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MS in Aromatherapy & Maharishi AyurVedaonline

Become an Aromatherapist and Ayurveda Wellness Consultant

As a student in this program, you’ll gain a robust knowledge of the therapeutic properties and practical applications of essential oils.

You’ll also learn Maharishi Ayurveda to enhance health and wellness and bring balance to both mind and body.

This holistic program covers everything from studying the normal structure and function of the body (anatomy & physiology), the abnormalities in common diseases (pathophysiology), and the use of essential oils and Ayurveda (herbology, nutrition, and lifestyle changes) to bring balance to the physiology and alleviate the symptoms of disease and imbalance.

You will also learn about and practice essential oil blending, making lotions and creams, and other preparations using essential oils.

Watch the video the MS in Aromatherapy & Ayurveda at a glance, 1 minute long

Mayo Clinic

“Some studies on aromatherapy have shown these benefits: lower anxiety and stress levels, improved mood, improved quality of life”

The Washington Post

“[Essential oils] make up what has become a multibillion-dollar industry. Revenue in the United States spiked 40 percent from 2014 to 2018 and, according to Grand View Research, is expected to reach more than $5 billion in the next four years.”

Forbes

“Aromatherapy has been around for centuries. Once used almost exclusively by alternative medicine practitioners, there has now been considerable research into how certain scents can enhance our sense of well-being and even our health.”

Learn from home

Our three-year, part-time online MS has a flexible schedule and can be completed with about 8 to 9 hours of coursework per week. You’ll learn at a relaxed pace without the strain typical of graduate studies.

Small class sizes allow ample time for one-on-one attention from faculty who are certified by NAHA, and you’ll meet monthly with renowned aromatherapists from all over the globe during interactive webinars.

Practice with real clients

Receive hands-on professional training

For two weeks each year, you’ll participate in professional training that allows you to practice what you’ve learned with real clients.

  • Year 1: Two weeks of professional training is online for all students
  • Year 2: Two weeks of online aromatherapy practical training
  • Year 3: Two weeks of online consultations where students work with practice clients in real-time via Zoom

Receive hands-on professional training

For two weeks each year, you’ll participate in professional training that allows you to practice what you’ve learned with real clients.

  • Year 1: Two weeks of professional training is online for all students
  • Year 2: Two weeks of online aromatherapy practical training
  • Year 3: Two weeks of online consultations where students work with practice clients in real-time via Zoom

Practice with real clients

Get started by contacting Sunita

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

Contact Sunita >

Contact Sunita >

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


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Featured faculty

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Dr. Keith Wallace
Chair of the Physiology & Health Department

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Keith Wallace was the founding President of Maharishi International University and established the first Maharishi AyurVeda clinics in the United States. He has traveled worldwide giving lectures at major universities and institutes on Maharishi’s consciousness-based health programs. Dr. Wallace is the author of a number of books, including Gut Crisis, The Rest and Repair Diet, The Coherence Code, and Total Brain Coaching.

Dr. Wallace received his PhD in Physiology from the University of California at Los Angeles and did his postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School.

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Dr. Malte Hozzel
Executive Director of the MS in Aromatherapy & Maharishi AyurVeda

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Malte Hozzel’s interest in the essential nature of plants took him on many journeys through numerous countries around the world, meeting with traditional healers and the greatest practitioners of Ayurveda. As a result, he developed Oshadhi, one of the world’s purest and largest collection of organic essential oils. In addition, he founded AYUS GmbH to import essential oils and other medicinal plants based products from over 50 countries and distribute them around the world.

Malte Hozzel speaks about holistic aromatherapy at international conferences and seminars. He has published numerous articles, blog posts, and books on the transformation of modern society and on holistic aromatherapy.

