Student stories
Inside the PhD experience
Hear firsthand how students grow through immersive and transformative learning, academic rigor, and hands-on practical experience in the PhD program.
Hear firsthand how students grow through immersive and transformative learning, academic rigor, and hands-on practical experience in the PhD program.
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 a paradigm shift that reignites the connection between the human soul, the boundless realm of imagination, and scholarly investigation into the intricate nature of the human psyche.
At Meridian, we weave a diverse tapestry of orientations into a meta orientation known as Integral-Imaginal Psychology, a holistic approach that transcends conventional boundaries. The curriculum extends over 108 academic credits and blends academic rigor with personal growth and hands-on practical experience. 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 the program uniquely holistic. Your academic journey culminates with the completion of an original research dissertation, a testament to your scholarly achievement and contribution to the domain of psychology.
Meridian's curriculum draws from somatic psychology, spiritual psychology, ecopsychology, depth psychology, energy psychology, transpersonal psychology, humanist psychology, and cognitive-behavioral approaches, alongside spiritual traditions, mystical philosophy, deep ecology, mythology, indigenous wisdom traditions, and poetic imagination. Highly transdisciplinary, the program is an invitation to integrate knowledge, wisdom, and personal growth into a powerful force for positive change, fostering a profound connection between self and society.
Read about the experiences of our students and alumni as they navigate their doctoral journey.
"I remember my first week at Meridian, we jumped right into the art of Psychotherapy and I was blown away by that. I know that the capacities that have been cultivated within me as a result of this experiential, transformational learning have really served my needs personally, and I feel more confident about how I take that into the world and working with clients."
"Meridian has really helped me bridge the imaginal and analytical. I'm actually feeling, for the first time in my life, genuine success. There's a sense that my vocation, my calling and what I'm meant to do here on this planet, has now aligned with how I make money and take care of myself."
"My horizon has been widened by being a student here. I have learned to look at the world and myself differently. It's very experiential and experience-based, which makes it very personal, but also I can take this personal experience and widen it and apply it in different ways to work with people or groups."
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Our alumni share how their research and practice are making a difference in the world.
Hear from Meridian student Mary R. as she shares about how her search for eduction in Depth Psychology led her to find a connection to Meridian. She also reflects on the growth that emerges through collaboration with fellow students and the unique experience of the in-person courses.
Hear from Meridian student Stacia B. as she shares about the connections she’s made with other students and how it’s helped her feel part of a community. The transformative work has set her up to be vulnerable and also have a true understanding of herself.
Hear from Meridian student Sarah C. as she shares how the live online classes as well as in-person lab have been nourishing experiences of community and learning. She describes the community as curious and engaged, which creates goodness that has a ripple effect into her outside relationships and community.
Your top questions, clearly answered
A 108-credit curriculum blending core, clinical, and research courses with fieldwork, culminating in an original research dissertation.
Most learning is online, with in-person classes in Los Angeles for hands-on experience and community connection.
Faculty who work across the program's orientations, from somatic and transpersonal psychology to depth psychology and research.
Yes. Meridian's programs offer flexible learning formats, with online and hybrid options built around the needs of busy professionals and lifelong learners.
Need more information?
Connect with Meridian's team to learn more about the PhD program, ask questions, or start your application.
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