UNIVERSITY of ALTERNATIVE STUDIES

Providing Tuition-Free Online Academic Studies in Scientific Parapsychology.




Frequently Asked Questions


UNIVERSITY PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION IN PARAPSYCHOLOGY


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The mission of the University of Alternative Studies is to advance knowledge and educate students in alternative studies through science and technology that will best serve our world in the 21st century.


:: What is the mission of the University of Alternative Studies?

The mission of the University is to advance knowledge and educate students in alternative studies through science and technology that will best serve our world in the 21st century.

The University is committed to generating, compiling, circulating, and preserving knowledge, and to working with others to bring this knowledge to endure the world’s great challenges. The University is dedicated to providing its students with an education that combines rigorous academic study and the excitement of discovery with the support and intellectual stimulation of a diverse student community. We seek to develop in each member of the University community the ability and passion to work wisely, creatively, and effectively for the betterment and advancement of humankind.

The University admitted its first students in 2009. The opening marked the height of an extended effort by Theresa M. Kelly, MsD., a distinguished metaphysicist and author in the fields of metaphysics and parapsychology, to establish an independent and alternative educational institution relevant to an increasingly inquisitive world. Prof. Kelly stressed the pragmatic and practicable. She believes that sometimes professional competence is best supported by focusing attention on alternative solutions to real-world problems.


:: What types of career opportunities may be available after completing a UAS Program?

The field of parapsychology and paraphysics, including sub-disciplines, are considered “marginal” by the mainstream sciences. If a students goal is to achieve a tenured faculty position at a major university, with a considerable amount of time to devote to research initiatives, any degree with an emphasis in parapsychology or paraphysics may not be advantageous in most countries. However, some of those who have obtained accredited PhD’s in parapsychology and paraphysics have taught at more minor universities, even in the United States. However, UAS is a non-accredited higher education institution. Therefore, while degrees obtained through UAS will indicate a solid education, level of professionalism, and a profound dedication to and in the field, such degrees cannot be utilized to secure employment opportunities. Therefore, those who conduct psychical/parapsychological research typically hold accredited degrees in an established field (i.e. typically make a living via a more conventional vocation) and therefore, utilize their UAS education in conjunction with what they have learned through an accredited educational institution.

Because the field of parapsychology is so “marginal,” very few paying positions are available. Therefore, perusing an education in scientific parapsychology or paraphysics is recommend for those who:

  1. Hold degrees (i.e. have had solid training in an established field) who possess strong entrepreneurial skills, immense determination, creativity and resourcefulness, and are looking to direct their current career towards consciousness studies, psychical research, or related consulting or educational initiatives. (The majority of our students hold a master’s or doctorate degree in psychology, philosophy, alternative medicine, business, etc.)
  2. Intelligent laypersons who have a profound interest in the field, who have had persistent personal experiences in regard to one or more topics within the field, are fascinated by the exploration of the full range of human potential, enjoy challenging the current world-view, and desire to understand the “how’s and why’s” of psi processes to improve upon their own experiential skills and/or assist in the improvement of the experiential skills of others for the purposes of personal or professional enrichment (e.g. writers, consultants, educators).

:: Where is the University of Alternative Studies located?

University of Alternative Studies is an international online institution involving expert collaborators from around the world. All higher education degree programs, certification programs, and introductory courses are available online only. Therefore, UAS does not have a physical base. However, for those who desire to send information by mail to a faculty member, we ask that you email that faculty member to obtain their mailing address. For those who wish to inquire more about UAS and the programs and courses it offers, we ask that you contact us by email.


:: I am currently attending another college, will this effect me attending UAS?

Many of our students are current students at other institutions. All courses and programs have Reading & Assignment Schedules, which are paced for high level student performance. Students who take the time to reflect on course content (i.e. reflection assignments) and apply the information learned (i.e. application assignments), will get more from courses and programs. Therefore, we suggest students take their time and complete assignments at the suggested pace. However, students are more than welcome to space out their courses to fit their unique schedules.


:: Is it safe to use my credit card over the Internet? Who processes my credit card?

Yes. We use PayPal to process credit card transactions. All credit card transactions are conducted over a secure link system on the PayPal site and we do not keep or store your credit card information.


:: How many students are on each program at a given time?

Programs are open to study year round. Students do not have to wait until specified times per year to begin a degree program. Because of this, students per program vary and are not limited.


:: Will I get any one-to-one tutoring?

UAS programs and courses are open access (free). As such, there are no professors on staff to answer your questions. If you have a general question, or technical question, please use our contact form. Also, will have the option for student interaction through chat.


:: How many times do programs run per year?

Programs are open all year. Students do not have to wait until specified times per year to begin a program.


:: How much are program fees?

Courses and programs at UAS are open access. This means that you can access all programs and course for free. There are however some fees that may apply if your request a diploma, certificate, or apply for a degree program. You may also need to purchase a textbook through our bookstore.


:: Is there any discounted fee rate?

No, all fees apply.


