Learn how to choose a study path, order and receive course materials, study at your own pace, and complete course requirements through CIAMSS distance learning.
The College of Inner Awareness, Metaphysical and Spiritual Studies (CIAMSS) provides self-paced distance learning for students pursuing metaphysical and spiritual education from home.
Students may pursue a degree or certificate program, or take individual courses without entering a formal program. Courses are completed independently, allowing students to work through the material according to their schedules rather than following a traditional semester calendar.
Two study paths: Degree and certificate students complete required course assessments as part of their academic programs. Students taking individual courses on a non-degree basis are not required to complete a course assessment.
If you plan to pursue a CIAMSS degree or certificate, begin by reviewing the available programs and submitting the Degree & Certification Application. Degree and certificate study begins after admission. Students who want to take individual courses may study on a non-degree basis without entering a formal program.
Students pursuing a CIAMSS degree or certificate follow the requirements of their selected program. Course assessments are required, and completed courses and grades become part of the student's CIAMSS transcript.
Explore degree and certificate programsStudents may take individual CIAMSS courses without pursuing a degree or certificate. A course assessment is not required for students studying on a non-degree basis.
Learn about non-degree studyCIAMSS courses can be ordered individually, allowing students to begin with one subject or select multiple courses according to their educational goals.
Degree and certificate students select courses that fulfill their program requirements. Individual students may choose subjects from the Course Catalog according to their own interests.
After an order is processed, CIAMSS provides the student with the materials or access information needed to begin the course.
CIAMSS is gradually converting its course library from legacy PDF materials to web-based HTML courses. When a course is available in the web-based format, the student can be provided with the URL after the order has been processed. Courses that have not yet been converted are currently provided in PDF format and sent to the student by CIAMSS after order processing.
Course format may vary: As the CIAMSS course library is modernized, the delivery method may depend on the course selected. Academic requirements are separate from the delivery format.
CIAMSS courses are designed for independent distance learning. Students work through their course materials from home and determine a study schedule that fits their circumstances.
Self-paced study does not mean that the goal is simply to finish as quickly as possible. Students are encouraged to give themselves enough time to understand, reflect upon, and retain the course material.
Course assessment requirements depend on the student's educational path.
A course assessment is required after completing each course. Currently, the assessment consists of an overall essay based on the course content. The specific essay requirement is provided at the end of the course material.
Students taking individual courses on a non-degree basis are not required to complete a course assessment.
Assessment format: CIAMSS has used different assessment formats over time. Current degree and certificate course assessments use an essay based on the course content. Assessment methods may evolve as course materials and the curriculum continue to be modernized.
Degree and certificate students currently submit their completed course assessment to CIAMSS by email. A CIAMSS instructor reviews and grades the assessment, and the student is contacted with the grade.
A $5 course assessment fee is required when an assessment is submitted. The fee is not automatically required simply because a course is purchased. Students taking an individual course on a non-degree basis do not incur an assessment fee when no assessment is submitted.
After a degree or certificate student's course assessment has been reviewed and graded, CIAMSS contacts the student with the grade. The completed course and grade are then recorded on the student's CIAMSS transcript as part of the student's academic record.
The student can then continue working through the courses and other requirements associated with the selected degree or certificate program. Individual and non-degree students may continue exploring additional courses according to their interests.
Degree & Certificate Students: The steps below begin after you have submitted your Degree & Certification Application and have been admitted to CIAMSS.
Degree and certificate students begin after admission to CIAMSS. Individual and non-degree students may begin by selecting courses of interest.
Select and order courses appropriate to your goals or approved program.
Receive course materials or web-based access information after processing.
Work through the course independently at your own pace.
Degree and certificate students complete the required assessment. Non-degree students are not required to do so.
A CIAMSS instructor reviews the submitted assessment and contacts the student with the grade.
For degree and certificate students, the completed course and grade are recorded on the transcript.
Whether you are considering a complete program or simply want to explore one subject, CIAMSS provides flexible ways to begin metaphysical and spiritual studies through distance learning.
Compare structured programs and explore the academic paths available through CIAMSS.
Explore ProgramsBrowse metaphysical and spiritual subjects that can be studied individually or as part of a program.
Browse CoursesReview common questions about enrollment, tuition, courses, and CIAMSS.
Read the FAQ