Diane-Malaison

Diane Malaison
Senior Graduate Instructor of Physiology & Health

Diane-Malaison

Diane Malaison is Director of the MS in Aromatherapy & Maharishi AyurVeda. She is a graduate of the Institut d’Aromathérapie Scientifique in Québec, Canada and has learned from Dr. Daniel Pénoël (Osmobiose, France), Dominique Baudoux (Pranarom, Belgium), Lucie Mainguy (Aliksir, Canada), and Maurice Nicole (Hunzaroma, Canada).

She has taught Maharishi AyurVeda and aromatherapy in the United States, Canada, India, and the Netherlands and will teach aromatherapy courses and provide clinical training.

Diane earned her B.Sc. Biochemistry and M.Sc. Microbiology-Immunology at Laval University, Québec, Canada, and is currently working on her PhD. She is a NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist®.

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Dr. Charlotte Bech
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Physiology & Health

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Charlotte Bech graduated as a medical doctor from the University of Copenhagen. She has worked in gastrointestinal surgery, hematology, and internal medicine/obstetrics.

Dr. Bech has taught at a medical school in Copenhagen and is currently running a private clinic there, supplementing modern medicine with Maharishi AyurVeda. She has given more than 30.000 Ayurvedic consultations. Charlotte writes as a columnist in several national magazines and is the author of several books on topics of Ayurveda.

She is Vice-President for the European Ayurveda Medical Association (EURAMA) and has been awarded the PANACEA international excellence award from Vanaushadhi Vidyapeetha, International Conference on Ayurveda and Holistic Healing, from the Government of Maharastra, India. She is a NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist®.

Dr. Bech will teach Fundamentals of Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda.

Christoph Streicher

Dr. Christoph Streicher
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Physiology & Health

Christoph Streicher

Christoph was mentored in aromatherapy by France’s world-renowned Jacques Paltz, a foremost authority on using essential oils both internally and externally for healing, and in skincare. He also studied with a number of well-known Indian Ayurvedic physicians, learning the time-tested therapeutic use of essential oils for increasing vitality and balance.

His special field of study is the self-regenerating influence of plant intelligence on human consciousness, specifically how pure essential oils can enhance higher states of consciousness. From 1996–2000, he served on the executive committee of The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), a non-profit educational organization dedicated to promoting aromatherapy education and the benefits of true aromatherapy. He is a professional member of NAHA.

Andrew Stenberg

Andrew Stenberg
Adjunct Instructor of Physiology & Health

Andrew Stenberg

Andrew Stenberg has more than 20 years’ experience performing 11,000 Ayurveda consultations. He also has teaching experience as a senior lecturer at Maharishi Vedic College in Melbourne, Australia. In his private and corporate practice, Andrew often uses essential aroma oils therapeutically, along with the many different approaches found within Maharishi AyurVeda. He also has several years of experience teaching self-pulse reading, and his courses are known for their depth and informal approach. Andrew will train students in Maharishi AyurVeda Pulse Diagnosis.

All Department Faculty

Featured courses

PH 587 Fundamentals of Aromatherapy and Ayurveda

Fundamentals of Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda

PH 587 Fundamentals of Aromatherapy and Ayurveda

Students will learn the foundations of prevention-oriented health care in classical Ayurveda, including Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology, basic herbology, self-pulse reading, and recommendations for diet, exercise and lifestyle. Students will learn how to apply the concepts of Maharishi AyurVeda to aromatherapy, learn to classify and use essential oils for holistic health care, disease prevention, and treatment.

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Practical Applications of Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda

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During this course, students will apply the knowledge of the effects of essential oils on different physiological systems in light of the Maharishi AyurVeda in the case-based setting and exercises. In addition, advanced knowledge of aromatherapy will be presented and students will deepen their understanding of how to select appropriate essential oils for well-being.

PH551 Human Physiology and Pathophysiology

Human Physiology and Pathophysiology 1

PH551 Human Physiology and Pathophysiology

Students will learn about the compensatory changes that occur as a result of the disease process – the pathophysiological processes and the impact they can have on a person. Students will learn the medical terminology, and functions, and interdependence of the organ systems and abnormalities in the physiological mechanism involved in some common diseases from the perspective of modern medicine.

