Bachelor’s Specialization in Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness

Discover the complete meaning of yoga

Yoga is more than just physical exercise. Complete Yoga is a state of unity, experienced as perfect harmony between mind, body, and nature.

In this one-of-a-kind program, you’ll dive deep into the fundamental aspects of Yoga philosophy. At the same time, you’ll learn to establish and maintain the state of Yoga in your life through a variety of modalities, including the practice of the Yoga Asana (yoga postures), Transcendental Meditation technique, Pranayama (breathing exercises), and Ayurveda.

Ayurveda wellness

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.

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Specialize in Consciousness-based Approach to Yoga

Consciousness-based Yoga is comprehensive in that it’s designed to cultivate coherence between mind, body, and consciousness. This system of Yoga naturally cultures the experience of “steady pleasantness” in mind and body and supports the expansion of consciousness. Referred to as Maharishi Yoga Asanas, this special approach was developed by MIU’s founder, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Maharishi Yoga Asanas are complemented by an intellectual framework rooted in profound insights from Yoga philosophy and the classic Yogic texts — Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, and more.

In a research study published in the International Journal of Yoga, Maharishi Yoga Asanas were found to produce a “significant increase in happiness during the day and significant improvements in (1) sense of personal self, (2) transpersonal qualities, and (3) transpersonal self.”

In addition to this specialization, students will also be introduced to other styles and aspects of Yoga so that they know from direct experience the profound benefits of Maharishi’s Approach to Yoga.

Established in Yoga, perform action

As a graduate of this program, you’ll be able to effectively teach the principles and practices of Maharishi’s Approach to Yoga in a yoga studio, wellness center, corporate or community setting of your choice. In addition to learning the postures and developing a refined personal practice, you’ll study the benefits of each asana, modifications, and contraindications.

Courses on anatomy and physiology will lay the foundation for lesson planning and personalization to help students move safely and comfortably through a class.

Though this program is primarily online, students are required to attend two 2-week in-person immersive yoga teacher trainings. The first occurs in the fall term and the second occurs in the spring term. These in-residence trainings give the student the opportunity to receive support in their personal yoga practice, as well as practice teaching, hands-on assists, cueing, variations, and modifications.

Degree Requirements

The Specialization in Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness is available only to US students.

To graduate with a Specialization in Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness, 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 Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness courses

Courses for this specialization may include:

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.

Maharishi 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.

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.

Cultivating and Presenting Your Yoga Offering: Capstone Course

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.

Refining Yoga Teaching Skills & Lesson Plans

During this course students begin their Yoga teaching practice in communities. Weekly zoom calls and reflective writing assessments provide support to this process. Topics addressed during this course include how to plan a lesson, planning themes, case studies, and professional development.

See more Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness courses

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 understanding of how the body’s structure and function maintains balance and 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.

Human Anatomy and Physiology II

This is the second course of the two-course series of Human Anatomy and Physiology. 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.

Maharishi AyurVeda Pulse Assessment Technique

This course is designed for students interested in holistic and complementary health, and the integration of traditional and modern health practices. This course introduces the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda Pulse Assessment Technique (Nadi Vigyan), and explores its relationship to physiological functions, immunity, and impediments to balance. Through a combination of lectures, applied practice, and group discussions, students learn how to use this technique to promote optimal health and well-being. Topics covered will include Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology, correlations to conventional sciences, and the use of this technique to identify the six stages of prevention (pathogenesis – Shat Kriya Kal).

Maharishi AyurVeda Approach to a Balanced Digestive System

This course delves into balancing the body’s internal ecosystem through the Ayurvedic perspective on diet, digestion, and nutrition (Agni Vigyan), linking consciousness to the principles and function of digestive system. Students learn about the importance of maintaining a balanced digestive fire (Agni) that supports individualized needs to enliven wellbeing. Topics will include the Ayurvedic understanding of the digestive process, assessment of digestive system balance and imbalances, their causes, and practical lifestyle and dietary recommendations for maintaining a healthy digestive system. The connection between digestive and other systems of the body is explored including how to address imbalances. By the end of this course, students have a comprehensive understanding of how to apply this knowledge in their own lives for optimal health and wellness.

