Purpose and Outcomes
The Doctor of Esoteric Studies degree program is offered to learners whose focus is on learning as well as practice. The Doctor of Esoteric Studies degree applicant must possess: - A Bachelor’s degree from an approved educational institution, and - Evidence of the ability to successfully complete graduate level academic work. Limited graduate and postgraduate academic credit from regionally accredited or state approved institutions may be accepted as transfer credit toward the DES degree requirements, depending upon the nature and content of the courses transferred. A maximum of nine (9) units may be transferred for learners who have completed a master’s degree in a related field. A maximum of twelve (12) units may be transferred for learners who have completed a doctoral degree in a related field. A maximum of fifteen (15) units may be transferred for learners who have completed a Ph.D. degree in a related field. Specialization
The purpose of the American Pacific University is to provide distance learning programs in Esoteric Studies for individuals interested in attaining degrees in, and related to, that discipline. In keeping with this purpose, AmPac offers the degree with a specialization as a means to prepare the individual for his or her emerging role as a qualified participant in the practice of the magickal, esoteric, and healing arts. Admissions AmPac welcomes applications for admission from mature adults who are desirous and capable of undertaking its education program.
Admission Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree from an approved educational institution. - Evidence of the learner’s ability to complete graduate level work. Limited graduate and postgraduate credit earned at other colleges and universities may be transferred to AmPac with each situation considered individually. A maximum of nine (9) units may be transferred for learners who have completed a master’s degree in a related field. A maximum of twelve (12) units may be transferred for learners who have completed a doctoral degree in a related field. A maximum of fifteen (15) units may be transferred for learners who have completed a Ph.D. degree in a related field. Submission of Coursework Learners may submit a maximum of two (2) papers per calendar month
Earning Credit for Seminars and Projects
For the purpose of the AmPac degree programs, seminars are defined as presentations by AmPac faculty or AmPac approved or sponsored events. In order to earn credit for a seminar, the learner must create an original presentation paper based on the material taught at the event. Some instructors will have a prepared syllabus much like the one used for AmPac independent study courses. In that case, the learner must prepare the paper according to the directions given by the instructor. Seminar course credit may be used as elective course credit at both the bachelor’s and doctoral level. Projects are created from material or events outside of the assigned curriculum. Projects are allowed only at the doctoral level and a maximum of fifteen (15) units may be earned in this way. All projects must be pre-approved in writing by the AmPac office.
Time for Completion
A learner must complete no less than five (5) courses per year of study. The entire program must be earned in not more than 84 calendar months. If the program is not completed within the prescribed eighty-four (84) months (seven calendar years), the learner will be issued a transcript of credits earned to date and given a dismissal notice from the degree program. The learner may petition AmPac for an extension of time due to extenuating circumstances.
Graduation Requirements
Among the guidelines suggested, the following underlie AmPac’s DES degree program: The program must be an organized sequence of study planned by those responsible for the training program to provide an integrated educational experience appropriate to the field of esoteric studies. - Doctor of Esoteric Studies (DES): To graduate, a learner must complete ninety (90) academic credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. This may include up to twelve (12) units of graduate transfer credit. A minimum of sixty (60) units must be earned at AmPac.
Doctor of Philosophy, Esoteric Studies (Ph.D.)
In addition to the independent study courses, the learner must write a 15-unit dissertation as a capstone project. This project must be of sufficient depth and demonstration of personal learning and professional acumen as to clearly reflect real proficiency in the esoteric area of interest. The Difference between the DES and the Ph.D The only difference between the DES and the Ph.D. degrees is that the Ph.D. requires a 15-unit dissertation to be written by the graduating learner.
