Track 1 – Transpersonal Consciousness Development
Track goal: To assist people with the transition to so called higher-levels of consciousness, and help them optimally settle into it - during the program if possible.
Required Courses:
MATPCS 6511 & MATPCS 6512
(total 6 units)
We live at a unique time in history. For the first time it has become possible to conduct extensive research across global meditation and spiritual traditions. Essentially it allows us to stand on the shoulders of methodological experimentation and development that has taken place for hundreds, and in some cases even thousands of years. This tremendous inheritance is what these two classes draw upon.
Research suggests that one key to progress with higher-levels of consciousness is finding the right techniques that will help you transition into them. What works for one person, may not work for another; and some methods appear to be effective for a larger percentage of people than others. In a series of rigorous research trials over 4 years, these two classes assisted approximately 73% of students in making a persistent transition to higher-levels of consciousness. Roughly 26% reported temporary peak experiences. One percent reported no effects, though some of these got significantly happier during the program.
These courses introduce students to a carefully constructed cocktail of 26 meditation and mental training exercises in an effort to help them find their fit. It also includes 8 gold-standard positive psychology methods, and 2 additional mental exercises that help to give a boost to the overall process. The courses are taken back to back as a single, integrated program. You will not have a break between quarters for these two classes.
MATPCS 6513
(4 units)
This is a required course only for those who have transitioned to higher states of consciousness, either prior to or during the program. If the transition occurs during the program, you are required to take this course the following quarter. This class assists students with contextualizing their no lived experience of ongoing transpersonal consciousness, and helping them to optimally adjust to it. Essentially it is a course to help you thrive in your new awareness and avoid the setbacks and pitfalls that can happen to people without the needed context.
MATPCS 6514
(4 units)
The experience of transpersonal consciousness changes from person to person. Many things seem to affect it, including genetics, individual psychological traits, culture, and more. A common misperception is that there is ‘one’ proper way that it should show up, and that everyone who experiences it should behave similarly. This course explores this topic with a wide variety of individuals who experience ongoing forms of transpersonal consciousness. From major religious and spiritual leaders, to your next door neighbor who is raising his or her family, we take an honest look at how the transpersonal can show up persistently in people’s lives.
MATPCS 652x-659x
Students have 17 elective credits to use in the program, which they can divide up in any way they wish. They are free to use some or all of their elective credits taking additional Transpersonal Consciousness elective courses. These can be classes offered by Sofia University, relevant classes from other regionally accredited universities, or approved partner programs, such as program Co-chair Deepak Chopra’s Seduction of Spirit course.
Track 2 - Transpersonal Psychology and Consciousness Studies
Track goal: To educate people on the basics of Transpersonal Psychology and Consciousness Studies, especially as it relates to higher-levels of consciousness, with a non-materialist philosophical focus.
Required Courses:
MATPCS 6611
(4 units)
Abraham Maslow and Anthony Sutich founded transpersonal psychology to research persistent, higher-levels of consciousness. They felt that humanistic psychology, the so-called 'Third Force' of psychology they led, could not accommodate the study of what they believed was a more important 'Fourth Force.' This course begins by reaching back to these pioneers’ original vision, and then moves forward through the intervening years of research that has been conducted since. The course looks deeply into both higher-levels of consciousness as well as other transpersonal forms of conscious experience and what they may tell us about the fundamental nature of consciousness itself.
MATPCS 6612
(4 units)
Most mainstream, orthodox theories of consciousness suggest that it emerges in some way from matter. However, an increasingly rich experimental and theoretical literature is suggesting that his may not be the case. In this course, we’ll examine the evidence for both claims. We’ll also look at how consciousness seems to have evolved over time, grapple with the ‘hard problem,’ and see what quantum physics has to say about it all. This course will provide both the practical and theoretical foundation for the consciousness aspects of the rest of the program.
MATPCS 6613
(4 units)
This course is a survey of the neuroscience and biology in the area of consciousness and transpersonal psychology – for those who aren’t neuroscientists and biologists! The major theories and orthodoxies within these sciences will be presented, along with their discrepancies. This course will provide a full overview of the relevant aspects of the neuroscience and biological basis of transpersonal consciousness, as well as its implications for the nature of consciousness itself.
MATPCS 6614
(4 units)
Newtonian vs. Quantum. Local vs. Non-local. Mater as primary vs. consciousness as primary. What does it all mean? Where does everything fit? Does it fit? What ‘story’ of the universe makes the most sense, and why? What is the evidence? This ambitious class will tackle these issues and many more in an attempt to make all of the pieces come together into the beautiful mosaic that is the conscious universe.
MATPCS 662x-669x
Just as with Track 1, these can be selected from Sofia's existing catalog or from outside programs we have evaluated and approved for credit. For more information, see the electives section later in this program guide.
Track 3 - Impact
Track goal: Help students take what they learn in the program and spread it to impact the world. Students select one of three possible Impact tracks to complete their program.
Track 3a - Thought Leadership
Regardless of whether someone wants to be a coach, speaker, author, center owner, or all of the above and more, the thing that will most likely impact their success is the degree to which they can assume a thought leadership role in their area of interest. This track teaches students how to do this using well established methods that have proven successful for thousands of people. It also provides exposure to a wide variety and type of thought leaders and thought leadership methods to help students identify which areas and types of thought leadership they are best suited for.