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.

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.

Veda: Fabric of Consciousness

Is human knowledge inevitably partial, or can we fathom complete knowledge? How are insights of ancient seers into the nature of reality relevant to our contemporary lives? This course examines questions such as these in light of Maharishi Vedic Science (“Vedic” is from “Veda,” meaning knowledge). Students learn about Vedic literature — including Yoga, Vedanta, and the Upanishads — in light of the direct experience of consciousness. From time immemorial, Vedic literature has been studied for its enlightening wisdom; this course explores Maharishi’s unified structure of Vedic literature as the dynamics of consciousness knowing itself. Qualities of consciousness — such as expanding, unifying, and analyzing — are explored in the branches of Vedic literature, in human physiology and in the structure of the universe. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: WTG 192

Presenting the Knowledge & Teaching the Practice of Maharishi’s Approach to Yoga

Continuing in the development of Yoga teacher training, this on-campus in person instructor training will focus on the practice of Yoga postures (Asana), breathing exercises (Pranayama), two of the eight limbs of Yoga, that promote the integration of mind and body, supporting health by bringing life into harmony with Natural Law. Your hands-on experience will be taught in conjunction with honing your skills as a yoga teacher, teaching techniques, ethics & professionalism. Receiving Yoga Alliance compliance is in process.

Exploring Advanced Topics and Yoga Practices

In-person development in the personal and professional practice of Yoga postures (Asana), breathing exercises (Pranayama), and personalized instruction that promotes the integration of mind and body & support health by bringing life into harmony with Natural Law. From refining cues, managing the classroom environment, hands-on assists, and lesson planning, you will learn the tools necessary to develop a well-rounded and beneficial class. This module provides everything needed to embark on a successful teaching career, not to mention leading integrative classes that students never forget. Receiving Yoga Alliance compliance is in process.

Featured faculty

Fred Travis, PhD, Director

Dr. Travis is Professor of Maharishi Vedic Science, Chair of the Department of Maharishi Vedic Science, Dean of the Graduate School, and Director of the Center for Brain, Consciousness, & Cognition. He earned an MS and PhD in Psychology from Maharishi International University and a BS in Design and Environmental Analysis from Cornell University.

Meredith Hart, MSc, Lead Instructor

Meredith found her way to MIU after many years of study and practice in yoga, ayurveda, somatics, and bodywork. She holds an undergraduate degree in Transpersonal Psychology with a Yoga Therapy emphasis and is a graduate of the MAVIM program at MIU. Meredith was previously an undergraduate lead instructor in the primary courses in Maharishi AyurVeda and now teaches solely in the yoga specialization program at MIU. She is a graduate of five yoga teacher trainings including the MYA instructor training. She is a credentialed advanced yoga teacher and teacher trainer with Yoga Alliance (ERYT500) and a credentialed yoga therapist with International Association of Yoga Therapy (CIAYT).

More about Meredith

With over two decades of practical experience, Meredith maintains a full-time practice in the healing arts which includes Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda, and Yogic Counseling in the Bay Area, California where she regularly collaborates with allied health professionals. She plans to pursue her PhD at MIU in the Vedic Sciences. She is very happy to be a part of this wonderful program and school that facilitates Self-healing and transformation through knowledge and practice at MIU – a place and community that she also considers home.

Karen Aoki Kouider, PhD, Adjunct Instructor

Karen completed a bachelor’s degree in flute performance at the Eastman School of Music. Her focus then pivoted towards Vedic knowledge and technologies of Consciousness which led to completing a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in Maharishi Vedic Science at MIU.

