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Bachelor’s Specialization in Cinematic Arts & New Mediaonline or on-campus

Kick-start your career before you graduate

Watch the student video Firefly by Radim Schreiber, 3 minutes

Our classes are project-based and focused on building your portfolio. By choosing the projects, classes, and topics you’re passionate about, you can create exactly the path you need to pursue the career of your choice.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have an impressive portfolio and know exactly what it takes to succeed in a media career.


Full immersion in each project

Watch the student video The Universe by Ashia Fredeen, 3 minutes

Our project-based classes allow you to bring your vision to life and oversee projects from conception to completion.

Our expert faculty will support your creative growth with individualized attention and constructive criticism, pushing you to new creative heights and teaching you how to innovate.

Get started by contacting Adriene

Adriene Crimson, admissions counselorAdriene Crimson is this program’s admissions counselor for US students. Adriene will provide you with all the details of becoming a student, including connecting you with program faculty when you have questions.

Contact Adriene >

Contact Adriene >

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


Making it easy for transfer students

Students learning photography

If you transfer in 60 or more credits, your degree can be completed in as little as four semesters. Transfer students can inquire with their admissions counselor to learn the exact number of credits needed to graduate.

Student photographing a tree

Degree requirements

To graduate with a Specialization in Cinematic Arts & New Media, students must complete:

  • required courses for the Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences or any other bachelor’s degree program you choose
  • CANM 300 Art of Story (4 credits)
  • 28 additional credits (including a portfolio of work) from Cinematic Arts & New Media courses

