Apr 29, 2025

Catalog 2024-2025

Admissions

General Admissions Policy
U.S. Student Admissions
International Student Admissions
International Undergraduate Student Application Requirements
International Graduate Student Admissions
International Transfer Student Admissions
Additional Admissions Procedures for International Applicants
Admissions For Certificate Programs and Guest Students
Certificate Program Admissions
Readmission Policy

General Admissions Policy

Maharishi International University was founded with a mission to enable students to reach their full potential. We are committed to its core goals of realizing the highest ideals in education, fostering individual growth, promoting environmental sustainability, enhancing governmental performance, addressing societal issues like crime and drug abuse, supporting economic aspirations, and achieving spiritual fulfillment. Consciousness-Based Education encompasses academic excellence within a consciousness-based framework, the direct development of consciousness through Transcendental Meditation, holistic teaching methods, a stress-free routine, and a nurturing environment.

All students should apply online at www.miu.edu/apply

Application Deadlines

Applicants who plan to enter in the Fall semester (generally beginning in mid-August) should complete the application process by July 15. For all students planning to enter in the Spring semester, the date is January 15. Applying by these dates gives applicants the best opportunity for receiving the maximum financial assistance if accepted and helps assure space being available in the program for which they are applying.

Admissions deadlines for all programs may be adjusted at the discretion of the Department of Admissions. Graduate programs may have deadlines earlier than the general university deadlines. MIU may add additional entry terms for US students. Please visit the MIU website or contact the Department of Admissions for more information on application deadlines and entry terms.

U.S. Student Admissions

To be considered for admission, prospective students must complete all aspects of the application process.

U.S. Undergraduate Application Requirements

To be considered for admission to Maharishi International University, a prospective student must:

Complete and submit an application online at www.miu.edu/apply.
Provide a professional recommendation from a teacher or employer who has had a professional relationship with the applicant within the last year.
Complete an interview with an Admissions Counselor, expressing a sincere desire for Consciousness-based education.

The interview can be done by phone, Zoom, or in-person if the student visits prior to enrollment

Pay a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $20 or applicable fee waiver.
Provide official proof of high school graduation or high school verification equivalent.
Provide official high school transcripts and official college transcripts from all prior institutions.
Show a final grade point average of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale an official high school transcript or official college transcript from a prior institution. (Exceptions may be made for specific situations.)
Submit an essay with a personal statement describing the applicant’s personal, educational, artistic, and life goals.
If requested, provide supplemental materials to support the prospective student’s application, if requested. Requested materials vary on a case-by-case basis but may include additional essays, an additional recommendation, a résumé, etc.

Transcendental Meditation

Learning the Transcendental Meditation technique is an entry requirement for all on-campus and online students. If on-campus students are unable to learn in advance, they can receive instruction shortly after arrival. Students enrolled in online programs will need to make arrangements to learn the technique before or very soon after they begin classes. Admissions counselors can help direct applicants to their nearest certified Transcendental Meditation teacher.

Campus Visits

MIU offers a number of Visitors Weekend and Visitors Saturday events throughout the year. These programs for prospective students and their families or partners provide a complete introduction to the University and are highly recommended for anyone seriously considering enrolling at Maharishi International University. Virtual Visit options are also available. More information on campus visit options can be found at MIU.edu/visit.

High School Verification

Applicants who did not complete their high school study are required to submit one of the following: 1) General Educational Development (GED) certificate; or 2) a certificate of completion of a home-study program if the program is recognized by the student’s home state, or if the program is not recognized by the student’s state, the state must not consider the student to be in violation of truancy laws. Home-schooled applicants must also submit a complete homeschooling record.

All certificates and transcripts from high schools, colleges, and correspondence schools must be sent in a sealed envelope directly from the school or state agency to the Admissions Department:

Maharishi International University
Admissions Department
1000 North Fourth St., Fairfield, IA 52557
USA

If an applicant has 24 or more transferable credits from a prior college, it’s not necessary to submit a high school document. While an applicant’s previous academic performance is a primary consideration, commitment to gaining maximum benefit from the educational opportunities offered at MIU is an equally important consideration in the admission process.

