California Institute of Integral Studies

The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) stands as a unique institution, rooted deeply in a rich intellectual and countercultural legacy. Founded in 1968, CIIS draws inspiration from its predecessor, the American Academy of Asian Studies (AAAS), established in 1951. The AAAS quickly became a vibrant hub for the San Francisco Renaissance, where visionary thinkers like Alan Watts, a pivotal figure in Buddhist, Taoist, and Hindu philosophy, shaped minds and inspired future leaders. It was here that Indian philosophy professor Haridas Chaudhuri pioneered the groundbreaking field of integral counseling psychology, seamlessly blending profound Indian philosophical traditions with Western psychological insights.

CIIS continues this tradition of pioneering thought, offering an educational experience that transcends conventional academic boundaries. The AAAS, under Watts' early influence, attracted a remarkable community including figures who would go on to co-found the Esalen Institute, Beat Generation poets like Gary Snyder, and even Jack Kerouac, who frequented the academy and based characters on its residents. This historical context underscores CIIS's commitment to fostering deep inquiry, cross-cultural understanding, and personal transformation.

Today, with 1,510 students, CIIS remains a private university dedicated to holistic education. Its academic strengths lie in fields that integrate diverse perspectives, preparing students to address complex global challenges with an interdisciplinary and integral approach. Prospective students seeking an education that values consciousness, spiritual growth, and social responsibility will find a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment at CIIS, continuing a legacy of innovative thought that began decades ago in the heart of San Francisco's transformative era.