Courses for this specialization may include

    This course examines the essential role of narrative in the creation of all forms of media. From the very beginnings of human records, whether it be mythology, scripture, literature, or the earliest cave paintings, the creators of these works have always told their audience a story or imparted a message by the use of narrative. In order to work in any creative medium, understanding the various ways in which narrative is used is a great advantage. This course will examine the range of narrative forms and narrative devices that have been used since the dawn of time right up until the modern day. We will discover that although the forms and types of media used might have changed as technology has advanced, in fact, most of the essential forms of narrative used in creative works have been with us for ages. Understanding why will reveal how narrative reflects both the universal and unique aspects of the experience of human life. As part of the course, students will be required to undertake projects that aid the development of their own narrative skills. This is a writing-intensive course. Prerequisites: WTG 191 or equivalent. (4 credits)
    Learn to harness the power of online marketing by using social media platforms — such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and other current favorites — for their current, future, or imagined businesses. Students will gain hands-on experience with visual marketing and modern content marketing. Topics of exploration include how to find and attract an audience to help solve their problems, organizing followers and friends to reach more people; the visual marketing creation process using, for example, large images, memes, and GIFs; e-commerce tools for social media; and developing a social media marketing strategy to successfully reach more people online. Prerequisite: basic computer skills (4 credits)
    Cinematography is the art of telling stories through moving images. By balancing camera angles, movements, and light, cinematographers translate the director’s vision into powerful images. In this course, students will learn the language of cinematography in its technical and aesthetic forms. We will explore the fundamentals of camera position and light setups. Students will practice camera movements via supported (tripod, jib, dolly, etc.) and handheld techniques, and will learn about the power of the frame in conveying story. Students will understand that clarity of mind, broad vision, and attention to detail are the cinematographer’s greatest assets, and that these develop with the growth of consciousness. Prerequisite: basic computer skills, Adobe Creative Cloud and additional camera equipment (4 credits)
    Video editing requires the student to be able to synthesize all the different elements of their video into a greater whole. The emphasis of this course is on exploring the craft of editing and the techniques used to maximize the emotional impact of the story. Students will study examples of work by accomplished editors and discover ways to build momentum and render the cut ‘invisible’. Topics include: the language of the cut, the 180-degree system, and Murch’s Rule of Six. Students will become expert in utilizing 2018/19 218 non-linear editing tools through daily editing assignments. Students will learn keyboard shortcuts and advanced trimming tools, transitions, filters, titles, keyframes, compositing tools, audio mixing, color correction, capturing and outputting. Towards the end of the course some production time will be allotted so that students may edit a final piece of their own. Students may also bring in footage that was shot previously for their final project. (4 credits) Prerequisite: MC—F282 or MC-F288 or MC-F310 or CANM282 or CANM284.
    Podcasting has become an increasingly popular and universal way to tell stories. In this course, students will learn the industry standard tools for podcasting and learn the fundamentals of audio recording, cultivate a clear and confident voice, develop a long-term strategy for their podcast, produce a script, and publish their content online. Students will learn industry-standard software and hardware (microphone, Audacity, online distribution channels), experiment with editing, mixing techniques, implementing music, sound effects, and silence to create an enriching listener experience. Students will also have the opportunity to research various styles of podcasting to expand their definition of audio storytelling and find a definitive voice that is uniquely their own. Students will explore how the nature of sound design can both expand and transcend the intended message to connect to the underlying source of the senses, pure consciousness. Prerequisites: Basic Computer Skills (4 credits)
    In this course, students will learn about the latest smartphone technology to capture high-quality images and post-process them with the most powerful smartphone apps available. Students will learn applications and programs such as Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. Each section of the course will focus on specific aspects and styles of photography and photo processing. The course will include fun photography challenges to push our creative limits to the edge. Prerequisites: basic smartphone skills, basic computer skills, Adobe Creative Cloud License. (4 credits)
    Explore the fundamental principles of design using Adobe Photoshop. In this course, you will be introduced to the tools to create a wide range of projects turning your imagination into reality. You will have the opportunity to create professional designs, digital collages and graphic art. Deepen the understanding of your creative process and articulate your ideas from abstract to concrete. Prerequisite: basic computer skills, Adobe Photoshop. (2 credits)
    In this course, students will explore and learn in-depth methods of animation, ranging from motion graphics, collage, stop-motion and experimental methods of digital animation to achieve a wide range of possibilities. This class will focus on teaching the basics of the Adobe suite, including Photoshop, After Effects, Adobe Character & Premiere through Dynamic Link. Prerequisite: CANM 260 or MC291. Adobe Creative Cloud. (4 Credits)
    Students learn the basic skills of film production by participating in the production of a variety of different scenarios, scenes and subjects. They will learn to handle and care for production equipment including lights, stands, cameras, and sound equipment. We will explore the different roles and responsibilities to be played in the process of filming a scene. This includes a director, director of photography, gaffer, grip, electrician, art department, assistant directors, and production assistants. Prerequisite: basic computer skills. (4 credits)