PH518 Organic Chemistry Related to Aromatherapy

Organic Chemistry Related to Aromatherapy

PH518 Organic Chemistry Related to Aromatherapy

Students will learn aspects of chemistry and biochemistry required for an understanding of the basis of aromatherapy, as well as the therapeutic effects of aromatic molecules present in essential oils. Topics include the chemical and therapeutic properties of aromatic molecules; detailed descriptions of the structure of active chemicals in the essential oils, detailed monographs of 60 essential oils, therapeutic formulas for common diseases.

    This course presents the fundamentals of Maharishi AyurVeda. Students learn the foundations of prevention-oriented health care in classical Ayurveda, including Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology and basic diet, exercise, and lifestyle recommendations. Students also learn the history of Maharishi AyurVeda and gain insight into scientific studies on AyurVeda. Students also learn the first steps of pulse reading a two-week specialized professional training block during this block.
    This course will provide foundational training in Maharishi Ayurveda Self-Pulse Reading technique. The self-pulse reading technique is an ancient and natural way of determining the level of balance and imbalance in the mind and body system. This professional training will familiarize students with patterns of balance and imbalance in the pulse reflecting on the condition of their own physiology. (1 credit)
    This course will provide more advanced training in Maharishi Ayurveda Self-Pulse Reading technique. Students learn to detect additional patterns of imbalance in the mind body system with Maharishi Ayurveda Self-Pulse Reading technique. Based on this assessment, students be able to provide a more detailed diagnosis when recommending the use of essential oils. Students learn how to use essential oils with these specific pulse patterns. (1 credit)
    This course will provide students with further advanced training in Maharishi Ayurveda Self-Pulse Reading technique. Students deepen their knowledge and refine their skill of pulse reading and detecting imbalances. By practicing pulse assessment on different individuals, students acquire greater skills in detecting imbalances and in recommending essential oils. (1 credit)
    This course prepares students to develop their mastery of this traditional science. Students also begin learning about the practical and fundamental approaches to balance the inner intelligence of the Mind-Body within an Ayurvedic context. Topics include Doshas, Dhatus, Agnis, Ojas, Srotas, General principles of restoring balance. The study of these concepts will also be anchored in the continued practice and development of the Pulse Reading technique.
    This course presents the history and basic principles of aromatherapy, quality criteria, and quality controls, ethics, research studies, and the application of aromatherapy in Maharishi AyurVeda. In this course, students learn how to select appropriate essential oils for well-being in accordance with the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda, holistic aromatherapy, scientific aromatherapy, and quantum aromatherapy. Topics include properties of essential oils, their effect on the three doshas, their therapeutic effects on the physiology, and detailed monographs of 50 essential oils.
    This course presents hydrosol therapy, aromatherapy for mind and emotions. In this course, students learn how to select appropriate essential oils and hydrosols for wellbeing in accordance with the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda, holistic aromatherapy, scientific aromatherapy. Topics include properties of essential oils and hydrosols, their effect on the three doshas, their therapeutic effects on the physiology, and indications for common ailments using a first aid kit of 10 essential oils, detailed monographs of 50 essential oils, and therapeutic formulas for common diseases.
    This course is designed to impart the fundamental concepts and principles of chemistry for essential oils, such as atomic structure, nomenclature, chemical bonds, molecular weight, valence, the basis of organic chemistry, the structure of aromatic molecules, radicals, isomers, the basis of biochemistry, chirality, and chemotypes. Students learn aspects of chemistry and biochemistry required for an understanding of the basis of aromatherapy, as well as the therapeutic effects of aromatic molecules present in essential oils. Topics include the chemical and therapeutic properties of aromatic molecules, detailed descriptions of the structure of active chemicals in essential oils.
    This course continues the study and exploration of the principles and techniques Maharishi AyurVeda offers, preparing students for the practical and clinical application of Ayurveda and Aromatherapy. Students experiment with and explore daily applications of a wide range of Ayurvedic daily, lifestyle, herbal and Consciousness-based therapies. Topics include Ayurvedic anatomy & physiology, consciousness as fundamental to health, utilizing herbs, diet, and lifestyle remedies to establish health, and continued practice through case study assignments.
    Investigating the intricacies of aromatherapeutic blending, this course explores the concept of synergy and discusses therapeutic actions of essential oils and absolutes. Students learn applied aromatherapy: dilution, dosage, and duration for specific therapeutic outcomes, including blending to balance emotions and energy management (energetic and emotional blending). It encourages practitioners to reflect on their approaches to treatment and guides on building effective and safe blends. Students also learn to prepare therapeutic blends. (3 credits)
