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Frequently
Asked Questions
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The
University Of Metaphysical Sciences is a non-profit distance learning
facility, offering downloadable courses
from the internet or delivered via postal mail. Study at your own pace
while you work, stay at home, or travel.
If
I begin with a payment plan and then switch over to paying the full amount,
will I be able to get any credit for paying it off after having started
on a payment plan?
Yes. If you switch to paying the full amount within the first six months on either the medium term plan or the long term plan,
you would receive $200 off the payment plan you chose. If you switch within
the first year, you would receive $100 off the payment plan you chose.
This does not apply to the short term plan.
Can
I choose one payment plan for course materials and another for tuition?
You can choose different plans for the course materials and the tuition
fees. However, your course materials will be delivered based on your tuition
plan. For instance, if the long term plan is chosen for tuition payments
and the prepayment plan is chosen for course materials, courses will be
delivered on the long term tuition schedule.
Do
you grant degrees or give credit based on work or life experience?
No. We do not have an objective format for determining monetary value
for work or life experiences. We are bringing much professionalism to
the field of metaphysics, and giving credit for life experience is not
solid evidence of earning a degree. This practice does not stand up if
challenged by a court of law or federal agencies. Only true coursework
is solid evidence of earning a degree. We also feel it is important for
those who already know much about metaphysics to fill in the gaps in their
knowledge.
Are
all your courses correspondence courses or do we have to travel for live
classes at some point in order to earn our degree?
All courses are correspondence courses and can be done in a distance learning
format. We do not require that students come for live classes, as this
is too difficult, time consuming and expensive for some people. We have
designed the curriculum so that students can complete their studies and
receive their degrees for a reasonable amount of money and no extra travel
expenses or output of unnecessary time.
How
do I know this is a real degree and not a diploma mill?
Wisdom Of The Heart Church is a registered 501(c)3 organization.
The university is a program of the church and operates as a religious exempt institution in both California and Minnesota.
The University Of Metaphysical Sciences is also accredited by the AADP
and the AAMA. UMS avoids practices done by diploma mills that grant degrees
based on life experiences or negligible amounts of coursework. UMS makes
sure that all degrees are truly earned with proper coursework and experiential
growth. Records of coursework are kept on file as a testament to the work
the student has done. The reputation of the school and its practices is the truest
definition of a real degree. UMS holds itself to the highest standards,
and UMS graduates are truly trained for their work as spiritual counselors,
leaders and healers in the field of metaphysics. A UMS degree is highly
desirable and reputable in this particular line of work, and proof of
the legitimacy of your degree is always available.
I
already know a lot about most of the subjects you offer, for instance
crystals, divination, channeling, psychic skills, etc. Do I have to take
these classes? Can I choose alternative classes (like electives) in their
place? Can I test out of classes by taking the exam and passing?
All classes in the Bachelors and Masters lists are part
of our required curriculum, and you can choose what you like for your
electives, but no courses can be substituted with electives or other work.
Even though some of the courses might be information you have knowledge
about, you will find that they fill in the gaps in your knowledge. They
also serve as good reference material in your library should you ever
need to know what particular terms mean. The courses are not difficult,
so the courses you might not be as interested in should be easy enough
for you to move through quickly.
We don’t offer the option of testing out of classes even if the
student is familiar with certain subjects, for part of our mission is
to make sure that all graduates of UMS, even those with previous knowledge
of metaphysical subjects, fill in the gaps in their existing knowledge
and are at least familiar with many terms, techniques, religions, concepts,
and other such topics that we teach. In order to preserve the quality
of our reputation for qualified graduates from our university, students
must complete all required classes.
I
already have a Bachelors/Masters degree. Can I just write the doctoral
dissertation and receive my D.D./Ph.D.?
No. All students must begin at the Bachelors level because the school
is unique. We must be sure that the student has been exposed to all the
information we offer. Courses from other colleges are rarely similar,
nor are they transferable. We apologize for this, but metaphysics is considered
a “new emerging field of study” and has no set standards between
colleges yet.
