BA in Applied Arts & Sciencesonline or on-campus

A degree grounded in consciousness

Through the BA in Applied Arts & Sciences, you’ll gain a deep understanding of consciousness—through knowledge and experience—and how it enhances and connects different academic disciplines.

Self-exploration is at the heart of the BA in Applied Arts & Sciences. You’ll take courses available only at MIU including “Transcendental Meditation” and “Physiology is Consciousness.” You’ll also have a selection of special elective courses in the humanities, social sciences, and business.

At MIU, self-discovery is not just an intellectual process. It’s the deep, direct experience of your own innermost nature and the underlying reality of life.

Dive within and find yourself

As a student at MIU, you’ll learn the Transcendental Meditation technique, an evidence-based technique that promotes inner peace and wellness, enhances clear thinking, and boosts creativity.

“I feel MIU is REALLY constructed for the students and their personal development – physical, mental, spiritual, and intellectual. I feel I have a great opportunity here to develop and grow on all levels of my being because of the supportive environment.”

— Nina Ziv

FAQ

• Do online students need to come to the MIU campus?
  No. However, before you enroll you’ll need to learn the TM technique since it is a key element of Consciousness-Based education. This instruction will be in-person with a certified TM teacher near you (or on our Fairfield, IA campus).
• How do I learn Transcendental Meditation?

  All MIU students practice the Transcendental Meditation^® technique. If you have not learned it yet:

  • Once accepted as a US student, the cost of TM instruction is covered through a grant offered by MIU
  • On-campus students can either learn TM upon arrival or prior to enrolling
  • Online students are required to learn the TM technique before starting the first class
  • Contact your admissions counselor for details
  • Find information on the TM technique or search for a TM teacher at TM.org
• How long will online students need to complete the program?
  If you transfer in our maximum of 90 credits, this degree will only require 38-48 additional credits, which can often be completed in two semesters. For students admitted with 60 credits, the degree can be completed within four semesters.
• How do I transfer my credits from previous institutions?

  A minimum of 128 credits (semester hours) is required for students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. This may include up to 90 transfer credits.

  Undergraduate degree students may apply to transfer credits for up to half the coursework in the major. Transfer credits are accepted for courses completed with a grade of “C” or higher.

• How many hours per week should online students expect to spend on this program?
  You should plan to spend 12-14 hours per week for a 4-credit on each course. If you are taking two courses at a time, you should plan to spend 24-28 hours per week reading, creating assignments, writing discussion forum posts, and studying course materials.
• How many weeks are in each course?
  There are two semester terms, plus a January term and a summer term, in the academic school year.

  • Online students: 4-credit courses are eight weeks long and 2-credit course are four weeks long.
  • On-campus students: 4-credit courses are 4 weeks long and 2-credit course are 2 weeks long.
• What are the options for full-time and part-time enrollment?
  • Online students: You can take one or two courses at a time. Choose the pace that is best for you. Full-time students take 12 credits or more per semester, and Three-quarters time students take 9-11 credits per semester
  • On-campus students: Full-time only, 12 credits or more per semester
• Can students get financial aid for this program?
  Yes, financial aid is available to eligible degree-seeking students. See Cost & Aid for tuition and an estimate of your financial aid. Also, feel free to contact our financial aid office at finaid@miu.edu or (641) 472-1156.
• What are the learning outcomes for the BA in Applied Arts & Sciences?
  Graduates should be able to…

  • display improvements in perception, thinking, feeling, and overall growth of consciousness
  • display a healthy and optimal quality of life that allows them to get through their daily activities without undue fatigue or physical stress (health)
  • apply unifying principles within and across disciplines to synthesize ideas, integrate divergent perspectives, and understand what they have learned in light of their own consciousness (holistic thinking)
  • evaluate confidence in a thesis or judgment on the basis of logic, reliable evidence, ethical values, and openness to alternative assumptions and points of view (critical thinking)
  • respond to and express ideas, feelings, and information in speech, text, and other media (communication)
  • act from a global perspective to effectively address local economic, cultural, social, and environmental challenges (local and global citizenship)