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Join America’s only Master’s in Aromatherapy & Ayurveda Wellness

Watch the video: Become an Aromatherapist and Ayurveda Wellness Consultant

Seal of the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy

  • Gain practical, hands-on experience and knowledge of the safe and scientific use of essential oils
  • Learn Maharishi AyurVedaSM including pulse diagnosis to develop a personalized treatment plan for each client
  • Receive federal financial aid covering full tuition & get up to $10,000/year in aid for your personal living costs (available to most US students)
  • Study online part-time with expert professors, and meet monthly with renowned aromatherapists from all over the globe
  • Option to take advanced professional training in the famous International Aromatherapy Center “Orto de Prouvènço” in France
  • Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
  • Recognized by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA)

Elevate your approach to health & wellness

As a student in this program, you’ll gain a robust knowledge of the therapeutic properties and practical applications of essential oils.

You’ll also learn Maharishi Ayurveda to enhance health and wellness and bring balance to both mind and body.

This holistic program covers everything from studying the normal structure and function of the body (anatomy & physiology), the abnormalities in common diseases (pathophysiology), and the use of essential oils and Ayurveda (herbology, nutrition, and lifestyle changes) to bring balance to the physiology and alleviate the symptoms of disease and imbalance.

You will also learn about and practice essential oil blending, making lotions and creams, and other preparations using essential oils.


Set yourself apart from other aromatherapists

While essential oils have known properties and effects, people have endlessly complex and unique physiologies. This program includes instruction in ayurvedic pulse diagnosis, which will allow you to develop highly personalized treatment plans based on each client’s physiology.

You’ll learn to physically feel and identify imbalances within a client’s physiology. Pulse diagnosis also enables you to get direct, objective, and swift feedback about an individual’s responses to each treatment.


Integrate Maharishi Ayurveda with modern health science

Our tools to develop personalized essential oil recommendations come from the Maharishi AyurVeda health system, a holistic and scientifically-based system of alternative medicine. Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine in India, and Maharishi AyurVeda is a modern scientific revival of this system. You’ll learn to identify the subtlest aspects of mind and body as a basis for essential oil recommendations.


Learn from home

aromatherapy webinar, 52 minutesOur three-year, part-time online MS has a flexible schedule and can be completed with about 8 to 9 hours of coursework per week. You’ll learn at a relaxed pace without the strain typical of graduate studies.

Small class sizes allow ample time for one-on-one attention from faculty who are certified by NAHA, and you’ll meet monthly with renowned aromatherapists from all over the globe during interactive webinars.

aromatherapy webinar, 52 minutes


Become a wellness professional

You’ll graduate with the knowledge to develop an individualized treatment plan for a wide range of client needs. Work as an aromatherapist, or use aromatherapy to complement your practice as a health professional.


Receive hands-on professional training

For two weeks each year, you’ll participate in professional training that allows you to practice what you’ve learned with real clients.

  • Year 1: Two weeks of professional training is online for all students
  • Year 2: Option to travel to High Provence, France, for 8 days of in-residence training in the famous international aromatherapy center Orto de Prouvènço (instead of two weeks of online training)
  • Year 3: US students have the option to work in person with clients at the Integrative Wellness Center on the MIU campus (instead of two weeks of online training)


Join a community committed to inner growth

During your studies, you’ll meet an online community of students from around the world who are deeply committed to wellness, positive values, and personal inner growth. You’ll participate in online discussions, exchanging experiences and points of view while developing new friendships.

All students at MIU are instructed in the Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) technique. Research has shown that the TM technique enhances creativity and learning ability, and reduces stress and anxiety.

In addition, our hands-on faculty will provide you with the attention you need to absorb deep concepts and succeed in your studies.


Get started by contacting Noreen

Noreen Dillman, admissions counselorNoreen Dillman is this program’s admissions counselor for US students. Noreen 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.

Contact Noreen >

Contact Noreen >


Featured faculty

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Dr. Keith Wallace
Chair of the Physiology & Health Department

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Keith Wallace was the founding President of Maharishi International University and established the first Maharishi AyurVeda clinics in the United States. He has traveled worldwide giving lectures at major universities and institutes on Maharishi’s consciousness-based health programs. Dr. Wallace is the author of a number of books, including Gut Crisis, The Rest and Repair Diet, The Coherence Code, and Total Brain Coaching.