    This course explores the extraordinary ability of the human body to respond to disease in many physiological and psychological ways. Students learn about the compensatory changes that occur because of the disease process — the pathophysiological processes and the impact they can have on a person. This is the first course in a two-course series. Students learn the medical terminology, anatomy physiology and pathophysiology including functions, and interdependence of the organ systems and abnormalities in the physiological mechanism involved in some common diseases of cardiovascular, respiratory, immune and digestive systems from the perspective of modern medicine. Students also learn about the common lab investigation and tests used to diagnose diseases. This course can be waived if students have passed an equivalent 4 credit course with a B+ minimum grade at the master’s level.
    This is the part of a two-course series, further exploring the many ways the human body responds to disease. Students learn about the compensatory changes that occur from the disease process — the pathophysiological processes and the effect they can have on a person. Students learn the normal functions of the human body and major pathophysiological mechanisms underlying common diseases of the nervous, endocrine systems, and musculoskeletal from the perspective of modern medicine. (4 credits)
    In this course, students begin their training in conducting Ayurvedic consultations. The basics of the Ayurvedic approach to assessing, interviewing, and creating Ayurvedic programs for clients are taught alongside case study exercises. Students take what they have learned from their previous training in Ayurveda and Aromatherapy and practice applying it to real-life situations. Students also practice conducting consultations on fellow students or family and friends. They learn how to apply the concepts of Maharishi AyurVeda in a clinical setting, where they give consultations with recommendations, including lifestyle and routine for holistic health care and prevention. Students will also learn about ethics, legal issues and safety of essential oils and learn about entrepreneurship. Topics include the consciousness of the practitioner, the Ayurvedic approach to assessment, Ayurvedic pathology (Shad Kriya Kal), consultation etiquette, clinical application of Ayurveda, and aromatherapy, legal, ethical, and privacy issues; safety issues for babies, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and sensitive people on dermal, respiratory, and oral intakes. Basics of business development and entrepreneurship.
    This course continues to expand upon the clinical training and application of an Ayurveda practice — giving students more opportunity to master the fundamentals of Ayurveda in the context of a holistic approach to health. Students look deeply at the interconnection between the comprehensive approach of Ayurveda and its clinical value, preparing students to confidently employ a multi-disciplinary approach to well-being for themselves, their friends and family, as well as potential clients. This course also provides more detailed training in the art and set up to conduct a one-on-one consultation and prepares students to participate in our on-campus clinical training modules. Topics include Ayurvedic pathology, Shad Kriya Kal, Consultation etiquette, Clinical application of Ayurveda. (3 credits)
    This course presents the integrated discipline of Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda. Students practice the application of Maharishi AyurVeda concepts to aromatherapy in a clinical setting, where they classify and select appropriate essential oils for client education and consultations while recommending Ayurvedic modalities for holistic health care and prevention in an integrated manner. Also, advanced knowledge of aromatherapy will be presented. During this course, students apply the knowledge of the essential oils to the eight different physiological organ systems in a case-based setting and exercises.
    This course will allow students to build confidence while applying the knowledge gained in all previous courses in aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda. During this third 2- supervised aromatherapy consultations with clients in the clinic at MIU. (2 credits) Prerequisite: All courses in the MS in Aromatherapy & Ayurveda offered up to this point in the program.
    By the end of this program, students are required to complete their major capstone project, consisting of a reflection paper or oral presentation on Maharishi Ayurveda or Aromatherapy. Students are also asked to create a portfolio of their best-case studies completed during this program. Students are invited to use course notes, literature, case studies, research studies.
    This course will allow students to build confidence and gain practical experience in using essential oils while applying the knowledge gained in all previous courses in Maharishi Ayurveda & Aromatherapy. Students learn about medicinal plants and essential oils and learn about the distillation of essential oils. Lectures on Holistic Aromatherapy with key speakers will be delivered. (1 credit) Prerequisite: All courses in the MS in Aromatherapy & Ayurveda program offered up to this point in the program. (1 credit)


