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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

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

Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciencesonline or on-campus

In this interdisciplinary degree program designed for transfer students, ​you’ll discover how ​everything you study ​connects​​ at the deepest level in a meaningful way to your own life​.

Optional specializations available in the following:

Watch the video about MIU's fast-track degree for transfer students, 53 seconds long

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 the program director or faculty.

Contact Adriene >

International applicants may connect with us through our international inquiry form.

Next entry: Feb 2025Apply to MIU >Next entry: Feb 2025Apply to MIU >

A degree grounded in consciousness

Student meditatingThrough the Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences, you’ll gain a deep understanding of consciousness—through knowledge and experience—and how it enhances and connects different academic disciplines.

Self-exploration is at the heart of the Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences. You’ll take courses available only at MIU including “Transcendental Meditation” and “Physiology is Consciousness.” You’ll also have a selection of special elective courses in the humanities, social sciences, and business.

At MIU, self-discovery is not just an intellectual process. It’s the deep, direct experience of your own innermost nature and the underlying reality of life.

Making it easy for transfer students

Transfer studentsIf you transfer in our maximum of 90 credits, this degree will only require 38-48 additional credits, which can often be completed in two semesters. For students admitted with 60 credits, the degree can be completed within four semesters.

Transfer students can inquire with their admissions counselor to learn the exact number of credits needed to graduate.

Student meditating

Dive within and find yourself

As a student at MIU, you’ll learn the Transcendental Meditation technique, an evidence-based technique that promotes inner peace and wellness, enhances clear thinking, and boosts creativity.

Students frm diverse cultures

Mutually-supportive culture

MIU brings together an incredibly diverse mix of cultures, experiences, and fascinating people.

In pursuing this program, you’ll see that our close-knit community of students and faculty will inspire and support you the whole way through.

Featured courses

Tanell-TM-waves

ED 101 The Transcendental Meditation Technique

Tanell-TM-waves

You’ll start you journey as an MIU student by learning the Transcendental Meditation technique, a simple, natural, effortless procedure. This course includes personal instruction in the Transcendental Meditation technique as well as follow-up sessions with a certified teacher.

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STC 108 Exploring Consciousness

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This course will introduce you to our unique system of Consciousness-BasedSM education. You’ll learn Transcendental Meditation and discover what we mean when we talk about consciousness.

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PHYS 310 Foundations of Physics and Consciousness

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You’ll learn to see the interconnectedness between the laws of physics, the universe, and yourself. This class explores classical and quantum physics, the mechanics of unification and symmetry, unified quantum field theories, superstring theory, and much more.

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AAS 401 Senior Project

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You’ll tie everything you’ve studied together into a research report, service project, business plan, or creative project that demonstrates your creativity, critical thinking, writing, and holistic thinking. You’ll work closely with a faculty advisor to choose, create, and refine your project in a two-month, full-time effort or sixteen weeks in the Online Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences.

More courses

  • PH 101 Physiology is Consciousness
    In this course, you’ll examine how the brain constructs reality at every moment and how Transcendental Meditation can awaken your creative potential. This course includes public speaking presentations on course topics.
  • MATH 130 CCTS Quantitative Reasoning
    You’ll learn how to assess numerical data to arrive at your own conclusion, as well as develop the skills you need to present this information to others. Topics include estimation, units and conversion, basic geometric concepts, ratios and percentages, and more.
  • WTG 191 Writing for Career and Community 1
    In this course, students will gain the skills essential for academic and professional success by exploring the practical aspects of writing, creative expression, and communication. Students will practice analyzing and writing creative and professional texts, giving and receiving supportive feedback, and honing their persuasive speech-writing skills. This course can be waived through transfer credit or passing writing placement test scores.
  • WTG 192 Writing for Career and Community 2
    Students in this course will explore their creative and analytical talents while preparing for the next part of their professional and academic careers. Skills covered in this class include information literacy and writing logical, well-researched persuasive arguments.
  • FOR 431 Higher States of Consciousness
    This course explores higher states of human consciousness as described by Maharishi and as experienced by people throughout history. The course examines the experiences belonging to each state, the developmental processes that culture each state, pertinent research, and practical outcomes of these experiences in daily life.
  • FOR 103 Fit for Life
    You’ll learn how to structure a daily routine that promotes lifelong health. You’ll learn about sleep, diet, exercise, activity, recreation, and how all can be balanced to create a healthy lifestyle. Note: If you meet all other degree requirements, this requirement may be waived.
  • Plus: 11 elective course credits

Class schedule for online undergraduate degree programs

Cost & Aid, 2025-26

  • US On-Campus Students

    • US On-Campus Undergraduate

    This estimate is based on one year for a typical on-campus Federal Pell Grant recipient (represents 75% of our onsite undergraduates). File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and then contact our financial aid office for questions on other variables.

    Annual Cost and Typical Financial Aid
    Tuition and fees$18,530
    Housing (single room) and meals$7,400
    Grants and Scholarship (typical)-$16,600
    Net cost per year$9,330
    Federal student loans-$9,330
    Your payment$0

    *Applicable only to students living on campus

    Additional Financial Aid Information

    • Personal Expenses and Books
      • $2,400 Federal Work Study is available toward your estimated $4,800 out of pocket costs.
    • Scholarships and Grants
      • Scholarship from MIU described above consists of the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Education Grant and is based on (1) full-time enrollment and (2) financial need based on expected FAFSA outcome.
    • Federal Student Loans
      • Repayment begins after your enrollment ends. Unique repayment plans are available such as income-based, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and deferments based on low income or unemployment.

