There is an urgent need worldwide for activists and practitioners, who are experienced and engaged in the work of progressive social and personal change, as well as scholars who are committed to values of social and personal freedom and justice, to have opportunities to advance their education and to be able to collaborate in a collegial setting with other individuals who share the same or similar commitments.
The Parkmore Institute aims to be a world leader in offering innovative doctoral education that meets the needs of activists and practitioners in social and personal change professions. The Institute does not offer the traditional PhD from an accredited institution ‑‑‑ a degree that often requires original research that is beyond the scope of the activist’s or practitioner’s interests. Rather, our doctorates are educationally valid, mentored by top‑level PhD, and tailored to the individual’s commitments.
The Parkmore Institute offers the following programs:
Doctorate in Bodymind Healing | “DBH” | Currently accepting applications |
Doctorate in Human Sexuality | “DHS” | Currently accepting applications |
Doctorate in Psychoanalysis | “DPsa” | Currently accepting applications |
Doctorate in Psychosocial Studies/Intervention | “DPsoc” | Currently accepting applications |
Prospective Doctoral Candidates, who are active in their field of social or personal change, and who hold a recognizable Master’s degree, are invited to apply.
Upon admission to the program of their choice, Doctoral Candidates consult with the Director of Studies to develop a program of learning tailored to their individual needs. It must be understood that, generally speaking, Doctoral Candidates admitted to the Parkmore Institute are already actively committed and have considerable expertise in their fields. For this reason, the doctoral programs are structured in two phases:
Each Student is paired with a suitable Faculty member, who shares interest and expertise in a field close to that of the Student. Working individually with the Faculty person (or sometimes with a group of like‑minded Doctoral Candidates), each Student is then guided in a course of study to ensure general expertise and a well‑rounded appreciation of her/his field of interest. Typically, each tutorial or seminar lasts a period of six months. Often only one is required to qualify for the doctoral project; some Doctoral Candidates may require more. The current fee for 8 hours of qualifying tutorial is $1600.00 payable in advance.
With the one‑to‑one guidance and mentoring of a suitable Faculty member, the Student then undertakes a doctoral project. The requirements of this vary somewhat depending on the degree being pursued, but in no case are they the same as those demanded by a PhD dissertation, since the latter typically requires extensive original research and often takes the Student away from her/his engagement “in the field.” At the Parkmore Institute, the purpose of the doctoral project is for the Student to integrate, synthesize and disseminate some aspect of her/his area of specialized knowledge and experience. That is, the project for a professional doctorate is typically a report on work that the activist or practitioner is actually already undertaking “in the field.” To the extent possible, all doctoral projects will be available on the Parkmore Institute’s website. The current fee for reading, revision, and graduation with the doctoral project is $2000.00 payable upon submission of the project.
Doctoral Candidates interested in application should send to the Director of Studies (director@parkmoreinstitute.org):
1. The completed application form, which can be obtained here:
2. Evidence of prior education, including documentation of a master’s degree or equivalent, as well as any admission to relevant professional organizations (e.g., AASECT, EABP, IPA, SSSS, USABP, etc.;
3. A statement of experiences as an activist, practitioner, or scholar; as well as a statement of interest in the particular doctoral degree and what would might be accomplished by affiliation with the Parkmore Institute.
4. Proof of payment of the $200.00 application fee;
5. A headshot photo to be used only on award of a doctoral degree;
6. For the Doctorate in Psychoanalytic Studies, the applicant is required to present evidence of graduation from a bona fide psychoanalytic institute, or a specific statement concerning equivalent training in psychoanalysis.
The Parkmore Institute has virtual offices in Wilmington Delaware, USA. However, it is currently expanding and welcomes applications from prospective Doctoral Candidates, as well as potential Faculty and Fellows, from all parts of the world.