Academic & Professional Degrees

The Institute offers two academic degrees for sexological professionals who choose teaching or research as their main focus. Only persons who have completed one of the Institute’s professional degrees or completed three professional certificates will be advanced into the academic degree candidacy.

DOCTOR OF EDUCATION

The Doctor of Education offers a broad background in the field of human sexuality for those who wish to become educators and/or generalists in the field. The Ed.D. has particular relevance for those who may teach courses, design educational training programs for special populations, or utilize writing, filmmaking or other communication media as their form of service in human sexuality. It is a degree requiring both academic and professional skills.

The requirements are:

1. Acceptance by the Admissions Committee after evidence is shown that the student is capable of mature scholarship and creativity.

2. Completion of five trimesters of acceptable graduate study (60 units) plus one trimester for the preparation of a doctoral project. A maximum of one trimester credit may be given for previous graduate work.

3. Completion of a Basic Research Project.

4. Admission into degree candidacy after passing the written Comprehensive Examination.

5. Satisfactory completion of a project which is a significant contribution to the field of sexology.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

This degree follows the tradition of stressing new knowledge and scientific inquiry.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree will be awarded to students who meet the following requirements:

1. Acceptance by the Admissions Committee after evidence is shown that the student is capable of originality of thought and excellence of scholarship.

2. Demonstrate proficiency in research methodology.

3. Completion of five trimesters of acceptable graduate study (60 units) plus one trimester for preparation of the dissertation. A maximum of one trimester credit may be given for previous graduate work.

4. Completion of a Basic Research Project.

5. Admission into degree candidacy after passing the written Comprehensive Examination covering the entire field of sexology.

6. Presentation of a dissertation demonstrating analytical treatment and the original and independent investigation of a subject in the field of sexology.

The Institute offers three professional degree programs.

MASTER OF HUMAN SEXUALITY

The Master of Human Sexuality degree is especially designed for persons who have not previously had an opportunity to pursue graduate-level studies. It is a step toward professional qualification in the field of human sexuality and may be sufficient in many situations, such as teaching about human sexuality in public schools. The Master's degree requires academic proficiency and demonstrable professional skills.

The requirements for this degree are:

1. Acceptance by the Admissions Committee after evidence is shown that the student is capable of work on the graduate level.

2. Completion of two trimesters of acceptable graduate study plus one trimester for the preparation of a Master's thesis or project (36 units including thesis/project trimester).

3. Passing a written Comprehensive Examination.

4. Satisfactory completion of a Master's thesis or project.

MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN HUMAN SEXUALITY

The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality offers a course of study for self-motivated professionals leading to the Master of Public Health degree (MPH) in Human Sexuality. Physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and administrators may benefit from this program; however, all professionals with a desire to increase their knowledge are welcome. The vast majority of the program may be completed at the student’s location requiring only about two weeks away from home for the entire program. The program is comprised of four parts: Sex Education/Clinical Sexology, Medical Sexology (HIV/AIDS and Epidemiology), Erotology, and Cross-Cultural Experience/SAR/Master’s Project.

The requirements for this degree are:

1. Acceptance by the Admissions Committee after evidence is shown that the student is capable of work on the graduate level.

2. Completion of the Associate in Sex Education Certificate, the Clinical Sexology Certificate, and the Erotology Certificate.

3. Completion of the assigned work in Public Administration, STIs (Course #350: STIs: A Sexological Health Perspective), and Epidemiology.

4. Satisfactory completion of the Cross-Cultural Experience, the SAR (Course #311), or a Master’s project.

For additional information, See: <Further Information - MPH>

DOCTOR OF HUMAN SEXUALITY

The Doctor of Human Sexuality is a degree requiring a background in therapy or counseling, or an allied sexological, erotological or health field as a prerequisite to admission.

Candidates for this degree must meet the following requirements:

1. Acceptance by the Admissions Committee after evidence is shown that the student is capable of doctoral-level professional work in human sexuality.

2. Completion of four trimesters of acceptable graduate work.

3. Completion of a Basic Research Project.

4. Passing the Comprehensive Examination.