Do
I have to write a Master’s thesis, or can I go on to the doctoral
dissertation?
The Master's thesis must be turned in before the doctoral dissertation
will be reviewed. A Masters degree must be earned before you are eligible
for the Doctoral degrees. All coursework in the Bachelors and Masters
curriculum, including the Masters thesis, must be completed before being
eligible for the doctorate program.
Could
the doctoral dissertation be a continuation of my Master's thesis? In
other words, let's say the Master's thesis would be the first chapter
of a book I write and the Doctoral would be the remainder of the book...
Each work must stand alone on its own. You might expound on the various
chapters you would like to include in your book. However, the thesis and
dissertation must be understandable without referencing the other because
different teachers may read and grade them. As long as they can be read
one without the other by an outside party, and found to be coherent, this
would be fine. Two different topics that would be covered in your book
would be best. For instance: Master's thesis, Ethics For Herbal Practitioners;
Doctoral dissertation, Herbalism And It's Healing Effects. These are two
topics that you would most likely cover in a book about herbalism. Or
perhaps you could cover Historical accounts of herbalism practices and
similarities in today's world. Think about the chapters of your book,
and which ones would be somewhat separate from each other even though
they are related to each other in your book outline.
Which degree should
I get, the D.D. or the Ph.D, and what is the difference?
We recommend the Doctor of Divinity, D.D. degrees for those who are interested
in one on one healing sessions and counseling with clients. We suggest
that you earn your Doctor Of Divinity (D.D.) degree first if you are already
doing one on one work with clients. The D.D. degree is what specifically
gives you the right to work with clients in a counseling format as a minister
or reverend. For those who wish to write books and give lectures, we recommend
the Ph.D. For those who would like to do both, we recommend both degrees,
as each serves a different purpose. The second Doctorate Degree can be
earned after the first one for only $400 more. The Ph.D. gives prestige
to students who would like to do the lecture circuit, write books, or
teach classes. The Ph.D. is not recognized as a degree for counseling
ministers. This is how the D.D. serves you in your practice. Most of our
students pursue both degrees so that all areas are covered. In summary,
the D.D. serves the practical purposes of your one on one practice, and
the Ph.D. gives prestige to your books, lectures and classes.
How
much coursework, and what are the courses, in the doctorate program?
There is no actual coursework. Doctorate degrees are based on your own
personal research and work, which is presented in your Doctoral Dissertation.
Do
the Masters courses apply to all the doctorate degrees if I am attaining
more than one, or do I have to take all the Bachelors & Masters courses
again?
No, you do not have to take all the courses over again. All coursework
in the Bachelors and Masters curriculum apply to the second Doctorate
Degree.
What
would I need to do for the 2nd Doctorate Degree?
Do research on another metaphysical subject and write a 2nd Doctoral Dissertation.
How much more
is the second doctorate degree?
The second Doctorate degree costs $400 more beyond the full tuition cost
of your first three degrees.
Can
I have all the Doctorates and my Ph.D.? What if I want all of it?
We do not recommend more than two doctorate degrees.
Do
I pay separately for each degree, or does the price include all three
degrees?
The full tuition cost, $1,995, includes the entire Bachelors Curriculum,
the entire Masters curriculum, and the first Doctorate Degree. The Bachelors
and Masters curriculum is the same for all Doctorate Degrees. Once the
first is earned, the second Doctorate can also be earned without having
to retake the Bachelor's and Master's program.
If
I only want to complete the Bachelors degree and don't want to attain
the Masters or Doctorate Degree, how much do I pay?
There are financial markers in every payment plan where each degree is
awarded, (see Payment Plans page). Simply
let us know that you want to stop payments there if you only want a Bachelors
or a Masters degree. If you wish to continue later, within five years,
you may resume studies. However, if tuition and course materials fees
have increased, returning students will be required to pay the same fees
as all students and earlier payment plans will not apply. However, the
money previously paid will be levied against the new fees, and all previous
payments are counted toward the total tuition and course materials fees.
