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Common Pre-Enrollment Questions
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1. How is ICMT different from the other Metaphysical Schools/Colleges? 2. Must I be of a particular religious background to enroll with ICMT? 3. Don't all schools of Metaphysics teach the same thing? 4. What should I look for when choosing a college of Metaphysics? 5. Who is the founder of the college? 6. Is it possible to talk to someone live prior to registration? 6. How does the tuition work? Do I pay for each degree program individually? 8. Does one receive a degree at all levels? 9. How are tests / exams conducted and what is the passing percentage? 10. Can a student get support with his / her studies? 11. The web site mentions "ordination". What does that mean? 12. When does one receive their Ministerial Ordination? 13. What is the Enrollment Fee - and how is it applied? 14. Do I need previous college experience to be eligible to enroll? 15. Am I automatically guaranteed to receive my degree once I pay my tuition? 16. Is this program regionally accredited? 17. What if someone has to stop or put his studies “on hold” for a while? 18. What is the cancellation policy of the college? 19. Can I apply credit I receive from ICMT to an another college or university? 20. Will a transcript or letter of recommendation be available to me upon graduation? 21. Can my current or future employer contact the college to confirm my degree? 22. Can you send me a list of graduates and their contact information? 23. How long does the program run? Does one set the pace or is it a "fixed" time? 24. Do you accept credits from other schools? 25. Are student loans available to assist with tuition? 26. How are the classes run? Are they formal online classes or self-study? 27. What are the ways some of your Grads are using their degrees? 28. I see other similarly named schools. Are they associated in any way with ICMT? 29. How are the course materials delivered - and are there any additional charges? 30. What is the difference between the various degree titles ICMT confers? 31. I live outside the USA. Can I still enroll with the college? 32. What are the Reinstatement Options for inactive students?
Q. How is ICMT different from the other Metaphysical Schools / Colleges? A. Our undergraduate program is the only program based on upper division semester hours just like any regionally accredited College or University in the country. This makes ICMT the only program of its kind to incorporate formal education into a distance learning program. ICMT also provides a great deal of personal attention to each student. Many distance learning programs are not interactive - and in many cases, you may never receive personalized feedback on your coursework from your instructors! At ICMT, we don't believe that is an effective way to learn. We encourage a much higher degree of interactivity between students and faculty. Back to top of page
Q. Do I have to be of a particular religious background to take part in an ICMT Degree Program?
A. No. The college is non-denominational and does not associate with any particular religious beliefs - and we do not discriminate based on religion, cultural beliefs or ethnic origin. In the same way, students enrolled in ICMT should be open-minded and tolerant toward the wide breadth of personal religious and cultural beliefs of other students, graduates and faculty of the college. Back to top of page
A. No. Some schools take the "fast-food" approach, churning out many hundreds of graduates each year. In fact, it is quite possible with some schools, to go through an entire degree program without any personal contact with the faculty - only the occasional form letter, or solicitation to sign-up for their newest program.
ICMT is different. From start to finish, you are encouraged to interact with the faculty. While much of the work is done on your own, we are here to help guide you through the program whenever you need us. We feel this is a much more personalized approach and is of the utmost importance to the overall quality and effectiveness of your studies at ICMT.
Some schools teach only from the writings of their founder, potentially leaving the student with a weak understanding of the long and varied history of Metaphysical Thought throughout the ages. The curriculum at ICMT helps the student explore these topics in depth, thus creating a strong foundation of Metaphysical understanding.
Some schools waste the student's time with shallow readings of pop-culture topics that they could just as easily browse through on their own time. Instead, ICMT leads the student on a journey of self discovery, along with an understanding of how great thinkers of ages past dealt with the same big questions we still struggle with today in the 21st century - Who am I? - Why am I here? - What is our place in this Universe? - What is this Universal Energy? - What happens after I die? It is critical for the Metaphysician to have a thorough background and solid understanding of these concepts, their related theories and how they fit into the study and practice of Metaphysics so that he / she can go forward in the field with confidence.
The Degree Programs at ICMT are designed for those that want to embark on this journey of self-discovery and build a strong foundation of Metaphysical knowledge. It is a true "thinking-person's" degree program, not one where the student can simply coast through by parroting information directly out of a booklet or textbook. Those seeking to become Metaphysical Counselors, Healers, Writers or Educators will thrive in the Degree Programs at ICMT. Back to top of page
Q. What should I look for when choosing a college of Metaphysics?
A. We believe it is important to choose a school of higher learning based on the quality of education you will receive. Your decision should not be based simply on how much advertising a school does, how old the founder may be, or how many thousands of graduates have been processed through the program. Remember, the foundations of Metaphysical Thought are ancient. It is the curriculum of the program and the support and guidance of the faculty that will determine the value of the education you receive.