    This course is designed to teach the technical aspects of on-set filmmaking. Students will acquire the technical knowledge and skills of using on-set filmmaking equipment to improve understanding, quality, and efficiency on any set, from small video productions to big-budget films. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to various assignments that highlight the fundamentals of being a specialized technician on set in the Camera Department, Sound Department, Lighting Department, and the Digital Imaging Technician Department. Prerequisite: Basic Computer skills. CANM major, specialization or Minor or consent of professor. (4 credits)
    The Music Video class is designed to enhance the student’s ability to cultivate and curate their own interpretation and self-expression through moving images to accompany a piece of music. Students will research, practice, and perform all aspects of film making, and editing to create a cohesive music video that demonstrates wholeness and cohesiveness from start to finish. Prerequisites: CANM 284 and/or CANM 288 or consent of the professor. Equipment and software needs: Adobe Creative Cloud, a camera, and a computer. (4 credits)
    Documentary films have their basis in the real world. They are made for a variety of purposes but fundamentally they explore the entire range of human experience. This course will examine the role of documentary filmmaking and all the various forms of the documentary. It will be a fascinating journey that will take students all over the globe and throughout history dealing with a wide range of issues both past and present. In this course, students will also examine how to make a documentary. It is therefore very practical in its focus. The first requirement to any documentary is knowing what the story is and what kind of story makes a good documentary. Having chosen a story, there is then the realization of it. Students will learn what is required to make the all-important pitch. They will then choose some stories and make short documentaries about them. (4 credits) Prerequisites: MC—F288 or MC-F310 and MC—F284
    This is an advanced video editing course where students learn the fundamental artistic elements of video editing. In this course, students will learn a variety of techniques such as rhythm, flow, the ability to enhance an actor’s performance through editing, visual storytelling, methodology for keyboard shortcuts, and accelerating the editing process. This course will be building on what is explored in the Video Editing course and taking it to the next level. Students will integrate the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and that every element of filmmaking finds its fulfillment in the cut. Prerequisites: CANM 284 or CANM 310 and CANM 288. (4 credits)
    This course will introduce you to the study of directing actors. You will be taught the fundamentals of preparing as a director for a role or scene. We will cover the specific demands of acting for the camera and discuss the differences between stage and film techniques. Through a variety of exercises, you will acquire the tools to direct actors to perform on camera with confidence. Topics covered include: diverse directorial styles; audition and rehearsal techniques; working with actors on a scene and character development; improvisation; story and text analysis; developing, blocking, and shooting a character-driven scene; editing a performance. Prerequisites: Only open to CANM major, specialization, minor, or content of the professor. (4 credits)
    In this course you will be introduced to the tools to create a wide range of projects turning your imagination into reality. You will have the opportunity to create professional designs, digital collages and illustration and graphic art. Deepen the understanding of your creative process and articulate your ideas from abstract to concrete. Equipment and software needs: basic computer skills, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. (2 credits)
    Explore and learn the fundamentals of modern methods of digital arts. Learn different methods of graphic art, ranging from digital illustration, vector art, photo-manipulation, collage, formatting text and exporting for different media and to achieve a wide range of possibilities. This class will focus on teaching the basics of Adobe Suite, including Photoshop and Illustrator. Prerequisite: basic computer skills, drawing, painting or photography skills, Adobe Creative Cloud. (4 credits)
    Digital photography helps strengthen the connection between the photographer’s vision and the resulting images by providing nearly instant feedback and furnishing ever-subtler tools for self-expression. In this course, students learn foundational principles that underlie digital photography, while using principles of consciousness to consolidate both the experience and understanding of digital photography. Topics include: mastering the digital camera, managing a digital workflow, principles of composition and lighting, and expressing the photographer’s vision in the digital darkroom using Lightroom and Photoshop. Prerequisite: computer skills. $20 lab fee. (4 credits)
    The Studio Photography course will provide the foundational skills to attain well-balanced images of light, shadow, color, and composition. Students will explore a variety of different lighting scenarios of studio photography such as portrait photography, fashion photography, product photography, black and white processing and more. We will then explore the foundational principles of post-production processing beginning with RAW digital processing in Adobe Lightroom to prepare photos for additional JPG processing in Adobe Photoshop to create stunning and captivating images while integrating principles of consciousness and self-expression. Prerequisites: Basic computer skills, Adobe Creative Cloud (4 credits)
    With modern music recording and production being more accessible than ever, anyone with a computer can share the melodies in their head with the world. Be it a symphony or the next number one hit single, students will learn to use music creation software to make their dreams come true. Minor knowledge of music preferred. Students will learn basic compositional techniques as well as production and sound engineering methods to bring as much clarity to their vision as possible. (4 credits) Prerequisite: basic computer skills.
