History
In the fall of 1950, Stanford University Professor Frederick Spiegelberg was searching for a scholar from India to join him, Alan Watts, and others to help form the faculty of a new and innovative graduate school in San Francisco called the American Academy of Asian Studies.
Education
CIIS consists of four schools: the School of Professional Psychology & Health, the School of Consciousness and Transformation (mainly humanities subjects), the School of Undergraduate Studies, and the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM). ACTCM became the fourth school after merging with CIIS on July 1st, 2015.
Career
Our career and community engagement resources, personalized advising, and workshops will support you throughout your journey.
CIIS Center for Career & Community Engagement works closely with students, alumni and organizational partners to offer a comprehensive array of services, programs, and resources to help you achieve professional success.
CC&CE Provides:Career coaching & consultation
Career development webinars & workshops
Resume, CV, Cover letter, and Interviewing
Employment search support and resources
Information about community partners, internships, and on-campus employment
Distance Learning Courses
Social Sciences (7)
Humanities (5)
Arts, Design & Architecture (2)
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (2)
Medicine & Health (2)
Business & Management (1)
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (1)
Student services
Student Affairs supports students throughout their academic careers and serves as their advocate. The Dean of Students is available to speak with students about all aspects of their experience at CIIS and assist them in resolving any conflict or concern that may arise. Any student with an unresolved complaint may contact Student Affairs staff including the Dean of Students.
Housing services
Student Affairs has compiled a housing guide containing useful tips, housing-related internet sites, short-term housing options, and descriptions of all of the San Francisco neighborhoods to help you make the best decision for your needs and lifestyle.
Library services
CIIS' commitment to quality instruction and innovative research is expressed in the collection of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Library. It offers a universe of online information including thousands of online books, journals, dissertations, and disciplinary databases. Most of the Library's key resources are accessible via the Web.
ICT services
Library collections include approximately 125,000 print and electronic books; about 200 print journal subscriptions and over 8,000 e-journals; 600 audiotapes and a growing video collection (including a special psychotherapy video collection).
Campus life
CIIS is located in the heart of San Francisco. Our neighborhood -- the South of Market District (SoMa) -- is centrally located, within a short walk of top-notch restaurants, cafes, galleries, museums, cultural attractions, and nightlife. By bus, bike, train or car, it's a short trip to other parts of the city and beyond. With its ideal climate, abundant natural beauty and open space, and exceptional cultural resources, the San Francisco Bay Area excels in quality of life.
Student clubs
Student Alliance is a student-run and student-funded organization supports students' needs by promoting their involvement in all levels of the CIIS community.
California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is an accredited university that strives to embody spirit, intellect, and wisdom in service to individuals, communities, and the earth.