You'll also want to be sure to choose a college program that is operating under the guidelines of their State Department of Education and have been determined to meet the qualifying criteria to confer the degrees offered. If in doubt, or if the school does not mention such a qualification or demonstrate its religious-exempt status, you should contact the appropriate State Board of Education to confirm the school's legal status.
The Washington Student Achievement Council has determined that International College of Metaphysical Theology qualifies for religious exempt status from the Degree-Granting Institutions Act for the following programs: Bachelor of Metaphysical Theology (B.MT); Master of Metaphysical Theology (M.MT.); Doctor of Metaphysical Theology (D.MT.); Doctor of Divinity (D.D.); and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) . The Council makes no evaluation of the administration, faculty, business practices, financial condition or quality of the offerings by this institution. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430 or by email at degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov. To visit online: http://www.wsac.wa.gov
A. ICMT was founded by the late James R. Grant, Ph.D., D.Min. in 2002, when the State of Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board granted International College of Metaphysical Theology Religious-Exemption to award religious degrees. Dr. Grant was a counselor and coach for over 40 years, a Hypnotherapist since 1974, as well as Reiki master, Life Coach and author (including the 2011 book, The Art of Living, Vol. 1). He earned both traditional and non traditional degrees in psychology, philosophy, coaching and counseling (BS, MS, Phd. D.Min.) Learn more about Dr. Grant
Q. Is it possible to communicate with the college prior to registration? A. Yes. Prospective and current students may contact the college at anytime by e-mail or live-support chat. Please see our registration page for contact information.
Q. How does the tuition work when enrolling in the 3-degree program? Do I pay for each degree program individually? A. Tuition at ICMT is paid either in full, at the time of enrollment -- or may be paid in installments. Those that pay their tuition in full will receive their degree upon successful completion of the program requirements. For those who enroll in the 3-Degree Program (i.e., Bachelor's, Mater's and Doctoral Degrees) on an installment plan, then 1/3rd of the tuition must be completed at the completion of each degree level in order to receive the degree. So, for example, the first-third of tuition must be paid prior to becoming eligible to receive the B.MT. - The second-third must be paid prior to becoming eligible to receive the M.MT. - And the final-third must be paid prior to becoming eligible to receive the Doctoral Degree. One of the most common questions we receive is "Is the tuition listed on the web site for the Full 3-Degree Program what I will pay for each of the three degree programs?" The answer is no. The tuition listed on our web site and promotional materials for the three-degree program includes the tuition cost for all degree programs and certifications combined.
Q. Does one receive a degree at all levels (Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate) upon the completion of each one, or only a Doctorate at the end of the program? What if someone does not want to go "all the way" but stop at the Masters level? A. Yes. A hard-copy of the degree certificate is sent to the graduate upon completion at each level. One who completes the entire program will have received three individual degrees - each as they are completed, as well as a Ministerial Ordination Certificate and a Metaphysical Practitioner's Diploma. Each degree level is comprised of separate and unique coursework and requirements. One may stop anytime during the program, however there is no refund on tuition paid (or for lessons, materials or online campus access received), regardless of whether the student completes the course work. No further work would be required on the part of the student in that case, however the college has to be notified in writing by the student, stating that they will be discontinuing their studies. Bachelors Degree graduates, upon completion of the ministerial studies of the College Seminary, receive their Ordained Metaphysical Minister certificate, and a Metaphysical Practitioner's Diploma. Tuition for the Ministerial Studies program is INCLUDED in your standard tuition amount. Those on an extended tuition financing plan for the full 3-Degree Program must complete 1/3 of their tuition obligation before being eligible for the Bachelor's Degree - 2/3 of the tuition obligation must be completed prior to becoming eligible for the Master's Degree. Tuition must be paid in full prior to becoming eligible for the Doctoral Degree.
Q. How are tests / exams conducted and what is the passing percentage? A. All of our tests are objective in nature - and generally follow the "blue book" exam format. A blue book exam is a type of test administered at many post-secondary schools in the United States. Blue book exams typically include one or more essays or short-answer questions. Prevalence of blue book exams varies between institutions and between academic disciplines. At many universities, virtually all exams in disciplines such as history or literature are blue book, while at the same universities, disciplines such as geology and math may virtually never hold such exams. ICMT is a writing-intensive program. Each course (or component) of the program involves writing essays based on your reading and / or research. We will rely primarily on your written work during the program to gauge and grade your progress. The college is not interested in having the student take an open book exam to answer test questions, nor do we want the student to simply memorize facts for a test. The college takes a very objective view and is more interested in what students actually learn from their studies. Grades are based on a modified Pass / Fail system.
