Consciousness Studies provides the basis for dissolving the imaginary dualities between the spiritual and physical world. Students experience the interconnectedness of all life and its underlying unity. They explore the meaning of the human condition: the nature of self and reality; the new possibilities for personal, social and global transformation. By heightening awareness, students evolve to a more authentic way of being, both to themselves and others.

 

Graduates of the program embark on both traditional and nontraditional careers. By being responsive to the spiritual, as well as the physical and mental dimensions, they are in a unique position to address many of our contemporary problems. This enables them to become more evolved human beings, parents, spouses, artists, therapists, athletes, educators, healers, and workshop leaders.

Masters Program:  45 Credits
(30 Credits in Required Courses, 15 Credits in Electives​

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Doctorate Program:  90 Credits
(50 Credits in Required Courses, 40 Credits in Electives)

 

Combined Masters/Doctorate Program:  120 Credits
(50 Credits in Required Courses, 70 Credits in Electives)

Course credits toward your degree may be earned in the following ways:

 

1. Taking courses at other universities or colleges.

2. Students may request and submit for IUPS approval (through their mentors), permission to earn credits for workshops, and other programs not mentioned above.

3. Many students earn course credits by having their mentor assign books to read on the course topic, and writing papers that demonstrate their understanding of the assigned material. Credits can also be obtained by attending conferences, workshops, and retreats as well as through assigned projects. A key criteria for earning credits in this manner is for students to demonstrate how learning this subject matter impacts their lives personally and professionally. Integration of course material is of paramount importance at IUPS. 

4. Students also have the opportunity to design their own electives, truly giving students the opportunity to customize their education. A sample syllabus is provided to assist students in meeting university standards. The student submits the proposed course syllabus to the mentor and the university for approval.

Consciousness Studies Course Descriptions

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REQUIRED CORE COURSES

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(Please note: All Doctoral coursework (600 courses) involve more advanced research and in-depth study.) 

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CNS 501/601 Spiritual Systems (Sufism, Taoism, Christianity, Buddhism, Shamanism, Judaism, Hinduism)
The history and development of spiritual systems of Eastern and Western traditions will be explored. This course is designed to study in-depth the diverse spiritual approaches, including the differences and commonalities that exist.

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CNS 502/602 Science and the Nature of Reality
The role of modern science in the explanation of consciousness and reality will be addressed. A critical evaluation of the paradigm will enable the student to study the nature of phenomena, including such enigmatic experiences as: precognition, near-death experiences, deja-vu, and altered states of consciousness. We will deal with the implications of the materialistic approach, which often defines consciousness as a product of, and limited to, processes in the brain.

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CNS 510/610 A Study of Contemporary Consciousness Teachings
This course will examine the many ways in which the concept of consciousness has been used in the contemporary spiritual, professional, and popular literature. It will explore the most widely celebrated theories and problems concerning the nature of consciousness and will include such contemporary teachers as Eckart Tolle, Adyashanti, and others.

 

CNS 520/620 Theories and Practice of Meditation
Theories of Eastern and Western meditation will be studied. Research will be presented that demonstrates empirically and scientifically how meditation practice can result in greater clarity of mind, inner balance and integration, and other benefits in terms of energy, creativity, and many health benefits including longevity.  The practice of meditation will be applied with the approach toward experiencing pure consciousness. The meditative state can result in an experience of going beyond the conditioned mind toward the unified state of consciousness that mystics of all ages pointed to.

 

CNS 521/621 Models of Consciousness
Students will study the meaning and scientific underpinnings of consciousness with the investigation of theories, research, publications, and scientific debates and conferences. The hidden as well as explicit assumptions held by consciousness scholars about the nature of consciousness will be investigated. The student will explore the field from diverse approaches: neuroscience, cross-cultural studies, cognitive approaches, existential – phenomenological methodologies, quantum physics, and other related disciplines. Non-duality, mindfulness, and the state of silence will be explored since they are the essential aspects of the subjective experience of consciousness.

 

CNS 580/680 Practicum: Integrating Awareness Practice into Daily Life
Practicum experience can be attained in numerous ways, including residential retreats, conferences, workshops, as well as self-directed meditative and spiritually-oriented everyday experiences. Working in a business, non-profit organization, volunteer programs can be experienced as a practicum experience, particularly when the student communicates regularly with their mentor during the experience. Students have been creative and innovative in finding settings that allow them to integrate awareness practice into daily life.

 

CNS 585/685 Exploration of Consciousness Research
This course will include the investigation aimed at the rigorous and leading edge approaches that include neuroscience, quantum physics, technology, contemplative approaches, meditation, the spiritual bypass, and altered states such as hypnosis. 

 

CNS 590/690 Dissertation Research Project
A dissertation is required and a proposal must be submitted to the mentor and department chair. Upon approval, students will work with their mentors to gain direction for research, formatting, and editing. The dissertation will be a substantial and original contribution to the literature in the field of Consciousness Studies.    

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For further course descriptions, please contact the University.