In Lieu of High School Transcript

Applicants who did not complete their high school study are required to submit one of the following: 1) General Educational Development (GED) certificate; or 2) a certificate of completion of a home-study program if the program is recognized by the student’s home country. Home-schooled applicants must also submit a complete homeschooling record.

All certificates and records must be sent in a sealed envelope directly from the school or state agency to the Admissions Department:

Maharishi International University
Admissions Department
1000 North Fourth St., Fairfield, IA 52557
USA

U.S. Graduate Admissions

Individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree or are in their senior year of college may apply for admission to a master’s degree program at the university. Admission decisions are based upon the applicant’s academic record in undergraduate programs and other graduate programs (if applicable), graduate entrance examination scores (if required), experience, personal qualifications, recommendations, admissions interview, and additional program-specific materials (such as portfolios and essays). Applicants must express a sincere desire for Consciousness-Based education. In some cases, applicants are also requested to learn the Transcendental Meditation technique before enrolling at Maharishi International University.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement

A grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the third and fourth years of undergraduate study is required by the Graduate School for regular admission to graduate programs. Exemptions are granted for specific situations.

U.S. Transfer Student Admissions

Maharishi International University welcomes qualified transfer students. For the number of credits that may be transferred by undergraduate and graduate students, the method for evaluating those credits, and residency requirements, please refer to Transfer Credit Policy section of this catalog.

All transfer approval must be completed within the student’s first semester at the University, except for students receiving Veterans Educational Benefits (evaluation is done automatically upon enrollment).

Transfer students applying for U.S. Title IV financial aid must submit all transcripts from all previous schools to the Office of Admissions. Before financial aid can be awarded, these transcripts must be reviewed to determine class standing and eligibility.

All transcripts from prior institutions must be sent in a sealed envelope directly to the Admissions Department:

Maharishi International University
Admissions Department
1000 North Fourth St., Fairfield, IA 52557
USA

International Student Admissions

MIU welcomes international student applicants for most of the University’s programs. Students must apply online at miu.edu/apply.

Application Deadlines

MIU welcomes international student applicants for most of the University’s programs. Admissions deadlines for all programs may be adjusted at the discretion of the Department of Admissions. Additionally, graduate programs may have deadlines earlier than the general university deadlines. Please visit the MIU website or contact the Department of Admissions for more information on application deadlines.

Deadlines for submitting an online application are:

Spring entry: October 31
all entry: May 15

Prospective international students applying for the Master of Science in Computer Science, The Professionals MBA, or ESL programs may also apply for entry in April or October

April entry: January 31
ctober entry: July 31

International Undergraduate Student Application Requirements

To process applications and immigration forms in a timely way, completed applications, including all required documents, should be received by the Office of Admissions no less than two months in advance of the start of the new academic semester or program starting date.

Applicants to the undergraduate programs are considered for admission after a comprehensive evaluation of their completed application, high school records (and previous college records, if applicable), SAT or ACT scores (if required), recommendation, and an interview with an Admissions Representative. Applicants must express a sincere desire for Consciousness-Based education. In certain cases, applicants are also requested to learn the Transcendental Meditation technique before enrolling at MIU. The Admissions Office can help each applicant connect with a qualified instructor of the Transcendental Meditation technique.

Transcendental Meditation
Learning the Transcendental Meditation technique is an entry requirement for all on-campus and online students. If on-campus students are unable to learn in advance, they can receive instruction shortly after arrival. Students enrolled in online programs will need to make arrangements to learn the technique before or very soon after they begin classes. Admissions counselors can help direct applicants to their nearest certified Transcendental Meditation teacher.

Essay
Applicants are required to submit short essays.

Professional Recommendations
Applicants are required to provide two professional recommendations from teachers or employers who have had a professional relationship with the applicant within the last two years.

Academic Record
Applicants are required to provide a record of high school transcripts (and previous college records, if applicable), SAT, ACT test scores (if required). A grade point average of at least 2.5 (when applicable). Exceptions to GPA requirements may be made for specific situations. All records of any previous schooling (mark sheets, transcripts, diplomas, certificates, etc.) must be submitted as official certified documents directly from each institution. Any photocopies must have the signature of a school official and the school seal. These records must show courses taken and grades earned and must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. When a translation is supplied, the original record must also be included. Translations must be officially certified by a translator or interpreter.

