I have registered for a PhD degree at the University of Metaphysics http://www.metaphysics.com/ and I would like to ask you what do you think about them?

Is it worth to complete the program?

Well, let's take a look at the curriculum.

University Of Metaphysics - Metaphysical Curriculum
PSYCHO-PHYSICAL SENSITIVITY EXCHANGE

You are a psycho-physical unit; that is, your mind affects your body and, in turn, your body affects your mind. This lesson is designed to create a greater sensitivity in the interaction between both. The final intention is to increase your sensitivity to the power of a Higher-Self-Reality in your True Self or Higher Mind. This is accomplished through the use of metaphysical sensitivity techniques, the majority of which are self-techniques which you perform upon yourself without the participation of another person. Also included are a small number of one-on-one techniques which can be used between you and another person.

Different parts of the body are touched in ways described to stimulate an intensification of your Higher feeling nature, one with your Higher Mind.

Think of it as an exchange of energy between different parts of the body to stimulate a higher energy factor within your Higher Mind.

You will surely experience the benefit of these metaphysical sensitivity techniques if you will but do them for a few days, or perhaps even the first time you do them.

True self? Higher self reality?
Ask yourself if you really believe in this stuff, because they're using a lot of New Age appeal and vocabulary to promote their curriculum.
No offense, but metaphysics is a very intangible subject, so there is a lot of room for organizations like this to come up with their own approach.
But if studying metaphysics is really something of interest to a person, they would be better off going to the library, or to an accredited school.

Speaking of which...

THECB > Academic Affairs and Research > Private Colleges and Institutes > Fraudulent Institutions

Institutions Whose Degrees are Illegal to Use in Texas
"Fraudulent or substandard degree" means a degree conferred in Texas in violation of the Texas Education Code; conferred in another state in violation of that state's laws; conferred in another state by an institution that was not accredited by an accreditor recognized by the Coordinating Board and that has not been approved by the Coordinating Board for its degrees to be used in Texas; or conferred outside the United States by an institution that the Coordinating Board determines is not the equivalent of an accredited or authorized degree. (Texas Educational Code, Chapter 61, Section 61.302)

The Texas Penal Code (Section 32.52) prohibits the use of fraudulent or substandard degrees "in a written or oral advertisement or other promotion of a business; or with the intent to: obtain employment; obtain a license or certificate to practice a trade, profession, or occupation; obtain a promotion, a compensation or other benefit, or an increase in compensation or other benefit, in employment or in the practice of a trade, profession, or occupation; obtain admission to an educational program in this state; or gain a position in government with authority over another person, regardless of whether the actor receives compensation.

University of Metaphysics (1)
California; Nevada?
No accreditation from a CB recognized accreditor.

University of Metaphysics (2)
Arizona
No accreditation from a CB recognized accreditor. AKA University of Sedona.

University Of Metaphysics - Metaphysical degrees to PhD & DD since 1959
http://www.universityofsedona.com/
It's the same thing!


Stock photography of happy alumni practicing yoga, prayer, and higher learning, having deep metaphysical insights, and looking very self-satisfied.

Enrollment forms that are not in secure https: addresses.

A University Store that sells Higher Consciousness Meditations CDs, archived copies of their Worldwide Broadcasts, and a Complete Metaphysical Business Course that no doubt teaches you the know-how to pull all the stops necessary for starting your own University of Metaphysics.

And what's this?
CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENT by none other than the great DELLA REESE, star of TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL!!!


Etc. etc. etc.

So in conclusion, this is a non-accredited diploma mill that peddles snake oil, New Age marketing techniques, and "doctoral degrees" that are illegal to use in the state of Texas.
Would it take a metaphysician to figure out it's probably not a smart idea to use it in most other states, either?

I read with interest the comments pertaining to the University of Metaphysics and I feel compelled to respond to the ridiculous misstatements, actually bordering on slander. I can only assume that the writer, or writers, of this hatchet job are either (1) a person, or persons, who enrolled in the distance-learning program and failed the course and/or their thesis or (2) someone who has ulterior motives for trying to harm the reputation of the university; perhaps a competitor.

I am a graduate of the University of Metaphysics and have been a minister for quite a few years, serving as assistant minister at University Church Institute (university founder Dr. Paul Leon Masters’ church) and at churches in California and Vermont.

