Experience the deepest values of an MIU education — and graduate in as little as two semesters

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In this interdisciplinary degree program designed for transfer students, you'll discover how everything you study connects at the deepest level in a meaningful way to your own life.

Gain the practical skills valued most by employers
Join a supportive community of students and faculty
Discover how everything you study connects to your inner self

Optional specializations available in the following:

Ayurveda Wellness & Integrative Health (online or on-campus)
Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness (online)
Life & Wellness Coaching (online)
Consciousness & Human Potential (online or on-campus)
Positive Psychology & Consciousness (online)
Cinematic Arts & New Media (online or on-campus)
Creative Writing (online or on-campus)
Regenerative Organic Agriculture (online or on-campus)
Sustainable & Regenerative Living (online or on-campus)
Business Administration (online & on-campus)

A degree grounded in consciousness

Through the Bachelor of 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 Bachelor of 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.

Making it easy for transfer students

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.

Transfer students can inquire with their admissions counselor to learn the exact number of credits needed to graduate.

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.

Mutually-supportive culture

MIU brings together an incredibly diverse mix of cultures, experiences, and fascinating people.

In pursuing this program, you’ll see that our close-knit community of students and faculty will inspire and support you the whole way through.

Get started by contacting Theresa

Theresa Fross is this program’s admissions counselor for US students. Theresa will provide you with all the details of becoming a student, including connecting you with program faculty when you have questions. International students may connect with their admissions counselor through our contact form.

Contact Theresa >

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Featured classes

The Transcendental Meditation Technique

You’ll start you journey as an MIU student by learning the Transcendental Meditation technique, a simple, natural, effortless procedure. This course includes personal instruction in the Transcendental Meditation technique as well as follow-up sessions with a certified teacher.

Exploring Consciousness

This course will introduce you to our unique system of Consciousness-Based education. You’ll learn Transcendental Meditation and discover what we mean when we talk about “consciousness.”

Foundations of Physics and Consciousness

You’ll learn to see the interconnectedness between the laws of physics, the universe, and yourself. This class explores classical and quantum physics, the mechanics of unification and symmetry, unified quantum field theories, superstring theory, and much more.

Senior Project

You’ll tie everything you’ve studied together into a research report, service project, business plan, or creative project that demonstrates your creativity, critical thinking, writing, and holistic thinking. You’ll work closely with a faculty advisor to choose, create, and refine your project in a two-month, full-time effort or sixteen weeks in the Online BA Applied Arts & Sciences.

See what else you’ll take

Physiology is Consciousness
In this course, you’ll examine how the brain constructs reality at every moment and how Transcendental Meditation can awaken your creative potential. This course includes public speaking presentations on course topics.

Quantitative Reasoning
You’ll learn how to assess numerical data to arrive at your own conclusion, as well as develop the skills you need to present this information to others. Topics include estimation, units and conversion, basic geometric concepts, ratios and percentages, and more.

College Composition 1
This course develops the student’s ability to communicate through writing for a variety of purposes, subjects, and audiences. Through writing in a wide range of genres, students develop writing and revision skills useful within personal, academic, creative, and professional contexts. We emphasize writers' understanding and using their own writing process to its fullest, cultivating the fulfillment that comes through expression.

College Composition 2
This class will teach you to use language effectively for many purposes, subjects, and audiences. You’ll focus on both exposition and persuasion, reading and discussing a range of prose models that reflect the diversity of thinking and writing across various disciplines. Note: If you have COMP II already, then you may waive this class and take any other critical thinking course.

Higher States of Consciousness
This course explores higher states of human consciousness as described by Maharishi and as experienced by people throughout history. The course examines the experiences belonging to each state, the developmental processes that culture each state, pertinent research, and practical outcomes of these experiences in daily life.

Fit for Life
You’ll learn how to structure a daily routine that promotes lifelong health. You’ll learn about sleep, diet, exercise, activity, recreation, and how all can be balanced to create a healthy lifestyle. Note: If you meet all other degree requirements, this requirement may be waived.

Plus:
11 elective course credits from two other academic departments.

Class schedule for online undergraduate degree programs

Next entry: Feb 2024Apply Now >

Cost & Aid, 2023-24

US On-Campus Students

US Online Students

Tuition is based on the total number of credits per semester – two semesters per year. Typically, enrollment is two courses at a time (full-time) or one course at a time (3/4 time)

¾ time per semester (9-11 credits)

US Online Undergraduate, ¾ time

The example below can vary by FAFSA analysis of independent student finances or dependent family finances.