    The Mixing and Mastering course is designed to give students a well-rounded and foundational understanding of how to use the proper tools to separate, exemplify, equalize, compress, route, monitor and export audio to create a clear and pleasing sound to for listener that expresses all the audible frequencies available in a song. Students will work to mix and master their own music from the Digital Music Production course or in collaboration with fellow colleagues. Prerequisite: CANM 233. (4 Credits)
    Science fiction and fantasy writers use their creative intelligence and imagination to explore the full potential of life. The name speculative fiction is given to these popular genres because writers imagine different kinds of human society. Speculative fiction writers imagine what the future will be like, what additional abilities and attributes humans will develop, and how we might use science and technology to redesign life and shape new worlds in other solar systems. They also explore deep themes about what it is to be human, along with the benefits and dangers of technology and powers that are extraordinary. Speculative fiction stories can influence cultural trends, inspire political movements and contribute to debates about a wide range of ethical and social issues. An essential aspect of science fiction and fantasy writing is world-building, and we will dedicate time to looking at software that helps writers with this process. Every world a speculative fiction writer creates must also have compelling characters and a good story. Students will spend time working on story structure and techniques to develop a character. In this course, we focus on the writers of speculative fiction, examine some influential works, and undertake a course project writing a science fiction or fantasy short story or section of a novel. Prerequisites: WTG 191 or consent of the Professor. (4 credits)
    The Global Solutions course seeks to answer the question, why aren’t we doing enough to avoid the ongoing consequences of climate change, the depletion of natural resources and ecosystems, and loss of biodiversity? Any reasonable person can see that the need is great, the solutions are available, or within reach, and the consequence of not doing enough will be severely detrimental. Every day there are stories about the declining state of our world, and growing evidence of the negative impacts of global warming. Millions of lives are being impacted by the unsustainable use of the planet’s resources on an unprecedented scale and at breakneck speed. These global imbalances and lack of access to resources challenge the human dignity and self-development of hundreds of millions of people. Are there alternatives that provide self-determination, resource sufficiency, the regeneration of natural systems, and just and sustainable practices at every level of society? This course provides a critical understanding of the pressing issues of our world and its people and examines potential solutions that are regenerative for people and the planet. Debate, self-determined research, and course assignments will test all assumptions, examine counterarguments, and open paths for a student to determine their own trajectory. We enable you to discover and integrate new knowledge and experience, and to determine what part you wish to play in the great project of this century, one that we all know we need to achieve for the good of humanity. (4 credits)
    Students will be introduced to the process of preparing a story to be told in a visual medium. Students will learn the basics of script and screenplay writing by participating in basic skills exercises, including dialogue emulation and performance, script-to-screen analysis, and scene adaptation. To produce effective screenplays, students will develop their own toolkit for overcoming challenges in idea conception, story structure, and dialogue. Course work will result in scripts suitable for production in later courses. This is a writing-intensive course (4 credits)
    In this project-based course, the faculty will review the work produced by advanced students up until the course, then the faculty will guide, mentor, and assist students in improving upon and achieving their highest creative vision. In this course, students will be encouraged to experiment and approach their creative process from a place of freedom and intuition. The faculty will facilitate a more exploratory approach to media and cinematic arts and expose the students to a range of filmmakers, artists, musicians, and other such creators to get inspiration and learn from them. At the end of the course, students should have their best work fine-tuned, and be able to create from a deeper level. Prerequisites: 16 credits in MC or CANM courses and consent of faculty.
    In this project-based class students will have the opportunity to continue on the progress of the work started in the Media Lab class. Prerequisite: CANM 376
    This is a capstone course in which individuals who have taken the courses in Cinematic Arts & New Media or other programs, to come together to envisage and then realize a set of core projects across a range of media. These projects are formulated among the student group with the aid of faculty members. The first stage of the course will be the generation of the project ideas, which can include ideas that utilize a range of media or ideas that are focused on a particular medium, film, music, websites, etc. The central goal of the course is for students to apply everything they have learned to these projects. This can be a cooperative venture, so students can be involved in a variety of projects playing different roles on each one. The idea is to produce great projects that get noticed. Prerequisites: courses that teach skills that will be used on the Creative Studio. Creative Studio provides the ideal setting to undertake the senior project for those students who are graduating.
    In this course, students have a chance to further develop their skills, their understanding, and their portfolio by completing advanced media projects in film/ video, web design, graphic design, animation, music and/or sound design. Students may also work on a research essay in the field of their study in order to further develop their critical thinking and research 2015/16 242 skills. (Variable credits — may be repeated for credit) Prerequisite: CANM 380 and consent of the Cinematic Arts & New Media faculty.

