So you’re looking at the University of Metaphysics vs University of Metaphysical Sciences and thinking what the difference is.
These two online spiritual education providers are the same but that’s caused some drama.
Both give metaphysical degrees and spiritual training, but they’re separate institutions with different approaches to teaching the mind-expanding.
Many people are checking degrees in metaphysics, spiritual counseling and holistic studies and it is not like yoga.
Online spiritual education has grown as folks look for meaning apart from traditional career paths.
Some want to become spiritual counselors, others want to deepen their own practice.
Here in this post, I’m breaking down everything about university of metaphysics vs university of metaphysical sciences, their histories, what they teach, their differences, the lawsuit and more. Let’s get into it.
About University Of Metaphysics (UOM)
The University of Metaphysics is under the International Metaphysical Ministry (IMM) and started back in the 1990s.
Their work is about offering distance learning programs for those who are interested in spiritual growth and metaphysical studies.
They’ve bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs focusing on metaphysical sciences, spiritual psychology, and consciousness studies.
UOM operates with a religious and spiritual model, running as a faith-based institution.
This is important to understand because they’re not accredited like traditional universities.
But, they operate under religious exemption laws.
According to their materials, they are around for decades and have trained many spiritual practitioners and ministers.
UOM is connected to the University of Sedona, same leadership, similar programs but only different branding.
The founder, Dr. Paul Leon Masters, created a system that’s been running for a while.
About University Of Metaphysical Sciences (UMS)
The University of Metaphysical Sciences was founded in 2003 and located in Arcata, California.
Similar to UOM, they offer online programs in metaphysical studies like bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs focusing on spiritual counseling, meditation, holistic healing and spiritual growth.
UMS describes the institutional philosophy as centered on personal spiritual development and practical metaphysical training.
Like UOM, they aren’t regionally accredited but operate under religious-exempt status.
According to their materials, they’ve served many students worldwide who want to explore consciousness studies and spiritual development.
The similarities between UOM and UMS are obvious, both offer metaphysical degrees online, both operate under religious exemption rather than traditional academic accreditation, both focus on spiritual development, and both target folks interested in becoming spiritual practitioners or personal practice.
University Of Metaphysics Vs University of Metaphysical Sciences: Key Differences
While these two spiritual universities may seem identical at first glance, there are some real differences that have led to legal battles between them. Let’s break down what makes them different.
Foundation And Leadership
UOM traces back to Dr. Paul Leon Masters and the International Metaphysical Ministry.
It’s been around long, with roots going back to the 1970s through its connection to the University of Sedona.
The system feels established in the metaphysical education space.
UMS is new, starting in 2003, and has different leadership.
While both teach metaphysics, there’s a different founding energy behind each institution.
Institute Identity
UOM positions itself as a spiritual authority with deep historical roots.
They emphasize their connection to traditional metaphysical teachings and ministerial training. Their vibe feels like spiritual leadership training.
UMS presents itself as an independent spiritual university focused on both practical and theoretical metaphysical sciences.
Their identity seems more academic in approach, while covering similar spiritual territory.
Brand And Name
The source of the lawsuit drama. UOM has “University of Metaphysics” as their name and claims trademark rights.
UMS uses “University of Metaphysical Sciences” by adding the one word “Sciences” which UOM claims causes marketplace confusion.
The name similarity has caused real problems between these institutions, with UOM taking legal action to protect what they see as their brand territory.
Education Style
According to their materials, UOM follows a structured home-study model with emphasis on spiritual ministry and metaphysical psychology.
Their doctoral programs require dissertation work.
UMS uses an independent study approach focusing on consciousness studies, spiritual healing, and meditation techniques.
They emphasize self-paced coursework with written assignments for high degrees.
2020-2023 Lawsuit: University Of Metaphysics And University of Metaphysical Sciences
The drama between these spiritual universities got REAL in 2020 when UOM filed a lawsuit against UMS.
This wasn’t philosophical disagreement, it was a federal court case that’s been going on.
Let’s get into it and see what the difference matters.
Nature
According to public information, UOM sued UMS claiming trademark infringement.
The main argument is that the name “University of Metaphysical Sciences” was similar to “University of Metaphysics” and caused confusion in the spiritual education marketplace.