Semester Cost and Typical Financial Aid
Tuition and fees	$4,895
Federal grants (maximum)	-$2,450
Net cost per semester	$2,445
Federal student loan	-$2,445
Your payment	$0

Additional Financial Aid Information

Federal Grants

Federal grants are available for full-time and part-time students. The grants vary depending on income level as determined by the FAFSA, and by credit load per semester. Students in higher-income categories may not qualify for federal grants.

Employer Waiver Program

Many companies offer tuition assistance programs to their employees. If you’re currently employed, we encourage you to check on this. If they offer assistance, please contact MIU’s Financial Aid office.

Scholarship from MIU

Part-time online students benefit from a proportionately lower tuition than the full-time rate. For example, a half-time student’s tuition is less than half the full-time tuition. Because these discounts are included in the part-time tuition, an additional MIU scholarship isn’t available for part-time students.

Federal Student Loans

Federal Student Loans have limits based on lifetime usage, annual limits, and limited to the educational costs for each semester. Here are the annual maximum limits:

$5,500 per year for first-year dependent
$6,500 per year for second-year dependent
$7,500 per year for third, fourth, fifth-year dependent
$9,500 per year for first-year independent
$10,500 per year for second-year independent
$12,500 per year for third, fourth, fifth-year independent

Federal Student Loan Repayment

Federal Student Loan Repayment is postponed as long as you are enrolled at least half-time each semester. If your enrollment drops below half-time, you have a six-month grace period before repayment begins. There are also postponements for low income and unemployment, as well as repayment based on income and Public Service Forgiveness.

Education Tax Incentives

There are a variety of money-saving tax benefits to assist in reducing the cost of education expenses. More about education tax benefits.

Veterans

Veterans should contact the VA for information on Veterans Education Benefits. Veterans eligible for BAH monthly benefits: The VA utilizes a scale of credits per block of courses; therefore, the VA sometimes pays part-time benefits for an individual month while the university delivers full-time federal aid for an entire semester. Our Veterans Certifying Official is our Director of Financial Aid.

Loan Repayment Options

Standard

Payments are a fixed amount that ensures your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).

Extended

Payments may be fixed or graduated and will ensure that your loans are paid off within 25 years.

Graduated

Payments are lower at first and then increase, usually every two years, and are for an amount that will ensure your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).

Income-Based

Your monthly payments will be either 10 or 15 percent of discretionary income (depending on when you received your first loans), but never more than you would have paid under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan.

Income Contingent

Payments are recalculated each year and are based on your updated income, family size, and the total amount of your Direct Loans. Any outstanding balance will be forgiven if you haven’t repaid your loan in full after 25 years.

Income Sensitive

Your monthly payment is based on annual income, but your loan will be paid in full within 15 years.

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date. For more information, contact us at finaid@miu.edu for a quick reply — normally one business day — or see more about financial aid.

½ time per semester (6-8 credits)

US Online Undergraduate, ½ time

The example below can vary by FAFSA analysis of independent student finances or dependent family finances.

Semester Cost and Typical Financial Aid
Tuition and fees	$2,895
Federal grants (maximum)	-$1,850
Net cost per semester	$1,045
Federal student loan	-$1,045
Your payment	$0

Additional Financial Aid Information

Federal Grants

Federal grants are available for full-time and part-time students. The grants vary depending on income level as determined by the FAFSA, and by credit load per semester. Students in higher-income categories may not qualify for federal grants.

Employer Waiver Program

Many companies offer tuition assistance programs to their employees. If you’re currently employed, we encourage you to check on this. If they offer assistance, please contact MIU’s Financial Aid office.

Scholarship from MIU

Part-time online students benefit from a proportionately lower tuition than the full-time rate. For example, a half-time student’s tuition is less than half the full-time tuition. Because these discounts are included in the part-time tuition, an additional MIU scholarship isn’t available for part-time students.

Federal Student Loans

Federal Student Loans have limits based on lifetime usage, annual limits, and limited to the educational costs for each semester. Here are the annual maximum limits:

$5,500 per year for first-year dependent
$6,500 per year for second-year dependent
$7,500 per year for third, fourth, fifth-year dependent
$9,500 per year for first-year independent
$10,500 per year for second-year independent
$12,500 per year for third, fourth, fifth-year independent

Federal Student Loan Repayment

Federal Student Loan Repayment is postponed as long as you are enrolled at least half-time each semester. If your enrollment drops below half-time, you have a six-month grace period before repayment begins. There are also postponements for low income and unemployment, as well as repayment based on income and Public Service Forgiveness.