How
do we get the reduced tuition?
We have reduced tuition campaigns at various times of the year. The reduced
tuition is available now because we are in an enrollment campaign at this
time.
Can I photocopy and distribute UMS course materials
in classes that I teach in my own hometown?
No. UMS does not authorize students or
graduates to teach UMS courses, nor are they authorized to use the UMS
course materials in their classes by photocopying and distributing course
materials directly from UMS courses. Credit for UMS courses will not be
given to anyone who has been a student of someone who photocopied or used
UMS course materials in their teaching. All UMS course materials are copyrighted
and cannot be reproduced without permission from University Of Metaphysical
Sciences. However, students of UMS who would like to teach are encouraged
to create their own class materials based on their own original ideas,
using UMS courses only as part of their reference material in quotes with
proper credit to its source. Quotes and brief exercises from UMS course
materials are fine for use in your own courses that you design.
The
Wisdom Of The Heart Church is registered as a non-profit... How does
that relate to your school?
Wisdom Of The Heart Church is the parent non-profit 501(c)3 parent
company of University Of Metaphysical Sciences. University Of Metaphysical
Sciences is a program of the church. Ministerial licenses are issued through
the university by the church. The Church does not issue ministerial licenses
to anyone who has not finished the Master’s level of the curriculum
at University Of Metaphysical Sciences. Wisdom Of The Heart Church
is dedicated to providing a true education to those practicing spiritual
roles as leaders in their communities. UCM believes that ministers should
be trained so that they might be better equipped for functioning as spiritual
counselors, guides and teachers to those who seek metaphysical guidance.
Visit Wisdom Of The Heart Church page, where
you will find the schedule for our weekly Sunday Services.
What is the difference
between D.D. and D. Div.?
There is actually no difference as far as studies go. The curriculum for
all the degrees is the same, no matter what letters you are choosing.
The degree you choose is based solely on which letters you would like
to see behind your name. Some prefer D.Div, but most prefer D.D. because
it is more widely recognized.
Looking
at the website under Doctorate Degrees Offered, there is a "Doctor
of Metaphysics, D.M." and then under that is a separate column with
"Doctor of Divinity in: D.D. or D.Div... Metaphysics, Metaphysical
Sciences" etc. I'm not sure what the difference is between those...
The separate column is structured that way because the D.M. is it's own
degree, whereas the D.D. and the D.Div has the options that are listed.
For instance, your D.D. or D.Div can be in one of these categories, and
would be listed that way on your certificate. Your diploma would say:
Doctor of Divinity in Metaphysics, D.D. (or D.Div.)
Doctor of Divinity in Metaphysical Sciences, D.D. (or D.Div)
Doctor of Divinity in Metaphysical Counseling, D.D. (or D.Div)
Would
one person be my contact person throughout the study?
There are several staff members who can answer emails and phone calls
pertaining to student questions, so there is no one person who handles
each student. You may call or email and speak with anyone about courses,
payments, or other such things. If they don't know the answer, they will
find out for you, or have someone who does know the answer call or email
you back.
How
long to I have to finish the whole program?
5 years
How
quickly can I finish the program?
1 year minimum. We require that the doctorate degree take at least one
year to earn. It cannot be done any faster than this. You will be sent
courses every month for a year (or more if you have chosen a longer payment
plan).
I want to move
through the courses more quickly than I am receiving them. My pace is
faster than you are sending courses to me. I can handle more than three
or four courses per month.
We do not send the entire curriculum to you all at once, for we like to
make sure that the students don’t move too quickly through the curriculum
at an unhealthy pace. We believe that a year is as fast as it should be
and you may self pace yourself in that framework. We hope that students
will digest the material thoroughly and not just skim the material in
the courses.
However, at any point
in your studies, you can work on your Masters thesis even while you are
still in the Bachelors curriculum. You can also work on your Doctoral
Dissertation even while you are in the Masters program. This should take
up any extra time that you might have if you feel that you would like
to receive coursework more quickly. If you are finding that you move through
the courses so quickly that you have extra time before your next installment
of courses, please feel free to request the Master’s thesis outline
and we will send it to you so that you can begin your research for your
thesis, even while you are still in the Bachelors curriculum.
