Doctor of Arts Program
DOCTOR OF ARTS PROGRAM
There are remarkable processual movements among ecological processes, elemental composition, patterns of lifeforms and landscapes, and that of the universe as a whole, setting humanity within the wider deeper scheme of things.
We are in innovative and precarious times – ecologically, socially, culturally, and geopolitically.
Viridis Graduate Institute recognizes that today, and in the centuries to come, decisions, practices, laws & policies, programs, products, services, and ethical alignments must be made based on ecological literacy (basic knowledge of how the planet works) and developed psychological capabilities that enable you to lead others through challenging and innovative times wisely.
Education is the most valuable resource available to accomplish these tasks.
Degree Options
Doctor of Arts in Ecological Psychology & Environmental Humanities
3-year, 90-quarter credit program.
Academic term: Quarter system. Three courses per 10-week quarter.
The Doctor of Arts is a terminal degree.
The Study of Ecological Psychology
Ecological psychology (ecopsychology) recognizes that we live with a complex and responsive planet that acts upon us (all life forms) as much as we act upon the planet. A changing climate is a pressing example.
Problems communities face today, from climate disasters, ecological and social justice conflicts, lack of access to education, physical and mental health, and economic fairness, are not new.
These interrelated problems stem from human narratives and their practices – from our psychology. We take unexamined narratives into every community, organization, and institution.
Narratives and their practices infuse culture, policies, laws, treaties, and international relations. An ecological crisis is a psychological crisis.
Therefore, Viridis Graduate Institute has designed unique graduate programs that develop ecological literacy and psychological capabilities necessary for reconfiguring detrimental narratives and practices underpinning our communal and planetary problems.
One does not need a previous degree in either ecology or psychology. Viridis moves out of unuseful mechanistic and economic metaphors so prevalent in both of these disciplines. We study the most current thought and ideas that make for a dynamic ecological psychology.
Transformative Education
The Doctor of Arts degree is an advanced study of transforming detrimental narratives that underpin every human behavior and practice affecting nonhuman, human, and planetary despoliation.
The complexities of the world and a climate crisis require different narratives and practices affecting changes in policy, ecological and social justice actions, and practices for planetary livability.
Doctoral graduates advance processes and principles of ecological psychology that are the most effective tools for making the necessary changes at the community, organizational, institutional, and global levels.
Students in the Specialization in Climate Response and Resilience track complete the same doctoral curriculum. However, their DA Capstone projects are geared toward climate issues. See Career Applications.
Our aim at Viridis is for this program to be a good fit for you and to inspire ways for you to be effective in your chosen profession.
The D.A. program is excellent for educators, healthcare professionals, sustainability executives, environmental managers, energy industries, conservation and land restoration, community/urban design, civic governance and policy-making, community activists, artists, nonprofit executives, theologians, and economists.
The program also serves anyone who wishes to gain practical knowledge and ways to apply ecopsychology.
Clinical and Therapeutic Application
Students already licensed in the health care professions can immediately apply ecological psychology in their clinical and therapeutic practices.
Viridis Graduate Institute is a member of the American Psychological Association’s Society for Environmental, Population, and Conservation Psychology (APA Division 34), which includes Ecopsychology.
Unique Curriculum
Course examples, which are found in detail in our catalog, include core ecological psychology courses, narrative foundations of ecopsychology, humans & landscapes, contemporary narratives, ecotoxicology, climate crisis, art, image & perception change, ecological ethics, native science and indigenous epistemologies, business ecologies, and applications.
Completion of the Doctor of Arts program requires passing two comprehensive exams, successful completion of a doctoral project, and oral defense.
Terminal Degree
The Doctor of Arts (D.A.) is a terminal degree and an alternative to a traditional research-based Ph.D. The Doctor of Arts terminal degree in higher education is acknowledged and respected academically and professionally across industries.
The purpose of the Doctor of Arts degree is to offer advanced ecological literacy and psychological capabilities for immediate application in a chosen profession or a new enterprise.
All doctoral students may earn a masters-in-passing degree upon successfully completing the first comprehensive examination and 48 graduate quarter credits from Viridis Graduate Institute.
We Look Forward to Your Involvement!
Google Reviews
Jessica *****
When I first looked at what the Viridis DA program offers I thought… “this is too good to be true.” After years of searching for somewhere that would be the right fit for me on my educational journey, I found it. Not only has my connection to the natural world grown stronger but I have found strength within myself and my psyche I never knew possible. This program truly is a life changing experience and equips you with the skills and knowledge to pass that experience onto others.
Almost in my final year of the program,I already find myself using ecopsychological application in all areas of my everyday life. My connections with the professors, staff, and my fellow students are stronger than anything I experienced in person during my undergraduate and graduate studies prior, which I didn’t think was possible with distance learning.
This program is for all the dreamers, the change makers, the ones that want to fight for equal rights of everything on this planet. A place you can be yourself and let your ideas flourish and develop. Enrolling in this program was the best decision I have ever made.
Stella *****
It’s a real life changing course, mind opening, awakening, developing senses and skills I was not aware I had or that I was not using. In just a few months, I’ve been learning so much about myself, my creative ability, about my environment, both on an ecological and psychological level.
VGI has a very supportive environment throughout, from Day 1, from the professors to the cohort itself, diverse, with various backgrounds, which adds to the richness of the course. I don’t feel it’s online at all thanks to the platform and resources made available. I feel connected all the time to my cohort and courses.
The content is certainly dense and deep. It challenges us and ruffles up quite a few feathers while exploring the meanders of our psyche.More importantly for me is that I find myself in the values of the program and of VGI, I’ve found my purpose and a great community of ecopsychologists. Very grateful to be part of this program indeed.
My only regret is : why didn’t I start earlier 🙂