All of Emerson’s courses of study and programs have the essential teachings of the New Thought movement as a foundation, incorporating universal spiritual principles as found in world religions and teachings.
To that end, Emerson offers a wide variety and depth of courses to meet the unique needs of its students. Emerson classes invite students into deep personal growth, rich spiritual exploration, and transformational work to enable each student to discover new ways of thinking and expressing life more fully. CLICK HERE for a list of classes currently being offered.
Foundation Program
To accomplish its vision, Emerson’s core curriculum embraces the spiritual ideology of the presence of God in all life and the power of thought aligned with Spiritual Principles. It emphasizes the existence of One Life, One Mind, One Power, One Presence, in, as, and through all creation, and humanity as an expression (“child”) of that One.
In 2025, the Curriculum Committee, in consultation with instructors and former students, designed a basic program in New Thought as the foundation for all Emerson Institute degree programs. The program introduces texts from over a dozen New Thought teachers and writers, going beyond Science of Mind, with a variety of points of view and approaches. The program comprises 4 years, each building on the last. Courses within any one year may be taken in any order, although the higher number classes usually build on lower number classes.
The classes are designed to be taken as 6-week, 1-unit modules, but may be combined into longer sequences if desired. Each module explores 1 to 1.5 texts, for which the student is expected to complete 2 “Reflection Papers” (CLICK HERE for guidelines on writing papers). Requirements for completion of a module may also include outlines of essential points or methods, or journaling of experiences working with the text.
On completion of the 4-Year foundation program, a student is prepared for taking the exams to become a Practitioner. An additional year, in residency, taking 500 or 600 level courses, is required before a student is prepared to take the exams for certification as a Minister. Master’s and Doctorate degree programs assume completion of the Foundation Program or equivalent prior to enrollment.
Teachings of the New Thought Tradition: The teachings of Ernest Holmes, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Mary Baker Eddy, Emma Curtis Hopkins, Charles Fillmore, Thomas Troward, and other greater teachers and philosophers of New Thought are studied, as well as masters of other traditions, such as Jesus, Buddha, Lao-Tzu, and the Vedas. And, recognizing that learning is a life-long experience, students must be “open at the top” as Ernest Holmes so profoundly stated, so they can grow spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and socially. To that end, the works of modern-day writers are also examined. Louise Hay, Stuart Wilde, Joel Goldsmith, Wayne Dyer, Caroline Myss, Deepak Chopra, Amit Goswami, Joe Dispenza, and Thomas Moore are among these. CLICK HERE for a current list of Resources used.
PLEASE NOTE: The degrees offered through Emerson Institute are not intended to meet academic requirements; they are indicators of religious and spiritual studies completed. Students desiring academic degrees should enroll in colleges or universities offering such degrees.
Instructional Model
EI’s teaching and learning methodology is outcome driven and includes the concepts of the school without walls, on-the-job training, home-study projects, use of the Internet, e-mail communication with staff, traditional residential classes, and travel study. However, the degree programs’ major instructional modalities are classroom instruction and personal, one-on-one interaction with instructors.
The Emerson model supports independent study and incorporates student interaction in small and large groups, working together on projects, research, and experiential program development. Student-driven formats, cooperative teaching, and goal-directed instructional modalities are the norm. This is a place where students can truly maximize their potential, wherever they may be.
Distance Learning: Distance Learning courses provide individual support to explore a variety of meaningful subject matter topics and authors. EI students are offered a variety of readings and opportunities to reflect on their experience with the material, working with EI Faculty and Advisors to maximize their learning. CLICK HERE for a current list of Resources used.
On-site Learning: Students may enjoy face-to-face interactions within a small or large group setting at one of EI’s Cooperative Learning Centers, which offer courses for Emerson credit. CLICK HERE for a current list of Centers.
Online Cohorts: Online cohorts can be an easy way to learn without stepping foot into a classroom. EI offers a variety of classes through online learning media, and is developing even more.
Emerson Theological Institute
PO Box 2127 40359 Hwy 41, Suite 2
Oakhurst, CA 93644
email: info@emersoninstitute.edu
Emerson Theological Institute is owned, operated, and controlled by the Emerson New Thought Center, a 501c3 New Thought Church. It is headquartered in Oakhurst, California near beautiful Yosemite National Park, was founded by Dr. Angelo Pizelo, and operates under the direction of its Board of Trustees. Copyright Emerson Institute 2025 – All rights reserved.
Emerson Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission International.
Emerson Institute 