University of Metaphysics vs University of Metaphysical Sciences: What’s the Difference?

People search for university of metaphysics vs university of metaphysical sciences because both are well-known distance-learning institutions in metaphysical and New Thought studies—and they’re easy to mix up. If you’ve ever wondered what’s the difference between the University of Metaphysics and the University of Metaphysical Sciences—and which might fit you—this article is for you.

University of Metaphysics vs University of Metaphysical Sciences in short: the University of Metaphysics (UOM) is based in Sedona, Arizona, founded in 1976 by Dr. Paul Leon Masters, and operates under the International Metaphysical Ministry (IMM); it focuses on New Thought theology and spiritual enlightenment through a curriculum built around Dr. Masters’s lectures and materials. The University of Metaphysical Sciences (UMS) is based in Arcata, California, founded in 2001 by Dr. Christine Breese; it emphasizes personal transformation and spiritual healing with a curriculum written by many writers and healers, and it includes guided meditations and experiential learning. So university of metaphysics vs university of metaphysical sciences is partly about founding, approach, and curriculum—not just two names for the same thing. Below: what each is, how they overlap and differ, and where to go deeper with what is metaphysics and ontology vs epistemology on schrodingers.cat if you want the academic philosophy side of “metaphysics.”

What is the University of Metaphysics?

The University of Metaphysics (UOM) is a distance-learning institution founded in 1976 by Dr. Paul Leon Masters in Sedona, Arizona. It operates as part of the International Metaphysical Ministry (IMM) and offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in metaphysical studies. So what is the University of Metaphysics in practice? It’s a religious/theological institution focused on New Thought theology and spiritual enlightenment; its curriculum is built around recorded lectures by Dr. Masters and written materials. It operates beyond the scope of traditional academic accreditation (as a religious institution). The University of Metaphysics has a large global reach—tens of thousands of graduates and ministers in many countries. So in university of metaphysics vs university of metaphysical sciences, the University of Metaphysics is the older, IMM-affiliated school with a curriculum centered on Dr. Masters’s teaching. For the academic branch of philosophy that studies being and reality, see what is metaphysics.

What is the University of Metaphysical Sciences?

The University of Metaphysical Sciences (UMS) is a distance-learning institution founded in 2001 by Dr. Christine Breese, based in Arcata, California. It offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in metaphysical studies and emphasizes personal transformation and spiritual healing. So what is the University of Metaphysical Sciences in practice? Its curriculum is written by many writers, researchers, and healers; it includes dozens of guided meditations for experiential learning and often offers lifetime course access with updates. The University of Metaphysical Sciences is accredited by bodies such as the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) and the American Alternative Medical Association (AAMA), which are common accreditors for metaphysical and alternative-healing institutions. So in university of metaphysics vs university of metaphysical sciences, the University of Metaphysical Sciences is the younger school with a broader curriculum, experiential elements, and third-party accreditation. For how “metaphysics” is used in academic philosophy (being, reality, cause), see what is metaphysics and ontology vs epistemology.

University of Metaphysics vs University of Metaphysical Sciences: how they compare

University of metaphysics vs university of metaphysical sciences can be summarized along a few axes:

Founding and location. The University of Metaphysics was founded in 1976 in Sedona, Arizona, by Dr. Paul Leon Masters; the University of Metaphysical Sciences was founded in 2001 in Arcata, California, by Dr. Christine Breese. So university of metaphysics vs university of metaphysical sciences is partly a generational and geographical difference.

Approach. The University of Metaphysics focuses on New Thought theology and spiritual enlightenment through a non-secular, theological curriculum built around Dr. Masters’s lectures. The University of Metaphysical Sciences emphasizes personal transformation and spiritual healing with a curriculum written by many contributors and a strong experiential component (e.g. guided meditations). So university of metaphysics vs university of metaphysical sciences in approach: one is centered on a single founder’s theology; the other is more plural and experiential.

Curriculum and delivery. Both offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in metaphysical studies via distance learning. The University of Metaphysics delivers mainly through recorded lectures by Dr. Masters and written materials. The University of Metaphysical Sciences adds 60–70 guided meditations and often lifetime access with updates. So university of metaphysics vs university of metaphysical sciences on curriculum: similar degree levels, different content and delivery—one lecture-centered, one more multimedia and experiential.