Q. Can a student get support with his / her studies? A. Absolutely yes. Each student is assigned to a Adjunct Professor who will help guide them through their degree studies and answer questions related to your course work. We realize that when exploring metaphysical subjects, the student may not always be exactly sure of what information the college is looking for in regard to a particular area of study. Your professor will work to help you understand what we are looking for in the course. This personal approach is part of makes ICMT unique. Back to top of page
Q. The web site mentions "ordination". What does that mean? A. In order to perform marriages, funerals and baptismal ceremonies, one must be ordained within an established church or religious order. Bachelor's Degree graduates complete their ordainment studies through the International College of Metaphysical Theology Seminary, which is a non-denominational ministry. Back to top of page A. The student is ordained after the completion of their Bachelors degree, and upon completion of the Ministerial Ordainment Studies.The ordaining-body is the International Holistic Ministry. Q. What is the Enrollment Fee - and how is it applied? A. The International College of Metaphysical Theology undergraduate program is the only one based on upper division semester hours, just like any accredited College or University in the country. This makes ICMT the only program of its kind to incorporate formal education into a distance learning program. The Enrollment Fee covers the cost of reviewing, evaluating and applying your prior education and eligible related life-experience toward meeting the college's entrance requirements. It also covers the costs associated with creating a permanent student record - and creation of the student's private access for the ICMT Online Campus System. The enrollment fee is required only for a student's first application with the college. For example, a student entering at the bachelor's degree level, as part of the full three-degree program, would pay the enrollment fee at that point only. For those applying to enter at the master's or doctoral levels, the enrollment fee would also be due along with their application, if it is their first degree program application with the college. The exceptions to the "one-time" only rule would be for students who officially withdraw from the program on their own -- or are withdrawn from the program by ICMT for "Terms and Conditions" issues. In those cases, if that student wishes to re-apply, a new enrollment fee (and/or reinstatement fee) would normally be required. A. Not always. The main concern of ICMT is that incoming students are able to keep up with the required reading and writing assignments. Those who have 2 years of prior college work are normally considered to be able to read and write sufficiently at the college-level. This does not mean, however, that students without previous college experience are not eligible to enroll. In fact, incoming students without past college experience typically need only to show some equivalent experience through past work, writing, reading or research. If you are concerned about your reading and/or writing level, please make note of that on your degree program application. The college will then suggest resources and practice to help you brush-up on your skills. Our Admissions Staff will work closely with you during enrollment. You can help the process go smoothly by completing your application form as thoroughly as possible.
Q. Am I automatically guaranteed to receive my degree once I pay my tuition?
A. No. ICMT is a serious Institute of Higher Education. Please enroll with ICMT only if you are serious about your education and want to earn a degree that will give you a sense of accomplishment and pride upon completion. Q. Is this program regionally accredited by a private accrediting agency in the USA? A. We have chosen not to be at this time. Regional accreditation is strictly voluntary in the USA (and a very costly process). Rather than raise the cost of our program, we have decided not to go through the accreditation process at this time. We strive to bring our students the very best education at the lowest cost possible. The college considers its relationship with the State of Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) and our Religious-Exemption as sufficient. Please note that the benefits of any new accreditations or affiliations the college may pursue in the future would be applicable to all past and future graduates. Also note that other distance-learning colleges and metaphysical schools will often show accreditation through agencies NOT recognized by the US Department of Education - some of which require little more than payment of a yearly fee. Colleges not accredited by an agency recognized by the USDOE are not normally considered appropriate for transfer credit to academic programs (in the USA or abroad). For details on accreditation in the USA, or to search the USDOE Accreditation Database, visit the USDOE web site: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/
Q. What if someone has to stop or put his studies “on hold” for a while? A. If a student needs to put their studies on hold for a while (longer than 3-months), they should contact the college and their professor to explain why and inform us when they expect to return. Note that those on payment plans are expected to continue with their installment payments, unless specific arrangements have been made otherwise. To "stop" implies that the student is discontinuing their studies and has dropped-out of their degree program.