Who
are you accredited by?
We are accredited by the AADP, the American Association Of Drugless Practitioners,
and the AAMA, the American Alternative Medical Association. These
agencies have been created for colleges like ours that don't fit into
the traditional accrediting formats that secular and Christian Bible colleges
do. They work with schools that offer alternative types of degrees.
What
are the limitations of this degree?
These degrees are religious degrees, not secular degrees. You would not
be able to teach at a secular or traditional college, call yourself a
psychologist, or work for government agencies. They require traditionally
accredited degrees. Otherwise there are no other limitations. Some states
may require special arrangements of wording in advertisements like stating
in small letters that it is a religious degree, not a secular degree.
You must check with your own state to know what their present laws are
at this time concerning religious degrees.
Can
I teach at a college with this degree?
Only if it is a religious type of college, not a traditional, secular
college.
Can I use my degree
to call myself a Dr. in my “medical” practice?
Realize that these are not medical degrees, nor are they secular degrees.
These are religious degrees, and must be used in this fashion. We do not
recommend connecting your Dr. status to your work with medical practices
in a way that would mislead your clients to believe that you have studied
medical subjects. State specifically what your degree is in your advertisements,
for instance: Dr. Jane Doe, D.D., Doctor of Divinity in Metaphysical Counseling,
or Dr. Jane Doe, Ph.D., Doctor of Philosophy in Metaphysical Sciences.
Spell out your degree rather than just using the letters if you connect
it to your medical type of practice so that there is no misrepresentation
as a medical degree. If you are advertising for anything other than medical-type
services, for instance your classes, writings, lectures and such, spelling
out your degree would not be necessary. In the case of counseling, be
sure to refrain from misrepresenting yourself as a psychologist by making
it clear that you are counseling in a spiritual format with a ministerial
license.
If we fail an
exam, how many times do we get to try passing it again?
You may resubmit exams as many times as you need to.
Do
you give grades on tests, or is it a pass/fail system?
We have a pass/fail system on exams. If you would like to know how you’re
doing anyway, feel free to call and we will be happy to pull your file
and let you know how well you have done on your exams.
Do
you have a referral list of practitioners that I can get an appointment
with?
No. We do not maintain a referral list, for we cannot guarantee the quality
and integrity of practitioners we do not know.
I don't believe
that techniques and practices are necessary anymore at this point in my
path. I try to counsel people away from techniques and practices and help
them wake up in the moment. Why should I learn about all these if I don't
believe in them or find them useful?
It is important for a teacher and healer
to know where each person is coming from in their spiritual path. There
was probably a time in your spiritual path when techniques and practices
were useful, and they were a necessary part of your experience. These
courses help you become familiar with different ways that people are spiritually
working to heal themselves. You can better help others if you understand
what point they are at in their spiritual path.
What are the postage
and shipping prices for foreign students who choose the option to receive
courses by postal mail rather than internet downloads?
Postage varies from country to country
and are subject to change because the postal agencies who determine the
prices change their fees regularly. Therefore, we do not have a chart
of postage prices because they are always changing. The way postage is
determined and charged is that the student gives UMS a credit card # to
keep on file and once the postage is determined for each package on an
individual basis at the post office, the student’s credit card is
charged for the postage and the student is notified by email as to what
this fee is.
We hope this answers all
your questions. Your questions are always welcome! Please feel free to
email us or call 1-800-521-META
(6382) if you have some more. We are happy to help with all your needs.
Visit the Christine Breese website to read articles on consciousness and awakening, visit University of Metaphysical Sciences Video Satsangs to see talks on spiritual subjects. Read articles on Wisdom of the Heart Church. Visit Starlight Journal for blogs, newsletter, and forums on spiritual subjects. Visit Christine Breese's Metaphysical Sciences youtube channel to view free video satsangs.
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