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Overview of the MS in Maharishi AyurVeda and Integrative Medicine

Please review the following important points related to this program, and enter your information in the agreement form below.

Consciousness-BasedSM education was developed by the University’s founder, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, so that students not only gain professional skills and knowledge in different fields of life but also develop themselves from within to unfold their full potential. Self-exploration is at the heart of an MIU education. By directly experiencing your innermost nature through the Transcendental Meditation® technique, you can easily connect each discipline to your own life, and see the underlying unity of all knowledge. In every course at MIU, in addition to learning the knowledge of the subject, you will explore the connection of that knowledge with consciousness – your innermost Self.

Transcendental Meditation is a simple, natural, effortless procedure to develop students’ full creative potential from within and to improve the overall quality of life. Extensive published research has found that regular TM practice reduces stress, promotes integrated brain functioning, increases creativity and intelligence, and enhances learning ability and academic performance. For these reasons, all students are required to practice the TM technique each day for about 20 minutes in the morning and afternoon. Online students are required to learn Transcendental Meditation before their academic program begins.

You’ll also learn two simple and effective methods for creating and maintaining a balanced state of health and gaining maximum benefit from your TM practice:

  • simple yoga postures (called Maharishi Yoga Asanas) for flexibility and mind-body integration
  • a simple breathing exercise (called pranayama) for enlivening your mind and body

Accepted US applicants will receive no-cost TM instruction by using an MIU grant at their local TM Center. International applicants should consult with their nearest TM center.

To find a teacher of the Transcendental Meditation technique, visit www.tm.org

Initial Participation in a Course
Online students will be automatically withdrawn from a for-credit course if the student does not participate in at least one academic assignment of the course (e.g quiz, forum posting, essay, or other activity specified in the course syllabus) by Day 7 (11:59 pm Central time) after the course-begin date that is published in the Schedule of Courses or the MIU Academic Calendar.

The 14-Day Rule
During the length of the course, a student must participate according to the course syllabus on a weekly basis. Students who do not participate (for example, by submitting a quiz, test, forum posting, written assignment, or substantive question to the instructor) within any 14-day period will be automatically withdrawn from the course.

Students who are not able to complete the final work of a course, typically in the final week, due to illness or family emergency, or other compelling circumstances beyond their control, may petition the professor in writing to grant more time. If the petition for additional time is granted by the professor, the professor and student will form and sign a Late Work Contract, including the specific assignments that need to be completed and their due date(s).

Students may not hand in work after the last class session of a course unless they have made prior arrangements with the course instructor. All students are given a grade at the end of the course based on 1) completed work, 2) in-class performance, and 3) work not yet completed.

Categories of late work contracts

Standard Late Work Contract
The student and professor agree that the incomplete work is to be completed within 10 days of the end of the course. Most incomplete work should be made up during the weekend after the final day of a course.

Extended Late Work Contract
In the event the student was sick or otherwise incapacitated for this final weekend, the student has up to 42 days from the end of the course to submit work—except when the course ends at the end of the semester, in which case the final grade must be submitted 2 weeks after the last day of the course. The faculty may also request documentation of the illness or other emergency.

Eligibility
This petition should not be used generally in the case of students who do not meet the Course Participation Policy for Distance Education Students. These students should be given an NW, W, or WH depending on the circumstances. Nor should it be used when the student would like to re-do work for a better grade. The petition is only to cover work that cannot be submitted on time due to illness, family emergency, or other compelling circumstances.

To maintain satisfactory academic progress and eligibility to attend the University, students must meet three standards listed below. These standards are evaluated at the end of each semester. If a student is not meeting any one of these standards, the student is placed on “Academic Warning” for that standard for the following semester. A student not meeting that standard by the end of the “Academic Warning” semester will no longer be eligible to attend the University. Students on academic warning are not eligible for Rotating University courses, directed studies, or internships (except when required by the department for graduation).

Standard #1
Grade Point Average Undergraduates must maintain a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA), and graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Repeated courses use only the higher grade. Transfer credits earned at other institutions are excluded from the GPA calculation. Students who fall below the designated level are put on warning for the next semester.

Standard #2
Completion Rate Undergraduate students must complete two-thirds of instructional credits attempted, within the current degree (excluding RC and REC courses, but including DC courses). Unattended courses are removed from the student’s record and are therefore excluded. Grades of “W,” “WH,” “NC,” “NW,” “NP,” and “AU” are counted as credits attempted but not completed. Transfer credits are not counted as attempted or completed.

Standard #3
Maximum Time Frame Undergraduate students may attempt a maximum of 150% of the number of credits normally required to complete their program. For example, an undergraduate degree requires 128 credits so undergraduates may attempt a maximum of 192 credits to complete their program, including transfer credits, double majors, and switching majors. A student who has 174 credits is placed on “Warning” status the following semester.

To maintain satisfactory academic progress and eligibility to attend the university, graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Students who fall below a 3.0 GPA are put on warning. Additionally, failure to maintain a 3.0 GPA can result in dismissal from the University.

A computer with a reliable internet connection is required to access MIU courses and complete the course activities and assignments. Smartphones and tablets do not possess the functionality necessary to complete all the assignments.
The Department of Student Life fosters student success by creating and promoting inclusive, educationally purposeful services within and beyond the classroom. Visit the Student Life department webpages for a complete list of their services.

At MIU Student success is our top priority! Below are some vital resources that can help to ensure your learning experience with us is a positive and fulfilling one.