:: How do I enroll in a course or program?

To enroll in a UAS course or certification program, you must first create a Student Account. A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you provided during sign-up. Check your email for this confirmation email and click the link in the email. The link will take you back to your student account where you can view the list of courses and programs we offer on the e-leaning platform. Then, click the link to the course or program you wish to enroll in, and you will be automatically enrolled in the course or program and able to view the course content and exams. To enroll in a degree program, prospective students will need to submit an application to make sure they qualify to graduate. However, students may enroll in a program at any time. Please visit the Admissions Office for more information.


:: Are refunds possible?

No. Refunds for textbooks, application fees, or certificate/diploma fees are non-refundable.


:: Do I need any qualifications in order to join a course or program?

All course materials are English language, therefore you need to be able to read and write in English. Also, since these are online courses and programs, you will need to have reliable access to a computer, to be reasonably computer literate, to be able to use the internet, to navigate through menus, and to use online help if needed. No formal admission requirements are involved in certification programs or introductory courses except recommended prerequisites. However, degree programs do require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or that is accredited by the Commonwealth of Australia Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA). Other institutions that have government oversight may qualify.


:: Do UAS programs and courses approach psychic phenomena through the sciences or metaphysics?

UAS offers affordable and up-to-date higher education based on current interdisciplinary research initiatives (e.g. parapsychology, psychology, neuroscience, quantum mechanics, consciousness, etc.) with a focus on Scientific Parapsychology and Paraphysics. Our approach to education is through established scientific fields and areas of research (e.g. physics and biology), and emerging scientific fields and areas of research (e.g. neuroquantology and quantum cognition). For more related information on our programs, please see “About Us.”


:: What is the level of difficulty of the course?

No previous knowledge of parapsychology is required just interest and enthusiasm. Knowledge in related scientific studies is a plus for programs as textbooks range in difficulty. Students who have not had ‘at least’ AP Physics may find programs to complex.


:: Do I need to obtain any course materials in advance?

All materials are provided for courses. However, you will need to purchase respective textbooks for programs. Both paperback and digital textbooks are available for purchase. Hardcover versions are also available for some textbooks.


:: Can I do whatever I want with the course materials?

No. Program materials are copyrighted and are provided for your personal study use only. You are not permitted to copy or otherwise distribute any course materials to others, or use them for purposes other than your personal study.


:: Can I work through the program at my own pace?

As students work through their course or program they will see “Reading & Assignment Schedules,” which are paced for high level student performance. Courses and programs involve complex scientific and specialized information that will extend a students knowledge-base, and include several types of assignments, which are the most academically rigorous components of UAS courses and programs. Students who take the time to reflect on course content (i.e. reflection assignments) and apply the information learned (i.e. application assignments), will get more from our courses and programs. Therefore we suggest students take their time and complete assignments at the suggested pace. However, students are more than welcome to space out their assignments to fit their unique schedules.


:: What computer requirements do I need for the course?

You need to have access to the internet. If you do not own the computer that you will be using during the program, you will need permission from the owner to use the computer in this way.


:: How many chances do I get to pass an exam?

Students only get one attempt per course exam. We encourage students to read all course materials at their own speed and to take very good notes. A failing grade on one exam will cause the student to fail the course whereby failing an entire program. UAS does this to prevent the occurrence of online test fraud. If a student fails an exam, they will be able to continue taking the remainder of the courses provided in the program, but will not be able to graduate or receive their degree/certification. Students who have failed a program are welcome to resign-up for the program, but program re-attempts are limited.


:: Is the University of Alternative Studies accredited?

UAS second-degrees are not accredited by an accreditation agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education just like all other metaphysics and parapsychology degrees in the US. Such approval is a voluntary process, and in fact, the U.S. Department of Education states that accreditation itself is a voluntary process. There is no mandate by federal law for a School, College or University to be accredited. Many good schools are not accredited. Also, each accreditor has their own unique standards and, thus, there is no national consistency in institutional accreditation.

Accreditation in the United States is awarded by non-US governmental agencies. Again, accreditation is strictly a voluntary option in the United States and many high-quality, legitimate and legal Colleges and Universities and other institutions of higher education operate today without accreditation. You can access the website of the U.S. Department of Education by clicking here. To review specific information on accreditation at the U.S. Dept. of Education website, click here.


:: What is UAS’s FAFSA Code?

University of Alternative studies does not participate in FAFSA, and therefore does not possess a federal code. However, UAS programs are open access, and related fees are minimal.


:: Does UAS Offer Postdoc or Visiting Positions?

At this time UAS does not offer postdoc opportunities such as training, research collaboration, etc. In regard to research, we suggest contacting research institutions such as the Institute for Noetic Sciences or the Rhine Research Center, as they may be able to offer or direct you towards the types of opportunities you are seeking. We do on occasion accept submissions  e.g. research papers and video lectures for course/programs assignments, but these are the only “visiting” scholar opportunities we offer. You can see a list of participating scholars on the UAS website under “Contributors.”


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