CERTIFICATE IN EAST/WEST PSYCHOLOGY: ONSITE & DISTANCE LEARNING (ONLINE) PROGRAMS
Program Description & Curriculum Requirements

ACADEMIC PROGRAM LINKS

ACADEMIC CALENDAR:

FALL 2011
August 29 – Fall semester begins
September 12 – Last day to add/drop classes
November 20-27 – Thanksgiving week break
December 15 – Registration opens for
Spring 2012 semester
December 18 – Fall semester ends

SPRING 2012
January 30:  Spring 2012 semester begins
February 13:   Last day to add/drop classes for Spring 2012 semester
March 19-April 1:  Spring break
May 21:  Registration opens for Fall 2012 semester
June 2:  Spring semester ends

FALL 2012
August 27:  Fall 2011 semester begins
September 10:  Last day to add/drop classes for Fall 2011 semester
November 19-25:  Thanksgiving week
December 3:  Registration opens for Spring 2013 semester
December 16:  Fall 2012 semester ends


APPLICATION DATES:
March 1 – Fall 2012 Admissions Deadline
March 1 – Notification of Early Admissions Acceptance/Denial
April 1 – Admissions Notification of Acceptance/Denial
April 15 – Extended Deadline for Fall 2012 Admissions
May 1 – Deadline to Accept Offer of Degree Entry
May 15 – Notification of Final Admissions Acceptance/Denial
May 15 – Admissions Notification of Acceptance/Denial for extended deadline applicants
June 5 – Deadline to Accept Offer of Degree Entry
June 15 – Deadline to Accept Offer of Degree Entry for extended deadline applicants


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Maitripa College is a nonprofit corporation authorized by the State of Oregon to offer and confer the academic degrees described herein, following a determination that state academic standards will be satisfied under OAR 583-030. Inquiries concerning the standards or school compliance may be directed to the Office of Degree Authorization, 1500 Valley River Drive, Suite 100, Eugene, Oregon, 97401.

>ADMISSIONS & APPLICATION: HOW TO APPLY

>APPLY NOW ONLINE FOR FALL 2011 ENTRY FOR THE ONSITE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN EAST/WEST PSYCHOLOGY (coming soon)

>APPLY NOW ONLINE FOR FALL 2011 ENTRY FOR THE DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM IN EAST/WEST PSYCHOLOGY (coming soon)


THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN EAST/WEST PSYCHOLOGY (1-year program offered ONSITE & ONLINE) is grounded in the understanding of Buddhist psychology as presented in the classic texts on the mind and its functions, and in the western disciplines on the same. The program will be taught by qualified western and Tibetan experts in the field, and will offer both a philosophical framework and a practical modality for working with the mind. Mindfulness based meditation, emotional regulation, anger management, and contemplative stress reduction are a few of the many topics that will be explored.

The certificate program may be completed as a full- or part-time student (see Continuing Education page). The program is offerend both onsite and online (distance learning). Flexible weekend and evening class times accommodate all schedules for onsite students.


Curriculum Requirements for Maitripa College
Certificate in East/West Psychology
("d" courses = distance learning/online)

Although Maitripa College is commited to ensuring that these classes are offered in the order they are presented here, and within this timeframe, this program is subject to change based on enrollment.

Fall 2010 (confirmed)

PSY 301/301d. Survey of East/West Psychology – This course provides an overview of western psychology and Buddhist perspectives on the mind. Students will become familiar with the historical foundations, major branches of psychology, and current issues in the field. Emphasis will be placed on overlap with Buddhism. This course includes a mandatory service learning component. (3 credits)

MDT 340/340d. Meditation for Mental Health I  – This course will be the first in a two-part series of meditation instruction, resources, and practical application of techniques designed specifically to cultivate and support a healthy mind. Techniques learned in this class will include basic practices for developing a calm and focused mental state, techniques for managing stress and overwhelming emotions, and an emphasis on examining and correctly positioning one’s motivation for working with others. (2 credits)

Spring 2011 (planned)

PSY 401/401d. Meaning, Mythology, and Mystical Experience: Understanding Social & Multicultural Psychology & the Psychology of Religion – This course provides an overview of the field of social psychology. Students will become familiar with the role of social influence on human behavior and will explore themes relevant to Buddhism, including theories of altruism, anonymity, group think, etc. As well, students will explore the influence of global perspectives on western psychology as well as the phenomenon of intersecting cultures. Students will become familiar with the psychological impact of minorities in dominant culture and theories of human behavior that have evolved from minority perspectives. Finally, this course will provide an overview of the history of religion’s influence on western psychology. Students will become familiar with the major contributors to the psychology of religion (e.g. William James, Carl Jung, Alfred Adler, Erik H. Erikson). Students will address questions related to the universality of religion in humanity and human behavior, as well as in their own lives. This course includes a mandatory service-learning component. (3 credits)

MDT 341/341d. Meditation for Mental Health II – This course is the second in a two-part series on meditation instruction, resources, and practical application of techniques designed specifically to cultivate and support a healthy mind. This part of the course will focus on strengthening the motivation and focus of the practitioner, as well as introduce methodologies and practices to help you help others manage their minds. This course will also introduce specific meditations designed to mitigate painful emotional states, such as anger, resentment, jealousy, and fear. Meditation for Mental Health I is a pre-requisite to this course. (2 credits)

Summer 2011 (planned)

PSY 302/302d. Making the Sick Mind Well: An Overview of Clinical Psychology – This course provides an overview of the field of clinical psychology with specific emphasis on the influence of Buddhism. Students will become familiar with categories of mental illness and prominent psychotherapies for treating mental illness, particularly modalities that incorporate mindfulness and eastern philosophy. The course will focus on the theoretical underpinnings of psychotherapy; students will not be trained in delivering psychotherapy. (2 credits)

PSY 402/402d. The Mind, the Brain, & Consciousness: Introduction to Neuropsychology – This course provides an overview of the field of neuropsychology. Students will become familiar with theories of the central nervous system and its role in behavior; current theories of consciousness and related theories linking body to mind. This course will also present perspectives on the mind and consciousness from Buddhist perspectives. (2 credits)

The Educational Mission of Maitripa College : Developing the Wisdom to Sustain Compassion

Maitripa College's educational program is based in the conviction that Buddhist thought and practice has significant contributions to make to American society and culture. On the basis of a worldview that emphasizes the interdependence of individual, society, and the environment, Buddhism encourages the cultivation of wisdom to create compassionate individuals with a sense of responsibility for the community and world they live in. Maitripa College seeks to do this through the powerful medium of higher education, through the offering and development of degree programs for adults. The core program at Maitripa integrates rigorous training in Buddhist thought and philosophy with the application of those ideas through contemplative practice and active community service. In the process, Maitripa combines aspects of a modern liberal arts education with traditional tools from Tibetan Buddhist scholarship.

Click here for a full description of the vision and mission of Maitripa College.




Maitripa College | 1119 SE Market Street | Portland, Oregon USA 97214 | phone: 503-235-2477 | email: info@maitripa.org | fax: 503-231-6408