Accreditation. The University of Metaphysics operates as a religious institution and is typically described as beyond the scope of traditional academic accreditation. The University of Metaphysical Sciences is accredited by AADP and AAMA—accreditors used by metaphysical and alternative-healing institutions, not regional academic accreditors. So university of metaphysics vs university of metaphysical sciences on accreditation: one religious-exempt; one third-party accredited in its sector.

Reach. The University of Metaphysics has a long history and a large global network (IMM ministers and graduates in many countries). The University of Metaphysical Sciences has a shorter history and a focus on personal and spiritual transformation through its curriculum. So university of metaphysics vs university of metaphysical sciences isn’t “better vs worse”—it’s “which approach and structure fit you.”

Who is each for?

University of Metaphysics tends to suit people who want a single, coherent New Thought/theological framework and are comfortable with a curriculum built around one founder’s lectures and religious institutional status. University of Metaphysical Sciences tends to suit people who want a broader, multi-author curriculum with experiential elements (e.g. meditations) and third-party accreditation in the metaphysical/alternative-healing space. So university of metaphysics vs university of metaphysical sciences is partly about fit: theology-centered vs transformation-centered; single voice vs many voices; religious institution vs accredited alternative institution.

Academic metaphysics vs these institutions

“Metaphysics” in University of Metaphysics and University of Metaphysical Sciences means the study of spiritual, metaphysical, and New Thought topics—not the same as metaphysics in academic philosophy, which is the branch of philosophy that studies being, reality, identity, cause, and possibility. If you’re interested in the philosophical what is metaphysics (reality, existence, ontology), see what is metaphysics and ontology vs epistemology on schrodingers.cat; for learning paths on philosophy, see learning paths and the path quiz.

Where to go deeper

On schrodingers.cat we focus on academic philosophy—logic, epistemology, ethics, and metaphysics in the philosophical sense (being, reality, cause). If you want that side of metaphysics, try what is metaphysics, ontology vs epistemology, and epistemology for beginners; browse learning paths or take the path quiz. For choosing between the University of Metaphysics and the University of Metaphysical Sciences, use the comparison above as a map—then check each institution’s current program details and accreditation yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the University of Metaphysics and the University of Metaphysical Sciences?

The difference between the University of Metaphysics and the University of Metaphysical Sciences is founding (1976 Sedona vs 2001 Arcata), approach (single founder’s New Thought theology vs multi-author transformation and healing), curriculum (lectures and materials vs lectures plus many guided meditations), and accreditation (religious institution vs AADP/AAMA). Both offer distance degrees in metaphysical studies; they differ in structure and emphasis.

Is the University of Metaphysics accredited?

The University of Metaphysics operates as a religious institution and is typically described as beyond the scope of traditional academic accreditation. If you need regionally accredited degrees for licensure or transfer, check with your state or employer; religious exemptions vary.

Is the University of Metaphysical Sciences accredited?

The University of Metaphysical Sciences is accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) and the American Alternative Medical Association (AAMA). These are accreditors for metaphysical and alternative-healing institutions, not regional academic accreditors. Check current status on the institution’s site.

Conclusion

University of Metaphysics vs University of Metaphysical Sciences is a real distinction: different founding, approach, curriculum, and accreditation. The University of Metaphysics is theology-centered and IMM-affiliated; the University of Metaphysical Sciences is transformation-centered with experiential learning and sector accreditation. Use the comparison as a map—then verify current details with each institution. For academic metaphysics (being, reality, ontology), see what is metaphysics and ontology vs epistemology on schrodingers.cat.

Summary. University of Metaphysics vs University of Metaphysical Sciences: different history, approach, and accreditation. Use the comparison as a map; for philosophical metaphysics, see what is metaphysics and ontology vs epistemology on schrodingers.cat.

What is metaphysics → · Ontology vs epistemology → · Learning paths → · Path quiz →

Key takeaway: University of Metaphysics vs University of Metaphysical Sciences: different founding, curriculum, and accreditation. For academic metaphysics (being, reality), see what is metaphysics and ontology vs epistemology on schrodingers.cat.