The main focus of this rebuttal is the claim by the writer that this is a “diploma mill.” To get a degree from the U of M one must successfully complete the curriculum and pass tests. For a Masters degree one must also write a thesis that is graded. Doctoral candidates are required to write a dissertation. Every year some students have these returned due to not meeting the standards of the school. Most major universities now offer distance-learning programs and this is an accepted method for students to get a degree that are not able to attend a campus environment.

Ask yourself this question: Have you ever heard of a diploma mill that has conventions and formal cap and gown graduation ceremonies? The University of Metaphysics and sister school, The University of Sedona, recently held its five-day convention in Las Vegas, attended by over 300 ministers, students and graduates from the U.S., Canada, Iceland, South Africa, UK, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines. There were over 40 speakers plus seminar leaders in break out sessions and more than 15 singers providing entertainment after each break. Approximately 80 graduates walked across the stage and received their degrees. Does this sound like a diploma mill?

The writer of this bogus fraud/scam alert also made mention of the Rev. Dr. Della Reese-Lett, using the term “celebrity endorsement” and making it sound like she is a paid spokesperson. Dr. Della received her doctoral degree from the University of Metaphysics and fulfilled the same requirements as any other student. She attended the convention and received the International Metaphysical Ministry’s Lifetime Achievement Award for the work she has done and the inspiration she has been. She was not paid to attend the convention.

As to the statement that the school is “illegal” in Texas - just not true. If you live in Texas, check with the department of post secondary education. If you don’t live in Texas - does it matter?

This writer goes far beyond being misinformed or having an opinion. This is a calculated attack to do harm to a legitimate, successful institution, with a history of development dating back to 1959, that has helped thousands of people over many years.

I am proud to be associted with this organization and believe you will also.

Richard P. Caldwell D.Min.
Sheridan, Wyoming
****c@****caldwell.com

While surfing the net, I came across a link to this page, and the above posts. The posts interested me so I signed up as a member. Therefore, this is one of my first posts on this site.

When I read this post, I was at first shocked, as probably most people would be, but for a different reason. As the CEO of an international non-profit spiritual, holistic, and environmental organization I have a keen interest in modern Spirituality, and have been aware of this University since I was a teenager, over 40 years ago. Could it really be that Dr. Masters, after nearly a half a century of being the epitomy of integrity in a field abundant with quacks, frauds, and charlatans, and the University (Universities) he has founded gone sour? If this was true, then I most certainly would want be made aware of it. This indeed merited my attention and a deeper investigation.

So, I began by taking a closer look at the information contained in the posting(s). Both the person posting the question and the person responding to it have done so under assumed names. (handle, sign in name, identity, whatever) Not especially a good beginning, but let’s let that slide for the moment… and let’s write it off to them trying to find a place to fit in with the hip / cool Internet crowd. After all, if you feel insecure with being a Chris or Christine, why not boost your self esteem by inventing a cool sounding alter ego and go on line?

Although this practice is encouraged by many of the latest “fad” sites of the moment, the US constitution, as well as the organizing documents of most civilized governments in the world today, guarantee the right of the accused to know and face their accusers face to face. I would definitely have a major problem with this practice if it were not for the fact that IP addresses are recorded on server logs and people are not as anonymous as they think. As it is I have only a minor problem with it as I understand that some people feel more comfortable with pseudonyms on the internet as it allows them the perceived freedom to act without worry of the truth, responsibility or the consequences of their actions. Child predators especially love the anonymity that these names allow.

In as much as my feelings and pet peeves with modern society, degrading common ethics, and the Internet may or may not be relevant to current situation, I should return to the main purpose of this post. So let’s take a closer look at these two postings, and what the posts themselves reveal about the individuals.

Both the one posting the question and the one posting the answer have made only one post to the site. A quick look through the numerous postings on this site (some of them very well researched and presented) revealed to me that some members of this site, who have a legitimate interest in helping prevent scams and frauds, have made hundreds… some even thousands of posts to the site. I, who joined the site with the sole purpose of responding to the above post, have found the sit so interesting that i have already made a number of other postings, and have bookmarked numerous other pages for future postings. But the writers of these two posts have each made only 1 post. Hmmm…. I’m beginning to smell something unpleasant.

