge and truth. Whatever your passion, there is a niche at CIIS for you - from expressive arts, to drama, to transpersonal psychology, and more. CIIS also prepares students for their career field with a plethora of practicum and internship sites, which provides... Read More students with a network of community partnerships after graduation. One feels equally emotionally and educationally supported and stimulated at CIIS.

The Integral Counseling Psychology program at CIIS is a wonderful program to learn how to become a psychotherapist, a marriage and family therapist and also, if you want, a professional clinical counselor. Teachers are caring and nurturing. Classes are designed for you to experience knowledge meanfully, exploring your own life, in a transformative education model, instead of memorizing information. San Francisco is an expensive city to live, but also a very diverse and exciting one and CIIS contributes... Read More to it to hosting lectures and workshops from leading experts and concerts from up-and-coming artists.

The East-West Psychology Master's Program at CIIS is a transformative learning program that has changed my life. Synthesizing myriad approaches, I have learned to view my psychology practice from diverse perspectives, integrating spirituality, performance art, environmental awareness, dream work, depth psychology, systems theory, community sustainability, permaculture, and conscious activism. This cutting-edge school is unparalleled in its academic integrity, cultural relevance and community support.... Read More I highly recommend any program at CIIS and urge anyone who's passionate about healing the world to apply.

CIIS has an amazing group of faculty that make the school absolutely worth the cost. Professors in Clinical Psychology are almost all current practitioners, or previously had a practice of their own, and draw extensively from their own experience to educate the next generation of therapists. Readings are, overall, extremely applicable and hand-picked by the professor to provide the most valuable resources on any given topic. There is a strong emphasis on quality of life, and it shows in the attitudes... Read More of staff members. The field placement office, headed by a lovely and talented woman with extensive knowledge of the BBS, is proactive and very helpful, from offering workshops on resume refinement to sending out placement opportunities. While CIIS has its flaws, the emphasis on learning rather than status has really paid off. One of the most valuable and engaging educational experiences I have encountered in my career thus far.

The East-West Psychology program at CIIS offers a unique, holistic perspective which incorporates various teaching modalities, art, individual expression and flexibility. My focus in the program is Ecopsychology, an important field that studies the human relation to our planet Earth and how we can improve this relationship through spiritual practices, intellectual inquiry, psychotherapy and environmental action. I feel this is extremely important work in the world and I am glad to attend such an... Read More open-minded school.