Founder: Dr Paul Leon Masters

In 1959, Dr. Masters opened the Institute of Parapsychology in the heart of Beverly Hills, California. The aim of the institute was to research higher and expanded states of consciousness as they related to spiritual reality and human self betterment. He built a large following of students and relocated to the Hollywood area where additional space was available. During the same time period, Dr. Masters trained his first few teachers.

In 1963, Dr. Masters opened the Metaphysical Foundation as a follow-up to research findings amassed in the Institute of Parapsychology. The study and research now focused primarily on the practices of meditation. Thousands of research experiences by experimenting students were recorded and the effects on their practical daily lives and spiritual unfoldment were noted. During this time, Dr. Masters trained numerous meditation teachers.

In 1965, information gathered in the previous years of research began to spread beyond the Southern California area in the form of printed lessons. Because of this, the National Metaphysics Institute was founded by Dr. Masters. The lessons attracted attention in all parts of the country from people who wished to learn and to teach the spiritual truths revealed in the lesson materials. Dr. Masters created specific ministerial ordination programs so students could obtain ministerial status through distance learning and home study.

In 1976, Dr. Masters applied for and gained the legal right to establish the University of Metaphysics and grant non-secular degrees. These degrees were to be granted to those who were ordained by the N.M.I. ministry up to a Doctoral Degree level. The new programs were to fill a need voiced by current students. At that time, Dr. Masters began to advertise the Doctoral program in various regional and national magazines related to metaphysics. As if by Divine plan, enrolments came from all over the United States, as well as the entire world.

By 1989, thousands had enrolled in Doctoral Degree programs throughout the world. The organization and its university had become international. To meet the needs of this enormous growth, Dr. Masters incorporated the International Metaphysical Ministry which exists up to the present day.

In 2002, Dr. Masters visited Sedona, Arizona—a place he had heard of for years as having a great deal of metaphysical activity. Dr. Masters knew people who claimed to have spiritual experiences in energy vortexes in the area. The spiritual energy and the inspiring beauty of Sedona, combined with inner higher guidance caused Dr. Masters to take steps to create a University there.

In 2003, Dr. Masters was granted the legal right, in Arizona, to found the University of Sedona. H was also granted the legal right to award non-secular degress up to doctoral or Ph.D. level in various ministerial specialities of the organization - the International Metaphysical Ministry

In 2003, in order to centralize the function of the two university programs - the University of Metaphysics wasmoved in its entirety (all accumulated records of housands of students and graduates) to the Sedona area. This meant that tuition rates would continue to be affordable.

The University of Metaphysics and the newer University of Sedona continue to grow, with worldwide student population in the thousands. Both Universities are still under the direction of Dr. Masters. From its beginning in 1959 and having attracted an international alumni - the student population continues to study and bring the higher truth of human nature to a world so in need of it.