All records must be mailed in a sealed envelope directly to:
Maharishi International University
Admissions Department
1000 North Fourth St., Fairfield, IA 52557, USA

MIU’s college code number for English proficiency scores are:
Duolingo: 100
TOEFL iBT: 80
IELTS Academic: 6.0
PTE: 51

Admissions Interview
An interview with an Admissions Representative is a required part of the application process. This is done over the phone or via Zoom.

International Graduate Student Admissions

Individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree, or are in their senior year of college, may apply for admission to a program of graduate study at the university. Admission decisions are based upon the applicant’s academic record in undergraduate programs, other graduate programs (if applicable), graduate entrance examination scores, experience, personal qualifications, recommendations, and proposed program of study. Applicants must express a sincere desire for Consciousness-Based education. Certain cases applicants are also requested to learn the Transcendental Meditation technique before enrolling at Maharishi International University. The Admissions Office can help each applicant connect with a qualified instructor of the Transcendental Meditation technique.

Essay
Applicants are required to submit a short essay.

Academic Record
Applicants are required to provide a record of their undergraduate transcripts (and previous college records, if applicable), GMAT, GRE test scores (if required). A grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Exceptions to GPA requirements may be made for specific situations. The copy of all records of any previous schooling (mark sheets, transcripts, diplomas, certificates, etc.) must be submitted as officially certified documents directly from each institution. Any photocopies must have the signature of a school official and the school seal. These records must show courses taken and grades earned and must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. When a translation is supplied, the original record must also be included. Translations must be officially certified by a translator or interpreter.

All records should be mailed in a sealed envelope directly to:
Maharishi International University
Admissions Department
1000 North Fourth St., Fairfield, IA 52557, USA

English Proficiency
All applicants who are not native English speakers must submit official Duolingo, TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or PTE English test scores. Students may register for the TOEFL iBT and request that scores be forwarded to the university at the time of the test; or by writing to the Educational Testing service, Box 592, Princeton, New Jersey 08540; or by e-mailing the contact form at www.ets.org/toefl/contact?WT.ac=toeflhome_contactus_121127. MIU’s college code number for English proficiency scores are:

Duolingo: 100
TOEFL iBT: 80
IELTS Academic: 6.0
PTE: 51

Admissions Interview
An interview with an admissions representative is a required part of the application process. This is done over the phone or via Zoom.

International Transfer Student Admissions

Maharishi International University welcomes qualified international transfer students. For the number of credits that may be transferred by undergraduate and graduate students, the method for evaluating those credits, and residency requirements, please refer to the Transfer Credit Policy section of this catalog. All transfer approval must be completed within the student’s first semester at the university.

Additional Admissions Procedures for International Applicants

Visa Procedures

Once the application for admission is approved, an MIU acceptance letter and a US Immigration Service SEVIS I-20 form will be mailed to the applicant. A prospective international student should not make plans to enter the United States before obtaining their F-1 student visa. It will be necessary to present both a letter of acceptance and a SEVIS I-20 form at the US Embassy/Consulate, when applying for an F-1 student visa, and again upon arrival into the United States, and finally, during registration at the University. If further documentation is needed in obtaining a student visa, please contact the Office of International Admissions. Guest students and online students do not receive a student visa. The US Immigration Service strongly discourages and usually disallows international students from entering the US on a Visitor visa and then attempting to change status after arrival. The only exception to this rule would be to make clear at the Port of Entry that one is coming as a Prospective Student and ask that this designation be made on the I-94 record. Otherwise, an application for Change of Status from Visitor to Student will most certainly be denied. Furthermore, a prospective student is not allowed to register and enroll unless and until any Change of Status application is approved (a process that can take several months). Because of these strictures, the University has a policy of only registering students who have obtained the proper student visa.

Financial Statement

International students must provide evidence of financial ability to pursue a course of study at Maharishi International University before the letter of acceptance and the SEVIS I-20 form can be generated and mailed. Financial assistance is available for those who demonstrate academic promise, financial need, and a strong commitment to develop their full potential and the potential of their nations. Students must provide a letter from their bank to the Office of International Admissions verifying the availability of funds to meet their educational expenses for at least one academic year. Using this verification, the University can then issue a SEVIS I-20 form, which is needed to obtain a student visa. Guest students and online students do not have to verify funds for their program cost.