Dr. Wallace received his PhD in Physiology from the University of California at Los Angeles and did his postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School.

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Dr. Malte Hozzel
Executive Director of the MS in Aromatherapy & Ayurveda

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Malte Hozzel's interest in the essential nature of plants took him on many journeys through numerous countries around the world, meeting with traditional healers and the greatest practitioners of Ayurveda. As a result, he developed Oshadhi, one of the world’s purest and largest collection of organic essential oils. In addition, he founded AYUS GmbH to import essential oils and other medicinal plants based products from over 50 countries and distribute them around the world.

Malte Hozzel speaks about holistic aromatherapy at international conferences and seminars. He has published numerous articles, blog posts, and books on the transformation of modern society and on holistic aromatherapy.

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Diane Malaison
Senior Graduate Instructor of Physiology & Health

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Diane Malaison is Director of the MS in Aromatherapy & Ayurveda. She is a graduate of the Institut d’Aromathérapie Scientifique in Québec, Canada and has learned from Dr. Daniel Pénoël (Osmobiose, France), Dominique Baudoux (Pranarom, Belgium), Lucie Mainguy (Aliksir, Canada), and Maurice Nicole (Hunzaroma, Canada).

She has taught Maharishi AyurVeda and aromatherapy in the United States, Canada, India, and the Netherlands and will teach aromatherapy courses and provide clinical training.

Diane earned her B.Sc. Biochemistry and M.Sc. Microbiology-Immunology at Laval University, Québec, Canada, and is currently working on her PhD. She is a NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist®.

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Dr. Charlotte Bech
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Physiology & Health

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Charlotte Bech graduated as a medical doctor from the University of Copenhagen. She has worked in gastrointestinal surgery, hematology, and internal medicine/obstetrics.

Dr. Bech has taught at a medical school in Copenhagen and is currently running a private clinic there, supplementing modern medicine with Maharishi AyurVeda. She has given more than 30.000 Ayurvedic consultations. Charlotte writes as a columnist in several national magazines and is the author of several books on topics of Ayurveda.

She is Vice-President for the European Ayurveda Medical Association (EURAMA) and has been awarded the PANACEA international excellence award from Vanaushadhi Vidyapeetha, International Conference on Ayurveda and Holistic Healing, from the Government of Maharastra, India. She is a NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist®.

Dr. Bech will teach Fundamentals of Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda.

Christoph Streicher

Dr. Christoph Streicher
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Physiology & Health

Christoph Streicher

Christoph was mentored in aromatherapy by France's world-renowned Jacques Paltz, a foremost authority on using essential oils both internally and externally for healing, and in skincare. He also studied with a number of well-known Indian Ayurvedic physicians, learning the time-tested therapeutic use of essential oils for increasing vitality and balance.

His special field of study is the self-regenerating influence of plant intelligence on human consciousness, specifically how pure essential oils can enhance higher states of consciousness. From 1996–2000, he served on the executive committee of The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting aromatherapy education and the benefits of true aromatherapy. He is a professional member of NAHA.

Andrew Stenberg

Andrew Stenberg
Adjunct Instructor of Physiology & Health

Andrew Stenberg

Andrew Stenberg has more than 20 years’ experience performing 11,000 Ayurveda consultations. He also has teaching experience as a senior lecturer at Maharishi Vedic College in Melbourne, Australia. In his private and corporate practice, Andrew often uses essential aroma oils therapeutically, along with the many different approaches found within Maharishi AyurVeda. He also has several years of experience teaching self-pulse reading, and his courses are known for their depth and informal approach. Andrew will train students in Maharishi AyurVeda Pulse Diagnosis.


All Department Faculty

Featured courses

PH 587 Fundamentals of Aromatherapy and Ayurveda

Fundamentals of Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda

PH 587 Fundamentals of Aromatherapy and Ayurveda

Students will learn the foundations of prevention-oriented health care in classical Ayurveda, including Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology, basic herbology, self-pulse reading, and recommendations for diet, exercise and lifestyle. Students will learn how to apply the concepts of Maharishi AyurVeda to aromatherapy, learn to classify and use essential oils for holistic health care, disease prevention, and treatment.

