Maharishi Vedic Science, PhD

Location(s): On-Campus

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Program Description in Brief

This program is for those who wish to become scholars, researchers, educators, or leaders in Maharishi Vedic Science. Students develop writing and speaking skills, gain a fuller grasp of principles of Maharishi Vedic Science, and research and write a dissertation in Maharishi Vedic Science, either in (1) Vedic Literature, (2) Applications of Maharishi Vedic Science, (3) Modern Science and Maharishi Vedic Science, (4) Higher States of Consciousness, or (5) Exploration of the Principles of Maharishi Vedic Science in the Vedic literature.

The PhD in Maharishi Vedic Science involves one year of coursework (meeting 5.5 days per week) followed by a dissertation proposal (up to 1.5 years) and research and writing (up to 5.5 years). Students have seven years after the coursework to complete their proposal, research, and final dissertation

Expanded Program Description

The PhD in Maharishi Vedic Science is the highest academic and professional degree in the discipline devoted to the study of the holistic development of consciousness. The Department will therefore evaluate applicants not only for their demonstrated ability to undertake doctoral-level academic work in the field but also for the prospective student’s demonstrated ability to serve as an example of the highest standards of holistic development.

Students entering the program must hold a Master of Arts degree in Consciousness and Human Potential or in Maharishi Vedic Science and have demonstrated the ability to undertake doctoral level work. For acceptance into the program, a student’s complete academic record and personal recommendations are also considered. Practicing the TM-Sidhi program is an entry requirement for the PhD in Maharishi Vedic Science program. Students who have not yet learned the TM-Sidhi program may be accepted with the stipulation that they learn the TM-Sidhi program in their first semester.

This program is for those individuals who wish to accelerate growth to enlightenment and become scholars, researchers, educators, or leaders in Maharishi Vedic Science. Students develop writing and speaking skills, gain a fuller grasp of principles of Maharishi Vedic Science, and research and write a dissertation in Maharishi Vedic Science, either in A) Vedic Literature, B) Applications of Maharishi Vedic Science, C) Modern Science and Maharishi Vedic Science, D) Higher States of Consciousness, or E) Exploration of the Principles of Maharishi Vedic Science in the Vedic literature.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the PhD in Maharishi Vedic Science, graduates will be able to:

Evaluate experiences of growth of consciousness in themselves and in their activity, such as growth of balance in speech and activity, creative and coherent interactions, unshakeable patience, effortlessness, fulfillment of desires, and “softness, sweetness and confidence.”
Communicate the most advanced and refined principles of modern science and Maharishi Vedic Science logically and accurately to the general scholarly community.
Conduct original empirical, experiential and/or theoretical research that extends the understanding of Maharishi Vedic Science and its applications.
Write publication-ready papers for peer review journals and give professional presentations to leaders of society.
Demonstrate effective teaching skills as preparation for assuming leadership roles in society with an emphasis on Consciousness-based professions.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with a Doctor of Philosophy in Maharishi Vedic Science, students must complete a minimum of 68 credits, including the 4-credit Science of Creative Intelligence course required for all graduate students, one Forest Academy course in each semester in which the student is enrolled for 12 weeks or more, 42 credits of 1st year PhD MVS courses, 14-16 credits of 2nd year courses in Faculty Development and Dissertation Proposal development, and a minimum of 12 credits for original research and Dissertation preparation.

To earn a PhD at MIU, students must also successfully complete the Qualifying Examination and all PhD dissertation requirements.

PhD in Maharishi Vedic Science Course Requirements

Science of Creative Intelligence (4 credits)

FOR 500 - Science Of Creative Intelligence Credits: 4 *

PhD MVS Core Curriculum (32 credits)

FOR 591 - Advanced Topics In Maharishi Vedic Science Credits: 2
MVS 601 - Special Topics: Critical Thinking Credits: 2
MVS 605 - Philosophy Of Science Credits: variable
MVS 611 - Research Methods Credits: variable
MVS 620 - Academic Writing In Maharishi Vedic Science Credits: 6
MVS 630 - Readings In Vedic Literature Credits: variable
MVS 670 - Advanced Analysis And Synthesis Of Total Knowledge Credits: 8
MVS 671 - Maharishi’S Insight Into Veda And The Vedic Literature Credits: variable
MVS 672 - Mastering Veda And Vedic Literature In The Human Physiology Credits: variable
MVS 674 - Peace-Creating Professionals Credits: variable
MVS 680 - Maharishi Vedic Science Seminar Credits: 0.5-1

Written and Oral Qualifying Examinations (6 credits)

Choose one:

EL 598 - Fieldwork Credits: 2-4
EL 599 - Scholarly Research Credits: 2-4

Year 2 Courses: Faculty Development and Dissertation Proposal Development (minimum 14 credits)

MVS 695 - Faculty Development Seminar Credits: variable
MVS 700 - Preparation Of Dissertation Proposal Credits: 8

Year 3+ Courses: Original Research and Dissertation Preparation (minimum 12 credits)

MVS 701 - Dissertation Research Credits: variable

Total Minimum Credits Required to Graduate 68

*Completing FOR 500 fulfills the Forest Academy Requirement for the semester in which the course is completed.