For her Ph.D., she investigated the therapeutic potential of reciting from 36 branches of Vedic literature in Sanskrit along with regular practice of Transcendental Meditation and the TM-Sidhi program. Karen is currently Assistant Professor of Maharishi Vedic Science at MIU where she teaches Maharishi’s holistic approach to Yoga and directs the Student TM center. She is a certified instructor of Maharishi Yoga Asana and the Transcendental Meditation technique. Karen completed her 200-hour Yoga teacher training through Soul Work Academy in July of 2020.

Śankari Menon Wegman, PhD, Adjunct Instructor

Śankari was born in India and grew up on the east coast, where her initial love of physiology led her to pursue her first bachelors in Biology, specializing in premedical studies. Her interest in the philosophy behind physiology led her to pursue a second degree in Philosophy and Bioethics, and when she learned Transcendental Meditation and joined the program in Maharishi Ayurveda at MIU, the union of philosophy and physiology felt truly unified both at a deeply personal level and in her clinical practice. Inspired by the vision of Maharishi Ayurveda in helping individuals live in optimal health, happiness, and in harmony with their environment, she went on to complete her Master’s in Physiology and her Ph.D. in Physiology and Health at MIU. Her doctoral dissertation evaluated an undergraduate medical education curriculum that incorporated Maharishi Ayurveda and its impact on the practice of integrative medicine and the personal well-being of those future physicians.

More about Śankari

Śankari has been an ayurvedic practitioner for over 20 years and has years of practice at the Raj Health Spa and the Integrative Wellness Clinic, under the mentorship and guidance of Vaidya Manohar Palakurthi. She is a certified teacher of the Transcendental Meditation technique, Maharishi Yoga Asanas, and as a Wellness Coach. She is currently in the process of completing her 200 RYT and is the Assistant Director for the Fellowship MS in Integrative Medicine and Ayurveda program for healthcare professionals that will be launching in the fall of 2023. She also sits on the Board of Trustees for the Maharishi School, where she heads the Development of Consciousness committee. She enjoys cooking and baking with her family, learning how to knit, and creating multi-media art projects with her children.

Cost & Aid for US online undergraduates, 2023-24

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)

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.

Will this degree qualify me for Yoga Alliance certification?

We are currently drafting our application to be a registered school through Yoga Alliance. Once you have graduated and once MIU is a registered school with Yoga Alliance, you’ll then be able to register as an RYT200.

Yoga Alliance is an independent organization that has standardized yoga teacher training. It is not required to be registered with Yoga Alliance in order to teach yoga, but there are benefits.

When and how do I participate in in-person training?

Students will participate in two 2-week in-residency teacher training immersions. The first, PH422, is held in the Fall and the second, PH423 is held in the Spring. These immersions are key components to your program as you’ll have guided instruction from an experienced yoga teacher (ERYT-500).

What is Maharishi’s Approach to Yoga?

In this approach, Yoga is understood as the complete settling of the activity of the mind, also known as union. As such, “yoga practice” should start with union, even momentarily, then lead to more and more eternal union.

The sequence and pace of asanas (yoga postures) in this approach is structured to foster the experience of the state of Yoga, both during the asana and in between each asana: In the cessation of effort, unboundedness dawns. These asanas are performed easily, comfortably and naturally, without strain or force. As a result, the mind settles and can begin to expand, while the body is balanced, refreshed, and naturally increases its coordination with the mind.

What is Ayurveda and how does it connect to Yoga?

Traditionally, Ayurveda and yoga were not separate as they both came out of traditional teachings from India. Today, they are known as Sister Sciences.

Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine of India and the East that focuses on supporting wellness and health rather than the treatment of disease. Ayurveda specializes in diet, herbs, mind-body types, and purification therapies.

Ayurvedic knowledge can be incorporated into both yoga classes, workshops, and multi-modality programs, as well as lifestyle suggestions.

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 Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness as a specialization in the following degree programs:

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.

Further, students in this program will study on the MIU campus during the clinical intensive training courses. This gives students the opportunity to practice conducting Ayurveda consultations under the guidance of faculty, as well as meet their fellow students in person.

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.