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Practical Applications of Aromatherapy and Ayurveda

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During this course, students will apply the knowledge of the effects of essential oils on different physiological systems in light of the Maharishi AyurVeda in the case-based setting and exercises. In addition, advanced knowledge of aromatherapy will be presented and students will deepen their understanding of how to select appropriate essential oils for well-being.

PH551 Human Physiology and Pathophysiology

Human Physiology and Pathophysiology 1

PH551 Human Physiology and Pathophysiology

Students will learn about the compensatory changes that occur as a result of the disease process – the pathophysiological processes and the impact they can have on a person. Students will learn the medical terminology, and functions, and interdependence of the organ systems and abnormalities in the physiological mechanism involved in some common diseases from the perspective of modern medicine.

PH518 Organic Chemistry Related to Aromatherapy

Organic Chemistry Related to Aromatherapy

PH518 Organic Chemistry Related to Aromatherapy

Students will learn aspects of chemistry and biochemistry required for an understanding of the basis of aromatherapy, as well as the therapeutic effects of aromatic molecules present in essential oils. Topics include the chemical and therapeutic properties of aromatic molecules; detailed descriptions of the structure of active chemicals in the essential oils, detailed monographs of 60 essential oils, therapeutic formulas for common diseases.

Courses may include:

This course presents the fundamentals of Maharishi AyurVeda. Students learn the
foundations of prevention-oriented health care in classical Ayurveda, including
Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology and basic diet, exercise, and lifestyle
recommendations. Students also learn the history of Maharishi AyurVeda and gain insight
into scientific studies on AyurVeda. Students also learn the first steps of pulse reading a
two-week specialized professional training block during this block. Prerequisites:
Acceptance in the MS program.
This course will provide foundational training in Maharishi Ayurveda Self-Pulse Reading technique. The self-pulse reading technique is an ancient and natural way of determining the level of balance and imbalance in the mind and body system. This professional training will familiarize students with patterns of balance and imbalance in the pulse reflecting on the condition of their own physiology. (1 credit)
This course will provide more advanced training in Maharishi Ayurveda Self-Pulse Reading technique. Students learn to detect additional patterns of imbalance in the mind body system with Maharishi Ayurveda Self-Pulse Reading technique. Based on this assessment, students be able to provide a more detailed diagnosis when recommending the use of essential oils. Students learn how to use essential oils with these specific pulse patterns. (1 credit) Prerequisite: PH 5001A
This course will provide students with further advanced training in Maharishi Ayurveda Self-Pulse Reading technique. Students deepen their knowledge and refine their skill of pulse reading and detecting imbalances. By practicing pulse assessment on different individuals, students acquire greater skills in detecting imbalances and in recommending essential oils. (1 credit) Prerequisite: PH 5001B
This course prepares students to develop their mastery of this traditional science. Students also begin learning about the practical and fundamental approaches to balance the inner intelligence of the Mind-Body within an Ayurvedic context. Topics include Doshas, Dhatus, Agnis, Ojas, Srotas, General principles of restoring balance. The study of these concepts will also be anchored in the continued practice and development of the Pulse Reading technique. (3 credits) Prerequisites: PH 5000, PH5001A
This course presents the history and basic principles of aromatherapy, quality criteria, and quality controls, ethics, research studies, and the application of aromatherapy in Maharishi AyurVeda. In this course, students learn how to select appropriate essential oils for well-being in accordance with the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda, holistic aromatherapy, scientific aromatherapy, and quantum aromatherapy. Topics include properties of essential oils, their effect on the three doshas, their therapeutic effects on the physiology, and detailed monographs of 50 essential oils. (3 credits) Prerequisites: PH 5000, PH 5001A
This course presents hydrosol therapy, aromatherapy for mind and emotions. In this course, students learn how to select appropriate essential oils and hydrosols for wellbeing in accordance with the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda, holistic aromatherapy, scientific aromatherapy. Topics include properties of essential oils and hydrosols, their effect on the three doshas, their therapeutic effects on the physiology, and indications for common ailments using a first aid kit of 10 essential oils, detailed monographs of 50 essential oils, and therapeutic formulas for common diseases. (1 credit) Prerequisites: PH 5000, PH 5001A, PH5003A
This course is designed to impart the fundamental concepts and principles of chemistry
for essential oils, such as atomic structure, nomenclature, chemical bonds, molecular
weight, valence, the basis of organic chemistry, the structure of aromatic molecules,
radicals, isomers, the basis of biochemistry, chirality, and chemotypes. Students learn
aspects of chemistry and biochemistry required for an understanding of the basis of aromatherapy, as well as the therapeutic effects of aromatic molecules present in essential
oils. Topics include the chemical and therapeutic properties of aromatic molecules,
detailed descriptions of the structure of active chemicals in essential oils. Prerequisites:
PH 5003A and B.
