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Prospective student, comparing programs
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InannaG
Posted 8/13/2014 5:00 PM (#25350)
Subject: Prospective student, comparing programs


New user

Posts: 4

Hello!

I've been considering a few Metaphysics degree programs. The decision came down to UMS or another program, and I chose the other--a decision I'm now beginning to regret. Having taken my first class in the other program, I've pretty much concluded it's not for me. I'm strongly considering leaving that program and enrolling with UMS after all, but since prospective students have access to the forum here, I figured it would be a great way to ask current students and alumni about the program here, so I can be more sure before I enroll than I was the last time!

I chose my current program because it wasn't religiously based, which many Metaphysics degree programs are. I'm a Wiccan, and many Metaphysics programs are centered on New Age or New Thought beliefs. Pagan and New Age paths have a lot of overlap in general spiritual beliefs and practices, but the actual religious beliefs at their cores are very different, so I was hoping to avoid an overly religious program. Having now seen the first course in my current program, however, it turns out to be not just religiously neutral--I'm actually being preached at through the course material to abandon my religion and become a Humanist. One of the "Metaphysical principles" taught is that it is "irresponsible" to believe in a god of any kind! I have a strong suspicion, based on the course materials I've seen so far and some things said during orientation and in the student handbook that the majority of this program is going to be like this, and that I won't learn anything from this program *except* the beliefs of the Humanist organization behind the program. and that the only way to pass is to profess conversion to the belief system being taught.

UMS does not appear to be this way, but then neither did the other program! Can anybody here help me out, and let me know what your experience has been with the tone of the material? I'm very open to learning about other spiritual paths and belief systems, eager even, I just don't want to feel pressured to agree or convert!

Also, what can anyone tell me about the depth of the course material? I've been studying Metaphysical topics since I was thirteen years old (which means thirty years)--do you think I'll still learn a lot from the program here? More than anything, I'm seeking a degree program for the credential towards my own Reiki and teaching practice, but I'd like to learn as much as possible while I'm at it!


Thank you all very much for your time!!

Blessings,

~Inanna
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Paul Joseph
Posted 8/15/2014 5:02 PM (#25358 - in reply to #25350)
Subject: RE: Prospective student, comparing programs



PhD Alumni

Posts: 4414
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Location: United Kingdom		Hello and Welcome Inanna - did you see the replies from Disa and me to Padrona the other day? Might be useful to take a look, as it addresses some of your points.

I have never felt under any pressure here to convert or anything like that. I think Disa put it well when she said one of the most helpful - and different - learning points of UMS are the meditations.

Students in my experience are encouraged to transform; which is different to academic programmes, and different to more conformist religious schools. Transform to what? To one's true Self, whatever that is, I am still trying to discover ....

Namaste

Paul

Edited by Paul Joseph 8/15/2014 5:02 PM
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InannaG
Posted 8/15/2014 7:09 PM (#25363 - in reply to #25358)
Subject: RE: Prospective student, comparing programs


New user

Posts: 4

Hi, Paul!

I *did* read through those other responses before I posted, and it was VERY helpful information Just as I'm now realizing I didn't dig deep enough into the first program, I'm trying to be more thorough this time Transformation is good--what this other program is demanding, however, is... not. At least, not for me!

Thank you so much for taking time to answer!

Blessings,

~Inanna
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Disa
Posted 8/15/2014 8:25 PM (#25364 - in reply to #25350)
Subject: Re: Prospective student, comparing programs



Alumni

Posts: 533
50025
Hi, Inanna.

Though I am not Wiccan, I do agree with many of the things I have read about Wicca and lean more toward Pagan beliefs than anything else. When first looking into enrolling in other schools(and actually even afterward) I ran across many that had an underlying Christian theme or something that seemed to indicate the graduates were of a Christian belief system even though it was a metaphysical school. I understand your trepidation to some degree. I was specifically not interested in a school whose primary or underlying focus was Christian teachings.

While UMS does expose us to many different belief systems and areas of study, I never got the impression from any of the courses that there was anything remotely related to trying to convert anyone to anything. I have taken all of the courses in the Bachelor's and Master's Program. What I found in these courses and in the meditations is the feeling of exploring many possibilities we may not have realized existed. Also, these courses seemed to fill in the blanks or the missing pieces, if you will, of the metaphysical things I had already been studying for years.

You may be interested to know there is only one small course related to Christianity and it isn't even the stuff I'd already experienced about it, and it wasn't trying to convert, preach, or indoctrinate in any way shape or form.

You may also be interested to know that there are a few courses regarding things such as Altars and Rituals, Ceremonies, Equinox, Solstice, Gaia Mother Earth...These may have been electives now that I think about it- but I'm just trying to show what a well rounded curriculum there is here at UMS. It seems to me that many of the courses are presented from a point of view of "possibilities" and/or maybe the opinions or beliefs of the person who wrote the course.I never got the feeling we were being persuaded or expected to believe anything we didn't want to believe.


For the most part, I feel that UMS is teaching us each to strive towards our own individual truth and experience our own reality as we see fit. We are led on various journeys which give us insight into the different topics which fall under the category of metaphysics, but there seems to be so much more.


I hope this helps somewhat. Feel free to ask additional questions.

Edited by Disa 8/16/2014 12:17 AM
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InannaG
Posted 8/17/2014 8:19 AM (#25370 - in reply to #25364)
Subject: Re: Prospective student, comparing programs


New user

Posts: 4

Thank you, Disa!

Your answer touched on all the points I was looking for, and this is *exactly* the answer I was hoping to hear! I definitely noticed the classes in altars, gods, witchcraft, etc., and the very small number of Christian-looking classes. I'm perfectly fine with a few of them--even *want* them, for the comparative aspect--I just don't want a program where "success" means "learning to" embrace those beliefs as my own.

I think you've definitely helped me in making my decision, and I'll almost certainly be enrolling in the near future.

Thank you again!!

Blessings,

~Inanna



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Disa
Posted 8/17/2014 9:21 AM (#25371 - in reply to #25350)
Subject: Re: Prospective student, comparing programs



Alumni

Posts: 533
50025
Oh, the "Gods" course was intense and quite a lot of info, if I am remembering correctly. I had forgotten about that one.

Oh, I forgot to mention and you may already have read about it somewhere. One of the other great things about these UMS courses is each one has a list of references to look through if you find you would like to explore a particular topic further. What I mean is, more books related to the same topic. You could be reading for years

I'm also a newly certified Reiki practitioner, so we have that in common. I've found that the Reiki field has a huge network of support as far as resources, references, and very helpful info about getting a practice going and keeping it running. If you haven't run across that I would be glad to share some info.

Best of luck to you wherever you choose to go. If you do decide to enroll at UMS, remember we are here on the forum to offer support, encouragement, or whatever you may need on your journey. Independent studying can get lonely sometimes, but several of us do check in here regularly and will be glad to offer any assistance we can.

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InannaG
Posted 8/17/2014 6:29 PM (#25373 - in reply to #25371)
Subject: Re: Prospective student, comparing programs


New user

Posts: 4

I would be *very* interested in more info on Reiki networking info! I have *some* connections, but it definitely sounds like you have more!

Thank you!!
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Disa
Posted 8/17/2014 8:15 PM (#25374 - in reply to #25350)
Subject: Re: Prospective student, comparing programs



Alumni

Posts: 533
50025
Sending a pm.
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