Best institutions to study Contemplative Studies/Inquiry
A program that focuses on the philosophical, psychological, and scientific bases of human contemplative experience.
2 U.S. institutions graduated 3 Contemplative Studies/Inquiry students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 30.2502, a specialization of Cognitive Science (CIP 30.25), and leads most directly to the Self-Enrichment Teachers occupation (BLS SOC 25-3021).
About Contemplative Studies/Inquiry programs
A program that focuses on the philosophical, psychological, and scientific bases of human contemplative experience. Includes instruction in cognitive science, meditation, mindfulness, neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, and religion.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Contemplative Studies/Inquiry program is an interdisciplinary field that examines the philosophical, psychological, and scientific aspects of human contemplative experiences. It integrates elements from cognitive science, meditation, mindfulness, neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, and religion, making it suitable for students interested in understanding the complexities of human thought and experience. This program is ideal for those who wish to explore the intersections of mind, body, and spirit, and who are passionate about personal growth and education. With a focus on both theoretical and practical applications, students will engage in a curriculum that encourages deep reflection and critical inquiry into the nature of consciousness and well-being.
Students in the Contemplative Studies/Inquiry program will develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and writing. Coursework often includes instruction in cognitive science and mindfulness practices, providing a comprehensive understanding of the psychological and philosophical foundations of contemplative experiences.
Credentials awarded
What Contemplative Studies/Inquiry graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree3 graduates / yr · 2 institutions100%
Graduates over time
Contemplative Studies/Inquiry completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 3 |
CIP 30.2502 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 2 institutions for Contemplative Studies/Inquiry, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brown University Providence, RIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 96% | $14,644 |
| 2 | Pitzer College Claremont, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 83% | $23,248 |
Offered in 2 states
Where Contemplative Studies/Inquiry graduates come from. Each state links to all Cognitive Science programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 1 | 2 | Brown University2 / yr |
| California | 1 | 1 | Pitzer College1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-3021, Self-Enrichment Teachers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as self-enrichment teachers, directors of religious activities and education, or postsecondary teachers, among other roles. The job outlook for related occupations is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 3.7% and approximately 51,400 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $45,590, typically requiring at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 30.2502
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Self-Enrichment Teachersprimary SOC 25-3021 | $46,800 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~51,400 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Directors, Religious Activities and Education SOC 21-2021 | $52,100 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~13,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other SOC 25-1199 | $77,640 | +1.8% Little or no change | ~13,500 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other SOC 21-1099 | $56,730 | +4.6% About as fast as average | ~13,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Religious Workers, All Other SOC 21-2099 | $45,280 | +0.6% Little or no change | ~11,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Contemplative Studies/Inquiry programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Prepare students for further development by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.
- Observe students to determine qualifications, limitations, abilities, interests, and other individual characteristics.
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by administrative policy.
- Monitor students' performance to make suggestions for improvement and to ensure that they satisfy course standards, training requirements, and objectives.
Tools and technology used
Other Cognitive Science specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Cognitive Science (CIP 30.25).
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Cognitive Science30.2599
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degree do I earn from this program?+
You will earn a Bachelor's degree.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 2 colleges offering this program.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and writing.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?+
You can work as a self-enrichment teacher or in various educational roles.
What is the CIP code for Contemplative Studies/Inquiry?+
Contemplative Studies/Inquiry is CIP 30.2502 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Cognitive Science (CIP 30.25). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the philosophical, psychological, and scientific bases of human contemplative experience. Includes instruction in cognitive science, meditation, mindfulness, neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, and religion.
How many institutions offer Contemplative Studies/Inquiry programs?+
2 U.S. institutions reported Contemplative Studies/Inquiry graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 2 states, awarding 3 credentials in the year. That is 0.1% of all Cognitive Science graduates.
How much do Contemplative Studies/Inquiry graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Self-Enrichment Teachers occupation, which Contemplative Studies/Inquiry most directly leads to, pays a median of $46,800 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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