- Will this degree qualify me for Yoga Alliance certification?
Yes, graduates can register with Yoga Alliance as an RYT200.
Yoga Alliance is an independent organization that has standardized yoga teacher training. It is not required to be registered with Yoga Alliance in order to teach yoga, but there are benefits.
- When and how do I participate in in-person training?
Students will participate in two 2-week in-residency teacher training immersions. The first, PH422, is held in the Fall and the second, PH423 is held in the Spring. These immersions are key components to your program as you’ll have guided instruction from an experienced yoga teacher (ERYT-500).
- What is Maharishi’s Approach to Yoga?
In this approach, Yoga is understood as the complete settling of the activity of the mind, also known as union. As such, “yoga practice” should start with union, even momentarily, then lead to more and more eternal union.
The sequence and pace of asanas (yoga postures) in this approach is structured to foster the experience of the state of Yoga, both during the asana and in between each asana: In the cessation of effort, unboundedness dawns. These asanas are performed easily, comfortably and naturally, without strain or force. As a result, the mind settles and can begin to expand, while the body is balanced, refreshed, and naturally increases its coordination with the mind.
- What is Ayurveda and how does it connect to Yoga?
Traditionally, Ayurveda and yoga were not separate as they both came out of traditional teachings from India. Today, they are known as Sister Sciences.
Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine of India and the East that focuses on supporting wellness and health rather than the treatment of disease. Ayurveda specializes in diet, herbs, mind-body types, and purification therapies.
Ayurvedic knowledge can be incorporated into both yoga classes, workshops, and multi-modality programs, as well as lifestyle suggestions.
- I’ve already taken college-level anatomy and physiology — can I have those courses waived?
If you have passed college-level Anatomy & Physiology courses within the past 5 years with a grade B- or higher, then you can have them waived.
- How does my specialization fit within a degree program?
To graduate with a Specialization in Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness, students must complete the required courses for the
Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences, or any other bachelor’s degree program you choose, and 32 additional credits of Yoga & Ayurveda Wellness courses.
- How many hours per week should I expect to spend on this program?
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 reading, creating assignments and discussion forum posts, 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.
- How do you make the online learning experience effective and fulfilling?
We accomplish this by using an online learning platform that students find highly engaging. The program also features an extensive collaboration between students and one-on-one interaction between our faculty and each student.
Students in this program will study on the MIU campus during the clinical intensive training courses. This gives students the opportunity to practice conducting Ayurveda consultations under the guidance of faculty, as well as meet their fellow students in person.
- What is the difference between a major and a specialization?
An undergraduate major is a primary field of study during your undergraduate years. This major defines the actual degree and specifies core courses, electives, and the foundational knowledge that you will acquire. An academic specialization is a more concentrated area of courses which you can choose in addition (32 additional credits) to your major field, which may be in the same disciplinary area or something different.
- Do I need to have transfer credits or an associate’s degree to enroll in this program?
No, we do not require students to have transfer credits or an associate’s degree from a prior college. We’ve designed our online bachelor’s programs to accommodate transfer students, but we also welcome new undergraduates with no previous college education. We do require a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum 2.5 GPA for entry to our bachelor’s programs.
We teach the Maharishi AyurVedaSM health system – the modern, scientific revival of complete Ayurveda. Maharishi AyurVeda includes balancing the deepest value of mind – consciousness, which is the basis of balancing the body. It incorporates all aspects of mind, body, behavior, and environment in a scientific framework.
“Ayurvedic medicine (also called Ayurveda) is one of the world’s oldest medical systems. It originated in India and has evolved there over thousands of years. In the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is considered a complementary health approach.”
“Ayurveda can have positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in combination with standard, conventional medical care.”
Jenny Beth is this program’s admissions counselor for US students. Jenny Beth will provide you with all the details of becoming a student, including connecting you with the program director or faculty.
