Home of Consciousness-Based Education®Accredited

An accredited non-profit university
with on-campus & online degrees >

Founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

A non-profit university with on-campus and online degree programs

Home of Consciousness-Based Education®

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Visit Us > Apply > Request Info >
Founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

A non-profit university with on-campus and online degree programs

Home of Consciousness-Based Education®

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Request Info > Apply > Visit Us >
Request Info > Apply > Visit Us >

MA in Consciousness-Based® Leadership & Coachingonline

Master the art of transformational coaching

Watch the video about a student changing who she's become, 19 seconds long

Coaching is a process of communication between a coach and a client. At MIU, we do not study only the analysis of the client’s needs and the methods of effective communication. We also develop the “presence” of the coach in the coach-client relationship. The coach is fully present in the coaching relationship grounded in their own inner stability, or own inner “being.” This is Being-based leadership, or Consciousness-Based leadership.

Watch the video about a student changing who she's become, 19 seconds long

Employ a Consciousness-Based® approach to education and leadership

Watch the video about helping other people be more, 37 seconds long

This program is not just about academics and the application of skills to become a better coach and leader. It’s also about you becoming the person you want to become. Your personal development is the foundation on which this curriculum rests.

Watch the video about helping other people be more, 37 seconds long

Like all MIU students, you’ll learn Transcendental Meditation, a technique shown to enhance creativity, learning ability, and decision-making, and reduce stress and anxiety. You’ll also study how the development of consciousness impacts all areas of life, just as watering the root of a plant impacts the state of the whole plant.

Get started by contacting Sunita

Sunita Martin, admissions counselorSunita Martin is this program’s admissions counselor for US students. Sunita will provide you with all the details of becoming a student, including connecting you with the program director or faculty.

Contact Sunita >

International applicants may connect with us through our international inquiry form.

Next entry: Aug 2026Apply to MIU >Next entry: Aug 2026Apply to MIU >

Get your coaching credential

Watch the video getting your International Coaching Federation credential, 43 seconds longAs a student in this program, you’ll gain all the preparation you need to apply for an ICF (International Coaching Federation) credential after graduation. The MA includes an ICF-accredited Level Two Emergence Coach Training program, the best pathway to ICF coach credentialing. You will be well-prepared for coaching in a variety of career fields from education to business, training, human services, or any field in which you are seeking greater influence and leadership.

Watch the video getting your International Coaching Federation credential, 43 seconds long

Get your coaching credential

As a student in this program, you’ll gain all the preparation you need to apply for an ICF (International Coaching Federation) credential after graduation. The MA includes an ICF-accredited Level Two Emergence Coach Training program, the best pathway to ICF coach credentialing. You will be well-prepared for coaching in a variety of career fields from education to business, training, human services, or any field in which you are seeking greater influence and leadership.

Narrative evaluation

We’ve moved beyond letter grades to a more personal approach called narrative evaluation.

Program structure

Watch the video about an EQ lab example, 1 minute and 11 seconds long

The 32-credit program includes the following instructional elements:

  • Science of Creative Intelligence and Forest Academy Courses (5 credits)
    These shorter, subjective courses focus on your inner experience of self as the foundation for successful coaching.
  • EQ Lab – Social and Emotional Intelligence Laboratory (3 credits)
    A hands-on, experiential lab consisting of 120 minutes of weekly webinar instruction, delivered as a one-credit course in each of the three semesters.
  • Introductory Weekend Residency
    A 2.5-day on-campus residency at the start of the program, featuring intensive experiential activities to help students connect with their emotions and build relationships with peers. Tuition covers room and board; students are responsible for their own transportation costs.
  • Coaching Sessions (non-credit)
    Two coaching sessions per month throughout the three semesters with a qualified coach. These sessions model the coaching principles taught in the program and support your emotional growth – an essential component of becoming an effective coach.
  • Area Courses (24 credits)
    Focused on personal development, coaching and leadership competencies, and theoretical perspectives. Featured courses are listed below.
Watch the video about an EQ lab example, 1 minute and 11 seconds long

Featured courses

two in conversation

MGT 5820 Leadership and Management

two in conversation

We explore leadership principles in a disruptive digital environment, including leadership styles and management practices and learn how to apply leadership theories, concepts, and skills through self-assessment, value exploration, personal reflection, group feedback, and practice. Students learn how personal development and leadership styles integrate with organizational effectiveness.

