What is campus life like at MIU? >
Request Info > Apply > Visit Us >

US Overview of the Online Bachelor’s Specialization in Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness

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Online students will be automatically withdrawn from a for-credit course if the student does not participate in at least one academic assignment of the course (e.g quiz, forum posting, essay, or other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 two 2-week practicum sessions at our campus in Fairfield, IA. Students will practice leading yoga classes and providing physical adjustments under the supervision of an experienced yoga teacher (E-RYT 500).

Students are responsible for covering travel and accommodation costs. Some US students opt to use a portion of their living expenses federal loan eligibility to cover these costs.

To graduate with a Specialization in Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness, students must complete:

Students who enroll in the Online BA in Ayurveda Wellness & Integrative Health with a Specialization in Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness will be eligible for NAMA certification as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor and will be prepared to work with clients on an individual basis. The Online BA in Ayurveda Wellness & Integrative Health requires 2 weeks of clinical training on campus – this is completed in addition to the 4 weeks of on-campus yoga practicums.

Students who enroll in the Online Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences with a Specialization in Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness will not be trained fully as Ayurvedic Health Counselors. They will not be eligible for NAMA certification, nor will they be able to work with clients on an individual basis. Ayurveda will be used to enrich your own personal health and yoga experience, and you will be equipped to share basic Ayurveda knowledge.

    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 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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    This Anatomy and Physiology course will take students on a journey through human physiology. Students will explore the terminology, structure, function, and interdependence of the various organ systems that make up the human body. Topics covered include the musculoskeletal, hematological, articular, cardiovascular, immune, digestive, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, nervous, and excretory systems. This course emphasizes the importance of homeostasis and how the body works to maintain balance. Throughout the course, students will learn about the latest scientific research and how it relates to the human physiology. This course covers relevant medical terminology, preparing students for careers in health-related fields. By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the human anatomy and physiology and the vital role it plays in health and wellness.
    This course offers an introduction to the correct pronunciation of essential Sanskrit terms and expressions in AyurVeda. The primary objective of the course is to give students the practice and confidence to speak these terms and expressions in an accurate and professional way. AyurVeda as a health science and aspect of the Veda and Vedic literature is expressed in Sanskrit, and its key terms and concepts are fully defined in this language. Students taking this course will learn to speak these terms correctly, naturally, and fluidly.
    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).
    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.
    This in-person immersion of the Yoga specialization program leans heavily on the development of both the practice and the state of Yoga. Students will participate in twice-daily practice sessions of the First Set and Transcendental Meditation technique while additionally exploring Maharishi’s approach to Yoga, history of Yoga and Asanas, biomechanics, systems of anatomy, and foundational subtle yogic anatomy in relationship to yoga asana and pranayama. Students will deepen their understanding of verbal and visual cues, while learning how to offer hands-on assistance. They will also learn how to apply ethics and professionalism in the yoga studio setting. This course helps to hone the skills necessary in becoming an effective Yoga Teacher.
    This course continues the in-person development of the personal and professional aspects of Asanas and pranayama practice along with the exploration of advanced hatha yoga practices such as deeper pranayamas, bandhas, and mudras. Continued studies in systems of gross and subtle anatomy and safe movement practices refine the student’s capacity to instruct others.

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 of watching instructional videos and webinars, reading, completing assignments and discussion forum posts, taking quizzes and exams, 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. 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.


I have read all the points above and agree to them

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.