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MA in Consciousness & Human Potential online or on-campus

Ancient and modern teachers looked within themselves to find answers to questions like: “Who am I?” “Where am I going?” “How can I become more creative and develop my full potential?” “How am I connected to everything around me?” and “What is the nature of this reality in which we live?”

In this program, you’ll join the ranks of great thinkers to further humanity’s ever-evolving understanding of consciousness and human potential, and dive into a field of study that offers profound opportunities for self-discovery, transformation, and contributing to the greater good.


Investigate modern and traditional perspectives on human potential

Watch the video of Dr. Fred Travis speaking on Maharishi Vedic ScienceLeading scientists suggest that consciousness is as fundamental to life as time and space. Vedic science describes consciousness as even more fundamental, existing in and by itself, independent of any personal owner. These perspectives on consciousness are integrated by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Maharishi Vedic Science, which forms the basis for this program. (see video)


Develop your own consciousness

At the heart of success – in life, love, career, etc. – lies personal development: a journey of self-discovery, learning, and growth that empowers individuals to reach their fullest potential.

In this program, you’ll experience profound personal development and gain direct experience of your universal nature through practices such as the Transcendental Meditation® technique, Maharishi YogaSM asanas, reading Vedic literature in Sanskrit, and self-pulse reading. The deep inner experiences offered by these practices will give you a new perspective and framework for theoretical discussions of the full range of consciousness, and expand your potential for success after graduation.


Explore the connection between yourself and the world around you

During your studies, you’ll probe the furthest reaches of neuroscience, physics, and social sciences by examining:

  • ancient Vedic literature such as the Bhagavad Gita
  • the interaction between brain functioning and consciousnesss
  • parallels between the unified field of physics and the field of consciousness
  • the nature of collective consciousness

What careers does this degree prepare you for?

This program gives you a new perspective on life and serves as a strong foundation for any career that you may choose. It develops your consciousness, and prepares you to cope with stress more effectively. Graduates often say this degree is the basis of their personal and professional success.

There are also two career-oriented specializations you can take after the first year of core courses:

    This specialization prepares you to apply the knowledge you’ve gained in your Master’s program to teaching Yoga. You’ll be able to offer Yoga (practice and knowledge) in diverse settings such as yoga studios, wellness centers, and corporate environments. This Yoga specialization far surpasses the typical Yoga Teacher Training in the field with a robust 1000+ contact hours of training and practice.
    In this five-month in-residence program, you will explore deeper levels of your own consciousness, immerse yourself in the unfoldment of Maharishi’s knowledge over the decades, and master the procedure to teach the Transcendental Meditation technique. As a Certified TM Teacher, you have many options such as teaching as an independent contractor at a local TM center or with the David Lynch Foundation, which offers the TM technique to at-risk populations worldwide.

Get started by contacting Jess

Jess Nohle, admissions counselorJess Nohle is this program’s admissions counselor for US students. Jess will provide you with all the details of becoming a student, including connecting you with the program director or faculty.

Contact Jess >

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


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Study online or on-campus

The MA in Consciousness & Human Potential consists of a sequence of 11 courses for exploring your Self and enriching all aspects of your life.

To meet our students’ various needs, we offer this program in three formats:

  1. On-campus (10 months)
  2. Online (30 months)
  3. On-campus (30 months) — can include part-time university employment in academic or administrative areas if you qualify. For more details, contact your admissions counselor.

Courses may include

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

Current class schedule for the MA in Consciousness & Human Potential

Graduates from the MA program say

johannes schweigel

Johannes Schweigel

johannes schweigel

PhD student
Graduated in 2020

“It’s amazing how much growth I have experienced in just one year. I started out with an almost obsessive curiosity to understand everything. I am still curious but now I can dive deeply into knowledge without any sense of pressure. My physiology has relaxed and I simply enjoy life more and more with each day.”

Brock Bond

Brock Bond

Brock Bond

Baseball coach and TM teacher
Graduated in 2016

“I am really glad I did the MA in Consciousness & Human Potential. It is a unique degree which focuses on developing the student from a deeper level.”

Kathy Connor

Kathy Connor

Kathy Connor

Certified Teacher of the TM program
Graduated in 2018

“As the representative of this knowledge in my community of meditators, I feel I am more proficient and confident because of the MA degree program.”

Gaelen Armstrong

Gaelen Armstrong

Gaelen Armstrong

Metal artist
Graduated in 2013

“It fostered a personal growth that I value, and I think it’s made me a better, more capable person.”

Doug Shannon

Doug Shannon

Doug Shannon

Entertainer and former College Communications Professor
Graduated in 2012

“This degree program was one of the best experiences of my life. I would do it again without question. It was extremely rewarding, and is something I will treasure for the rest of my life.”

Margot Suettmann


Margot Suettmann

Margot Suettmann

PhD researcher
Graduated in 2013

“It gave me a new outlook and perspective in my research field.”

Featured faculty

TomEgenes300

Tom Egenes

TomEgenes300

Dr. Thomas Egenes is Professor of Maharishi Vedic Science and Sanskrit. He earned an MA and PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia; an MA in Higher Education Administration from Maharishi International University; and a BA in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame.

All Department Faculty

Cost & Aid, 2025-26

Entrance Requirements

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

    Read the two sections (3 pages) in The Science of Being and Art of Living by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi What is Being? and Being is the Essential Constituent of Creation.  We recommend that applicants purchase the book, available in softcover at MIU Press and in ebook at Amazon, but you may also view and download the relevant pages. In 700-800 words, respond to the following: “Discuss Maharishi’s description of the nature of Being as the essential constituent of creation.” This should be double-spaced in Times New Roman 12 pt font. Please email your essay directly to your admissions counselor.

  • 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.

  • 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 are asked to learn the TM technique before arrival
    • 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

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