Saybrook University: A Legacy of Humanistic Psychology and Transformative Education

Saybrook University, a private institution located in Pasadena, California, holds a unique position in the landscape of higher education. Founded in 1971 by Eleanor Camp Criswell and others, the university's story is deeply intertwined with the development of humanistic psychology. From its origins in the Old Saybrook Conference to its current diverse program offerings, Saybrook remains dedicated to its founding principles, fostering a learning environment that emphasizes community, connection, and transformative social change.

The Roots of Humanistic Psychology at Saybrook

The genesis of Saybrook University can be traced back to the Old Saybrook Conference in 1964. This gathering, sponsored by the American Association for Humanistic Psychology (later known as the Association for Humanistic Psychology), brought together academics to cultivate the burgeoning field of humanistic psychology. The conference served as a catalyst for the concept of a humanistic education program, which would later become the foundation of Saybrook University. As Rollo May, Ph.D., stated in 1982, "The story of Saybrook University is one deeply rooted in the founding and development of humanistic psychology itself."

Academic Programs: A Focus on Humanistic and Integrative Approaches

Saybrook University offers postgraduate education with a focus on humanistic psychology, featuring low-residency master's and doctoral degrees, as well as professional certification programs. The university awards Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, along with certificates, across a range of disciplines.

The university's academic programs are grounded in evidence-based and humanistic approaches, with many offering unique specializations that explore new and emerging areas of health and well-being. These programs are designed for individuals who aspire to contribute creatively to improving the human condition.

College of Social Sciences

The College of Social Sciences at Saybrook University offers Ph.D., M.A., and certificate programs focused on developing the insight, presence, and expertise necessary to serve both local and global communities. Comprising four departments covering numerous programs and specializations, the College of Social Sciences challenges students and faculty to engage in critical dialogue, self-reflection, discovery, research, and practice in pursuit of creating a more socially just, sustainable world. The college prepares students to be seen and heard as they work towards positive change in a world of social, economic, and environmental turbulence. This is the focus of Saybrook University’s programs in transformative social change.

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College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences

Embracing humanistic principles and values, the College of Integrative Medicine and Health Sciences empowers students to apply their knowledge and skills to facilitate mind, body, and spirit wellness in their personal and professional lives. The college's three departments, with numerous programs and specializations, follow an educational model that endorses a range of health-related disciplines, scholarship, research, evidence-based practices, and skill development.

Specific Degree Programs

Saybrook University has granted 61 master's degrees across 4 programs and 43 doctorate degrees across 5 programs. Some of the majors that lead to degrees at Saybrook University include:

Multi- & Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master, Doctoral)
Psychology, General (Master, Doctoral)
Counseling Psychology (Master)
Clinical Psychology (Doctoral)
Business Administration and Management, General (Master)
Organizational Behavior Studies (Doctoral)

Admissions and Enrollment

Saybrook University's acceptance rate is estimated to be around 90%, based on admission statistics of closely-ranked nearby universities with similar research profiles. This suggests that the university has programs where applicants only need to meet admission requirements to enroll and don't necessarily compete with others.

In terms of enrollment demographics, Saybrook University has a diverse student body. According to the latest data, the enrollment demographics by race or ethnicity are:

White: 559 (53%)
Black or African American: 173 (16%)
Hispanic: 123 (12%)
Two or more races: 74 (7%)
Race or Ethnicity unknown: 64 (6%)
Asian: 35 (3%)
Nonresident Alien: 13 (1%)
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: 7 (0.7%)
American Indian or Alaska Native: 2 (0.2%)

The university also has a significant number of students enrolled in distance education courses, with 705 students enrolled in some distance education courses and 350 enrolled exclusively in distance education.

Costs and Financial Aid

Tuition and fees for graduate programs at Saybrook University are consistent for in-district, in-state, and out-of-state students. The latest figures indicate that tuition is $20,856 per year, and fees are $4,350 per year.

Saybrook is committed to making higher education more affordable and accessible. By investing in an education at Saybrook, students position themselves to make a meaningful impact in their lives and the lives of those around them.

Research and Publications

Saybrook University has a notable research profile, with 1,137 scientific papers published and 21,939 citations received. The research covers a range of fields, including Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Psychology, Philosophy, Medicine, Political Science, Sociology, Computer Science, Law, Biology, and Social Psychology.

The university's annual publication and citation counts have generally increased over time, reflecting its growing research activity and impact.

Notable Alumni and Faculty

Saybrook University has produced a number of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Some of these include:

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Melanie Joy: An American social psychologist and author, primarily known for coining and promulgating the term "carnism." She is the founding president of the nonprofit advocacy group Beyond Carnism and a former professor of psychology and sociology at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Richard Strozzi-Heckler: An American author, coach, and consultant on "embodied leadership and mastery."
Rivka Bertisch Meir: An Argentine-American psychologist, licensed mental health counselor, and psychotherapist, known for creating personal development programs in the United States, Israel, and Argentina.

Notable faculty members also contribute to the university's reputation and academic excellence.

The Saybrook Experience: Community, Connection, and Online Learning

Online learning fueled by community and connection defines the Saybrook experience. As pioneers of the virtual classroom, Saybrook understands that there is no substitute for the joy, belonging, and exploration that occurs when individuals collaborate as a community.

Clinical program students put theory into practice, hone clinical skills, gain professional guidance from experienced faculty, and acquire necessary residential hours required for clinical licensure at in-person intensives. The university also fosters rich interactions beyond the classroom with classmates and faculty through online, synchronous events.

Location and Surroundings

Saybrook University is located in Pasadena, California, a city with a population of approximately 441,000. The university's location provides students with access to a vibrant urban environment and a range of cultural and recreational opportunities.

Accreditation and Recognition

Saybrook University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This accreditation signifies that the university meets rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness.

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