Health Insurance

Due to the high cost of medical care in the US, all international on-campus students must purchase health insurance through the university at the time of registration. Students are exempt from this requirement if they can show at registration that they have adequate coverage under their own insurance. This health insurance requirement is based on our concern that our international students are 1) Adequately covered in the event of accident or illness, 2) Able to receive the most complete and up-to-date medical care available, and 3) Not incurring large financial losses because of a medical emergency while in the United States.

Official Acceptance Required Before Arriving On Campus

Maharishi International University may defer admission or readmission of a student to any program if such deferral is warranted based on the application or other information.

It is very important that students do not come before receiving official acceptance and confirming their intention to accept admission into the university. International students must also have received their US Immigration and Naturalization Service I-20 form from the Office of Admissions before coming to the university campus.

Admissions for Certificate Programs And Guest Students

Non-degree-seeking Guest Students Taking a Single Course

U.S. citizen and eligible non-citizen applicants with a specific interest in a particular subject who are not ready to enroll in an entire MIU program may participate in university courses without enrolling as a degree-seeking student under the Guest Student status. Upon successful completion of a course, a guest student will receive credit and a transcript reflecting the course and grade. If a student taking a single course later becomes a degree-seeking student at MIU, the course and grade may be transferable to a degree program. Up to 8 credits may be applied to a degree program, with approval. International students who wish to apply as Guest Students must arrange their travel under a tourist visa. MIU cannot provide documents for an F-1 student visa for single-course applicants.

Guest Student Application Requirements for Single Courses
Guest students who wish to attend a course for credit must complete an application for single-course enrollment online at www.miu.edu/application by choosing Single Course in the dropdown for Degree or Program you are applying for. Guest applicants must pay the $20 non refundable application fee at the time of submission. The deadline to submit all documents required for admission is two weeks before the course starts.

Professional Recommendations
Applicants are required to provide two professional recommendations. It may be from a teacher or employer who has had professional relations with the applicant within the last two years.

Resume
If the applicant is attending MIU for the first time, it’s helpful for us to have more background on their recent academic and/or professional experience.

Prerequisite Courses
Some university courses cannot be taken without having completed certain prerequisite course(s). The final decision whether to accept a guest student is determined by the instructor of the course.

Certificate Program Admissions

MIU offers certificate programs both online and on-campus in a variety of disciplines. The English as a Second Language (ESL) program has four entries in an academic year: Spring (February), April, Fall (August), and October. Non-degree-seeking guest students enrolling an MIU certificate program or single course are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid. MIU students currently enrolled in a degree program are eligible to recieve a certificate in a variety of disciplines. The certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the student’s degree program.

Certificate Programs
Advanced Graduate Certificate in Integrative Ayurveda for ABOIM Certified Physicians (online, low residency)
Field Training Certificate in Regenerative Organic Agriculture (on-campus)
English as a Second Language (ESL)

On-Campus Certificates
Consciousness and Social Transformation
Consciousness Research
Digital Arts
Digital Music and Sound
Essentials of Filmmaking
Permaculture Design Certification (PDC)
Regenerative Organic Agriculture
Social Media Content Creator
Sustainable Building and Design
Sustainable Energy Systems
Yoga for Personal Practice

Online Certificates
Advanced Creative Writing Mentorship in Poetry
Advanced Creative Writing Mentorship in Fiction
Advanced Creative Writing Mentorship in Creative Nonfiction
Digital Arts
Digital Music and Sound
Essentials of Filmmaking
Permaculture Design Certification (PDC)
Regenerative Organic Agriculture
Social Media Content Creator
Writing Pedagogy: The Theory of Teaching Creative Writing
The Writer in the World: Professional Development
The Writer Online: Social Media Marketing and Strategy

Online with a Short On-Campus Residency
Yoga for Personal Practice
Yoga and Higher States of Consciousness

Readmission Policy

Students who have been away from the university for one semester or longer, or who have officially withdrawn from the university, must apply for readmission by submitting a new online application. Online students who have not been enrolled for two semesters or longer must reapply and be accepted by the Office of Admissions before continuing their online studies. Students who have been suspended must gain clearance from the Dean of Students before applying for readmission.