The cost of the program is geared to the number of semesters required to complete the degree requirements. The cost of each semester is $4,000.00 US (subject to minor increases over a three year period). The maximum number of full-pay semesters is six (6). If a student has not completed the dissertation successfully in six semesters, the cost for remaining in the program is $2,200.00 US per semester. The tuition fee is paid directly to the Taos Institute at the start of each semester (Fall tuition due Sept. 1st and Spring tuition due Mar. 1st).
When ready, the student needs to secure the approval from his/her advisor regarding the final written dissertation. When the advisor has approved the final version of the dissertation, and after it has been sent to Tilburg University to begin the review process, tuition is no longer due.
When the candidate has completed all requirements, the dissertation has been approved and the student is ready to defend his/her dissertation, it is required that he/she travel to Tilburg University to complete the process. Travel, hotel, and all expenses are the responsibility of the student.
The Taos Institute and Tilburg University do not offer scholarships or tuition assistance for this program. Also, they do not provide information related to any other financial assistance. The student is required to pay tuition to the Taos Institute directly or find other sources for assistance (employer, grants, loans, etc.) to assist with tuition payments.There is a $100 late fee added to any tuition which is not paid on time.
Workshops
There are two 3-day workshops recommended - one on social constructionist and relational theory and another one on social constructionist inquiry/research. The registration fee for these workshops is included in the PHD program tuition. Travel and lodging is not included. Consult the Taos Institute website for Upcoming Workshops and Conferences, for specific dates. The Spring social construction workshop is offered by Kenneth Gergen and Mary Gergen in Pennsylvania. To register for the Spring offering contact Mary Gergen at 1-610-566-1825 or email: gv4@psu.edu. The Fall social construction workshop is presented by Sheila McNamee and Harlene Anderson. To register, contact Sheila at 603-862-3040 or email: sheila.mcnamee@unh.edu.
Additional workshops are being offered to Taos-Tilburg students throughout the year. During the 6 semesters, students are invited to attend up to four Taos workshops. See the Taos Institute workshop series as part of their program, to be covered by their tuition. More workshops will be added throughout the year.
Leave of Absence
Due to individual circumstance, students may apply to take one or more semesters "leave of absence" from the program at any time. A "leave of absence" from the program is permitted for an entire semester at any time. Students should first discuss their desire for a leave of absence with their advisor. Permission is granted by the student's advisor and director of the program, Ken Gergen. Once plans are in place for the student to take a LOA, the student should inform both Cynthia Holt, program administrator and Ken Gergen, program director. During such LOA periods the students may continue their research or writing in absentia. The faculty advisor will most likely not be available to students during a student's leave of absence. It is recommended that the student take no more than 2 semesters leave at a time. If the LOA will continue beyond two continuous semester in the program, additional approval needs to be granted by the program director and student's advisor.