This course continues the study and exploration of the principles and techniques Maharishi AyurVeda offers, preparing students for the practical and clinical application of Ayurveda and Aromatherapy. Students experiment with and explore daily applications of a wide range of Ayurvedic daily, lifestyle, herbal and Consciousness-based therapies. Topics include Ayurvedic anatomy & physiology, consciousness as fundamental to health, utilizing herbs, diet, and lifestyle remedies to establish health, and continued practice through case study assignments. (3 credits) Prerequisite: PH 5002
Investigating the intricacies of aromatherapeutic blending, this course explores the concept of synergy and discusses therapeutic actions of essential oils and absolutes. Students learn applied aromatherapy: dilution, dosage, and duration for specific therapeutic outcomes, including blending to balance emotions and energy management (energetic and emotional blending). It encourages practitioners to reflect on their approaches to treatment and guides on building effective and safe blends. Students also learn to prepare therapeutic blends. (3 credits) Prerequisite: PH 5004
This course explores the extraordinary ability of the human body to respond to disease in
many physiological and psychological ways. Students learn about the compensatory
changes that occur because of the disease process — the pathophysiological processes
and the impact they can have on a person. This is the first course in a two-course series.
Students learn the medical terminology, anatomy physiology and pathophysiology
including functions, and interdependence of the organ systems and abnormalities in the
physiological mechanism involved in some common diseases of cardiovascular,
respiratory, immune and digestive systems from the perspective of modern medicine.
Students also learn about the common lab investigation and tests used to diagnose
diseases. Prerequisites: PH 5004, and a Human Anatomy and Physiology course at the
bachelor’s level or special permission from the instructor. Note: This course can be
waived if students have passed an equivalent 4 credit course with a B+ minimum grade
at the master’s level.
This is the part of a two-course series, further exploring the many ways the human body responds to disease. Students learn about the compensatory changes that occur from the disease process — the pathophysiological processes and the effect they can have on a person. Students learn the normal functions of the human body and major pathophysiological mechanisms underlying common diseases of the nervous, endocrine systems, and musculoskeletal from the perspective of modern medicine. (4 credits) Prerequisite: PH 5007
In this course, students begin their training in conducting Ayurvedic consultations. The
basics of the Ayurvedic approach to assessing, interviewing, and creating Ayurvedic
programs for clients are taught alongside case study exercises. Students take what they
have learned from their previous training in Ayurveda and Aromatherapy and practice applying it to real-life situations. Students also practice conducting consultations on
fellow students or family and friends. They learn how to apply the concepts of Maharishi
AyurVeda in a clinical setting, where they give consultations with recommendations,
including lifestyle and routine for holistic health care and prevention. Students will also
learn about ethics, legal issues and safety of essential oils and learn about
entrepreneurship. Topics include the consciousness of the practitioner, the Ayurvedic
approach to assessment, Ayurvedic pathology (Shad Kriya Kal), consultation etiquette,
clinical application of Ayurveda, and aromatherapy, legal, ethical, and privacy issues;
safety issues for babies, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and sensitive people on
dermal, respiratory, and oral intakes. Basics of business development and
entrepreneurship. Prerequisites: PH 5005.
This course continues to expand upon the clinical training and application of an Ayurveda practice — giving students more opportunity to master the fundamentals of Ayurveda in the context of a holistic approach to health. Students look deeply at the interconnection between the comprehensive approach of Ayurveda and its clinical value, preparing students to confidently employ a multi-disciplinary approach to well-being for themselves, their friends and family, as well as potential clients. This course also provides more detailed training in the art and set up to conduct a one-on-one consultation and prepares students to participate in our on-campus clinical training modules. Topics include Ayurvedic pathology, Shad Kriya Kal, Consultation etiquette, Clinical application of Ayurveda. (3 credits) Prerequisite PH 5011
This course presents the integrated discipline of Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda.
Students practice the application of Maharishi AyurVeda concepts to aromatherapy in a
clinical setting, where they classify and select appropriate essential oils for client
education and consultations while recommending Ayurvedic modalities for holistic
health care and prevention in an integrated manner. Also, advanced knowledge of
aromatherapy will be presented. During this course, students apply the knowledge of the
essential oils to the eight different physiological organ systems in a case-based setting
and exercises. Prerequisites: PH 5006, PH 5008 or PH 5009, and PH 5010.
This course will allow students to build confidence while applying the knowledge gained in all previous courses in aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda. During this third 2- supervised aromatherapy consultations with clients in the clinic at MIU. (2 credits) Prerequisite: All courses in the MS in Aromatherapy & Ayurveda offered up to this point in the program.
By the end of this program, students are required to complete their major capstone
project, consisting of a reflection paper or oral presentation on Maharishi Ayurveda or
Aromatherapy. Students are also asked to create a portfolio of their best-case studies
completed during this program. Students are invited to use course notes, literature, case
studies, research studies. Prerequisites: PH 5013.