* After defending the written dissertation proposal, students have up to 5.5 years to conduct and write their dissertation: seven years total from the qualifying exams to the final dissertation.

PHD Dissertation, Exam, and Grade Requirements

To graduate with a PhD in Maharishi Vedic Science, students must meet the following requirements:

Course Grades

A grade of B (3.00) or higher in all courses.

Qualifying Examination

This examination assesses the ability of the student to pursue doctoral research. Based on successful completion of this examination, the student is advanced to PhD Candidate status.

Teaching and Research Experience

All doctoral students who have passed their qualifying exams may be asked to help teach courses and/or help as research assistants. These activities give students necessary experience and skills in academic teaching and conducting research necessary in the career path of PhD graduates. Students who have reached PhD Candidate status may be awarded a PhD Assistantship, which entails this teaching or research.

Advanced Coursework

Advanced courses may be prescribed by the dissertation advisor and dissertation committee to ensure that students have comprehensive knowledge of a major field and related subjects. The courses students are required to take will depend upon academic background in relation to their graduate program and area of research interest.

Dissertation Committee

A doctoral student must form a Dissertation Committee of at least four members including the dissertation advisor, a faculty member from the student’s department, a faculty member from another MIU department, and one faculty member from another university or research institution. Dissertation committee membership must be approved by the director of the doctoral program and the Dean of Faculty.

Dissertation Proposal

The student submits the completed dissertation proposal to their Dissertation Committee and the Dean of the Graduate School for approval. When the dissertation proposal is accepted, the student advances to PhD Researcher status to prepare an oral defense of the dissertation.

After defending the written proposal, students advance to the PhD researcher status and enroll in MVS 701 . Students have up to 5.5 years to conduct and write their dissertation: seven years total from the qualifying exams to the final dissertation.

Original Research for a Dissertation

Each doctoral student must conduct original research as the basis for a dissertation that contributes significantly to knowledge. This research is guided by the dissertation advisor and the dissertation committee and requires their approval. All doctoral students must be registered during each block they’re working on their doctoral dissertation, whether they live on or off campus.

Written Dissertation and Abstract

Dissertation guidelines are online at www.library.miu.edu/dissertation-guidelines-for-phd-candidates/ Students should read these guidelines before beginning their dissertations. When writing a dissertation, students work closely with their dissertation advisor. At least four months before students plan to graduate, they should have the first version of their dissertation thoroughly checked by their dissertation advisor. Once the dissertation advisor has approved the dissertation, the student may submit the document to the other members of their dissertation committee. The committee members will review the document and give their comments in a timely fashion - within two weeks. After incorporating all comments, the student will send updated copies of the manuscript to all committee members at least two weeks before the dissertation defense.

Oral Defense of the Dissertation

The PhD researcher must successfully complete an oral defense of the dissertation. The oral examination in defense of the dissertation is conducted and evaluated by the dissertation committee (supplemented by additional appointed faculty members, at the discretion of the Dean of the Graduate School). The examination is scheduled for a date not earlier than two weeks after the dissertation and abstract have been submitted to the dissertation advisor and dissertation committee. The student must be registered during the block in which the final oral examination is taken.

Publishing the Dissertation

When the dissertation committee has reviewed and approved the dissertation and the student has passed the dissertation defense, the student incorporates any further recommended changes and corrections before submitting the dissertation to the MIU Library. To aid in completing the final dissertation, students present an electronic copy of their dissertations one month before graduation to the MIU Library Director (even if the dissertation is not complete). The Library Director will give the student feedback on formatting the dissertation. One week before graduation, the student must give the Library Director a final printed copy of the dissertation and two copies of the abstract. Everything needs to be complete at this time.

All doctoral dissertations submitted to the Graduate School will be published. MIU subscribes to a service offered by Proquest ETD Administrator. Information about the publication procedures and fees may be obtained from the MIU Proquest ETD administrator website and from the MIU Library Director. Two copies of the dissertation will be placed in the MIU Library and will be available for interlibrary loan. The abstract will be published in Dissertation Abstracts, which announces the availability of the dissertation.