Aromatherapy and Maharishi Ayurveda, MS

Online | Low Residency

Program Description

The Master of Science in Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda is an online program offering graduate training in integrated disciplines of holistic aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects including human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, organic chemistry related to essential oils, fundamentals of aromatherapy, Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology, Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle, basic herbology, self-pulse assessment, and essential oil immersion sessions. This integrated program of study provides comprehensive intellectual and practical training for future holistic aromatherapy practitioners.

Choice of 100% Online or Low Residency Programs

Students can choose to complete the program 100% online in three years of part time study or in a Low Residency format that includes two weeks of in-residence training at the Maharishi AyurVeda Integrative Wellness Center at MIU’s campus in Fairfield, Iowa, and an optional eight days of professional training in Provence, France.

Preparation for Professional Certification in Aromatherapy

The aromatherapy training in MIU’s MS in Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda is approved by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) to prepare students to qualify to become a NAHA Level 2 Certified Professional Aromatherapist.

Aromatherapy and Ayurveda Curriculum

Throughout the program, students learn the basic principles, history, and different traditions of classical aromatherapy and gain insight into the various types of essential oils, their bioactive components, their processes of distillation and manufacturing, modes of administration, therapeutic use, quality control, and scientific validation. Students also learn to select personalized essential oils and hydrosols therapy methods for well-being according to the principles of Maharishi AyurVeda, scientific aromatherapy, and quantum aromatherapy.

In addition to theoretical learning, students actively participate in experiential learning activities such as hands-on training in self-pulse assessment, crafting therapeutic blends and other aromatherapy products, and inhaling essential oils to evaluate their impact on physiology through self-pulse assessment. This immersive approach allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, honing their skills and deepening their understanding of the therapeutic potential of essential oils combined with Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle recommendations, fostering a holistic understanding of wellness practices as future aromatherapists.

The overall goal of the program is to enable graduates to evaluate and apply the principles of Holistic Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda for development of holistic wellness, and development of self in the direction of higher states of consciousness.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Masters in Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda will be able to:

1. Memorize the botanical names, common names, therapeutic properties, and safety indications of essential oils.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the safe and effective application of aromatherapy techniques (blending and use of essential oils) in clinical and wellness settings with focus on a) identifying appropriate pathways and modes of administration; b) ensuring correct dosage and frequency of application; c) understanding optimal durations of use; and d) implementing precise concentration percentages in blended formulations.
3. Design comprehensive personalized aromatherapy protocols and plans utilizing Maharishi Ayurveda principles of Prakriti and Vikriti - dosha and imbalance.
4. Apply principles of Maharishi Ayurveda to create holistic wellness plans integrating aromatherapy with diet, lifestyle, and other consciousness-based modalities.
5. Develop innovative aromatherapy blends and formulations tailored to specific therapeutic goals and/or populations.
6. Design an Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda Wellness practice in accordance with a) the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) code of ethics as a Certified Professional Aromatherapist, and b) State laws on unlicensed Complementary and Alternative Medicine or Integrative Medicine practitioner as a Maharishi AyurVeda Wellness Consultant.

Entrance Requirements

To be admitted to the MS in Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda - Distance Education program, applicants should preferably be either a licensed health professional or have education, training, and experience in a health-related field. Prior experience in a health-related field is helpful but not required. The admissions committee will use discretion in accepting applicants according to the following criteria.

Applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university earned with a 3.0 CGPA (B or higher)
• Complete the application for the admission process, including transcript(s) and recommendation(s).
• Be fluent in English.
• Learn the Transcendental Meditation technique prior to beginning the program.

Course Waivers for Prior Learning

Applicants who are graduates of MIU’s BA in AyurVeda Wellness and Integrative Health degree program with an average grade of B or higher are eligible to waive the first three foundational courses, PH 5000 , PH 5001A , and PH 5002 , allowing them to enter the 2nd year of program coursework.Applicants who are graduates of MIU’s MS in Maharishi AyurVeda and Integrative Medicine with an average grade of B or higher are eligible to waive the first three foundational courses and pulse assessment courses: PH 5000 , PH 5001A , PH 5001B , PH 5002 , and PH 5016 .

Applicants who are health professionals may fulfill the human anatomy and physiology requirements - PH 5007  and PH 5010  - by successfully completing equivalent graduate level coursework with an earned grade of B or higher at a qualifying regionally accredited institution.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with an MS in Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda, students must successfully complete 45 total credits of study, including 39 credits of online Aromatherapy and Maharishi AyurVeda courses, and 6 credits of half-time Professional Training Practicum courses. For the academic year 2024-2025, the Science of Creative Intelligence (SCI) and Forest Academy requirements for all graduate students are woven throughout the required courses.

Students must successfully complete an examination for each course with a grade/performance of 70% or more. Clinical experience over the course of the program must include at least 60 in-person client encounters including observing consultations, participating in small group patient-oriented discussions, and conducting one-on-one consultations. In the final semester of the course, students must give a researched presentation to show competency in safety of essential oils and consult at least two practice clients independently for a minimum of 8 weeks.