MA in Contemplative Education

The MA in Contemplative Education is a two-year,
38-credit low-residency degree program for practicing teachers and non-teachers (see Education Beyond the Classroom). The program caters to teachers from all levels of instruction, pre-K through higher education. The program is open to those who are interested in a nonsectarian, contemplative approach to teaching and learning.

The MA program begins with the first of two summer sessions (see slide show) followed by online course work during fall and spring semester. This schedule continues over a two year period. As such it is uniquely suited for students who wish to continue as full time teachers. The program has met the needs of students from a wide variety of backgrounds and teaching venues.

The strength of the degree program lies, in large part, in the integration of awareness practices with academic study. Mindfulness and awareness of speech, listening, writing, reading, thinking, arts and movement are seen as essential practices in the educational transformation of the teacher.

Non-program and professional enrichment students are welcome to take any courses in the program, except for the thesis courses. Many of our non-program summer and online students already have graduate degrees, but wish to enhance their educational experience with contemplative dimensions.

The summer retreats in Boulder combine intensive study and practice in a contemplative learning community. Scheduled from late June to mid-July at Naropa University’s Arapahoe campus, these urban retreats focus on contemplative transformation (see Summer Retreat).

The online course work typically consists of two 3-credit courses each semester over two years. The master’s thesis in the final year of the program is the culmination of our program of study.