The Interfaith Seminary offers the following degrees in 

Transpersonal Studies with an emphasis in Integral Consciousness Studies


M.A. Master of Arts in Transpersonal Studies with emphasis in Integral Consciousness Studies

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy in Transpersonal Studies with emphasis in Integral Consciousness Studies
 

Degree Description:

Transpersonal Studies seeks to understand  the transpersonal and spiritual aspects of the human experience.  It is the study of humanity’s highest potential, and with the recognition, understanding, and realization of spiritual and transcendent states of consciousness.  Transpersonal Studies considers such issues as spiritual self development, peak experiences, mystical experiences, and other metaphysical experiences of living.   

The Integral Approach (also referred to as the integral consciousness or integral theory is a worldview that seeks a comprehensive understanding of humans and the universe by combining psychological, social, and/or spiritual insights in a single framework.  Drawing from Transpersonalism our degree program in Integral Consciousness Studies combines psychological, social, and spiritual elements of study in a single degree program.

This degree is designed for those who have a desire to serve others as ministers and as spiritual  counselors. This degree prepares the student to enhance their community work as a minister/pastor or assisting others in those roles. This is an interfaith degree, drawing its coursework from various faiths and schools of thought, and not oriented towards any particular religious belief system.  

This degree is NOT designed to meet any State or Federal licensure requirements nor does it qualify one to be a psychiatrist/psychologist or any other form of non-religious mental health or family counselor. This degree does qualify one to be a Spiritual Counselor. We encourage students to check with their State or Country regarding licensure requirements.
 

Upon graduation students are eligible to join The International Association Pastoral Counselors   

Prerequisites

Degree Requirements for the MS. is as follows:

Prerequisites: Bachelor's Degree from an approved educational institution or proof of related life/work experience.

1. All assigned coursework as agreed upon by the student and their Academic Advisor.

2. M.S. candidate must write and then defend a Master's Thesis on a subject pertaining to pastoral counseling.

3. Tuition paid in full and all coursework must be completed and graded before diploma is awarded.

Coursework is as follows:

Transpersonal Studies with emphasis in Integral Consciousness Studies
 
 
 
Introduction to Transpersonal Studies (4 credit hours)
    An overview and history of Transpersonalism and its development in Western society.

Transpersonal Studies I (4 credit hours)
    This course presents the basic tenets and theories of Transpersonalism.
    
Transpersonal Studies II (4 credit hours)
    This course is a continuation of TP Studies I.
    
Transpersonal Counseling (4 credit hours)
    An introduction to counseling from the tranpersonal perspective.
 
Cognitive Psychology (4 credit hours)
    An introduction to the basic tenets and theories of Cognitive Psychology.

Consciousness Studies & Meditation (4 credit hours)
    This course deals with human consciousness and various meditation techniques.

East-West Psychology  (4 credit hours)
    An introduction to East-West Psychology provides a foundation for further study.  This course also
    includes a brief study of Buddhist thought and philosophy as well as those from other faith traditions.

Integral Consciousness (4 credit hours)
    This course deals with an integral approach in regards to the evolution of human consciousness.  The student will submit a report regarding the contents of the text which includes the students own insights, thoughts, etc.  The essay must be at least 20 pages long and the student may use other material along with the assigned text.
[TEXT:  Self & Society:  Studies in the Evolution of Consciousness by William Irwin Thompson]
 
Independent Study (4 credit hours)
    The student in consultation with their adviser may undertake independent study in the area of consciousness studies.  The student will be expected to conduct a research project and submit a report on his/her findings.
[TEXT:  To be established by student and adviser]
 

Thesis (6 credit hours)
    The student selects a topic for their thesis and submits it for approval to IFS.  Once approved
    the student is to develop and author a thesis of no less than 30 pages, single spaced, with
    an Introduction, Content, Conclusion, Summary, and Bibliography.