  • Accessibility
    Contact: Lydia Hickman, Accessibility Officer
    Email: accessibility@miu.edu
  • Transcendental Meditation Support
    Contact: Julie Beaufort, Director of Development of Consciousness for Online Students
    Email: tmsupport@miu.edu
  • Library
    Tel: (641) 472-1154
    Email: library@miu.edu
  • Writing Center
    Online students can receive help at any stage of the writing process.
    Email: writingcenter@miu.edu
  • Tutoring
    Contact: Rachael Kunzler, Director of Student Support Services
    Email: rkunzler@miu.edu
    Tel: (641) 732-2667

Students needing to withdraw from an online credit course must inform their instructor and the MIU Online department of their intent to withdraw. Refunds for online degree-seeking withdrawals are on a per semester % attended basis. See Reductions in Charges and Financial Aid.

Online students who have been withdrawn must reapply and be accepted by the Office of Admissions at miu.edu/application before continuing their online studies.

As part of this program, students are required to complete 2 weeks of clinical training per year — for a total of 6 weeks throughout the program.

Due to the unavailability of student visas for low residency programs, international students can complete this requirement by giving consultations under the supervision of a Maharishi AyurVeda trained physician. 10 consultations are equivalent to one week on campus. Countries with Maharishi AyurVeda trained physicians include England, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, and India.

Students are responsible for covering travel, accommodation costs, and any other clinical-related expenses.

    This course presents the foundations of natural, prevention-oriented health care, including AyurVedic Anatomy, Physiology, Digestion and Metabolism, AyurVedic herbology, pulse diagnosis, and clinical approach to basic common disorders.
    This course further develops the understanding of this consciousness-based approach to health care, including research on Transcendental Meditation, the Srota systems (channels) of AyurVeda, herbology, Yoga Asanas; clinical workshops on digestive disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory disorders, women’s health, and heart health. The course also gives an introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Homeopathy.

    This course begins the in-depth study of the AyurVedic approach to the eight organ systems. The focus is on the main disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including various muscular pain and myopathies, which are among the most common complaints in modern society. This course also presents an introduction to Other Systems of Natural Medicine: Principles of Osteopathy and Chiropractic Medicine.

    This course goes deep into the Total Heart Health program, a comprehensive program to treat and prevent heart disease and its risk factors, including, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and stress. It also covers the main renal disorders, including renal failure, cystitis, kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
    The health of the digestive system is critical for immunity, strength and healthy tissues. This course goes deeply into the principle disorders of the digestive system, including indigestion, hyperacidity, GERD, irritable bowel, constipation and others.
    The course on the pulmonary system investigates the main disorders of the respiratory system including, common cold, influenza, asthma, COPD and others. The course describes the causative factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment from Maharishi AyurVeda as well as an introduction to other systems and approaches to respiratory imbalances. This course also introduces imbalances in ears, nose and throat.
    Joint disorders are very common, often debilitating disorders in modern society. This course addresses the different types of arthritis and joint disorders, investigates their causes, symptoms and means of alleviation from Maharishi AyurVeda and other natural systems.
    Including: Ob/Gyn, Men’s Health, and Pediatrics. The endocrine system, along with the nervous system, is the master controller of all physiological functions. This course presents the various hormonal and reproductive disorders, including thyroid, adrenal and reproductive problems.
    In Maharishi AyurVeda, the health of the blood and plasma is the basis for the nourishment and health of all the other systems. This course presents the common disorders of the cellular components of the blood and immune system; their causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
    The nervous system, along with the endocrine system is responsible for controlling every physiological function, as well as our experience in consciousness. The disorders of this critical system are investigated and their treatments presented, along with case studies.
    This 4-week course will explore the foundations of Maharishi’s Vedic Science with talks by Maharishi. These talks give a strong foundation in Maharishi’s Science and Technology of Consciousness, the bases of Maharishi AyurVeda.  The first half of the course describe Veda as the vibrations of natural law, structured in the Unified Field of all the laws of nature, and how they are cognized by the Vedic Rishis, in their own unbounded self-referral consciousness. The last half present key talks by Maharishi about his Maharishi AyurVeda, and how it is rooted in Veda. Without consciousness, there is no Veda in Ayurveda.
    This 4-week course will go deeper into the structure of the 40 aspects of Veda and Vedic Literature and their correlation to human physiology.  This is the foundation of Maharishi Sound Therapy and present the profound integration between modern science and ancient Vedic Science.
    This course provides the basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology as needed by students in the MS program in Maharishi AyurVeda and Integrative Medicine. It explores the terminology, structure, function, and interdependence of the human body systems and introduces relevant medical terminology. This course provides an understanding of how the body’s structure and function maintain balance and a healthy state. Topics include homeostasis, feedback control, skeletal-muscular system, blood, cardiovascular system, immune system, and digestive system, including gut health. Additional topics include divisions of the nervous system and how they control other organ systems of the body and maintain homeostasis as well as the respiratory system, endocrine system, reproductive system, nervous system, and excretory system. Relevant current scientific research results are discussed as appropriate. Students get an opportunity to explore how human physiology is a replica of natural law as expressed in ancient Vedic Literature discovered by Tony Nader, MD, PhD. Prerequisite: graduate standing


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

  • Most courses are 3 months
  • View course lectures (approximately 2 hours per week)
  • Complete online learning activities and exams (approximately 4 hours per week)
  • Two weekly, 90-minute live webinars (3 hours)
  • Multiple case studies for each course will be evaluated with a standard rubric

Students should expect to spend 8-9 hours per week dedicated to the program. Some students may spend more time on the program, depending on their personal learning style.

The program will apply the principles of Consciousness-Based Education, including the enlivenment of the inner intelligence of the body, through the daily practice of Transcendental Meditation. This is the fundamental approach of Maharishi AyurVeda and a central feature of our programs.


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