Yoga Therapy is an emerging discipline that applies ancient yogic wisdom as a form of healing, complementary to Western medicine. Beyond offering the first accredited Master of Arts in Yoga Studies program, LMU stands out with its unique Post-Graduate Yoga Therapy (PGYT) certificate program. Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Yoga Studies program have the option to concentrate their graduate coursework on Yoga Therapy without extending their studies to complete the full PGYT.
What is the Yoga Therapy concentration?
LMU’s Yoga Therapy coursework is designed to enhance student knowledge and experience by offering an evidence-based curriculum that can be implemented in the community, setting it apart from other similar programs. Through this comprehensive curriculum, students delve into the therapeutic applications of Yoga, acquire skills to work with yoga therapy clients one-on-one, and engage in valuable mentored practicums within both clinical and educational environments.
*Students seeking certification with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT) must meet additional qualifications stipulated here.
Is the Yoga Therapy concentration the right program for me?
The Yoga Therapy concentration is for BCLA Yoga Studies M.A. students who wish to:
- Gain expertise in applied yoga philosophy for enhancing health and well-being.
- Demonstrate skilled competence in performing client intake, evaluation, assessment, and development of comprehensive yoga therapy plans.
- Understand the bio-psycho-social-spiritual and energetic effects of yoga practices for enhancing health and well-being.
- Appreciate the history and application of yoga therapy within and outside of India.
- Create an evidence-based therapeutic yoga program for a specific population.
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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 must 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