Doctor of Philosophy in Consciousness Studies

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Doctor of Philosophy in Consciousness Studies

The Doctor of Philosophy in Consciousness Studies is an advanced research program dedicated to exploring the fundamental nature of awareness, self-reflection, and higher-order cognition. This program is designed for scholars seeking to integrate neuroscience, transpersonal psychology, quantum consciousness, and computational models of self-awareness to develop new frameworks for understanding subjective experience, perception structuring, and consciousness evolution.

About the Program

The Ph.D. in Consciousness Studies provides an interdisciplinary research foundation for investigating the complex nature of consciousness, blending cognitive neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, and quantum theory. Students will explore various models of awareness, including neural correlates of consciousness, transpersonal states, and non-local cognition, applying these insights to self-awareness modeling in both human and artificial intelligence systems. This program emphasizes the development of theoretical and applied models for consciousness evolution, perception structuring, and altered states of awareness. Through advanced coursework, independent research, and experimental methodologies, students will gain expertise in the study of consciousness from multiple perspectives, preparing them for leadership roles in consciousness research and related fields.

Key Areas of Study

  • **Neuroscientific and Cognitive Foundations of Awareness
  • **Transpersonal Psychology and Consciousness Expansion
  • **Quantum Consciousness and Non-Local Cognition
  • **Computational Models of Self-Awareness and AI Consciousness

Career Pathways

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Consciousness Studies will be prepared for careers in consciousness research, AI-driven self-awareness modeling, cognitive science, and transpersonal psychology. This program equips students to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in consciousness theory, AI cognition, and interdisciplinary research on human and artificial awareness.

Core Curriculum & Research Structure

Doctoral Degree Requirements:

Total Credits Required: 75 credits

Core Major Courses: 39 credits

Doctoral Research Seminars: 9 credits

Research & Dissertation: 27 credits

Falll Semester 1

CON 801 – Theories of Consciousness & Higher-Order Thought (3 credits)

CON 802 – Neural Correlates of Consciousness & Perception (3 credits)

CON 803 – Non-Dual Awareness & Transpersonal Cognition (3 credits)

CON 804 – Quantum Consciousness & Non-Local Awareness (3 credits)

Doctoral Research Seminar I: Consciousness Science & Methods (3 credits)

Spring Semester 2

CON 805 – Computational Models of Self & AI-Based Awareness (3 credits)

CON 806 – The Role of Meditation & Cognitive Stabilization (3 credits)

CON 807 – Altered States of Consciousness & Psychological Integration (3 credits)

CON 808 – Neural Network Modeling of Higher-Order Awareness (3 credits)

Doctoral Research Seminar II: Proposal Development & Review (3 credits)

Falll Semester 3

CON 901 – Experimental Research in Cognitive Awareness & AI (3 credits)

CON 902 – Theories of Self, Identity, & Higher-Order Awareness (3 credits)

CON 903 – The Science of Mysticism & Consciousness Expansion (3 credits)

Independent Research in Consciousness Studies (3 credits)

Doctoral Research Seminar III: Advanced Dissertation Research (3 credits)

Spring Semester 4

CON 904 – Theories of Perception Structuring & Cognitive Modeling (3 credits)

CON 905 – AI Simulation of Conscious Awareness & Self-Reflection (3 credits)

Comprehensive Doctoral Examination (Non-Credit)

Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Defense (Non-Credit)

Falll Semester 5

CON 990 – Doctoral Dissertation Research (9 credits)

CON 991 – Experimental Consciousness Science & AI Cognition (3 credits)

Spring Semester 6

CON 992 – Dissertation Completion & Pre-Defense Review (9 credits)

CON 993 – Final Dissertation Defense & Publication (3 credits)