Transpersonal Psychology and Consciousness Studies Programs

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.

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.