The University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit has become a hot topic across online education forums, spiritual communities, and consumer watchdog websites in the United States. As more people seek non-traditional education options like metaphysical science and spiritual healing, UMS has gained attention—both positive and negative. However, the legal challenges now facing the university are raising questions about its legitimacy, accreditation status, and whether students are being misled. For anyone considering enrolling in an online spiritual degree program, this case is crucial to understand.
What Is the University of Metaphysical Sciences?
The University of Metaphysical Sciences, often abbreviated as UMS, is a private, online institution founded in Arcata, California. It provides educational programs in the field of metaphysical sciences, spiritual counseling, holistic health, meditation, energy healing, and other spiritual disciplines. UMS was created with the goal of making spiritual education more accessible by offering online degrees to students worldwide. The university offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees, which students can complete entirely from home. The school markets itself as a place for spiritual seekers, life coaches, and holistic healers to gain formal credentials and deepen their personal understanding of consciousness, enlightenment, and metaphysical philosophy. Thousands of students have enrolled in UMS over the years, drawn by its low tuition costs, flexible study schedule, and extensive course catalog that includes topics such as past life regression, chakra healing, and psychic development. However, as the university has grown in popularity, it has also faced increased scrutiny. Critics argue that while UMS may serve a niche market, it may be misrepresenting its programs in a way that misleads students into thinking their degrees will be recognized by employers or accepted for licensure in various fields.
Why Is the School Facing a Lawsuit?
The ongoing University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit centers on several serious allegations. Former students have accused the university of deceptive advertising practices, particularly around the legitimacy and recognition of its degrees. The most prominent legal issue involves how UMS presents its accreditation status. While the school is open about not being accredited by any agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, its marketing and course materials have reportedly caused confusion. Students claim they were led to believe their metaphysical degrees would be useful for professional development, licensing, or career advancement, only to find out after graduation that the degrees held little to no value in traditional or regulated industries. In addition, there are allegations that UMS’s refund policies were unclear or unfair. Some students claim they were denied refunds after deciding to withdraw, even if they had barely started their coursework. Others cite issues with hidden fees, lack of support, or delays in communication. These problems, combined with growing online dissatisfaction, have triggered both formal complaints and legal action. Consumer protection agencies in California and other states are reportedly reviewing whether the school violated any state education laws by promoting unaccredited degrees without sufficient warnings.
What Are People Saying About It?
Public opinion around UMS and the lawsuit is sharply divided. On one side, supporters argue that the university has always been honest about its spiritual focus and non-traditional nature. On the other side, critics say the school has used clever wording to mislead students who believed they were getting a degree with real-world value.
Complaints From Former Students
A large portion of the backlash comes from former students who now feel deceived. Many say they enrolled believing their metaphysical science degrees could be used for employment, advanced degrees at other schools, or state-licensed counseling. Some students claim they were even told by enrollment advisors that the university’s degrees were accepted in certain professions, only to later find this was false. Other complaints include poor customer service, unclear curriculum expectations, and being denied refunds even when course materials had not yet been accessed. A few students went as far as to call UMS a “metaphysical university scam” in online reviews, especially after learning their degrees were not recognized outside spiritual communities.
Questions About Accreditation
The biggest issue fueling the lawsuit is accreditation. Accreditation in the U.S. is a key marker of educational legitimacy, and institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the Department of Education are seen as trustworthy and credible. UMS, however, is accredited only by spiritual or private bodies that are not formally recognized. While these bodies may provide some oversight, they do not meet the criteria needed for U.S. academic institutions. Students who were unaware of this nuance feel misled, especially if they planned to use their metaphysical degree in a licensed or academic setting. The lawsuit contends that UMS failed to provide adequate disclaimers and may have used language that misrepresents the true nature of its educational offerings.