The lawsuit centered on branding and naming rights, not about the quality of education or other issues.
It was UOM saying “we had the name first, and yours is too similar.”
Defense
UMS didn’t take this down. They’ve been fighting, stating their name is legally registered and they’ve never tried to confuse students.
According to their statements, they believe the lawsuit is without merit.
Their defense argues that “Metaphysical Sciences” is a descriptive term, and their branding and structure are different from UOM.
They’ve maintained they’re not doing anything wrong.
Sedona And Arizona Development
The lawsuit originated from Arizona, where UOM and University of Sedona is based.
This Sedona connection is important to the whole story since it’s where one institution is headquartered.
The legal proceedings went through the Arizona federal court system, adding a geographical element to this spiritual education dispute.
Current Status
As of recent reports, UMS continues operating and defending. They’ve made it clear they haven’t shut down and are issuing degrees while fighting this legal battle.
The current status of the case would require checking court records, but what’s clear is that both institutions continue operating while this naming dispute plays out.
Which One To Choose Between University Of Metaphysics Vs University Of Metaphysical Sciences?
So you’re interested in metaphysical education and wondering which one makes more sense.
Here are some things to think about:
First, get clear on your goals. Are you looking to become a spiritual counselor or to start a metaphysical ministry or deepen your own spiritual practice.
Both schools give similar degrees, but their approaches are different.
Check out their curriculum details. UOM may appeal more if you’re drawn to spiritual ministry and metaphysical psychology.
UMS can be better if you’re into consciousness studies and meditation techniques.
Cost matters. Compare tuition and payment plans.
Both market themselves as affordable more than traditional universities and give installment options.
Consider the lawsuit situation.
Some students may feel trouble while enrolling in UMS while this legal dispute continues, while others view UMS as the underdog worth supporting.
Pros and Cons of University Of Metaphysics Vs University of Metaphysical Sciences
University of Metaphysics Pros:
- Long established history in metaphysical education
- Connected to University of Sedona with broader institutional presence
- Strong focus on ministerial training
- Structured dissertation requirements for doctoral students
- Clear metaphysical psychology focus
University of Metaphysics Cons:
- Not regionally accredited
- Religious exemption status limits degree recognition
- Pursuing trademark litigation
- May have less flexibility in curriculum
University of Metaphysical Sciences Pros:
- Independent study model offers flexibility
- Focus on meditation and consciousness studies
- Self-paced coursework
- California-based institution
- Emphasis on spiritual healing approaches
University of Metaphysical Sciences Cons:
- Not regionally accredited
- Newer institution with less established history
- Currently defending against trademark lawsuit
- Religious exemption status limits degree recognition
Conclusion
When comparing University of Metaphysics vs University of Metaphysical Sciences, you’re looking at two spiritual education institutes with similar programs but different approaches and histories.
The ongoing legal battle between them highlights their competing presence in the metaphysical education space.
Neither university offers regionally accredited degrees which is important to understand.
These are spiritual and religious institutions offering metaphysical training outside traditional academic systems. The value depends on your personal goals.
If metaphysical education reaches you, research both thoroughly.
Check their current standing, review their curriculum details, and talk to graduates.
Your spiritual education journey is personal, so choose the path that resonates with your needs and goals.
FAQs on University Of Metaphysics Vs University of Metaphysical Sciences
The University of Metaphysical Sciences is an online metaphysical degree program founded in 2003, based in Arcata, California. They give bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in metaphysical sciences with areas including spiritual counseling, meditation, and holistic healing.
The University of Metaphysical Sciences operates legally as a religious-exempt institution. They’re not accredited by traditional academic bodies. Their legitimacy depends on your perspective. They’re a legal entity offering spiritual education, but their degrees aren’t recognized like traditional university credentials.
The University of Metaphysics is associated with the University of Sedona, with connections to Sedona, Arizona. They operate primarily online as a distance learning institution offering metaphysical degree programs under religious exemption status.
No, the University of Metaphysics and University of Metaphysical Sciences are separate institutions. Their similar names have led to a trademark lawsuit, with UOM suing UMS over the same name. They offer similar metaphysical degree programs but have different founding histories, leadership, and different educational approaches.
