Go Deep to Go Far
MA/PhD in Wisdom Studies
As a participant in this program, you will immerse yourself in the profound depths of the world’s wisdom traditions. You’ll extract vital insights relevant to modern issues, integrating these with your unique perspectives to enrich both the academic sphere and practical realms. This integrative approach ensures that your scholarly work remains connected to real-world applications, preparing you to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.
Upon completion, graduates receive a dual credential of a Master’s followed by a Doctorate in Wisdom Studies, positioning them among a distinguished group recognized for their high level of scholarly achievement. This dual degree signifies a depth of knowledge and ethical integrity, marking you as a thought leader equipped to significantly influence both the academic and global community.
The journey through the MA/PhD program is profoundly transformative. It pushes intellectual and emotional boundaries, fostering resilience and a deep sense of personal achievement. Participants also become integral members of an academic community, which opens up extensive opportunities for networking, collaborative projects, and personal development.
Financially, the combined program can significantly boost your earning potential, often supported by scholarships and stipends to aid students financially throughout their studies. However, the most compelling reason to engage in this program is the profound passion for research and discovery. For those driven by a relentless curiosity and a commitment to advance knowledge, the MA/PhD program provides a comprehensive and structured framework to investigate and respond to complex challenges at the cutting edge of human understanding.
You have the opportunity to choose courses from Ubiquity’s extensive catalog or from other accredited institutions, ensuring a tailored educational experience that meets your academic and professional goals. For those interested, Ubiquity also offers the option to attend in-person courses for doctoral credit.
Here’s a breakdown of the credit requirements for the combined MA/PhD degree, totaling 80 credits:
Core and Elective Courses: 44 credits
Master’s Level Core Courses (8 credits total):
The Creative Journey to Dissertation: Finding Your Voice, Making Your Mark (4 credits)
– Offered online by Dr. Gyorgyi Szabo. Chartres Academy (4 credits)
– Available in-person or virtually.
Additional Master’s Level Courses: 12 credits from courses approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
Doctoral Level Core Courses (11 credits total):
Great Books (3 credits).
Select any 8 credits from Ubiquity University courses.
Additional Doctoral Level Courses:
13 credits from courses approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies. Dissertation: 36 credits.
Each course and your dissertation must adhere to the academic standards outlined in Ubiquity University’s Grading Policy, which ensures rigor and fairness in assessment and grading.
This structured yet flexible approach allows you to engage deeply with your field of study, preparing you for advanced professional roles and making a significant impact in your area of expertise.
For courses taken outside of Ubiquity, you must submit an independent study form for approval. You will need to request this separately. This ensures that these courses meet our rigorous academic standards and determines the number of credits awarded towards your degree. A credit transfer fee will apply for any external courses included in your program. This structure allows you to tailor your educational path to align closely with your research interests and professional aspirations.
The program culminates in a dissertation that should be between 200 and 300 pages, embodying your significant academic contributions to the field. For more resources and to understand the full range of support available to you throughout your doctoral journey, please visit our student resource page.
To begin your journey with us, schedule an initial interview with Dr. Gyorgyi Szabo, our Dean of Graduate Studies or Dr Jim Garrison, Co-Director of the program and President of the University. This discussion is a vital step to understand your academic goals and align your interests with our program’s offerings.
Application Requirements:
All doctoral applicants must submit the following: Transcript: An official transcript and diploma from your Bachelor’s program, showing your major, graduation date, courses taken, and grades. Personal Statement: An essay detailing your educational objectives and the research area you wish to pursue. Resume/CV: Your most recent resume or CV, showcasing your academic and professional achievements.
Starting Your Application:
Contact both Co-Directors to arrange your interview: Dr. Gyorgyi Szabo at g.szabo@ubiquityuniversity.org and jgarrison@ubiquityuniversity.org After your interview, click the “Apply” button below to submit your application along with a $45 admission fee. We look forward to guiding you through the admissions process and helping you embark on a path of profound academic exploration at Ubiquity University. For any further information on the admissions process, contact admissions@ubiquityuniversity.org Apply Here
The primary requirement for pursuing a MA/PhD combined degree at Ubiquity University is a Bachelor’s degree in any field. Applicants must provide a transcript and diploma confirming their graduation. If you do not hold a Bachelor’s degree but have significant professional experience or prior learning, Ubiquity University offers a BA equivalency option. This path allows candidates to demonstrate that their accumulated knowledge and skills are equivalent to a bachelor’s level education. To pursue this option, applicants must provide detailed documentation of their work experience, professional achievements, any formal training or certifications, and other relevant learning experiences. This information is assessed rigorously to determine if the applicant meets the educational standards expected of a Bachelor’s degree holder. If approved, this equivalency permits the applicant to enroll in Master’s-level courses and programs. For more information on how to apply for BA equivalency, please contact our admissions office (admissions@ubiquityuniversity.org).
