"Yoga Therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the teachings and practices of Yoga." - International Association of Yoga Therapy
Objective
- LMU Graduate Yoga Therapy coursework extends students in the Master of Arts in Yoga Studies knowledge and experience in therapeutic applications of Yoga, including mentored practicums within clinical and educational settings. There are two options that students can choose from: Yoga Therapy Concentration or Post Graduate Yoga Therapy (PGYT) Certificate. Both tracks are outlined below.
- Those seeking International Association of Yoga Therapists Certification (IAYT-C) accreditation should complete YTRx Level I and YTRx Level II through LMU's Center of Religion and Spirituality concurrently during the course of their M.A. and/or PGYT study. The three Graduate Yoga Therapy elective courses below in conjunction with YTRx Level I and Level II qualifies for IAYT-C accreditation. IAYT is not required for degree completion. Students seeking IAYT-C are also required to complete 150 mentored practicum hours. These hours may be completed off-site in any location or through telehealth session
* Please note: IAYT accreditation *is not* available to remote learning (low residency) students with the exception of those who are able to travel to campus for once monthly completion of Yoga Rx certifications in-person, effective Fall 2022. IAYT is currently still reviewing online learning protocols moving forward and we will continue to update students accordingly. Completion of Graduate Yoga Therapy coursework is still available as an option to all in-person and remote learning students.
Concentrations
Yoga Studies M.A. with Yoga Therapy Concentration
Students have the option of incorporating Yoga Therapy coursework into the M.A. Yoga Studies program. For those interested to focus on Yoga Therapy, students can enroll in the following courses to count toward their M.A. degree completion:
- Health Sciences II*
- Yoga Therapy Applications*
- Yoga Therapy Practicum
* Students will take these courses in lieu of (2) elective courses: Sanskrit: The Yoga Sutras AND Comparative Mysticism OR History of Modern Yoga
Residential M.A. Curriculum with Yoga Therapy Concentration
Fall, Year 2
- YGST 6060 Health Science and Yoga II (3 units) in lieu of YGST 6025 Sanskrit: The Yoga Sutra
- YGST 6070 Yoga Therapy Applications (3 units) in lieu of YGST 6082 Comparative Mysticism OR YGST 6050 History of Modern Yoga
Spring, Year 2
- YGST 6080 Yoga Therapy Practicum (3 units) in addition to existing M.A. coursework
Low Residency M.A. Curriculum with Yoga Therapy Concentration
Fall, Year 2
- YGST 6060 Health Science and Yoga II (3 units) in lieu of YGST 6025 Sanskrit: The Yoga Sutra
- YGST 6070 Yoga Therapy Applications (3 units) in lieu of YGST 6082 Comparative Mysticism OR in lieu of YGST 6050 History of Modern Yoga (Fall, Year 3)
Spring, Year 2
- YGST 6080 Yoga Therapy Practicum (3 units) in addition to existing M.A. coursework
Post Graduate Yoga Therapy (PGYT) Certificate
For students seeking to complete the full M.A. Yoga Studies curriculum (including courses listed with asterisk above) in addition to Yoga Therapy coursework, the Post Graduate Yoga Therapy Certificate offers the highest level of Yoga Therapy accreditation in North America. Upon completion of the M.A. degree, students can enroll in the Post Graduate certificate in Yoga Therapy to complete the following coursework:
Curriculum with PGYT
Fall, Year 3 (residential) / Year 4 (low residency)
- YGST 6060 Health Science and Yoga II (3 units)
- YGST 6070 Yoga Therapy Applications (3 units)
Spring, Year 3 (residential) / Year 4 (low residency)
- YGST 6080 Yoga Therapy Practicum (3 units)
- YGST (~) Yoga Therapy India **
** All students may elect to participate in a study abroad experience in India at leading centers for Yoga Therapy, including but not restricted to Kaivalyadham in Lonavala (founded 1924) and the International Centre for Yoga Education and Research in Pondicherry (founded in 1967).
PGYT students begin coursework in the Fall semester only. However, applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
What to Expect
While Enrolled
Students are positioned as emerging leaders in the fields of modern Yoga and Yoga Therapy. Building upon the M.A. in Yoga Studies graduate level coursework in Yoga philosophy, Sanskrit language, comparative theology and health science, Graduate Yoga Therapy studies students extend their knowledge in applying classical Yoga tradition to modern therapeutic practice.
Students examine and integrate the philosophy and practices of Yoga through both classical Yoga and modern science perspectives to develop holistic effective and safe personalized Yoga practices for clients with physical, emotional, mental or spiritual conditions. Skilled faculty devote significant time and individualized attention to students to guide independent research study, support community programming and offer real world experience through mentorship and practicum field work. Graduates gain skills in critically evaluating Yoga research and are prepared for scholarly presentation at academic and professional conferences.
Through this comprehensive experience, students are aptly situated as leaders in the emerging field of professional Yoga Therapy. This graduate level Yoga Therapy programming is a rigorous immersion program in applied Yoga philosophy as therapy for facilitating physical, energetic, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Upon Completion (Career Opportunities)
Graduates complete the program with both a Master degree and a Yoga Therapy concentration or Post Graduate certificate, the highest certifications available in the field today. Students completing the additional courses through LMU Extension will also qualify for certification with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT). Graduates are prepared for careers in private Yoga Therapy practice, within clinical, organizational and educational settings, as University and Yoga Therapy program faculty and are positioned for continued Ph.D. coursework. Graduate alumni are currently serving as faculty at accredited Universities nationally and internationally, developing Graduate, Undergraduate, Community College and teacher training programs, running their own studios, wellness centers and community organizations (non-profits), and further contributing as leaders in the emerging field of Yoga Therapy.
For more information:
- Request more information about PGYT
- Two-year full time Master in Yoga Studies program
- Three year part-time online Master in Yoga Studies program
For general information on Graduate Admissions: graduateadmission@lmu.edu
For financial aid inquiries, please contact:
Phone: 310.338.272
Email: finaid@lmu.edu
or visit Graduate Financial Aid