Accelerated Master's: BA in Psychology with Specialization in Holistic Psychology or Art Therapy & MA in Mindfulness Studies

The accelerated masters program in Mindfulness Studies & Holistic Psychology/Art Therapy BA/MA is designed for the exceptional students recommended as capable of accelerating their education experience by combining the curriculum in the undergraduate major and the master’s program in Mindfulness Studies. For Holistic Psychology students, this offering will uniquely suit their strengths and passions in the areas of holistic health and wellness and eastern traditions of healing. For Art Therapy students seeking a non-clinical master's, utilizing some of the art therapy field’s new emphasis in mindful artistic creation, this may be a path towards post graduate practice in similar health and wellness settings that do not require licensure. In this accelerated program students complete 9 credits of the 36 credit master's program (and a residency) starting in their senior year which allows them to complete the low residency master's in online or hybrid courses approximately 4 semesters after the bachelor's degree. Students apply to this accelerated program in Spring of their junior year (90 credits must be completed at the end of their junior year).

Master’s Program Description:

Academically and experientially rigorous, the M.A. in Mindfulness Studies is the first graduate program of its kind in the United States. Students are immersed in the theory and practice of mindfulness, mindful communications, mindful leadership and social engagement, and the roots of contemplative practice in Buddhist traditions, as well as emerging research on effects of mindfulness on the brain.

This two-year program is offered in a low-residency format, in which students attend a 4-day residency at the beginning of the program. During the residency students participate in daily meditation, interact with faculty members, program-related workshops, network with peers, and participate in community-building events. Other coursework is completed online or in hybrid modalities.

Accelerated Pathways Description: Students eligible for this program demonstrate a high level of maturity, superior academic achievement, and demonstrated interest in and understanding of the potential of a career with this master’s degree. The integrated program requires that students can engage in the academic rigor of a graduate education by the time they reach senior year in the undergraduate program in Art Therapy. Qualified students apply in the spring of their junior year, must be on track to complete 90 credits (at the end of the junior year) and must be accepted by meeting the admissions standards of the MA program in Mindfulness studies.

Admissions Criteria for Accelerated Master’s Program in Mindfulness Studies:

3.3 GPA
Transcript documenting 90 credits and coursework by the end of their junior year
Completed Application
3 recommendation letters, including one from an internship; one from undergrad faculty stating readiness for accelerated master’s program
Written personal statement following master’s program questions and guidelines
An academic writing sample
Program information meeting with the Associate Director of Advising and Student Services in the Mindfulness Program
Interview with Director or other master’s program core faculty as designated by the Mindfulness Studies program

Course Sequencing for the Accelerated Master’s Degree in Mindfulness:

Upon acceptance to the program by the determined admission criteria in the junior year (90 completed credits by the end of their junior year). Accelerated master's students would take the graduate level course sequence below beginning the following fall. These courses would count for undergraduate elective credit – and reduce the total number of master's-level credits taken post-graduation by 9 credits.

Fall, Senior Year:

GMIND 6032: Graduate Academic Writing

GMIND 6042: Mindfulness: Practice, Theory and Science

GMIND 6064: Mindfulness Studies Residency

Spring, Senior Year:

GMIND 6047: Mindful Communication

Students are not permitted to register for any additional coursework until GMIND 6042 and the residency requirement is met (current program policy).

For the university's transfer credit policy for this and other programs, see the Transfer of Credits page.