Tuition and Fees:
The total cost for the PhD program is approximately $18,000, covering 60 credits at $300 per credit, along with fees for the dissertation, Major Advisor, and External Examiner. In addition to the credit costs, students must also pay the basic cost for each course. This base cost can vary, especially if courses are taken from outside Ubiquity as Independent Study, potentially adding $1,000 to $5,000 to the total degree cost.
Course fees are payable as you progress, applicable to both Ubiquity courses and approved external courses*. Full payment of dissertation fees is required before your dissertation defense. Payment plans for dissertation fees are available.
For detailed information about the dissertation process, please refer to our Dissertation Manual available in the Ubiquity University Student Handbook.
Details on our refund or cancellation policies can be found here: Refund and Cancellation Policy.
Ubiquity University is a global University for inner and outer regeneration. Our mission is grounded in the reality that history has reached a critical moment and people everywhere need to be nurtured to develop new, conscious mindsets, skillsets and toolsets to solve global challenges.
Ubiquity University is different. We are built for people who understand that the current global paradigm is unsustainable. We believe that meeting systemic threats such as climate change depends on the creation of empowered individuals who have done the inner work needed to prepare them to do right and do well in the world.
What our students say
Safa Boga
MA in Wisdom Studies
I enjoyed the MA so much that I completed the whole course within a year and I would highly recommend it to anyone that is seeking an intellectual challenge in a supportive and global learning environment.
Rachel Root
Ph.D. in Integral Transpersonal Psychology
I got my start with Ubiquity when I attended Chartres Academy for several summer sessions, which I found to be stimulating, and transformational. The teachers, and lectures were quite profound, and were very accessible to the students. Through my course work, and interactions with many people attending Chartres Academy I began to be interested in the programs of study offered by Ubiquity University, especially Integral Transpersonal Psychology. My career had been in music, yet I was looking for ways to integrate my skills incorporating Integral Transpersonal Psychology. I grew immensely, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally under the guidance of my teachers, and fellow students from all over the world.
I loved working on my dissertation and highly valued working on something that I was very passionate about. In this process I found my own voice to be able to fully express my truth in the world.
K. Mari Castle
Ph.D. in Wisdom Studies
I chose Ubiquity University’s PhD program because of the flexibility and freedom to concentrate on coursework that would support my research on ancient wisdom. The Chartres pilgrimage was a profound and transpersonal experience. The faculty was very supportive and I especially enjoyed the diverse community, and like-mind connections – many of which I am still friends with today.
Vita Pires
Ph.D. in Wisdom Studies
My initial motivation to engage with a Ph.D. program at Ubiquity University was that Ubiquity’s educational model is grounded in the world’s wisdom traditions. Therefore I pursued my passion for engaging in in-depth research into the field of study involving the Early Buddhist approach to developing wisdom. The process allowed a deep dive into this topic from multiple angles, including practice, study, and textual exegesis. It was a life-transforming challenge filled with many rewards and insights.
Bodhi Simpson
Ph.D. in Wisdom Studies
Entering into a PhD Program at Ubiquity in Wisdom Studies was an incredible experience and supported the ways that I learned best. This was absolutely the right program for me. I felt seen, heard, connected, and supported throughout my educational journey.
Co-directors
Core faculty
Core faculty
Examples of Dissertations from our Students
Holofractographic Integral Spiritual Practice by Dr Carol Boye
The Lived Experience of Exploring Archetypal Life Patterning by Dr Janet Garfield
Mother Earth: A Global Myth for a Planet in Crisis by Jennifer Sundeen DMin
This dissertation rests on two presuppositions: That myth is an inherent aspect of human society, and that we are a global society without an adequate universal mythology.
The Creative Journey to Dissertation
Finding Your Voice, Making your Mark
The “Creative Journey to Dissertation” is a 1-week intensive designed by our Dean of Graduate Studies Dr. Gyorgyi Szabo. The course is a critical part of the dissertation writing process and is a requirement for all MA candidates.
Faculty: Gyorgyi Szabo
Support during your Graduate Program
During your graduate dissertation writing you will be supported by a Major Advisor of your own choosing, as well as optional writing courses and writing mentorship.