three on sofa

MGT 5821 Teaming and Group Process

three on sofa

World-class leadership in organizations involves both knowledge about and skills in leading individuals and teams. In this course, students practice effective leadership behaviors, teamwork, and communication through writing emails and making PowerPoint presentations. They also discover leading-edge techniques in behavioral-based interviewing, managing employee performance, and creative employee recruitment techniques. Students are challenged by individual and small group projects, case studies, Harvard Business Review articles, field trips, and guest speakers.

speaker in labcoat addressing class

MGT 5828 Communication Skills

speaker in labcoat addressing class

Communication skills are vital for every leader or manager. This course develops the skills of engaging with others, listening, managing emotions, problem-solving, and empowering yourself and others. These are skills used in the workplace and in every area of your life.

Experience our approach: Levels of Listening

Watch the video levels of listening, 11 minutes long

Listening is more than simply hearing words – it’s a skill that shapes the quality of our relationships, our work, and even our inner growth. Developing deeper awareness of how you listen can transform the way you understand others and yourself.

Watch the video levels of listening, 11 minutes long

Watch this 11-minute talk on “Levels of Listening” from Professor Mike Zwell, PhD. It’s a perfect example of how we integrate consciousness with practical coaching skills, teaching you not just what to do, but how to be as a coach and leader.

Featured faculty

Lisa Sanden

Lisa Sanden

Lisa Sanden

Dr. Sanden is an Associate Professor of Transformational Leadership and Coaching. In addition to her work with MIU, she is also a Montessori consultant and speaker, a corporate trainer with the Human Emergence Group, and a coach with over 10 years-experience. Her master’s and doctorate are in Transformational Leadership and Coaching.

Michael Zwell

Michael Zwell

Michael Zwell

Michael Zwell, Ph.D., is Professor of Transformational Leadership and Coaching at MIU, and was Chancellor and co-founder of the Wright Graduate University for the Realization of Human Potential. He is also Managing Director of the Human Emergence Group. He is a certified coach for the Great Game of Business, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and immediate past President of the Graduate School Alliance for Education in Coaching. The author of several books, he has a Ph.D. from Yale University and an A.B. from the University of Chicago. He is Director of MIU’s Ed.D. program in Transformational Leadership and Coaching.

Cost & Aid, 2025-26

  • US Students

    • US MA in Consciousness-Based Leadership & Coaching

    The estimate for this 18-month (three-semester) low-residency program is based on the current year rate, subject to change in future years.

    18 Months’ Tuition, Fees, and Typical Financial Aid
    Tuition and fees$18,285
    Low interest federal loans -$18,285
    Your payment $0
    Optional: additional low-interest federal loans?-$25,500

    Additional Financial Aid Information

    • Federal Student Loans
      • Your FAFSA automatically qualifies you for the majority of federal student loans for this program. The remaining portion is composed of Federal Graduate PLUS loans which require “no adverse credit” or an endorser. Repayment begins after your enrollment ends.

    • 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
      • For questions regarding Veterans Benefits, please contact Tal Ron, our Veterans Certifying Official and Director of Financial Aid, at tron@miu.edu or 641-472-1156.

    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 awardofficer@miu.edu for a quick reply — normally one business day — or see more about financial aid.

  • International Students

    • International MA in Consciousness-Based Leadership & Coaching

    The estimate for this 18-month (three-semester) program is based on the current year rate, subject to change in future years.

    18 Months’ Tuition and Fees
    Tuition and fees$18,285
    Your payment$18,285

Entrance Requirements

All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited university. Admission will be based on undergraduate transcripts, professional recommendations, and interviews.

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any field
  • Apply for admissionApply for admission
  • Completion of the MIU admissions process, including submitting official transcripts, a recommendation, all materials, and an interview

Additional requirements

English language verification

International applicants must submit official English proficiency test scores within the past 2 years of at least 110 on Duolingo, 6.5 on IELTS Academic, 90 on TOEFL iBT or 58 on PTE.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique

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
  • Students are required to learn the TM technique within the first 6 weeks after enrollment.
  • Contact your admissions counselor for details
  • Find information on the TM technique or search for a TM teacher at TM.org

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