Bachelor’s Specialization in Ayurveda Wellness & Integrative Health

What is Maharishi AyurVeda?

We teach the Maharishi AyurVeda^SM health system – the modern, scientific revival of complete Ayurveda. Maharishi AyurVeda includes balancing the deepest value of mind – consciousness, which is the basis of balancing the body. It incorporates all aspects of mind, body, behavior, and environment in a scientific framework.

What will I learn?

Our program integrates modern medicine and science with the natural approach of Ayurveda — and teaches you how to use them together to create optimal health.

In the BA program, you’ll learn the basics of a range of natural therapeutic techniques, including:

Optimal diet and routine for different individuals
Beneficial herbal supplements for specific imbalances and organ systems
Traditional purification therapies
Principles of biological rhythms and their effects on health

Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis

You’ll be trained extensively in the art of Maharishi AyurVeda Pulse Diagnosis. Taking the pulse enlivens the connection between mind and body, consciousness, and matter. Furthermore, the procedure of taking the pulse produces a balancing effect on the mind and body. You’ll learn how to read the pulse and detect imbalances early, before they manifest as symptoms of a disease; how to determine where imbalances are; and how to restore balance.

Get started by contacting your admissions counselor

Your admissions counselor 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 Admissions >

Next entry: Feb 2024Apply Now >

Making it easy for transfer students

If you transfer in 60 or more credits, the degree can be completed in 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, improves learning ability, and boosts creativity.

Degree requirements

To graduate with a Specialization in Ayurveda Wellness & Integrative Health, students must complete:

required courses for the Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences or any other bachelor’s degree program you choose.
32 additional credits of Ayurveda Wellness & Integrative Health courses

Courses for this specialization may include

Maharishi AyurVeda Science-Based Aromatherapy

This course presents the history and basic principles of aromatherapy, and its application in Maharishi AyurVeda. Topics include: the chemistry and therapeutic properties of aromatic molecules; detailed descriptions of the chemical structure and properties of essential oils and hydrosols, their therapeutic effects on physiological and emotional states, and their effect on the three doshas; and indications for common ailments. In this course students will learn how to select appropriate essential oils and hydrosols for well-being in accord with the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda Aromatherapy. Includes public speaking presentations and labs. Lab fee: $25; Materials fee: $15.

Foundation of Maharishi Yoga Asanas

Yoga is one of the 40 aspects of the Veda and Vedic Literature representing the unifying quality of consciousness. According to Maharishi, Yoga provides technologies to unfold the experience of the unified level of consciousness or Transcendental Consciousness. The theoretical part of this unique course presents the knowledge of Yoga as unity and provides an understanding of the specific effects of Yoga Asanas on the mind and body, physiology, and consciousness. Proper practice of Yoga Asanas – another aspect of this course – provides students with the experience of deep relaxation, stress release, and expansion in the direction of unbounded pure consciousness. This course includes public speaking exercises on the effects of Yoga Asanas on specific mental and physical health conditions, and the readings of Maharishi’s commentaries to the Bhagavad-Gita as the essence of Vedic knowledge and the discipline of Yoga. Materials fee: $10 (4 credits)

Human Anatomy and Physiology I

This is the first course of a two-course series exploring the terminology, structure, function, and interdependence of the human body systems, as well as introducing relevant medical terminology. This course provides an understanding of how the body’s structure and function maintains balance and a healthy state. Topics include: homeostasis, feedback control, skeletal muscular system, blood, cardiovascular system, immune system, and digestive system. Relevant current scientific research results are discussed, as appropriate. Students will get an opportunity to explore how human physiology is a replica of natural law as expressed in the ancient Vedic Literature discovered by Tony Nader, MD, PhD. (4 credits)

Self-Pulse Reading for Good Health

Self-Pulse Reading is the most ancient and most natural means of determining the level of balance or imbalance in the mind and body. Taking the pulse enlivens the connection between mind and body, consciousness and matter. Furthermore, the procedure of taking the pulse produces a balancing effect on the mind and body. This course presents Maharishi’s revival of this ancient technology. In this course, students will learn how to read their pulse and detect imbalances early, before they manifest as symptoms of a disease; how to determine where imbalances are; and how to restore balance. This course includes public speaking exercises. Materials fee: $10 (4 credits)