Poster number 1 is allegedly from Germany and posed the lead in question (over a year ago) in a rather strange way - “I have already enrolled; should I continue my studies?” There’s something about the phrasing of this question that just doesn’t seem right to me. It’s kind of like saying, “I just enrolled in college, should I go to class?” Hey, wait a minute… it’s exactly like saying that! But, like the names, Let’s let this slide also.

Poster number 2 seems ever so eager to help - I’m sure the main concern here is that they feel the poor questioner has been anxiously waiting for over a year for someone to hear his call for help and solve his dilemma of whether he should continue to go to class after enrolling.

So poster number 2 begins with a seemingly matter of fact response, “Let’s take a look at the curriculum,” and has a link to a page on the university site. I clicked on it to check it out. Two things immediately caught my attention: 1) Not many people / organizations in the field have the wherewithal to actually post a part of their actual lessons, and 2) A copyright notice.

Hmmm… I wonder if poster number 2 obtained proper permission to quote the material?

This got me thinking so I looked for the site’s terms and conditions and found a link to them at the bottom of the rather lengthy and informative page. In reading through the terms and conditions, I found that written permission was required in order to link to the site. In further reading the terms and conditions, I found a number of rather important things that this poster probably ignored also - besides the copyright notice. I’ve always felt a certain uneasiness with people who feel they don’t have to abide by the law.

Okay, putting my unease aside, and doing my best to stay unbiased, I re-read the poster’s opinions of metaphysics in general. First of all, I acknowledge that the poster is certainly entitled to express their opinions - whatever they might be, and secondly, and it’s rather obvious that this person is quite antagonistic to the topic in general. Enough said.

On to “Speaking of which…” which begins with link to the Texas Coordinating Board web site. Again I click on the link… A quick look at that web site’s terms found that this link was also illegally placed. Okay, so this person is not very big on following laws… maybe there’s an authority problem?

(As to the situation in Texas, boy is there ever an authority problem there! The Texas State Legislature has found that the wording on the web page is illegal, and the Texas Coordinating Board will not correct it. The Texas Coordinating Board has already lost law suits in the matter, and there are still more that are in process - but they have not changed or corrected the wording. Texas is, after all, Mr. Bush's home state. I can only assume that a bunch of radicals would rather loose law suits and pay damages than change their stated view on non-fundamentalist religious educational institutions - regardless of the truth... or the law.)

Although the Texas situation holds my strong interest, it was my intention to discover if Dr. Masters and his universities have turned into something other than the legitimate institutions they have been for nearly half a century. So back to the heart of the matter…

The link is followed by some selective quotes, to with the poster added their own re-formatting using bold and large print where they wanted… and then the big big big bold print stating that the university has “No accreditation from a CB recognized accreditor”

Duh!!!!

It was at this point that I realized that this person has no idea of they were talking about: In the US, there is something called Separation Of Church and State! This means that US state education systems can not get involved with accreditation of purely religious institutions. They have no jurisdiction over, and can not legislate when it comes to religion.

That means that if a religious institution teaches only it’s religious philosophy, and not the secular subjects such as Calculus and English Literature, there is no way the state can pass judgment on the curriculum. The most a state can do is say that the institution is not listed as accredited by any accreditation agencies recognized by the state - which is the legal extent of what the Texas web site can say: “No accreditation from a CB recognized accreditor”

Some of the most prestigious religious institutions of higher learning in the world are not recognized as accredited by any US state government because they teach religious philosophy and not secular subjects.

A state can make it illegal utilize a religious degree as the means of being hired into a state government position, or a teaching position, or getting a medical license or practicing law… and probably should - as having a masters or doctoral degree in a specific religious philosophy in no way reflects how good of an accountant that person would be, or what training the person received in the medical arts such as surgery.

If one were to look through the Texas list, they would find the names of many religious institutions and universities, including the ones that have graduated noted religious leaders of the times! Religious institutions and secular institutions are just two very different things when it comes to US law. (And if the poster of the response would have taken the time to read through a bit of the university web site, they would have seen that this matter of accreditation was honestly and forthrightly discussed and brought to the attention of prospective students.)

Okay, so now we know that the person who posted this response doesn’t have a clue… but let’s continue taking a good look at their posting.

