The core curriculum consists of 40 credits selected by the faculty from the following courses:
FOR 591 Advanced Topics in Maharishi Vedic Science
In this graduate-level course students examine the foundational principles of Maharishi Vedic Science. Careful consideration is given to the logic and structure of Maharishi’s lectures and writings. (2 credits)
MVS 601 Special Topics: Critical Thinking
This course sharpens the students’ skill to judge the validity of a thesis or judgment on the basis of logic, reliable evidence, ethical values, and openness to alternative assumptions and points of view. (2 credits)
MVS 620 Refining Your Writing Skills
This course reviews scholarly writing skills as a preparation for PhD course work in Maharishi Vedic Science. The goal of the course is to develop your motivation to engage in and take responsibility for continual improvement of your writing so you become a resourceful writer and powerful exponent of Maharishi Vedic Science. Writing for your own learning as well as to inspire and motivate others is discussed. The course includes evaluating resources, surveying and annotating primary and secondary source texts, writing critically, and referencing, as well as exploring the fundamentals of structure, use of style guides, and how to avoid plagiarism. (6 credits)
MVS 604 Special Topics: Bhagavad Gita
In this course, students study later chapters (after Chapter 6) in Maharishi’s commentary on the Bhagavad-Gita. These chapters explore the fundamentals of creation, the nature of Unity underlying diversity and the link connecting Unity with the diversity of creation. (4 credits)
MVS 605 Seminar on Philosophy of Science and Scientific Research on Maharishi’s Technologies of Consciousness
In this seminar, students study and evaluate the main contemporary approaches to the principles, methods, and applications of modern science and discuss the contributions of Maharishi Vedic Science to solving outstanding issues in philosophy of science. They then apply the integrated standards of Maharishi Vedic Science and modern science to the main avenues of research on the technologies of Maharishi Vedic Science, including those in which they will be doing their dissertation research projects. They also practice communicating these outcomes in a manner that would be comprehensible to scholars at any university in the world. (4 credits)
MVS 611 Research Methods
Students survey basic approaches to research such as quantitative, qualitative, historical, clinical, and philosophical methods of analysis. Topics include: logical and practical considerations in experimental design and measurement, writing literature reviews, and 2016/17 184 selecting research topics, as well as research ethics and such non-experimental methods as computer simulation, textual analysis, and survey research. (4 credits)
MVS 630 Readings in Vedic Literature
In this course, students read texts of Vedic literature for the sound value, enjoying the benefits in consciousness and in physiology. Texts include the Bhagavad-Gita, Ramayana, and selected Upanishads. (variable credits — may be repeated for credit, subject to satisfactory progress in the previous course and a clear plan for the progression of learning in the subsequent course) (2 credits)
MVS 672 Mastering Veda and Vedic Literature in the Human Physiology
In this course, students explore through subjective and objective means of gaining knowledge Raja Raam’s connections between the structuring dynamics of the Vedic literature and the human physiology. This course gives students the reality that they are cosmic and leads to an increasingly refined understanding and experience of the ultimate nature of reality. (4 credits)
MVS 671 Maharishi’s Insight into the Veda and Vedic Literature
In this course, students study Maharishi’s insights into the forty branches of the Veda and Vedic literature. Students view videotapes that Maharishi has made on the Vedic literature, including the Veda, Vedanga, Upanga, Upaveda, Brahmana, and Pratishakhya. Special emphasis is given to Vedanta. Students learn many of the Vedic Expressions that Maharishi has taught from the Vedic literature, and they read the Vedic literature in Sanskrit, creating profound brain coherence. (2 credits)
MVS 674 Peace-Creating Professionals
In this course, students learn how to create professional presentations and structure lectures that effectively demonstrate the applied value of Maharishi Vedic Science to solve individual, national and global problems. Students will create presentations that will include research on current issues in governmental administration; finance and industry; economic inequities; education; physical, mental and societal health; crime and rehabilitation; agriculture; city planning; science and technology; homeland security; ethnic and religious tensions; international relations and the need for permanent world peace. (4 credits)
MVS 691 Preparation for the Qualifying Examination
This course provides the time necessary to prepare for the qualifying examination, which demonstrates research competence. It may be in the form of a research proposal, or in 2016/17 187 another form at the discretion of the program faculty. Prerequisite: successful completion of the core curriculum (6 credits)
While expanding your knowledge of Maharishi Vedic Science and the nature of consciousness you will hone your understanding of scientific principles, methods, and applications. You will also integrate and utilize communication skills that allow you to share your research findings with fellow researchers and scholars.
One of the goals of researching Maharishi Vedic Science is to find holistic and scientifically validated methods for improving the experience of life; whether it’s at the individual, societal, or governmental level. In this program you will research topics such as current issues in governmental administration, finance and industry, economic inequities, education, and health; then develop proposed improvements and solutions.
Dr. William Sands is the Program Director for the Online MA in Consciousness & Human Potential, Dean of the College of Maharishi Vedic Science and Associate Professor of Maharishi Vedic Science and Sanskrit. He earned an MA and PhD from Maharishi International University, an MSCI from Maharishi European Research University, and a BSBA from Georgetown University. He is the author of two books, entitled Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and His Gift to the World, and Maharishi’s Yoga: The Royal Road to Enlightenment.