What the School Says in Response
UMS maintains that it has always been clear about its status as a spiritual school. The university has responded to criticism by emphasizing that its mission is to provide education for personal growth and spiritual development—not for job placement or career credentials. According to the school, the website and materials clearly state that it is not accredited by any government-recognized agency, and that degrees are intended for those pursuing spiritual paths, private practice, or metaphysical teaching—not traditional employment. UMS also highlights its positive reviews and testimonials from students who found value in the programs, despite the limitations. The university argues that legal critics and media coverage are misunderstanding its core purpose.
Is the University Accredited in the U.S.?
No, the University of Metaphysical Sciences is not accredited by any accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). This lack of recognized accreditation is the single most important fact potential students must understand. While UMS is accredited by private organizations such as the AADP (American Association of Drugless Practitioners) and similar groups, these do not carry weight in traditional academia or professional licensing. This means that a metaphysical degree from UMS will likely not be accepted for transfer to other colleges, nor will it help with employment in regulated industries. Students looking to become licensed counselors, psychologists, or even certified holistic health practitioners in some states will find their degrees from UMS are not recognized. The university argues that its accreditation is appropriate for the spiritual niche it serves, but legal experts say the difference must be made crystal clear to avoid misleading students.
What Does This Mean for Current Students?
For students currently enrolled in UMS, the situation is complicated. The school is still operating and offering courses, and students can continue working toward their metaphysical degrees. However, the outcome of the lawsuit may influence how the university operates in the future. It’s also possible that new disclaimers or policy changes may be introduced to make its status more transparent. Students who are nearing graduation should think carefully about how they plan to use their degrees. If the goal is personal spiritual growth, the education may still offer value. But if the intent was to use the degree for employment or advanced education, students may be disappointed. Many legal experts recommend that current students speak with educational advisors or legal professionals to understand their options. In some cases, students may be eligible for partial refunds or other remedies, depending on the court’s final decision and the evidence presented.
Can You Still Get a Degree From Them?
Yes, as of now, UMS is still accepting new students and offering degrees in metaphysical sciences and related subjects. Prospective students can still enroll in online programs and pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate. However, it is crucial to be fully informed before signing up.
Check Before You Enroll
Always research the accreditation and recognition status of any school before enrolling. If you’re considering UMS, understand that it is not accredited by any government-approved body. This means you will not be able to transfer credits, apply for federal financial aid, or use your degree in licensed professions in most states. Prospective students should also read online reviews, ask questions, and compare programs with other institutions before making a decision.
Know Your Goals
Before enrolling, clearly define your goals. If your purpose is spiritual growth, self-healing, or becoming a spiritual coach or energy worker within alternative communities, UMS may still be a good fit. However, if you want to become a licensed therapist, counselor, or educator, a UMS degree will not meet those requirements. Knowing your purpose will help avoid future disappointment.
What Could Happen Next With the Lawsuit?
The lawsuit could go in several directions. If the court finds that UMS misled students or violated consumer protection laws, the school may be forced to pay damages, update its marketing materials, or even change how it operates. Regulatory bodies could also step in and create new rules around online spiritual education. On the other hand, if UMS proves that it was transparent and that students were aware of what they were purchasing, the school may avoid serious penalties. Regardless of the outcome, this lawsuit is likely to impact the future of unaccredited online colleges and raise new standards for how they market their degrees.
Is the University Real or Fake?
UMS is a real institution in the sense that it legally exists, offers coursework, and issues certificates and degrees. However, it is not accredited by recognized academic authorities, which means that while it is not a “fake university” in the scam sense, its degrees have very limited utility in mainstream education or employment. It is best described as a spiritual education provider—not a traditional university.
The Bottom Line
The University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit is a warning sign for anyone exploring online education in metaphysical studies, energy healing, or spiritual counseling. While the university may offer valuable teachings for personal growth and spiritual development, its degrees do not carry weight in academic or professional circles. The lack of recognized accreditation and the ongoing legal challenges highlight the need for transparency and informed decision-making. Before enrolling in any online spiritual degree program, students should clearly understand what they are signing up for, what their goals are, and what the limitations of the program will be. As legal investigations continue, this case may shape the future of metaphysical education in the United States—and help protect students from potentially misleading institutions.
