The Western Institute for Social Research ("WISeR") offers individualized BA, MA and PhD degree programs for working adults. Areas of study are: Psychology (including a program that leads to the State's Marriage and Family Therapy License), Social Sciences, Human Services and Community Development, and Education and Social Change. The PhD program is especially for college professors, adult and community educators; community service professionals and activists; and self-employed consultants and therapists interested in teaching, community involvement, or writing for professional or lay audiences. Students design their learning activities with faculty assistance - pursuing readings, practical projects, action-oriented research, meaningful writing in their own voice, and building bridges to their desired (and sometimes quite distinctive) career paths. A few WISR students study from great distances - from throughout Northern California and as far away as Colorado, Boston and Germany--and confer frequently with faculty by phone between occasional visits. WISR is a multiethnic institution and we embrace and celebrate diversity among our faculty and students. Students are encouraged to consider issues of community improvement, social change, multiculturality and organizational innovation in their studies. Students may enroll any month of the year, and tuition is $500/month.

A five-minute video about WISR may be viewed at dragonflyvillage

More detailed information about WISR may be obtained by going to catalogue/enrollment where one may then view WISR's current catalogue, our MFT program description and additional information of interest to prospective students and others.

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Announcing a New Learning Program Option at WISR . . . Individually designed studies focusing on Guerrilla Marketing: WISR and The Guerrilla Marketing Business Academy are opening enrollment for a limited number of candidates to participate in a unique learning experience. Learners explore the relationship between the role of small business and social change. The curriculum further explores the concept of social responsibility and profitability. The core of the curriculum is based upon the works of Jay Conrad Levinson and his best selling Guerrilla Marketing and "Guerrilla Business" series. In part, the Guerrilla Marketing curriculum is drawing from a current catalog of 37 titles which have been translated into 42 languages. The alternative guerrilla business philosophy and methodology has proven successful and in a variety of cultures and economies. The alternative business development program is perfect for business leaders and community activists who are looking for a way to balance the needs of business and the needs of the community. Contact WISR or email larry@california.com for more information.

Want to learn more about the nuances of learning at WISR? People wishing to learn more about WISR may wish to ask to borrow a copy of the article, written by long-time WISR faculty members, John Bilorusky and Cynthia Lawrence, about WISR and its distinctive approach to learning and action-inquiry: "Multicultural, Community-Based Knowledge-Building: Lessons from a Tiny Institution Where Students and Faculty Sometimes Find Magic in the Challenge and Support of Collaborative Inquiry." In Community and the World: Participating in Social Change, Torry D. Dickinson (ed.), Nova Science Publishers, 2003.

How does learning at WISR help one to create their own career? Read John Bilorusky's article on "Making Your Career Relevant to Social Change" available through the Open Exchange Magazine's web site.

How has WISR successfully survived and thrived as an alternative institution for over 30 years? Read John Bilorusky's article "Surviving as a Socially Progressive University" available through the Open Exchange Magazine's web site. Another article on "Learning at WISR" along with a photo of WISR's recent graduation ceremony in May 2007 can also be found through the Open Exchange Magazine's web site.

More detailed information about the contents of WISR's web site may be found by going to our Site Map. Also, for further discussion of accessibility issues, use of browsers, and other site navigation suggestions, go to: Site Navigation.