Following are two more illegal links to the accused site… followed by a graphic… and a comment about stock photography. Not even considering the copyright infringement involved, right clicking on the graphic shows that the picture appears through an illegal hot link - ever hear of bandwidth theft? If not, I can tell you that it can get a person into big legal problems. And speaking of stock photography, what do you think the Texas Coordinating Board uses on their site? Or 95% of the business web sites on the web, for that mater?

Next, “Enrollment forms that are not in secure https addresses.” I went to the page that the link pointed to (again illegally) and yes the page that was linked to was indeed not secure - But that page was not an enrollment form - it merely points to the enrollment forms… which are secure and clearly showing the “https” in the address bar, and the padlock in the browser. Does the person writing this post expect that every page that could lead to a form to be secure? If so, every page on the Internet would have to be secure!

Following are two more illegal links, more copyright infringements, more bandwidth theft with the pictures and so on, and so on, and so on….

One comment here: The pictures (illegally copyright infringed upon, and hot linked) show Della Reese receiving award from the university for her contributions to the advancement of spirituality. If the person making this post would have taken the time to read the captions of the pictures and the accompanying text, they would have seen that Ms Reese was an actual doctoral graduate of the university (and apparently not a recent one as her name did not appear on this years roster) and Ms Reese was receiving an award for her contributions to spirituality, and the success of her long time ministry of many years.

Personally, I don’t see this as a “Celebrity Endorsement” but someone being recognized for their personal achievements, who just happens to be a celebrity. I suppose that she could have refused the award if she wanted to… but then again, maybe she just might be proud of her achievements, her ministry, her degree, and just possibly, dare I say it… Her Alma Mater.

As stated in the beginning, the main reason for my investigation into this matter was the integrity of Dr. Paul Leon Masters, (the university founder) to see if a long standing pillar of the modern day international spiritual / metaphysical community has lost his integrity, lowered his standards, or the institutions and universities he founded have gone sour. My conclusion: Absolutely not!

The basis for my conclusion? First, let’s look to the accusations: The first post seems to be either the seed of a set up - planted by someone while visiting Germany, or, a lost soul in need of our compassion and prayers. I’m leaning towards former. If by some far off chance the post is legitimate and real… well, it just very sad. (The poster's question is, after all, “I just enrolled in college, should I go to class?”)

As to the second post, that is very sad also - for entirely different reasons. At best, it is a very poorly researched and executed piece of work, not up to par with some of the excellent research posted on this site, which can lead to getting the poster involved in more legal situations than he/she probably cares to think about. At worst, it is a veiled intentional attempt to defame the integrality of Dr. Masters and the legitimate universities and institutions he has founded. And of course, the middle ground is also possible. They could just be someone with a little bit of knowledge (which in this case is a dangerous thing) and a chip on their shoulder against anyone with a religious belief that is different than theirs.

I have exclusively focused on the accusations thus far, and what I have omitted due to length, is all the positive and true information I have uncovered in the process of investigating. Another document, many times the length of his one could easily be prepared, on that matter. And included in that document there would be a number of noted individuals (and yes, celebrities included) who have legitimate, meaningful, and consequential ministries, thanks to the Universities. There would also be the founders of other spiritually / metaphysically based organizations who are out there making a difference and improving the world, as well as the many many lesser known private individuals who are grateful for the knowledge imparted, and are quietly utilizing it to make a better more meaningful life for themselves and others.

Signed with real name…
Immanual A. Thunder Hart

My name is Armeli Diessen and I graduated from the University of Metaphysics in 2004. I just received a call from a friend of mine who directed me to the response you received regarding the University of Metaphysics at www.samfraudalert.com on August 7 2007. (The first response posted above)

First, I believe one of our greatest rights and opportunities in this part of the World is the freedom of speech. I also personally believe that with this right comes the responsibility to act truthfully and with integrity.

The quotation extracted from the University of Metaphysics (UOM) website with the following question about whether or not there is a ”True Self ’ or a ”Higher self-reality” is, in reality, a question of an individual’s belief, which can not be argued with. Doesn’t the same apply to the beliefs and teachings of any of the World Religions or spiritual movements, may they be New Age, traditional, or fundamentalist? Is there any true “tangible proof” that there is anything of value relating to God, Higher Power or Intelligence, incarnation, mediums, prayer or meditation? Some may argue that today there are scientific technologies to measure many things regarding the invisible world. However, in the end, even those attempts are discredited by non-believers, no matter how thorough and complete such research may have been conducted.

