Pacifica Graduate Institute, located near Santa Barbara, California, stands out in higher education for its unique focus on depth psychology, mythology, and the humanities. Established as a hub for innovative graduate programs, it attracts professionals passionate about blending ancient wisdom with modern psychological practices. Jobs at Pacifica Graduate Institute span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff opportunities, all within an employee-owned structure that fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.
For those eyeing careers here, understanding the institute's ethos is key. Pacifica emphasizes transformative education, drawing from traditions like Jungian psychology and archetypal studies. This shapes job roles, requiring candidates who thrive in intimate learning environments with small cohorts. Whether you're a seasoned academic or an emerging scholar, positions often involve teaching master's and doctoral students in fields like counseling psychology and mythological studies.
The institute's two campuses—Lambert in Carpinteria and Ladera—offer picturesque settings amid California's coastal beauty, influencing campus life and work dynamics. As of 2026, Pacifica continues to expand its offerings, creating steady demand for dedicated educators and administrators. Explore broader higher ed jobs to contextualize these opportunities.
Pacifica Graduate Institute traces its roots to 1976, when it began as the Human Relations Institute with a nine-month Counseling Skills Certificate program. By 1982, it evolved into offering an M.A. in Counseling Psychology, and in 1984, it launched a program emphasizing depth psychology under Stan Passy's leadership, influenced by James Hillman. Renamed Pacifica, it became accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, solidifying its place in California's higher education landscape.
Over nearly 50 years, Pacifica has grown into a for-profit graduate school with campuses south of Santa Barbara. Its employee-owned model, unique in academia, emerged from a commitment to democratic governance. This history informs current jobs, prioritizing faculty who appreciate its mythological and psychological heritage. Today, celebrating milestones like its 50th anniversary, Pacifica remains a leader in niche graduate education, drawing global talent to its Santa Barbara-area locations.
Pacifica's programs define the skills needed for its jobs. Core offerings include Ph.D. and M.A. degrees in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology (with depth emphasis), Mythological Studies with Depth Psychology, and engaged humanities. Research centers on archetypal patterns, somatic studies, and imaginal psychology—terms rooted in exploring the unconscious through myths and symbols.
For academic jobs, alignment with this focus is crucial. Faculty often engage in interdisciplinary research, publishing on topics like Jungian analysis or eco-psychology. Administrative roles support these programs through practicum coordination and student services. This niche attracts professionals from research jobs in psychology, offering a departure from mainstream universities.
To fully grasp jobs at Pacifica Graduate Institute, key terms include: Depth psychology, which explores the unconscious mind through symbolic and mythic lenses, pioneered by figures like Carl Jung. Mythological studies involve analyzing myths as psychological maps for human experience. Archetypal psychology, developed by James Hillman, views archetypes as soul-images shaping psyche and culture. These concepts underpin program curricula and faculty expectations.
Securing faculty positions at Pacifica demands a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in psychology, mythology, or humanities. For clinical roles, licensure as a psychologist in California is often required. Research focus should align with depth traditions—think publications on dreamwork, somatic practices, or cultural mythology.
Preferred experience includes 3-5 years teaching graduate seminars, securing grants for imaginal research, or clinical supervision. Skills and competencies emphasize:
The application process starts on Pacifica's employment page at pacific.edu/about-pacifica/employment. Submit a tailored CV highlighting relevant publications, a cover letter addressing your fit with depth psychology, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Interviews often include a teaching demonstration on mythic themes.
Actionable tips:
Pacifica Graduate Institute actively promotes diversity, stating commitment to 'an open, fair, inclusive, non-discriminatory environment' across race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. It encourages applications from historically underrepresented groups, integrating multicultural perspectives into curricula like somatic depth psychology.
Specific initiatives include scholarships for diverse students, faculty development workshops on equity, and community partnerships with Santa Barbara's indigenous groups. This fosters inclusive hiring, with reviews noting supportive cultures for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC professionals. Such efforts enhance job appeal in California's diverse higher ed scene.
Pacifica's employee-owned status promotes work-life balance through shared decision-making and flexible policies. Campuses nestled in coastal hills offer ocean views, walking trails, and proximity to Santa Barbara's beaches—ideal for recharging. Employees praise the collegial atmosphere, with low turnover reflecting supportive leadership.
Campus life includes retreats, art events, and wellness programs tied to psychological themes. Hybrid options aid balance, while California's mild climate supports outdoor activities. Reviews on Indeed highlight 'excellent work-life balance' amid small-team dynamics. For families, nearby amenities like Carpinteria's charm add appeal. This contrasts busier urban universities, prioritizing soulful sustainability.
Jobs at Pacifica Graduate Institute offer a rare blend of intellectual depth and coastal serenity, ideal for those passionate about psychology and mythology. From faculty roles requiring Ph.D.s and mythic expertise to supportive admin positions, opportunities abound in this accredited, employee-owned haven near Santa Barbara.
Ready to apply? Check current listings and prepare with resources like higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and post your profile via recruitment. For California-specific paths, explore US California jobs or Santa Barbara opportunities. Your journey in depth-oriented higher education starts here.
