Vivekananda Yoga University (VaYU)
June 16, 2023
Swami Vivekananda was a 19th century visionary and a philosopher who introduced Yoga to the US in 1893. Vivekananda Yoga University (VaYU) is founded on the same principles of universal welfare that Swami Vivekananda envisioned. VaYU, the world’s first Yoga university outside India, established in the USA, is devoted to holistic yoga education and research, and offers online graduate programs (MS, Ph.D., and MS/Ph.D.) centered on evidence-based, modern scientific approach to the ancient Indian science and practice of Yoga.
Vision: To build a healthy, harmonious world through holistic Yoga.
Mission: Creating a Yogic life path for the welfare of humanity.
Background: The idea of Vivekananda Yoga University or VaYU, was first formed and discussed by Padmashree Dr. H.R. Nagendra and Babulal Gandhi of Los Angeles, CA in 1997. Dr. Nagendra eventually established the SVYASA University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India in 2002, but it took a while to establish VaYU in the USA. Prof. Sree N. Sreenath and Dr. Murali Venkatrao were recruited by Dr. Nagendra in May 2014 for the project. On July 7, 2014 Babubhai Gandhi of VYASA LA incorporated ‘Vivekananda Yoga University’ in the State of California. The Executive Team applied for and gained the 501 (c) (3) nonprofit status as an online university after battling the Federal bureaucracy for four years (2014-2017).
VaYU’s MS Program: VaYU launched its Online Master of Science (Yoga) program licensed by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), State of California in Fall 2020. The Online MS (Yoga) program is led by some of the most experienced faculty in the world with over 650 years of combined research and teaching experience. 30-credits (10 courses) over 4 semesters include learning modules/courses include Yoga Therapy, Research, Philosophy, Science, Applications, and Practical training. New enrollments are admitted in Fall and Spring. No background in Yoga is required. VaYU’s MS Program’s therapy track has been accredited by International Association of Yoga Therapists towards a C-IAYT (Certified International Yoga Therapist) credential.
VaYU’s Ph.D. Program: In Spring 2023, VaYU launched the Online Ph.D. (Yoga) program with license from the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), State of California. For serious students interested in exploring Yoga Science, Philosophy, or Therapy, this doctoral program has three components: preparatory coursework, advancement to candidacy, and submission of an original dissertation. The typical time for a diligent student to complete the Ph.D. program is 3-5 years with 36 credits beyond a Master’s in Yoga, or 66 credits beyond Bachelor’s degree. Ph.D. thesis work is subjective and could require field and/or lab work. A MS/Ph.D. (Yoga) program is available for highly motivated students with a Bachelor’s degree.
Enrollments: Fall 2023 semester will start August 21st 2023 and VaYU is ready to welcome new students for both MS and Ph.D. programs. Aspiring students are applying as we speak and VaYU’s admissions Team is here to help.
Endowments: VaYU is grateful to have received a $1M+ donation recently and we are looking to raise $5M+ with a roadmap of innovative programs (including Continuing Medical Education(CME) program), world-class faculty and a rising diverse student population.
VaYU looks forward to your generosity in being a well-wisher, donor and an evangelist for spreading the word to increase endowments and enrollments.
Please contact apply@vayuusa.org or call +1 (747) 228-2987. You may visit VaYU at www.vayuusa.org.
