Home: Taos/Tilburg PhD Program

Taos/Tilburg PhD Program

»»  Welcome to the Taos/Tilburg PhD Program in the Social Sciences - The Taos Institute in conjunction with Tilburg University, offers a program of study leading to a PhD in  Social Science. The degree is awarded through Tilburg University, in the Netherlands. This program is designed for mature professionals who wish to pursue a line of inquiry that will enrich their endeavors and speak to the concerns of a broader audience of scholars and practitioners.

Participants in the program must enter with a Masters degree along with substantial experience in practice. The program of study is built around a thesis project, with readings and preparations designed to facilitate the achievement of a successful dissertation. Dissertations have thus far been concerned with educational practices, organizational development, therapeutic change, community building, and educational initiatives. Other topics are possible. The program will stress a social constructionist orientation toward theory, research and practice.

»»  The Taos Institute The Taos Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering productive dialogue at the intersection of social constructionist theory and societal practices. Through numerous workshops, conferences, web offerings, and distance learning programs, thousands of professionals from many organizations and nations have drawn sustenance. The present program extends the fruits of this ongoing dialogue to the domain of advanced education. For more information visit: www.taosinstitute.net .

»» Tilburg University
Tilburg University is located in the southern Netherlands (convenient to both the Brussels and Amsterdam airports). The university is primarily dedicated to the social sciences and the humanities. In a recent survey it was voted as the best university in the Netherlands . In certain specialties it is considered the finest university in Europe.
For more information visit:  http://www.tilburguniversity.nl/    

»» The Taos Institute Advisor
At the beginning of the program a Taos Institute Advisor will be assigned to all non-European students working with either Professor Rijsman or Hosking. European students working directly with either of these professors may consult with the other about their work. For American students working directly with Prof. Gergen, the assignment of an additional advisor will be optional. The important goal is to furnish a dialogic counterpart who can facilitate learning, research and writing in the area of focal concern to the participant.

»» The Teaching/Learning Process
Communication within the "Program Team" (Consisting of a Tilburg University Professor, a Taos Advisor, and the candidate) will take place through the internet, telephone and the mail. However, the participant should anticipate occasional visits to his or her thesis advisor, especially during the planning and dissertation completion stages. This may entail visits to the Netherlands. However, both Profs. Rijsman and Hosking also make periodic visits to the US, during which time they may be available for consultation. The Advisor will also be available for informal meetings throughout the program. The final oral examination and degree award ceremonies (typically a single, joyful event) will require the participant's travel to the Netherlands.