Graduate Studies in Spirituality Mind Body
The Spirituality Mind Body (SMB) Area of Focus Graduate Studies at Teachers College, Columbia University is the first Ivy League graduate curriculum dedicated to merging spirituality and evidence-based research within the context of clinical psychology.
The SMB Area of Focus provides an innovative framework in which students translate their inner journeys into outer change. As an incubator for experiential learning and teaching, contemplative inquiry, collaboration and research, the Area of Focus in SMB Graduate Studies allows for students to connect to themselves and their work on a deeper level. They are provided with opportunities to build on core courses with their own curriculum towards their particular interest.
At the heart of the program is a spiritual foundation that fosters connection and collaboration through a dynamic exchange of ideas among students, faculty and special guest lecturers. This structure allows for ongoing support through the process of personal and professional transformation. The Area of Focus in SMB Graduate Studies is designed to build a global community of inspiring educators, mind-body healers, spiritual activists, mental health professionals and visionaries to catalyze a paradigm shift in education.
Core Values:
- Inner, experiential development for more meaningful outer implementation and change
- Sustainability within the context of interpersonal growth
- An integrative and interdisciplinary approach to learning rooted in traditional forms of psychology
- Spiritual leadership development for self-actualization
- Innovative, collaborative thinking geared towards an emerging generation of service-oriented leaders
Students completing the Area of Focus in SMB Graduate Studies will receive a Master of Arts degree in Psychology in Education.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 36
- Entry Terms: Summer
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Cohort, Part-Time Cohort
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | N/A |
| Fall | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact CCPadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2024-2025)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 terms.
The Spirituality Mind Body Institute (SMBI) at Teachers College, Columbia University explores the intersection of science and spirituality through the framework of psychology. SMBI consists of external programming to the public, grant-funded research projects, an initiative in spirituality in education, and a graduate degree program. On campus, we are located in Horace Mann 238 (HM 238).
The Institute offers an SMB Area of Focus within the Master of Arts Degree Program in Psychology in Education. Upon completion, students will be awarded a Master of Arts degree with a major in Psychology in Education. The Psychology in Education major is housed in the Department of Clinical and Counseling Psychology.
The SMB Area of Focus is at the forefront of SMBI’s pioneering mission: individual inner work, in service of collective outer change. The coursework and programming has been designed to foster academic exploration of spirituality in order to graduate an international community of inspiring thought leaders, mind-body healers, spiritual activists and visionaries.
The Master of Arts in Psychology in Education is a 36-credit degree program. It is typically completed within 1-1.5 years. The SMB Area of Focus 19-credit requirement is completed in the Incoming Year.SMB Area of Focus
SMB SUMMER INTENSIVE SEMINAR 6
SMB WINTER INTENSIVE SEMINAR 3
PRACTICUM REQUIREMENT 3-6
PROFESSIONAL INTEGRATION IN SMB ISSUES (Spirit Mind-Body Medicine) 3
SMB ELECTIVE OF CHOICE* 3
TOTAL 19
*Students may request to delay their elective of choice with written rationale and approval in the event another preferred course is being offered at a later date. All other requirements must be completed in the Incoming Year without exceptions.
NEW YORK STATE
Requirement: A minimum of 19 points must be taken in face-to-face courses. Students should keep in mind the potential opportunities and challenges if they choose to be a hybrid learner.
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Distance Learners must enroll in at least 19 credits in Face-to-Face courses located in New York State.
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Online courses that do not have an In-person NY State immersion component (hybrid classes) DO NOT count.
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Students may use non-SMB courses to fulfill this requirement.