    • 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.

  • US Online Students

    • US Online Undergraduate

    This estimate is based on one year for a typical online Federal Pell Grant recipient (represents 90% of our online undergraduates). File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and then contact our financial aid office for questions on other variables.

    Annual Cost and Typical Financial Aid
    Tuition and fees$18,190
    Grants and scholarship (typical)-$11,700
    Net cost per year$6,490
    Federal student loan-$6,490
    Your payment$0

    The cost of housing and meals during your residency will depend on the type of housing and time of year. Part time online enrollment is available. Tuition is $600 per credit with normal load of 9-11 credits. Federal student loans are available and the federal Pell Grant is proportional to the credit load.

    Additional Financial Aid Information

    • Scholarships and Grants
      • The grants and scholarship described above consist of the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Education Grant, and institutional scholarship based on (1) full-time enrollment and (2) financial need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    • 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.
    • 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.

  • International On-Campus Students

    • International On-Campus Undergraduate

    Annual Cost and Typical Financial Aid
    Tuition and fees$18,530
    Housing (single room) and meals$7,400
    Health insurance (estimate)$1,992
    Personal expenses, books, unexpected needs (estimate)$2,000
    Cost Per Year$29,922

    Full-time students may apply for up to $6,000 scholarship based on qualifying level of documented family income. Our undergraduate scholarship application form will be available upon application to the university.

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

  • International Online Students

    • International Online Undergraduate

    Typically, online enrollment is two courses at a time (17 credits) or one course at a time (9-11 credits), per semester (two semesters per year).

    Tuition and Fees per Semester
    Full-time (12 or more credits)$9,095
    Fewer than 12 credits$600 per credit

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

Nina Ziv

“I feel MIU is REALLY constructed for the students and their personal development – physical, mental, spiritual, and intellectual. I feel I have a great opportunity here to develop and grow on all levels of my being because of the supportive environment.”

— Nina Ziv

Entrance requirements

In general, we require bachelor’s applicants to have received a 2.5 GPA or above from their most recent institution attended. Applicants below a 2.5 may still be considered depending on additional qualifications.

Additional requirements

English language verification

International applicants must submit official English proficiency test scores within the past 2 years of at least 100 on Duolingo, 6.0 on IELTS Academic, 80 on TOEFL iBT, or 51 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
  • On-campus students can either learn TM upon arrival or prior to enrolling
  • Online 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

  • Do online students need to come to the MIU campus?
    • No. However, before you enroll you’ll need to learn the TM technique since it is a key element of Consciousness-Based education. This instruction will be in-person with a certified TM teacher near you (or on our Fairfield, IA campus).
  • How do I learn Transcendental Meditation?

    • 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
    • On-campus students can either learn TM upon arrival or prior to enrolling
    • Online 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
  • How long will online students need to complete the program?
    • If you transfer in our maximum of 90 credits, this degree will only require 38-48 additional credits, which can often be completed in two semesters. For students admitted with 60 credits, the degree can be completed within four semesters.
  • How do I transfer my credits from previous institutions?

    • A minimum of 128 credits (semester hours) is required for students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. This may include up to 90 transfer credits.

    Undergraduate degree students can apply transfer credits to cover electives, some general education requirements, and up to half the course work in the major, for a maximum of 90 total credits. General transfer credits are accepted for courses completed with a grade of “C” or higher.

  • How many hours per week should online students expect to spend on this program?
    • You should plan to spend 12-14 hours per week for a 4-credit on each course. If you are taking two courses at a time, you should plan to spend 24-28 hours per week reading, creating assignments, writing discussion forum posts, and studying course materials.
  • How many weeks are in each course?

    • There are two semester terms, plus a January term and a summer term, in the academic school year.

    • Online students: 4-credit courses are eight weeks long and 2-credit course are four weeks long.
    • On-campus students: 4-credit courses are 4 weeks long and 2-credit course are 2 weeks long.
  • What are the options for full-time and part-time enrollment?
    • Online students: You can take one or two courses at a time. Choose the pace that is best for you. Full-time students take 12 credits or more per semester, and Three-quarters time students take 9-11 credits per semester
    • On-campus students: Full-time only, 12 credits or more per semester
  • Can students get financial aid for this program?
    • Yes, financial aid is available to eligible degree-seeking students. See Cost & Aid for tuition and an estimate of your financial aid. Also, feel free to contact our financial aid office at finaid@miu.edu or (641) 472-1156.
  • What are the learning outcomes for the Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences?

    • Graduates should be able to…

    • display improvements in perception, thinking, feeling, and overall growth of consciousness (development of consciousness
    • display a healthy and optimal quality of life that allows them to get through their daily activities without undue fatigue or physical stress (health)
    • apply unifying principles within and across disciplines to synthesize ideas, integrate divergent perspectives, and understand what they have learned in light of their own consciousness (holistic thinking)
    • evaluate confidence in a thesis or judgment on the basis of logic, reliable evidence, ethical values, and openness to alternative assumptions and points of view (critical thinking)
    • respond to and express ideas, feelings, and information in speech, text, and other media (communication)
    • act from a global perspective to effectively address local economic, cultural, social, and environmental challenges (local and global citizenship)

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