Meditate and create

student meditating

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.

It will also get you in touch with your deepest self, helping you to bring renewed creativity and fresh inspiration to every one of your projects.

Featured faculty

Cody Olivas

Cody Olivas

Cody Olivas

Cody Olivas is a graduate of the David Lynch Master in Fine Arts Film Program. He received an Achievement Award for his thirty-minute Thesis Film Apotheosis in the 2019 Iowa Motion Picture Awards.

Cody’s proficiency with on-set film production, sound production, and sound design has granted him many opportunities to work in and teach the art of filmmaking. He learned from professionals such as David Lynch, Jim Carrey, Peter Farrelly, and Bill Borden, and worked as an assistant director alongside world-renowned acting coach Anthony Meindl.

His passion for and knowledge as a Director of Photography has landed Cody many opportunities to work as a DP, filming several feature-length films, short films, documentaries, commercials, and promotional videos. His knowledge and diligence in sound design have earned him credits on such shows as Agent Carter, Girlfriends Guide to Divorce, Covert Affairs, and many more.

Cody is now focused on narrative films, work for corporate clients, and upcoming Oak Alley documentaries that are visually compelling and offer important insights into critical issues of our time.

Cody has also been teaching as a professor at Maharishi International University in the Cinematic Arts and New Media since 2014. His courses include Film Equipment Master, Video Editing, Sound Design for Motion Picture, Studio Photography, Smartphone Photography, Digital Music Production, and Introduction to Filmmaking.

All Department Faculty

Cost & Aid for bachelor’s degree, 2024-25

    US On-Campus Undergraduate

    This estimate is based on one year for a typical on-campus Federal Pell Grant recipient (represents 80% of our onsite undergraduates). File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and then contact our financial aid office for questions on variables.

    Annual Cost and Typical Financial Aid
    Tuition and fees$16,530
    Housing (single room) and meals*$7,400
    Grants and Scholarship (typical)-$14,400
    Net cost per year$9,530
    Federal student loans-$9,530
    Your payment$0

    *Applicable only to students living on campus

    Additional Financial Aid Information

    $2,400 Federal Work Study is available toward your estimated $4,800 out of pocket costs.
    Scholarship from MIU described above consists of the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Education Grant and is based on (1) full-time enrollment and (2) financial need based on expected FAFSA outcome.
    Repayment begins after your enrollment ends. Unique repayment plans are available such as income-based, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and deferments based on low income or unemployment.

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

    Payments are a fixed amount that ensures your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).
    Payments may be fixed or graduated and will ensure that your loans are paid off within 25 years.
    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).
    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.
    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.
    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.

    US Online Undergraduate

    This estimate is based on one year for a typical online Federal Pell Grant recipient (represents 70% of our online undergraduates). File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and then contact our financial aid office for questions on variables.

    Annual Cost and Typical Financial Aid
    Tuition and fees$16,190
    Grants and scholarship (typical)-$11,400
    Net cost per year$4,790
    Federal student loan-$4,790
    Your payment$0

    Part time online enrollment is available. Tuition is $600 per credit with normal load of 9-11 credits. Federal student loans are available and the federal Pell Grant is proportional to the credit load.

    Additional Financial Aid Information

    The grants and scholarship described above consist of the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Education Grant, and institutional scholarship based on (1) full-time enrollment and (2) financial need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    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.
    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 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.

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

    Payments are a fixed amount that ensures your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).
    Payments may be fixed or graduated and will ensure that your loans are paid off within 25 years.
    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).
    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.
    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.
    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.

    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 level of documented family income. Our undergraduate scholarship application form will be available upon application to the university.


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

    International Online Undergraduate

    Typically, online enrollment is two courses at a time (17 credits) or one course at a time (9-11 credits), per semester (two semesters per year).

    Tuition and Fees per Semester
    Full-time (12 or more credits)$8,095
    Fewer than 12 credits$600 per credit


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

FAQ

    No. We will teach you everything from scratch. All you need is the will to learn and some passion for the area you choose to learn. Experience always helps but we’re here to guide you through the entire process from start to finish.
    • Online Students: Yes. Our classes use up-to-date, industry-standard software like the Adobe Creative Cloud software. As a student, you are required to purchase your own Adobe Creative Cloud license. It costs $19.99/month for the first year and then $29.99/month every year after that. On top of that, you’ll have to purchase your own equipment. We will provide you with links to find the best computer, camera, lighting, and sound equipment for your budget. Contact your financial aid officer about additional grants and loans for purchasing equipment.
    • On-campus students: Yes. Each on-campus CANM class has a $20 lab fee to help pay for our expenses. This lab fee will give you access to state of the art equipment and software ranging from computer, camera, lights and sound equipment to software required to go through your classes.
    We have professional state of the art film/video, photography and sound studios as well as Youtube and podcast recording rooms and a media lounge available for our on-campus students. All you need to access our spaces and equipment is training on how to use the equipment and a $20 per class lab fee. The lab fee that you pay allows you to check out film and audio equipment and studio space for the duration of the class. You can also check out equipment even if you’re not taking a CANM class for that particular class.
    Yes. 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. Since we offer an on-campus program as well, US-based students can opt to study on-campus for a semester or longer any time during your education.

    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

    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 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.

    You should plan to spend 12-14 hours per week for a 4-credit 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.

    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.
    • 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
    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.

    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.

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