Diet, Digestion, and Nutrition

Diet, digestion, and nutrition are fundamental to health. How we metabolize food and drink directly affects the strength, vitality, immunity, and longevity of physiology. This course provides very practical knowledge of what to eat, when to eat, and how to eat to maintain or restore the perfect balance of the three doshas – the three principal governing qualities of intelligence in the body. Topics include: influence of consciousness on the process of digestion and nutrition, effects of different foods on physiology, categories of food according to their influence on the three doshas, and basic principles of Dravya Guna (Materia Medica) – Vedic herbology. This course includes public speaking exercises, as well as two field trips: one to local organic and natural food stores, and one to a local organic dairy production farm. Based on availability, ayurvedic cooking demonstrations are included. Field trip fee: $20; Materials fee: $20.

More courses

Dharma: Insights from Maharishi’s commentary on the Bhagavad Gita

What action in life is best for your personal development – your “Dharma”? How does this relate to family, social, and global responsibilities? How do we make the right decisions for ourselves and others, and act in a way that is enjoyable, not stressful and exhausting? This course studies timeless questions and dilemmas such as these, discussed in the Bhagavad-Gita — using as a guide Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s translation of and commentary on chapters one to six. (4 credits)

Philosophy of Action in the Bhagavad Gita

In this course, students study Maharishi’s commentary on the Bhagavad-Gītā, which provides a systematic exposition of the development of human consciousness, its relationship to knowledge, and its application to improve the quality of individual and collective life. This course covers all six chapters. (4 credits)

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

This is the second course of the two-course series of Human Anatomy and Physiology. The focus will be on the endocrine system and divisions of the nervous system, and how they control other organ systems of the body and maintain homeostasis. Topics include: respiratory system, endocrine system, reproductive system, nervous system, and excretory system. Relevant current scientific research results are discussed, as appropriate. Students will get an opportunity to explore how human physiology is a replica of natural law as expressed in the ancient Vedic Literature discovered by Tony Nader, MD, PhD. (4 credits)

Featured faculty

Roxanna Medeiros, MS, PhD Candidate, RYT200, spent 3 years as a senior graduate instructor and clinical mentor for students of the online MS in Maharishi AyurVeda and Integrative Medicine at MIU.

As an academic, she has a deep love for learning and teaching others the value of this systematic and consciousness-based approach to health. For over a decade she cultivated her skill and passion of putting Ayurveda to practical use as an Ayurvedic counselor/practitioner, building successful practices in Santa Cruz, CA, and in Boulder, CO, where she was a lead Ayurvedic consultant and spa director.

Cost & aid for bachelor’s degree programs, 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, 17 credits (full-time) or one course at a time, 9 credits (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.

Summer – One course (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.

FAQ

How many hours per week should I expect to spend on this program?

You should plan to spend 12-14 hours per week for a 4-credit eight-week course. If you are taking 2 courses during an eight-week period, you should plan to spend 24-28 hours per week reading, creating assignments and discussion forum posts, and studying course materials.

The time it takes to complete an online course successfully depends on your willingness to stick to a regular schedule and learn to study effectively, more than on any other factor.

I’ve already taken college-level anatomy and physiology — can I have those courses waived?

If you have passed college-level Anatomy & Physiology courses within the past 5 years with a grade B- or higher, then you can have them waived.

How does my specialization fit within a degree program?

You can choose Ayurveda Wellness & Integrative Health as a specialization in any bachelor’s degree program. You can also choose to major in this subject with the BA in Ayurveda Wellness & Integrative Health.

How do you make the online learning experience effective and fulfilling?

We accomplish this by using an online learning platform that students find highly engaging. The program also features an extensive collaboration between students and one-on-one interaction between our faculty and each student

What is the difference between a major and a specialization?

An undergraduate major is a primary field of study during your undergraduate years. This major defines the actual degree and specifies core courses, electives, and the foundational knowledge that you will acquire. An academic specialization is a more concentrated area of courses which you can choose in addition (32 additional credits) to your major field, which may be in the same disciplinary area or something different.