Students who are interested in Ayurveda can find standalone courses and workshops, certificate programs and master's degree programs in the field. Some schools also include Ayurveda studies within broader holistic health programs.
Schools with Ayurveda Programs
These schools offer Ayurveda-related training:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Program Offered | Tuition (2015-2016)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University | Denver, CO | 4-year, Public | Workshop | Free** |
| Anoka-Ramsey Community College | Cambridge, MN | 2-year, Public | Course | $144.96 per credit** |
| Southern California University of Health Sciences | Whittier, CA | 4-year, Private | Certificate | $8,779 |
| Normandale Community College | Bloomington, MN | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $5,736 |
| Maharishi University of Management | Fairfield, IA | 4-year, Private | Master's | $26,000 |
| Southwest Institute of Healing Arts | Tempe, AZ | 2-year, Private | Course | $450** |
| Prana Yoga and Ayurveda Mandala Training Center | Denver, CO | Private | Courses Certificate |
Varies by program** |
| Bastyr University | Kenmore, WA | 4-year, Private | Master's | $24,200 |
| The Ayurvedic Institute | Albuquerque, NM | Private | Workshop, Certificate |
Varies by program** |
| Kerala Ayurveda | Fremont, CA | Private | Workshop Certificate |
Varies by program** |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics, **School websites
School Selection Criteria
Consider the following when looking for Ayurveda schools:
- It is important to consider the amount of time you want to dedicate to Ayurveda studies, since some seminars last for only a week, certificates may last a full year and full master's degrees can take two years to complete.
- Students with scheduling constraints may want to look for schools that offer online or evening coursework.
- It can be helpful to look into the hands-on training clinical experiences offered through the school, which can include supervised training at local clinics or even externships abroad.
- Because Ayurveda is closely related to other complementary health practices, students who are pursuing a master's degree may want to find out if the school offers dual degree options in fields such as naturopathic medicine or acupuncture.
Courses / Seminars / Workshops
Some schools provide Ayurveda education through single-day courses or workshops. These are often free and open to the public, and they introduce students to the basic concepts of Ayurveda. Taking one of these courses may help prospective students decide if they want to pursue more extensive studies in the field.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs in Ayurveda vary widely, depending on the school. Some certificate programs last for a full year and train students to become Ayurvedic wellness educators or Ayurvedic practitioners. There are also schools that offer shorter, more intensive programs that last for one or six weeks. At some schools, the credits earned in a certificate program can be applied toward the continuing education requirements of professional organizations or employers.
Master's Degree Programs
Individuals who want to pursue advanced studies in the practice of Ayurveda can earn a Master of Science (MS) in the field. These programs combine coursework in the biomedical sciences with practical clinical training. Students may be required to complete a real-world internship or externship prior to graduation.
Students who want to study Ayurveda can find relevant courses and programs at a few schools in the United States. Students may consider time commitments and hands-on training opportunities when choosing between programs.
