Somatic Psychology Program

Degree Descriptions and Requirements

MA in Somatic Psychology

Degree Description

The Master of Arts Degree in Somatic Psychology is a two year graduate degree that gives students an appreciation and foundation in Somatic Psychology theory and practice. It prepares students to return to their chosen health-related profession with specific therapeutic skills in somatic psychology. The Somatic Psychology Programs combine the specialty of somatic psychology with a strong foundation in psychological and clinical skills.

The MA in Somatic Psychology degree is designed for those who may already be professionals in health care, healing arts, counseling, or education or anyone who wants to incorporate the somatic psychology perspective into their lives and work. This two-year program provides a solid foundation in somatic theory and application as well as important counseling and therapeutic skills. Students also have the opportunity to develop their own Master's Project to implement in their practice or in their community. During the two years of study, students attend classes three three-day weekends per quarter and one six-day session per summer.

Requirements for Graduation

To be eligible for graduation, the following requirements must be successfully completed:

• A minimum of 46 quarter units coursework and credits
• 20 hours of personal therapy
• 150 hour field placement
• An original Master's Project submitted, presented and accepted by SBGI faculty and administration
• All financial commitments to SBGI, including tuition and fees

Master's Project

One goal of the Master's Project is to assist students to effectively develop, initiate, implement and evaluate practical applications of somatic psychology, its theories and principles in their lives, their work, and in their communities. We also encourage students to develop a professional area of expertise. The Master's Project is designed to meet this goal.

Students define their project and its purpose and goals, design the project, review the pertinent literature and provide a personal experience and perspective synopsis relevant to their project, as well as plan the implementation and method of project evaluation.

In order to support students in developing their professional ability to articulate and convey their area of expertise effectively, students present their Master's Project during their graduation. This culminating experience provides a forum for students to professionally present their Master's Project to the educational community.

MA In Somatic Psychology
Curriculum 2004-2005
The following required courses comprise the MA in Somatic Psychology Program. These courses may change. Each unit represents 10 clock hours of instruction.

Degree requirements are subject to change.

Ph.D. in Somatic Psychology

Degree Description

The Ph.D. in Somatic Psychology is designed for those who may already be involved in health care or the healing arts, education, or other professions and want to incorporate a somatic psychology perspective into their lives and work. This three-year program provides a solid foundation in somatic theory and application as well as important clinical and therapeutic skills from a somatic psychology perspective.

Students may apply for the doctorate program directly from a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree. A massage certificate is a prerequisite for this degree program or must be completed within the first year of study.

Students attend classes three three-day weekends per quarter and one six-day session in summer. Upon successful completion of the first three years, including coursework, personal therapy hours, practicum and written comprehensive examination, students are accepted for doctoral dissertation work.

Requirements for Graduation
To be eligible for graduation, the following requirements must be successfully completed:

• 120 quarter units of coursework and credits
• 60 hours of personal therapy
• 450 hour fieldwork
• Annual competency reviews by self and faculty 
• An original research dissertation accepted by SBGI committee and administration
• Oral defense of dissertation
• All financial commitments to SBGI, including tuition and fees

Doctoral Dissertation
In order to be eligible to enroll in dissertation writing students must successfully complete all required coursework for the doctoral degree and be a student in good standing as well as successfully complete the written comprehensive examination.

Students are then invited to enroll in the dissertation-writing course. This is a full year’s course. During this fourth year, students complete their proposal, select and have their committee approved by administration, carry out their research and complete their dissertation.  Upon final approval of the dissertation by the committee and administration, students complete their Ph.D. requirements by oral defense of their research. If the process is not completed within the fifth year, students must enroll in SOM 950, Dissertation Writing II, as they complete their dissertation.

Degree requirements are subject to change.

Ph.D. In Somatic Psychology

Curriculum 2004-2005
The following required courses comprise the Ph.D. in Somatic Psychology Program. These courses may change. Each unit represents 10 clock hours of instruction.

Degree requirements are subject to change.