Yoga Therapy

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Yoga Therapy program provides yoga professionals with a comprehensive foundation in the theoretical, scientific, and experiential training of yogic teachings and practices. Students learn to apply this learning to address their clients’ unique health goals and challenges. Graduates work in a wide variety of settings within the health and wellness field as well as conventional medical settings. This 39.5‐credit program is delivered in the online format and can be completed in six trimesters (two years).

Program Description

The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the classical and theoretical foundations of the field of yoga therapy, as well as extensive knowledge of biomedical systems from an integrative and holistic perspective. The program provides the skills to integrate the teachings from this curriculum with those gained in previous yoga teacher trainings to assess the needs of clients,
design and implement effective programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of these programs. The program includes a combination of didactic and experiential learning, in order to prepare graduates for work in wellness, community health, and healthcare settings.

As an academic program, the Master of Science in Yoga Therapy provides the critical thinking and research literacy skills needed to excel in the program and in a future career.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education,
• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• Resume
• Transcript(s)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (International students)
• Complete essay question(s) in application
• Earned a minimum of 200-hour Teacher Training, through a Yoga Alliance 200-hr registered school program or its equivalent
• One year and 100 hours of documented teaching experience after the 200-hr Teacher Training and by the time of application to the program. Documentation should include the list of teaching experiences, locations, and hours that comprise these 100 hours.

Licensure, Certification, and Credentialing

Graduates of the Master of Science in Yoga Therapy program become eligible to sit for the national yoga therapy exam offered by the International Association of Yoga Therapists to earn their Certified Yoga Therapist (C‐IAYT) designation. Graduates also become eligible to apply for their RYT500 credential with the Yoga Alliance. Interested individuals are encouraged to check with the department chair for the most recent requirements.

This certification is offered by a non-governmental body and is not subject to the Department of Education’s new federal regulations regarding licensure and disclosure requirements (34 CFR 668.14(b)(32)).

Program Accreditation

MUIH’s Master of Science in Yoga Therapy program is accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists, which supports research and education in yoga and serves as a worldwide professional organization for yoga teachers and yoga therapists. For more information, contact IAYT, PO Box 251563, Little Rock, AR 72225; phone 928-541-0004.

Program Format

This program is offered in the online format. Click here to view MUIH’s definition of online, hybrid, and on‐campus course and program formats. Advanced Standing for C-IAYT

Certification 

Individuals who hold C-IAYT certification from the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) are eligible to apply for advanced standing in MUIH’s M.S. Yoga Therapy program. Advanced standing reduces students’ credits, costs, and time to program completion. See the catalog’s Articulations and Advanced Standing section for more details or contact the Yoga Therapy Department at yoga@muih.edu.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program graduates will be able to:

• Describe the classical and theoretical foundations of the field of yoga therapy.
• Explain biomedical systems from an integrative and holistic perspective, as needed for the practice of yoga therapy.
• Apply knowledge learned in this curriculum and in previous yoga teacher training to assess the needs of clients, to design and implement effective programs, and to assess the effectiveness of these programs.
• Effectively use yoga as a therapeutic modality through the integration of diverse approaches to this field.
• Use professional conduct during the practice of yoga therapy.
• Use relationship-based approaches to catalyze positive change or transformation with clients.
• Use critical thinking skills and science-based literacy to advance the evolution of yoga therapy as an integrative health practice.