- MVS 302 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.
- MVS 300 Science of Being and Art of Living
Science of Being and Art of Living was Maharishi’s first book, published in 1963. In this course, both through reading and through studying Maharishi’s videos, students investigate the main themes of the book — Being, the essential constituent of creation; how to contact and how to live Being; how to live one’s full potential, in thought, speech, action, and relationships; and God realization.
- MVS 370 Maharishi’s Yoga Theory and Practice
This course explores themes related to Yoga philosophy in light of effortless, natural practice of Transcendental Meditation. The course introduces Yoga both as a settled inner state of mind and a path of development, as brought out by Maharishi in his books and lectures. Topics include Yoga and the brain, Yoga and health, development of full human potential, Yoga and Dharma, and the role of Yoga Asanas in the eight limbs of Yoga brought out in the traditional Yoga text, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra.
- BIO 268 Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology and Yoga
This course takes students on a journey through human anatomy and physiology in relationship to Yoga. The course emphasizes the connection to human physiology and the Vedic Literature, a connection that provides support to homeostasis and balance. Students explore the terminology, structure, function, and interdependence of the various organ systems that make up the human body. Systems covered include the skeletal system, muscular system, respiratory system, nervous system, endocrine system, lymphatic system, circulatory system, digestive/elimination system, and the renal-urinary system. This course covers relevant medical terminology and biomechanics to prepare students for upcoming coursework in teaching the practices of Yoga.
- PH 421 Foundations in Yoga Practice and Teaching
In this on-line course, you will unearth the nature of Yoga – the unification of the body, mind & cosmic life integrated with Maharishi AyurVeda’s principles of cultivating intrinsic & extrinsic balance in life. This course includes coursework in embodied approaches to anatomy, ayurvedic approaches to anatomy, asana, and pranayama through public speaking, presentation exercises and reflective exercises that explore the benefits in practicing and presenting the Maharishi Yoga Asanas. Receiving Yoga Alliance compliance is in process.
- PH 422 Developing the Capacity of the Yoga Teacher
This in-person immersion of the Yoga specialization program leans heavily on the development of both the practice and the state of Yoga. Students will participate in twice-daily practice sessions of the First Set and Transcendental Meditation technique while additionally exploring Maharishi’s approach to Yoga, history of Yoga and Asanas, biomechanics, systems of anatomy, and foundational subtle yogic anatomy in relationship to yoga asana and pranayama. Students will deepen their understanding of verbal and visual cues, while learning how to offer hands-on assistance. They will also learn how to apply ethics and professionalism in the yoga studio setting. This course helps to hone the skills necessary in becoming an effective Yoga Teacher.
- PH 423 Deepening the Capacity of the Yoga Teacher
This course continues the in-person development of the personal and professional aspects of Asanas and pranayama practice along with the exploration of advanced hatha yoga practices such as deeper pranayamas, bandhas, and mudras. Continued studies in systems of gross and subtle anatomy and safe movement practices refine the student’s capacity to instruct others.
- Ph 427 Refining Yoga Teaching Skills & Lesson Plans
This course supports students as they begin their Yoga teaching practice in their communities. Through weekly Zoom calls and reflective writing assessments, students receive guidance on different aspects of lesson planning, theme planning, case studies, and professional development. The course aims to help students refine their teaching skills and demonstrate their ability to instruct in a Yoga studio or community setting.
- PH 420 Ayurveda for the Yoga Teacher
Maharishi AyurVeda and Yoga are Vedic sciences that create a holistic approach to health, happiness, and well-being. In this course, students will learn how to create a personalized daily practice to facilitate healing. Each student discovers mind-body awareness of the gross and subtle energies including the five layers of being through individualized techniques with the purpose of becoming more established in the Self. Students will learn how mind-body types, health tendencies, time of day, seasons, immediate environment, and far environment (planetary influence) impact the personalized approach to daily and seasonal routines. This course includes reflections and public speaking exercises on how inner and outer observations can awaken awareness, guide attention to self-correct, and add self-care routines to pursue optimal state of health. This course puts knowledge into practice.
- PH 424 Capstone: Cultivating the Capacity of the Yoga Teacher
Remaining an active student is what makes a sound teacher. In the Maharishi Yoga Asana Capstone course, the focus is on continued practice, self-referral, and reflection exercises to allow for the integration and development of sattvic teacher attributes. The primary focus of this course will be to create a three-month Maharishi Yoga Asana Program based on your teaching niche, with lesson plans that build upon one another and create sustained Mind Body.
While the program is primarily online, MIU’s Yoga Teacher Training includes two two-week residencies on our Fairfield, Iowa campus. These retreat-style intensives offer 7-9 hours daily of hands-on experience, featuring:
Unlike most YTTs that only skim the surface, our capstone course focuses entirely on launching your yoga career. In this course, you’ll clarify your goals and develop an integrative program rooted in yoga practice and knowledge to offer at yoga studios, wellness centers, or corporate environments. You’ll also learn essential skills like self-promotion and financial management.
At MIU, education goes beyond academics, it’s about thriving inside and out. Consciousness-Based Education emphasizes self-awareness and well-being, supporting you during your studies and beyond
Your admissions counselor will provide you with all the details of becoming a student, including connecting you with program faculty when you have questions.
