1. Who should take this program?
2. How long is this program? When does the program begin and end?
3. When and where are the face-to-face sessions?
4. Will this program be offered at another time?
5. What is "distributed" learning?
6. Is online training similar to a chat room?
7. Can I get academic credit for this program?
8. What is the accrediting body for Fielding?
9. Are the face-to-face sessions optional?
10. What Fielding Organization Management and Development (OMD) master's program courses is this certificate program eligible for?
11. Can I enroll concurrently in the OMD master's program and the certificate program?
12. Can I use the academic credits I have received in this program towards an advanced degree at another university?
13. Can HOD PhD students receive credit for courses in the certificate program?
14. How much time will it take to complete my work each week?
15. What are the fees?
16. Do I have to pay the fees up front?
17. What is the difference between the certificate program and the concentration in the master's program?
18. Is financial aid available?
19. Are scholarships available for the program?

1. Who should take this program? [back to list of questions]
The Integral Studies program is designed for anyone who is interested in the application of theory and research in human development and consciousness to a wide variety of human problems, from business to medicine, politics to art, and international development to science. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

2. How long is this program? When does the program begin and end? [back to list of questions]
Both the certificate and the master's programs begin in September. The certificate program ends the following August; the master's program requires five terms to complete; the end date will depend on whether a student attends full-time.

3. When and where are the face-to-face sessions? [back to list of questions]
Please see the Curriculum & Program Dates page for these details.

4. Will this program be offered at another time? [back to list of questions]
We hope to offer the certificate program again, but cannot be assured of this until we determine the demand for the program. Space is limited, and we accept participants on a first-come first-serve basis.

5. What is "distributed" learning? [back to list of questions]
Fielding Graduate University is world renowned for its approach to distributed learning. It is an approach that does not require a specific, physical location in order to facilitate learning. Some of the characteristics of a distributed learning environment include the incorporation of technology, in-person, distance-oriented and other interactive tools to support various learning styles. Fielding places an emphasis on collaborative learning with peers and community interaction.

6. Is online training similar to a chat room? [back to list of questions]
The online learning environment consists of reading, task assignments and your posted responses (like e-mail responses). The discussion does not occur in "real time", so you have time to reflect on the readings and other students' responses before you post your thoughts. Fielding's online learning environment uses dialogue format. We talk, argue, laugh, make jokes, and learn from each other. Because everyone can see everyone else's responses, we call this a "threaded discussion" format. You will receive training in navigating the online environment at your orientation session.

7. Can I get academic credit for this program? [back to list of questions]
The Integral Studies certificate program offers academic credit towards a graduate degree at Fielding, should you choose to apply.

8. What is the accrediting body for Fielding? [back to list of questions]
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

9. Are the face-to-face sessions optional? [back to list of questions]
Master's students must attend one face-to-face session in January. Certificate students are not required to attend any face-to-face sessions.

10. What Fielding OMD master's program courses is this certificate program eligible for? [back to list of questions]
Completion of the certificate gives you elective credit in the OMD master's program. If you intend to obtain a degree in OMD, you must complete the four core courses, a research course in Integral Methods, a master's project, and the additional electives required to meet standards for graduation.

11. Can I enroll concurrently in the OMD master's program and the certificate program? [back to list of questions]
Yes. You may apply to the master's program and begin taking OMD courses along with the certificate program.

12. Can I use the academic credits I have received in this program towards an advanced degree at another university? [back to list of questions]
See our Transfer Credit policy, which states, "Regarding the transfer of Fielding credits to other schools: No school can guarantee that credits from courses are transferable, unless two schools have a consortium agreement in place. Transfer of credits is always at the discretion of the receiving school and depends on the comparability of curricula and accreditation"

13. Can HOD PhD students receive credit for courses in the certificate program? [back to list of questions]
This program is eligible for credit in various knowledge areas. The certificate course itself can be used as an Area of Specialization. In addition, the online Integral Studies courses can be used for partial fulfillment in any of the following KA's: Human Development and Consciousness, Personality Theory, or Social Change.

14. How much time will it take to complete my work each week? [back to list of questions]
We estimate you will need to spend 5-10 hours a week on course readings and posting.

15. What are the fees? [back to list of questions]
Please see the fee section for details.

16. Do I have to pay the fees up front? [back to list of questions]
No. They may be divided into three portions over the year. Please contact Nathan Lewin for details.

17. What is the difference between the certificate program and the master's concentration? [back to list of questions]
The certificate program requires you to participate in three online courses in Integral Studies: Introduction to Integral Studies, Advanced Integral Studies and an applied reading course. It does not require attendance at face-to-face meetings.

The master's degree with the concentration in Integral Studies requires you to take Introduction to Integral Studies, Advanced Integral Studies, the four foundation courses for the master's program, the Integral research course and two electives. You must also complete a master's project that focuses on the application of Integral Studies.

18. Is financial aid available? [back to list of questions]
Students in this certificate program are eligible to apply for student financial aid. For more information please contact Raul Aldama at rmaldama@fielding.edu.

19. Are scholarships available for the program? [back to list of questions]
There are no scholarships available at this time.