One of the following:

This course will allow students to build confidence and gain practical experience in using essential oils while applying the knowledge gained in all previous courses in Maharishi Ayurveda & Aromatherapy. Students learn about medicinal plants and essential oils and learn about the distillation of essential oils. Lectures on Holistic Aromatherapy with key speakers will be delivered. (1 credit) Prerequisite: All courses in the MS in Aromatherapy & Ayurveda program offered up to this point in the program. (1 credit)
This course will allow students to build confidence and practical experience about essential oils while applying the knowledge gained in all previous courses in Maharishi Ayurveda and Aromatherapy. During this 8-day professional practicum (offered during Semester 4), students discover High Provence, France, in the famous International Aromatherapy Center “Orto de Prouvènço” for its amazing variety of medicinal plants and essential oils. Students learn about the distillation of essential oils and get the opportunity to make their own synergies of essential oils and perfumes. (1 credit) Prerequisites: PH 5006


To graduate, students must also satisfy the general requirements for a master’s degree.


Current class schedule for the Online MS in Aromatherapy & Ayurveda

Cost & Aid, 2023-24

US Online MS in Aromatherapy & Ayurveda

The program duration is three years. The tuition listed here is for one year (two semesters).

One Academic Year Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees$8,310
Low interest federal loans-$8,310
Your payment$0
Optional: additional low-interest federal loans?-$10,000

Additional Financial Aid Information

$10,000 per year in optional federal student loans are available toward living expenses.
Planned to take place at our Fairfield, IA, campus during the last semester. Students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs.

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 Online MS in Aromatherapy & Ayurveda

The program duration is three years. The tuition listed here is for one semester in 2023-2024.

Semester Cost
Tuition and fees$4,155
Your payment$4,155

This tuition rate is for 6-11 credits per semester for two semesters. Stand-alone individual courses are $500 per credit.


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

Entrance requirements

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

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.

Before your first class

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
  • 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

FAQ

US students may visit the MIU campus for two-week professional training in the third year of the program. Contact the Office of Admissions for details.
Students should have basic knowledge of human anatomy – either a university-level course or from training as a massage therapist, nurse or other health professions. An applicant who has none of these may take a short online course or review the organ systems from our recommended text Principles of Anatomy and Physiology by G Tortora, Wiley & Sons Press (13th Ed or later).
This is a three-year, online program. Courses are taught at about one-third the pace of a full-time program so that students can continue their careers while learning.
Courses are asynchronous and are delivered through the Canvas student online learning platform. Each course includes videotaped lectures, assignments, quizzes, discussion forums, webinars, and other online activities and learning tools. Assignments are submitted and feedback is provided by the instructor through Canvas.
In addition to our engaging online learning platform, this program features extensive collaboration between students and one-on-one interaction between our faculty and each student. The three intensive training courses also give students the opportunity to practice conducting consultations under the guidance of faculty.

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