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


Current class schedule for the MS in Aromatherapy & Maharishi AyurVeda

Cost & Aid, 2024-25

US Online MS in Aromatherapy & Ayurveda

The program duration is three years. The tuition listed here is for one year (two semesters).

One Academic Year Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees$8,590
Low interest federal loans -$8,590
Your payment $0
Optional: additional low-interest federal loans?-$10,000

Additional Financial Aid Information

    $10,000 per year in optional federal student loans are available toward living expenses.
    Planned to take place at our Fairfield, IA, campus during the last semester. Students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs.
    Your FAFSA automatically qualifies you for the majority of federal student loans for this program. The remaining portion is composed of Federal Graduate PLUS loans which require “no adverse credit” or an endorser. Repayment begins after your enrollment ends.

    There are a variety of money-saving tax benefits to assist in reducing the cost of education expenses. More about education tax benefits.
    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

    Payments are a fixed amount that ensures your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).
    Payments may be fixed or graduated and will ensure that your loans are paid off within 25 years.
    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).
    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.
    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.
    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 Online MS in Aromatherapy & Ayurveda

The program duration is three years. There are two semesters per year. The tuition listed here is for one semester at the current year rate, subject to changes in future years.

Semester Cost
Tuition and fees$4,295
Your payment$4,295

This tuition rate is for 6-11 credits per semester for two semesters. Stand-alone individual courses are $500 per credit.


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

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

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.

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
  • 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

    Ayurveda: The traditional system of medicine of India and the East. Based on diet, herbs, mind-body type, and purification therapies.
    Maharishi AyurVeda: The modern, scientific revival of complete Ayurveda, including balancing the deepest value of mind – consciousness, which is the basis of balancing the body. This revival by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi incorporates all aspects of mind, body, behavior, and environment in a scientific framework. It also includes a unique system of pulse diagnosis and a host of unique mind/body/environmental therapies.
    US students may visit the MIU campus for two-week professional training in the third year of the program. Contact the Office of Admissions for details.
    Students should have basic knowledge of human anatomy – either a university-level course or from training as a massage therapist, nurse or other health professions. An applicant who has none of these may take a short online course or review the organ systems from our recommended text Principles of Anatomy and Physiology by G Tortora, Wiley & Sons Press (13th Ed or later).
    This is a three-year, online program. Courses are taught at about one-third the pace of a full-time program so that students can continue their careers while learning.
    Courses are asynchronous – except for the course Professional Training Practicum Consultations, where attendance is required – and are delivered through the Canvas student online learning platform. Each course includes videotaped lectures, assignments, quizzes, discussion forums, webinars, and other online activities and learning tools. Assignments are submitted and feedback is provided by the instructor through Canvas.
    In addition to our engaging online learning platform, this program features extensive collaboration between students and one-on-one interaction between our faculty and each student. The three intensive training courses also give students the opportunity to practice conducting consultations under the guidance of faculty.

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