Master of Arts Program

Master of Arts Program

Ideas give us eyes to see. Ideas are both the shape of events and the modes that make possible our ability to see through events into their patterns. – James Hillman

MA Program Overview

Degree: Master of Arts in Social Science with Emphasis in Ecological Psychology & Environmental Humanities

2-year, 54-quarter credit program.
Academic term: Quarter system. There are 3 courses per 10-week quarter.
The Master of Arts is one of the most flexible and applicable degrees.

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 the most poignant example.

The problems communities face today, from climate disasters, ecological and social justice conflicts, lack of access to education, physical and mental health, and economic fairness, to the destruction caused by ecocide, culturecide, and genocide, are not new.

These interrelated problems stem from human narratives and their practices – from our psychology.

Therefore, Viridis Graduate Institute has designed unique graduate programs that develop ecological literacy, psychological capabilities, and skills necessary for reconfiguring detrimental narratives and practices underpinning our communal and planetary problems.

Essentially, ecological psychology and environmental humanities redefine what it means to be human in a world of intra-related realms and processes of which we are a part and carry shared responsibilities.

The Practice of Ecological Psychology

Graduates practice as non-licensed ecopsychology professionals, ecological psychologists (like environmental or conservation psychologists), cultural ecologists, ecological sociologists, and social or cultural ecologists.

Additionally, graduates will possess the skills and capabilities most sought by organizations, corporations, academics, and
communities to be successful in their chosen professions.

Program Fit

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 M.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 applicable knowledge and ways to apply ecopsychology.

Clinical and Therapeutic Application

Students already licensed in the health care professions are able to apply ecological psychology in their clinical and therapeutic practices immediately.

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

Master students may seamlessly matriculate into the doctoral program. Course examples, which are found in detail in our catalog, include core Ecopsychology I-V 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.

Completion of the master’s program requires passing a comprehensive exam and successful completion of a thesis capstone project.

MA Tuition

ADMISSIONS

Student Testimonials

We Look Forward to Your Involvement!

Google Reviews

John *****

What Viridis offers is so unique and very needed in education.I loved my time as a student with them.The curriculum is truly on the leading edge of educational evolution towards participation with all life. Don’t hesitate to join if you are looking for an affordable degree with a quality curriculum.

Jacqueline *****

Viridis offers a unique and dynamic graduate education in ecological psychology and environmental humanities.The program examines the underlying narratives of self and culture in order to promote productive and systemic change in our institutions and manner of living.