Bachelor of Science in Psychedelic Studies

BS in Psychedelic Studies at CIIS is the first US undergrad program covering psychedelics' history, science, culture & applications.

  • 50 Enrolled
  • University
  • Last updated Jan '25
  • English
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Course Description

As the first undergraduate program of its kind in the United States, the Bachelor of Science in Psychedelic Studies will provide students with a comprehensive foundation in indigenous history, ethnobotany, anthropology, neurobiological and medical characteristics, social, political, legal, and ethical roles, as well as the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances. Students will gain knowledge that prepares them for graduate study, as well as for active roles and successful careers in a society where psychedelics are becoming increasingly available.

The B.S. in Psychedelic Studies provides a unique opportunity at the undergraduate level to integrate the latest research in psychedelics with the capacity to understand the cultural, global, political, ethical, therapeutic, spiritual, agricultural, neurobiological, and emotional contexts in which that research resides.

You will learn:

  • What is Bwiti?
  • Roles in Bwiti initiation/treatment
  • Instruments in Bwiti: ngombe, mogongo
  • What is an Nganga
    • Maboundi/Yombo
    • Maboundi/Yombo
  • Sustainability/reciprocity

You will learn:

  • History of the Fang tradition
  • Dissumba vs. Dissumba Fang
  • Ombwiri/Mbumbayano Fang
  • The kambo
  • State of Fang Bwiti in Gabon
  • Impact of Westerners coming to work with the sacred wood

You will learn:

  • History of the Missoko tradition
  • Various branches of Missoko initiation:
    • Miobe/Mioba
    • Ngonde Na Dipuma
    • Sengedia
  • The impact of logging on the tradition
  • What the future of Bwiti could look like in Gabon

You will learn:

  • History of Dissumba
  • Various branches of Dissumba initiation:
    • Abanji/Mabanji
    • Ilombo
    • Ombwiri
    • Ombudi
    • Loro
  • The ngombe (sacred harp)
  • Healing rituals involved in her tradition
  • Training to serve the wood
    • What does it involve?
    • How long does it take?

instructor-image

Tatayo

Instructor

About Instructor

Tatayo (“Fruit of the Wind”) first arrived in Gabon in 1971 at the age of 21 and became a Gabonese citizen. In 1979, he became the first white person to be initiated into the Bwiti Fang tradition in Gabon. In 1994, he was initiated into the Misokko tradition. As a guide for numerous expeditions and missions, including those of National Geographic, the BBC, and others, Tatayo is considered to have “opened the door” to westerners in Gabon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for start and finish dates/times. This course is currently being offered live and dates/times will change throughout the year.

$11309

This course includes

  • Modules 18
  • Duration 9 Months
  • Skills University
  • Language English
  • Availability Cohort
  • Certificate No
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