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Accreditation:Higher Learning Commission

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

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

America’s only accredited bachelor’s specialization in Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness

Next entry for this program: Aug 2023Apply Now >

Watch the webinar about the Bachelor's with a Specialization in Yoga and Ayurveda Wellness, 10minutes long

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  • Graduate with a 200-hour yoga teacher training certification
  • Learn powerful ayurveda wellness techniques to enhance health and happiness
  • Hone your yoga teaching techniques, including refining cues, managing the classroom environment, hands-on assists, ethics, and lesson planning
  • Gain a strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics
  • Create a business plan for your own teaching or wellness practice
  • Federal grants and loans typically cover all or most costs for US students.

Watch the webinar about the Bachelor's with a Specialization in Yoga and Ayurveda Wellness, 10minutes long

Discover the complete meaning of yoga

Amauri Mejia in yoga poseYoga 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 learn to establish and maintain a state of yoga in your life through a variety of modalities, including the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique, Pranayama (breathing exercises), and Ayurveda.

Specialize in Maharishi Yoga Asanas

group of students learning yoga togetherMaharishi Yoga Asanas is a comprehensive approach to Yoga (meaning “union”) 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.

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.”

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 addition to the specialization in Maharishi Yoga Asanas, students will also be introduced to other styles and aspects of Yoga.

Next entry: Aug 2023Apply Now >

Established in Yoga, perform action

student in yoga poseAs a graduate of this program, you’ll be able to effectively teach the principles and practices of Maharishi Yoga Asanas in a yoga studio setting. 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, 160 hours of in-person training will allow you to receive and practice hands-on assists and modifications.

Ayurveda wellness

Ayurveda food samplesWe teach the Maharishi AyurVedaSM 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.

You can choose Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness as an online bachelor’s specialization in any online bachelor’s degree program. The most popular choices include:

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:

  • the requirements for your chosen degree program
  • 32 additional credits of Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness courses

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. International students may connect with their admissions counselor through our contact form.

Adriene Crimson, admissions counselor

Contact Adriene >

Contact Adriene >


Next entry: Aug 2023Apply Now >

Courses for this specialization may include:

BIO 265 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. (4 credits)

BIO 266 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. Prerequisite: BIO 265 (4 credits)

PH 260 Maharishi AyurVeda Course on 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)

PH 262 Maharishi AyurVeda Course on 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 the physiology. This course provides very practical knowledge of what to eat, when to eat, and how to eat to maintain or restore 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. Prerequisite: PH 260 (4 credits)

PH 263 Foundation of Maharishi Yoga Asanas

Yoga is one of the 40 aspects of the Veda and Vedic Literature representing 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 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)

PH 421 Maharishi Yoga Asana Teacher Training Practicum I

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. (4 credits) Prerequisite: BIO 265, and BIO 266

PH 422 Maharishi Yoga Asana Teacher Training Practicum II

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. (2 credits) Prerequisite: PH 421

PH 423 Maharishi Yoga Asana Teacher Training Practicum III

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. (2 credits) Prerequisite: PH 422

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. (variable credits)

Featured faculty

Melinda Janofsky
Melinda Janofsky

Melinda Janofsky is a 500 E-RYT-Yoga Teacher registered with Yoga Alliance. She received her 200-hour training in 2014, 300-hour training in 2017 with a focus on the use of Therapeutics in Yoga and is currently studying to be a Yoga Therapist with a graduation date of January 2024. Being a lifelong learner, she has studied with world-renowned teachers, including Dr. Ray Long, Doug Keller, Aadil Palkhivala, Christina Sells, Max Strom, Shiva Rae, Jason Crandell, Judith Lasater, and many more. Melinda's teaching over the last eight years spans from Vinyasa, Yin, Yoga for Sports Performance, Yoga for Autism and Special Needs, Barre Fusion, Yoga Nidra, and Wall Yoga, to Meditation, Restorative, Yoga Dance, Yoga Barre Fusion and Paddle Board Yoga and Fitness. She utilizes modifications, adjustments, breathing, and alignment to safely guide students through each session. Melinda is a graduate of MIU attaining her Master's Degree in Maharishi Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine and has been a part of the BAAW program for the last two years.

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 in the process of applying for the Yoga Alliance RYS (Registered Yoga School) credential and plan to be registered by Fall 2022.

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 meet the hands-on training requirement standards of Yoga Alliance. You’ll have 160 hours (2 two-week practicums), where you’ll have guided instruction from an experienced yoga teacher (ERYT-500). The first practicum, which is included in the degree specialization, is currently set to begin in February 2023 on-campus in Fairfield, IA.

What are Maharishi Yoga Asanas?

The specialty and effectiveness of Maharishi Yoga Asanas are a unique set of Yoga Asanas that are easy to practice and provide profound integration of mind and body. This set, developed by the founder of MIU, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, in cooperation with eminent experts in Yoga, is derived from the classical Yoga texts, and restores the purpose of Yoga asanas to enhance the integration of mind and body, enhance health, and support the experience of pure consciousness.

Maharishi Yoga Asanas use the power of attention to bring balance to create physiological balance, mind-body coordination, good health, and well-being. 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 works in increasing coordination with the mind.

What is Ayurveda and how does it connect to Yoga?

Ayurveda: The traditional system of medicine of India and the East. Based on diet, herbs, mind-body type, and purification therapies.

Ayurveda and yoga both come out of traditional teachings from India. Ayurvedic knowledge can be incorporated into both yoga classes 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 an online bachelor’s specialization in any online bachelor’s degree program. Popular degree program choices include:

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.

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