The Rise of Psychedelic Studies: A New Academic Frontier
Exploring the Intersection of Neuroscience, Psychedelics, and Higher Education The field of psychedelic studies has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, moving from underground, countercultural roots to a rapidly growing academic discipline. With the increasing recognition of psychedelics’ potential therapeutic benefits, universities across the globe are embracing psychedelic research as a legitimate and exciting academic pursuit. In particular, the launch of the first-ever undergraduate degree in psychedelic studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is a groundbreaking moment for the industry, signaling a major shift in how psychedelics are understood, studied, and applied in both medical and social contexts. A New Academic Approach to Psychedelics In August 2025 , CIIS in San Francisco will offer the United States’ first undergraduate degree program in psychedelic studies . This pion...