Required Courses:
MATPCS 6713 and MATPCS 6714
(6 units total)
The thought leadership space is vast. These courses exposes you to a wide range of highly successful thought leaders and models. Models covered include: coaching, writing, speaking, workshops, retreats, classes, festivals, non-profits, media, social media, organizing and content curation, center and facility operation, and more. Areas covered include: personal and societal transformation, personal development and self-help, spiritual and religious development, medical and clinical, consciousness, philosophy, and more. By the time you have completed these courses, you will have identified the areas, modalities, and shape that your influence on the world will take.
MATPCS 6711
(3 units)
EA is the leading thought leader training program on the market today. It covers the details of highly successful positioning, product creation, promotion and brand creation, distribution, partnerships, and much more. It is literally an A-Z course drawn from the experience of several of today’s most influential thought leaders, and has been used by thousands of people across a wide range of thought spaces. The course is structured with assignments that lead you by the hand and take you step-by-step into a position of thought leadership in your chosen field.
MATPCS 6712
(3 units)
To be a successful influencer, you need to be comfortable with selling – even if you are only trying to give away your ideas. The vast majority of people have negative reactions to initiating a sales process. Yet, it is possible to sell from your heart, and with your heart. It’s about loving your offerings, the process of sharing the, and those who consume them. The Heart Selling process is a paradigm shift from push marketing to pull marketing. The opposite of Heart Selling is Hard Selling, which is nothing more than pushing customers to buy under the pretext of 'problem solving'. Heart Selling teaches you the art and science of fostering and enhancing your customer’s love to consume what you have to offer.
MATPCS 672x-679x
Just as with Tracks 1 and 2, these can be selected from Sofia's existing catalog or from outside programs we have evaluated and approved for credit. For more information, see the electives section later in this program guide.
Track 3b - Organizational Transformation
Personal transformation often leads to a desire to share the beneficial changes experienced with the world. Many people are committed to their careers and the organizations that employ them. Regardless of their position or degree of authority, they see their work life as an opportunity to share their transformation with the world, and help others grow. This track addresses that desire, by providing a background in conscious business and conscious organizational transformation.
Required Courses:
MATPCS 6811
(3 units)
Organizations can become engines for transformation, and the transformation they engender can ripple back to them in ways that help them to thrive like never before. In recent years entirely new models have sprung up that are making this a reality. This course covers the basics of topics like conscious capitalism, conscious organizations, and conscious organizational transformation. In it you’ll learn how even the smallest unit within an organization can become a powerful force for positive transformation, both for its stakeholders and the world.
MATPCS 6812
(3 units)
Harvard Business School and many other leading universities employ the ‘case study’ system of learning. Case study learning involves careful dissection of all or part of an organization or organizational situation, within the context that it occurred. The general idea is that it provides a more complete picture to learn from. This course employs this highly effective strategy to examine conscious organizations and how enterprises both transition into conscious organizations as well as evolve once they have.
MATPCS 6813
(3 units)
The area of conscious organizations and conscious organizational transformation moves very quickly. It’s an exciting and highly innovative field. This course covers the current leading edge, with facts, figures, and case studies to help you understand the state of the art and where the trends are heading.
MATPCS 682x-689x
Just as with Tracks 1 and 2, these can be selected from Sofia's existing catalog or from outside programs we have evaluated and approved for credit. For more information, see the electives section later in this program guide.
Track 3c – Research in Transpersonal Psychology and Consciousness Studies
Required Courses:
MATPCS 6911
(4 units)
This course gives you a comprehensive overview of the qualitative and quantitative research methods that can be used in used in your thesis work. Your thesis will be one of the most significant things you do in your life. Research done for it is only as good as the methods employed. Our program is highly rigorous in its research requirements. This course provides you with the understanding you need to carry out successful and credible scientific research.
MATPCS 6912
(2 units)
A survey course of the latest and greatest research opportunities that are available in Transpersonal Psychology and Consciousness Studies. Although fascinating on its own, you’ll use this class for brainstorming and getting a feel for what areas might be interesting to explore with your thesis work.
MATPCS 6913
(2 units)
This course prepares you for the steps ahead in your thesis process. It helps you to formulate an initial direction, understand how to find and recruit your thesis advisor, and determine the steps involved in designing your research proposal, conducting the research, writing up your thesis, and more. By the time you complete this course you will have a strong grasp of what is required for you to research and write a successful master’s thesis.
MATPCS 6924-6926
(12 unites)
There are a number of steps which are required to complete your master’s thesis. First you must figure out what you want to study, and have a rough formulation of your research question. Next you find a thesis advisor who will oversee and guide your work. Then you work with your advisor to finalize your research question, and the methods you will use to conduct the research itself. This leads to the creation of your research proposal, which must be approved by your advisor before you can continue. Finally you conduct the research, analyze the data, write it up, and work with your advisor to get an approved final version. You can expect this process to take at least three quarters, though it may take longer depending upon the nature of your research question.
MATPCS 692x-698x
Just as with Tracks 1 and 2, these can be selected from Sofia's existing catalog or from outside programs we have evaluated and approved for credit. Based on a student’s prior knowledge, and his or her choice of thesis topic, the thesis advisor may require additional, specialized courses prior to beginning the thesis research process. For example, a student seeking to complete a quantitative dissertation may be required to complete a statistics course if the student does not have prior formal education in that area. It is important for research students to keep this in mind as they plan their program.