California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

Set in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood, the California Institute of Integral Studies is known for weaving scholarship with self-reflection and social impact. Academics lean interdisciplinary, bringing psychology, philosophy, the arts, ecology, and cultural studies into the same conversation. Classes favor dialogue and close reading. Faculty have a reputation for mentoring, and learning often stretches beyond lectures into inquiry, practice, and community-based work.

Campus life feels intimate and curious. You'll find a focused library, quiet rooms for reflection, writing and tutoring support, wellness and counseling services, career advising, and student-led gatherings that range from reading circles to arts nights. The culture is inclusive and justice minded, with many students balancing study with professional lives. Career preparation shows up through practica, field placements, and Bay Area partnerships across clinics, schools, nonprofits, and creative spaces. And the city is your backyard: galleries, parks, ocean air, neighborhood cafes, and a deep network of organizations open to collaboration. What sets CIIS apart is its integral ethos, where rigorous study sits alongside mindful practice and real-world engagement.