Q. What is the cancellation policy of the college? A. There are no refunds on lessons sent, materials access, materials purchase, or tuition payments that have been made, with the exception of degree programs that have been paid for in full, in which case the college would prorate any refunds, less a $300 Administrative Fee -and- ONLY within a limited period from the initial enrollment. See the Terms and Conditions document for more details. Otherwise, the student is responsible for the tuition and costs of their studies up to the point of officially dropping out of the degree program. Once the student informs the college that they are dropping out of the program, the college would then suspend the student and at that point the student would no longer be responsible for any future installment payments. If the student later asks to be reinstated, the balance of any remaining tuition payments, as well as any additional costs and fees would begin again at that time. Please see the Terms and Conditions document for more details.
Q. Can I apply credit I receive from ICMT to another college, university or regionally-accredited institution?
A. As with any college program, the amount of credit given, if any, depends entirely on policy of evaluating institution. Just as ICMT reserves the right to determine transfer credit given for a student's past education toward the entrance requirements of our college, other institutions reserve the same right when determining how they will handle transfer credit. If you are planning to transfer credit from ICMT, or any other college, to another specific institution, it is suggested that you contact them in advance to ask about that school's unique policy toward transfer credit.
Back to top of page Q. Will a transcript or letter of recommendation be available to me upon graduation?
A. Yes, official transcripts are available for all degree program graduates. Whether requested by the graduate, or released to an employer or other educational institution specifically upon the graduate's written request. A preparation fee may apply -- please contact the Admissionbs Office for up-to-date details.. Back to top of page
Q. Can my current or future employer contact the college to confirm my degree qualification?
A. Yes. As mentioned previously, a graduate's transcript will be released (sent) to your employer or other educational institution upon personal written request of the graduate. It is important to note that the ICMT Privacy Policy requires that the graduate request release of their transcript in writing.
Q. Can you send me a list of graduates and their contact information? A. Graduate information is only released under direct written permission of the graduate - and only in those cases where transcripts are required by an employer or other educational institution. We do, however, occasionally add new testimonials from students and graduates to the web site when sent voluntarily. Back to top of page
Q. How long does the program run? Does one set the pace or is it a "fixed" time? A. The program is designed to be completed at your own pace. 2 years is the general guideline for completing all three degree programs (i.e., the Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral Degree programs). However, depending on the time the student has available to devote to his/her studies, the actual time needed to complete the program may be more or less than the 2-year guideline. Prospective students often ask how it is possible to complete the three degrees in such a relatively short time. The main reason is that our Religious-Exemption allows the ICMT curriculum to focus entirely on upper-division metaphysical subjects. We are not required to include the typical academic courses common in traditionally accredited degree programs (i.e., math, science, foreign language, English composition, etc.). ICMT students also study and complete their coursework at their own pace (not by semester). This usually allows students to move through the courses at a faster pace than would otherwise be possible. The average time needed to complete the degree requirements (by degree) are as follows: B.MT. - Bachelor of Metaphysical Theology: 10 - 12 months M.MT. - Master of Metaphysical Theology: 6 - 9 months Doctoral Program (e.g., D.MT., D.Min., or D.D.): 6 - 9 months Actual time needed will depend upon the student's prior familiarity with the material, time available to complete the required study, research and written work, as well as the student's overall reading and writing ability / comfort-level.
Q. Do you accept credits from other schools? A. For those enrolling in the Bachelor's degree program, past education is considered only as part of the initial evaluation process designed to evaluate and organize your prior education, professional background and life-experience. For those requesting direct enrollment into the Master's and/or Doctoral degree programs, past education is considered, provided that the enrollee holds an ICMT-approved Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in the metaphysical field. Holding a traditional academic Bachelor's and/or Master's degree does NOT automatically qualify an incoming student for acceptance into an ICMT graduate program. For specific questions on the possibility of transferring past education and/or experience toward entry into the ICMT Master's and/or Doctoral degree program, please e-mail the ICMT Admissions Office directly.
Q. Are student loans available to assist with tuition? A. ICMT offers several Tuition Financing Options to incoming degree students that can suit almost any budget. Other extended / deferred payment options may be available from our payment processor (PayPal), depending on your geographical location. Visit our Tuition Information page for complete details. Please note, however, that ICMT is not part of the US Federal Student Loan, or VA loan programs. A. The coursework is designed in a self-study format. ICMT utilizes a world-class online campus system where students can access course study materials and resources, retrieve course documents, or communicate with fellow students, faculty and their professor(s). We have designed the courses to give the student maximum flexibility in their learning.