I agree with the writer of the post “that today there is a lot of room for organizations … to come up with their own approach.” However, I question that there is anything “like this”, the University Of Metaphysics as I got to know and experience it.

Before I enrolled in the program in 2003, I researched many other options. I was surprised how many organizations indeed claim to have found the “TRUTH” and offered degrees on-line, one for a onetime payment of $3.95USD…

Prior to researching UOM I was not aware of the extensive degree of this misleading and what appears to fraudulent fast growing industry, an industry exploiting those who may be genuine seeker’s of knowledge and truth. Therefore, I had many, questions about UOM and was very skeptical. I had already acquired my formal education with two Masters Degrees (Social Work and Adult Education) from the University of Cologne in Germany. I also had my Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. I did not “need” any additional academic recognition for my profession as a Clinical Counselor and accredited Master Certified Coach (MCC) by the International Coach Federation.

I made many phone calls and sent several emails before I enrolled as student. I had one lengthy phone conversation with the UOM Founder and President, Dr. Paul Leon Masters, internationally recognized outstanding teacher and scholar. I also spoke with the University’s Attorney. Everyone I talked with was courteous and professional and was upfront with the fact that the degrees of the University Of Metaphysics were not accredited by any of the currently recognized secular educational systems. It would be up to the individual to place value on his or her achievement. I had an open mind. The fact that the University had been around for nearly 50 years told me that there must be some value to the quality of it’s work.

Having participated in the UOM’s extensive curriculum and attended three of its metaphysical conventions, I must admit that my respect and appreciation of the work of the University of Metaphysics, its leaders and staff, the caliber of graduates and the contents of the material presented have increased. If fact, I have a strong sense that the University Of Metaphysics may be on the cutting edge of the current science of consciousness and human existence. I dare to make this statement, since I have been a very skeptical student of metaphysical phenomena since early childhood and have published several articles alerting people to the fraud and potential dangers f much of the New Age “Spiritainment” industry.

I was born and lived in Germany for 28 years before I immigrated to Canada. I have encountered many variations and interpretations of “Educational Requirements” of state laws. During my professional development I had the opportunity to have exposure to a broader university community and to gain a more international perspective. I have studied or taken specialized courses at the University Of Cologne, Cologne, Germany, University Of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, NARA University, NARA, Japan, University Of California, Berkley, California, Columbia Pacific University, California, and the University Of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Therefore I believe I am somewhat familiar with the academic culture and standards. I am also an accredited Instructor in Adult Education at the University Of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

My response to the person inquiring about the University Of Metaphysics is that the requirements and standards of this University are equal to any of the other university systems I have experienced. I must admit that I personally don’t care about what the Texas’ Educational Code allows or prohibits. The Texas Code most likely wouldn’t allow credit for most of my education either.

I am exceptionally pleased with what I have learned personally, observed and experienced. At UOM the courses and materials the University provides or sells, have been useful and beneficial to me. And being a business person for 20 years, I believe the fee charged for enrollment, including all the additional services and assistance the University provides, is far too low. I personally don’t know how they can manage and continue meeting the increasing demands of today’s university students.

And Dr. Della Reese? What a gift to thousands of people – and in so many ways! I don’t think her creditability can be sincerely questioned by anyone.

It is unfortunate the person who first responded to the inquirer is stuck on the “Educational Code of the State Of Texas” and has apparently no other quality or factual information to offer. It’s easier to blame, use inflammatory language such as “snake oil” or hide behind some states law than to invest some real time and effort to gather facts. I recommend to the inquirer to contact former graduates for references, read all the materials that the University Of Metaphysics offers, then formulate and ask specific questions to the University staff. There are no secrets. In addition, trust your gut feeling and have an open mind. The worst you might get is a great learning experience for a few bucks. The best you might get may be a truly life transforming experience and opportunity to grow personally and serve others.

Anneli Driessen, M.Ed, MSW, Ph.D, MCC, Msc.D
Personal and Business Coach
www.annelidriessen.com