uOttawa launches groundbreaking MA in Psychedelics & Consciousness Studies

The University of Ottawa (uOttawa) is launching a one year Master’s (MA) degree in Psychedelics & Consciousness Studies to debut in September 2024.

The program offers a comprehensive exploration of the therapeutic, spiritual, ritual, and naturalistic uses of psychedelics across cultures and throughout human history. The innovative program, a collaboration between uOttawa’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Arts, aims to advance research in psychology, consciousness, comparative mysticism, and psychedelic-assisted interventions. It also includes a specialized training component for mental health professionals and spiritual care providers.

Integrating spiritual guidance and psychedelic-assisted therapy

"We are excited to offer this groundbreaking program that will not only advance academic research but also provide practical training for those working in mental health and spiritual care," says Dr. Monnica Williams, Program Co-director and Full Professor at the School of Psychology. "Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to explore and harness the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in a culturally sensitive and scientifically informed manner."

The MA in Psychedelics & Consciousness Studies is built on two existing graduate microprograms in psychedelics, one in the School of Psychology and one in the Department of Classics and Religious Studies.

"The program is unique in Integrating spiritual guidance within the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy framework," says Dr. Anne Vallely, Co-director and Professor in the Department of Classics and Religious Studies. "While such transpersonal experiences can lead to life changing insights, they can also trigger existential challenges that go beyond what traditional clinical training can tackle. Our program addresses this by integrating psychological and spiritual training: students learn about the human quest for transcendence and the mythic structures of consciousness alongside the psychology of mental health, neuroscience, and the dynamics of therapeutic encounters."

Program Highlights

• Interdisciplinary Education: Students will explore the spiritual, ritual, and therapeutic uses of psychedelics to gain insights from diverse cultural perspectives.
• Advanced Research: Emphasis on innovative research in consciousness studies, comparative mysticism, and mental health.
• Culturally Sensitive Therapies: Students will learn to deliver culturally sensitive psychedelic-assisted therapies.
• Professional Training: Practical training for licensed medical providers to become skilled facilitators and integration counselors for psychedelic treatment sessions.
• Spiritual Care Training: Spiritual caregivers - including clergy and chaplains - will receive training to support individuals undergoing psychedelic treatments for mental health, bereavement, and end-of-life.
• Traditional Healing Practices: Based on Indigenous traditions of psychedelic plant use for wellness and spirituality, there is interdisciplinary training on psychedelics in shamanic or ritualistic settings, in collaboration with experienced Indigenous and traditional healers. 

This one-year online MA program, which can be completed on a part-time basis over two years, is open to students worldwide. It is designed to cater to four primary groups:

• Licensed mental health and medical professionals.
• Ordained or commissioned clergy, chaplains, and spiritual care professionals.
• Shamanic and ritualistic traditional entheogenic healers.
• Researchers focused on advancing academic study of psychedelics.

Applications for the MA in Psychedelics & Consciousness Studies for Fall 2024 will open shortly. A French version of the program will be available in the near future.

For more information about the program, including admission requirements, courses offered, and application deadlines, please contact scsgrad@uottawa.ca.

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