THE CONGREGATION FOR SACRED PRACTICES SEMINARY: ACCREDITATION

Last week, Investigative Reporter and Psychedelic State(s) of America founder Jack Gorsline sat down with Paul Ryder, Founding Minister of the Congregation for Sacred Practices, as part of PSA’s ongoing Advocacy Spotlight Initiative, powered by Psychedelics Today and Lucid News – to discuss the CSP Seminary’s recent precedent-setting accreditation approval from the Global Accreditation Council (GAC), based in The Hague, Netherlands. Keep Reading

Click here to read our press release

About Our Accreditation

The Congregation for Sacred Practices (CSP) Seminary has achieved a historic milestone as home of the world’s first accredited seminary for Entheogenic Studies. This groundbreaking accreditation, awarded by the Global Accreditation Council (GAC), enables us to offer advanced degrees in Entheogenic Ministry (M.Div., D.Div.) and Entheogenic Studies (M.A., Ph.D.) in partnership with Ubiquity University, who will supervise theses and dissertations.

Our Educational Offerings

  • Four-year, experiential Minister Training Program: For those called to facilitate entheogenic ceremonies within a spiritual context, with the optional addition of a graduate degree in ministry (M. Div, D. Div) or in Entheogenic Studies (M.A., Ph.D)
  • Bridge Program: For experienced guides to formalize their practice within a religious framework

Watch Co-Founder Dr. Paul Ryder’s Interview on Accreditation

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does accreditation mean that CSP seminary students can apply for federal student loans? 

CSP sought out an accrediting body that had significant experience with both online/hybrid education and standards set for disciplines in humanities specifically in religious and spiritual studies. In addition to their focus in these areas, the GAC’s accreditation standards focus on social impact through regeneration of communities and ecology. It was an excellent fit for the work of the Seminary. Unfortunately, the GAC is not yet officially recognized by US Federal Government so federal students loans and grants are not available. 

Who is the Global Accreditation Council? 

Based out the The Hague Humanity Hub in the Netherlands, the Global Accreditation Council has established a new standard for what higher education and lifelong learning needs to be as the world faces a future shaped by escalating ecological and social challenges, accelerating innovation and change, and an emerging generation requiring new mindsets, new competencies and new forms of learning.

What is the value of a graduate degree from an accrediting body not recognized by the US Federal Government? 

Education! And specialization not offered by any US-accredited institutions. You would also have letters after your name that may mean something to some people. While you wouldn’t be able to use this graduate degree to work for, say, the US government, your degree will still convey a known, respected level of dedication and mastery.

What is the additional cost of the graduate degrees? 

5,000 USD for the supervised masters 15,000 USD for additional classwork from Ubiquity as well as the supervised Ph.D.

Can I go through the seminary and become a licensed minister without getting a degree? 

Yes! You can become a licensed CSP minister without obtaining a graduate degree.