Back to top of page Q. What are the ways some of your Grads are using their degrees? A. There are a multitude of areas in which graduates ultimately use their ICMT Degrees. Some go into Metaphysical Counseling or Spiritual Healing. Other choose to write, speak professionally, teach, etc. Opening a Metaphysical or Spiritual Center is also an option. Ultimately what you do with your degree in the field of Metaphysics will depend on your personal goals and your level of motivation. Always keep in mind that no college degree in any field will guarantee you a successful career. Your success is your responsibility. Q. I see other similarly named schools. Are they associated in any way with ICMT? A. No. ICMT is not associated with any similar-sounding "schools" or programs, unless specifically stated on this website. The "real" International College of Metaphysical Theology is incorporated only in the State of Washington, USA.
Q. What are the textbook requirements? Is there a charge to access course materials electronically? How are the ICMT course materials delivered - and are there any additional or hidden charges? A. While the college strives to provide a continually growing library of electronic resources for students, the tuition at ICMT does not cover the costs of all required texts. Students should expect to have some outside costs associated with course books, depending on whether the student makes use of their local public library, purchases Amazon Kindle e-book versions, etc ICMT works to select required course books for their high quality, as well as their resonable pricing. In general students can expect the following costs associated with the purchase of required texts (by degree): Bachelor's Degree: ICMT current provides all required texts for the B.MT. program with the exception of one, which is to be purchased (or borrowed) at the student's expense. The current cost for that book on Amazon.Com is approximately US$8.00 for either the paperback, or Kindle version. Master's and Doctoral Programs: Three required texts for each. Average total cost for each program is approximately US$50 - $75, should the student choose to purchase their books. The cost estimates noted above do not include costs that may be incurred should the student purchase additional resource texts as part of their course work, research, or thesis / dissertation resources. Students are encouraged to use their local public library system (where available) to help reduce the costs of purchasing books for study and research. With new technologies, international students are now able to access most of the required texts in e-book format via services such as Amazon Kindle (for PC, Smart Phone and/or the Kindle reading device). Please read the "ICMT Book Guidelines" document upon enrollment for more details and limitations. For all students: additional ICMT degree program materials are available to students in several formats; including some supplementary reading, e-mail (correspondence from faculty, specialized reading materials and resources, etc.), and via the college's private Online Campus web site, where additional academic resources and administrative forms are available for 24-hour access. ICMT does not charge an additional fee for online access. Please note: Due to the fluid nature of licensing arrangements, changes in availablility of texts, resources and other materials, etc., ICMT reserves the right to change or modify required course texts, materials and requirements at anytime - with or without prior notice - regardless of the book titles in place at the time of your enrollment. Q. I see that some universities offer degrees specifically in "Doctor of Holistic Life Coaching", "Doctor of Metaphysical Healing Arts", etc. What is the real difference in the title? For example, what is the difference between Doctor of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry? A. In regard to degree titles: The degree of D. Min. has a more varied selection of options one can pursue, where the Doctor of Metaphysical Theology and the Doctor of Divinity Titles are much more specific in nature. The D.D., for example, would focus on religion, divinity and church-related topics, preparing one to become clergy. D.MT. would focus on the study of metaphysical philosophy / theology, which would be the path best suited for a Metaphysical Practitioner. ICMT offers a doctorate in Holistic Life Coaching under the D. Min. degree. Metaphysical Healing would fall under the Metaphysical Theology (D.MT.) degree and Holistic Healing would come under the Doctor of Ministry ( D.Min.) degree. Back to top of page Q. I live outside the USA. Can I still enroll with the college? A. Yes. ICMT is truly an international college. Our students and graduates are located all over the world. Q. What are the Reinstatement Options for inactive students? Students who go beyond a 6-month period with no submitted course work (and without an approved request for an extension), are considered to be inactive. Inactive students may usually return to their studies, without penalty, with prior approval of their professor, up to one-year from their last active date. After one-year of inactivity, the student is considered to have withdrawn from the degree program. Withdrawn students have the option to return within a three-year period only, by submitting the standard Reinstatement Fee of $250. If you are an inactive student -- and would like to return to active status, please contact the ICMT Admissions Office: admissions@metaphysicscollege.com Please note that the specific details above apply to those who had originally paid their tuition either in-ful at the time of enrollment --or-- paid in full by way of an extended installment plan. In those cases where a past tuition balance is owed to the college, we will confirm any remaining balance -- and combine that with the applicable reinstatement fee. In some cases, we can work out a discounted balance based on how far along the student was in their payment plan -- or, if the returning student wishes to pay any remaining balance in full, or over a shorter period. Details will be provided on a case-by-case basis.
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Degree Program Tuition Information
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