What is Consciousness-Based education?

Maharishi International University (MIU) in Fairfield, Iowa, expands the scope of conventional education by nurturing the whole person. In addition to gaining cutting-edge knowledge and invaluable career skills, students discover how to directly experience their innermost nature—pure consciousness and creative intelligence. Self-knowledge is the heart of an MIU education.

Consciousness-Based education includes the Transcendental Meditation technique

Traditional education leaves out you—or more specifically, your consciousness, which determines your overall state of mind, emotions, and well-being. Consciousness-Based education includes the Transcendental Meditation® technique, which reduces stress and anxiety while unfolding your inner potential. With the calm, clarity, and creativity that result from regular TM practice, your academic performance and achievements spontaneously improve.

Recognizing the need for a more complete system of higher education that expands the Self—the container of knowledge—as well as offering disciplines of knowledge, TM Founder Maharishi Mahesh Yogi founded MIU in 1971. The university offers over 40 on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate degree programs and is fully accredited through the doctoral level by the Higher Learning Commission.

This unique system of education also presents a unifying framework of knowledge by relating each academic discipline to consciousness itself, which is the one underlying field that all areas of study have in common. This approach allows higher education to be more personal and fulfilling—and more relevant to your life.

Knowledge is structured in consciousness

All knowledge is based in consciousness, and your own ultimate reality is consciousness. At MIU, Consciousness-Based education connects everything you learn to the underlying wholeness of life.

When you connect each discipline with your own innermost Self—pure consciousness—you are able to directly experience and understand the unity of all knowledge. As a result, learning becomes much more satisfying, relevant, and exciting.

Learn more about Consciousness-Based education

The TM technique

All MIU students, faculty, and staff practice the effortless, evidence-based Transcendental Meditation technique for enhancing creativity and learning ability, while reducing stress and anxiety.

At MIU, twice-daily TM practice is the foundation for self-discovery, unfolding your full potential, and discovering that consciousness underlies and connects all fields of study to who you truly are.  More

One course per month, with professors who care

Another secret for learning more, but with less stress, is MIU’s block system. Each month, you fully immerse yourself in just one course at a time. No more juggling four or five classes at once!

With small, full-immersion classes, MIU professors can give their students lots of personal attention and support. And as advanced TM practitioners themselves, faculty members share with their students the same goal of developing higher states of consciousness.

Learn more about the MIU block system

40+ programs to choose from—on campus and online

MIU offers bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D., and certificate programs in a wide range of disciplines

MIU offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in a wide range of disciplines. You’ll find everything from Applied Arts and Sciences to Consciousness and Human Potential; from Art and Creative Writing to Cinematic Arts, New Media, and Screenwriting; from Yoga and Ayurveda Wellness and Integrative Health to Sustainable Regenerative Living and Organic Agriculture; from Computer Science to Business Administration; and much more. Explore MIU programs

MIU also offers a full slate of online programs, so you can earn your undergraduate or graduate degree in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Learn more about online programs

MIU’s Online Enrichment Courses include numerous live and recorded non-credit online classes, covering topics such as higher states of consciousness, Ayurvedic cooking, parenting, and Yoga asanas. Find enrichment courses

A campus culture with heart

Enjoy a vibrant student life at MIU

MIU students, faculty, and staff come from many places, cultures, and backgrounds. You’ll thrive in a mutually supportive and inclusive community, where everyone is committed to personal growth, wellness, sustainability, and positive values.

Enjoy a vibrant student life on campus and in the town of Fairfield, with workshops and performances, opportunities for leadership and activism, international clubs, special interest groups, and more. MIU offers an environment that allows every student to unfold their full creative potential.

Check out student life at MIU

Natural health and wellness—plus sustainability

At MIU, self-care is a priority. You’ll have the opportunity to learn highly effective tools to promote a healthy lifestyle—including yoga postures, Ayurveda self-pulse diagnosis, and more.

MIU is the first college in America to serve freshly-prepared organic vegetarian meals three times a day, with many locally sourced ingredients from the university’s own organic greenhouses.

We’re also one of the “greenest” colleges in the United States, and the first to offer degree programs in Sustainable Living and Regenerative Organic Agriculture. The university is fully committed to sustainable practices, including renewable energy, sustainable buildings, and organic food.

Learn about sustainability practices at MIU

Come and see for yourself!

Argiro Student Center on the MIU campus

The campus of Maharishi International University is located on 370 acres in the town of Fairfield, Iowa. Enjoy an on-campus or online Visitors’ Saturday or Weekend to learn more about the university, meet students and faculty, and tour the campus.

You’ll get the inside scoop on Consciousness-Based education and programs, learn about the MIU experience from a panel of current students, have an opportunity to meet with Admissions or Financial Aid, and much more.

Explore the world of MIU

Learn about MIU courses and programs

Author: Cheryl Stone

Project Manager

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