Education Tax Incentives

There are a variety of money-saving tax benefits to assist in reducing the cost of education expenses. More about education tax benefits.

Veterans

Veterans should contact the VA for information on Veterans Education Benefits. Veterans eligible for BAH monthly benefits: The VA utilizes a scale of credits per block of courses; therefore, the VA sometimes pays part-time benefits for an individual month while the university delivers full-time federal aid for an entire semester. Our Veterans Certifying Official is our Director of Financial Aid.

Loan Repayment Options

Standard

Payments are a fixed amount that ensures your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).

Extended

Payments may be fixed or graduated and will ensure that your loans are paid off within 25 years.

Graduated

Payments are lower at first and then increase, usually every two years, and are for an amount that will ensure your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).

Income-Based

Your monthly payments will be either 10 or 15 percent of discretionary income (depending on when you received your first loans), but never more than you would have paid under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan.

Income Contingent

Payments are recalculated each year and are based on your updated income, family size, and the total amount of your Direct Loans. Any outstanding balance will be forgiven if you haven’t repaid your loan in full after 25 years.

Income Sensitive

Your monthly payment is based on annual income, but your loan will be paid in full within 15 years.

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date. For more information, contact us at finaid@miu.edu for a quick reply — normally one business day — or see more about financial aid.

Less than ½ time (4 credits)

US Online Undergraduate, less than ½ time (4 credits)

The example below can vary by FAFSA analysis of independent student finances or dependent family finances.

Cost – less than ½ time
Tuition	$2,000
Federal grants (maximum)	-$900
Net cost	$1,100
Federal student loans (not available)	0
Your payment	$1,100

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date. For more information, contact us at finaid@miu.edu for a quick reply — normally one business day — or see more about financial aid.

Full-Time (12 or more credits)

International On-Campus Students

International On-Campus Undergraduate

Annual Cost and Typical Financial Aid
Tuition and fees	$16,530
Housing (single room) and meals	$7,400
Health insurance (estimate)	$1,992
Personal expenses, books, unexpected needs (estimate)	$3,500
Cost Per Year	$29,422

Full-time students may apply for up to $6,000 scholarship based on qualifying documented family income. Our undergraduate scholarship application form will be made available to you upon application to the university.

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date.

International Online Students

International Online Undergraduate

Typically, online enrollment is two courses at a time (17 credits) or one course at a time (9 credits), per semester (two semesters per year).

Tuition and Fees per Semester
Full-time (12 or more credits)	$8,095
¾ time (9-11 credits)	$4,895
½ time (6-8 credits)	$2,895
Fewer than 5 credits	$500 per credit

Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date.

“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

Sustainable & Regenerative Living Major

Entrance requirements

In general, we require bachelor’s applicants to have received a 2.5 GPA or above from their most recent institution attended. Applicants below a 2.5 may still be considered depending on additional qualifications.

Additional requirements

English language verification

International applicants must submit official English proficiency test scores within the past 2 years of at least 100 on Duolingo, 6.0 on IELTS Academic, 80 on TOEFL iBT, or 51 on PTE.

Before your first class

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

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?

Before your first class

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?

Undergraduate degree students can apply transfer credits to cover electives, some general education requirements, and up to half the course work in the major, for a maximum of 90 total credits. General transfer credits are accepted for courses completed with a grade of “C” or higher. The academic department of your major sets the policies for major transfer credits, and this varies by major. The Office of Admissions only evaluates for general transfer credits; you will be connected with a separate academic advisor to evaluate for major transfer credits/waivers. Of the 90 total transfer credits, 16 can be credits from vocational coursework.

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 Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences?

Graduates should be able to…

display improvements in perception, thinking, feeling, and overall growth of consciousness (development 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)

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Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences online or on-campus

Optional specializations available in the following:

A degree grounded in consciousness

Making it easy for transfer students

Dive within and find yourself

Mutually-supportive culture

Get started by contacting Theresa

Featured classes

The Transcendental Meditation Technique

Exploring Consciousness

Foundations of Physics and Consciousness

Senior Project

Cost & Aid, 2023-24

US Online Undergraduate, ¾ time

Additional Financial Aid Information

Loan Repayment Options

US Online Undergraduate, ½ time

Additional Financial Aid Information

Loan Repayment Options

US Online Undergraduate, less than ½ time (4 credits)

International On-Campus Undergraduate

International Online Undergraduate

Entrance requirements

English language verification

Before your first class

Before your first class

FAQ

Before your first class

Next Steps

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