MA Yoga: Colleges, Scope and Admission Process

Want to pursue a master's degree in yoga? Check out all the details about the MA in Yoga course in this article, including the course eligibility, syllabus, and colleges that offer the course. It also provides details about the scope of the Master of Arts in Yoga in India and abroad.

Yoga has become a primary choice for individuals to achieve health goals. As a result, demand for professional yoga courses is increasing rapidly. One of these courses is an MA in Yoga. In this article, we have provided you with complete details about the Master of Arts in Yoga programme, including the course overview, eligibility criteria, syllabus, colleges, and scope. Read on!

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MA in Yoga: Introduction

An MA in Yoga is a postgraduate degree programme that delves deeper into the theoretical and practical aspects of yoga. It typically lasts for two years and equips students with the knowledge and skills to become yoga teachers, therapists, or researchers.

There are two main types of MA in Yoga programmes:

Yogashastra: This type of programme focuses on the philosophical and historical foundations of yoga, with a strong emphasis on studying classical yoga texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Yoga Therapy: This type of programme prepares students to use yoga as a therapeutic intervention for a variety of physical and mental health conditions. It includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, and pathology, as well as practical training in yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation.

It must be noted that there can be other types of MA Yoga programmes depending upon the area of yogic practice and yogic philosophy on which they emphasize.

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Why to Pursue MA in Yoga?

There are two major motivations to pursue a master's degree: to achieve expertise in yoga and to leverage professional opportunities with the help of yoga. They have been discussed in depth below:

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Achieving Expertise in Yoga

Expand your knowledge: If you have rudimentary to intermediate-level knowledge of yoga, you can earn an MA in Yoga degree. Pursuing this degree will help you expand your knowledge about yoga with the help of expert yoga teachers or gurus.
Improve your yoga techniques: Studying an MA in Yoga can help you improve the yoga techniques that you currently practice. It can also help you learn new yoga asanas and pranayamas and provide in-depth knowledge of the yogic scriptures.
Developing teaching expertise: If you are a yoga teacher but want to improve your yoga skills to become an expert teacher, then you need to opt for an MA in Yoga programme.

Professional Opportunities

Become a yoga teacher: If you want to become a successful yoga teacher, you need advanced knowledge of yoga, and an MA in Yoga degree can help you do so.
Specialisation in Yoga Therapy: If you choose the yoga therapy track, you can work with clients facing specific physical or mental health challenges using yoga tools and techniques. This requires additional training and certification but offers potential for impactful and rewarding work.
Pursue research: Contribute to the growing field of yoga research by exploring its applications in health, education, and other areas with the help of the knowledge earned through the Master of Arts in Yoga course. The role of a yoga researcher will allow you to engage in teaching, writing, or consulting opportunities.

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Master or Arts in Yoga: Key Details

The following key details can provide an overview of the MA in Yoga course:

MA in Yoga Key Details
Course Name	Master of Arts in Yoga (MA in Yoga)
Course/Degree Level	Post Graduate
Duration	2 years
Eligibility	Graduate in any stream
Syllabus	Yoga Theory, Practice and Yoga Scriptures
Course Fee	INR 8,000 to INR 300,000
Average Salary (after recruitment)	INR 15,000 to INR 200,000 (per month)
Admission	Based on merit (scores in qualifying exam) or PG Entrance Exams

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MA in Yoga Eligibility

The general eligibility criteria for an MA in Yoga are listed below:

Candidates must have completed their bachelor's degree in any stream.
Generally, there is no minimum score requirement to enrol in a yoga course. However, to apply for the MA in Yoga programme, candidates may need a minimum of 45% marks in their graduation final exam.
There is no upper age limit to apply for the MA in Yoga course. The lower age limit in this context can be 19–20 years.

Specific Eligibility Criteria

To apply for an MA in Yoga, candidates may need to appear in CUET PG.
They may need a bachelor's degree in yoga, a Shastri/Bachelor's Degree or equivalent with the Sanskrit subject.

MA in Yoga Syllabus

The specific syllabus for an MA in Yoga program can vary depending on the university or institution you choose. However, there are some general core areas that are typically covered in most programmes. These core areas can be broadly categorized into the following topics:

Theoretical Foundations of Yoga
History and Philosophy of Yoga
Anatomy and Physiology for Yoga
Psychology and Yoga
Asana Practice
Pranayama
Meditation

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MA in Yoga Colleges

Check out below the list of top colleges that offer the MA in Yoga course in India:

College / Institute	Course
DSVV - Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya	MA in Applied Yoga and Human Excellence
Mohanlal Sukhadia University	MA in Yoga
Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University	MA in Yoga Education
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University	MA in Yoga
Maharshi Dayananda University	MA in Yoga Science
UPRTOU - U P Rajarshi Tandon Open University	MA in Yoga
University of Lucknow	MA in Yoga
Jiwaji University, Gwalior	MA in Yoga
Himachal Pradesh University	MA in Yoga Studies
Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University	MA in Yogashastra
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University	MA in Yoga
Jai Narain Vyas University	MA in Yoga
Vikram University	MA in Yoga
University of Madras	MA in Yoga: Theory and Practice
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University	Master in Yoga and Therapy Management

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Master of Arts in Yoga Scope in India

Pursuing an MA in Yoga in India can open doors to various exciting opportunities. Here's a comprehensive overview of the scope:

Teaching: This is the most common path, with graduates working as yoga instructors in studios, gyms, corporate wellness programmes, and even schools. Many also choose to establish their own yoga studios or teach private classes.
Therapists: Graduates with additional training and certifications can work as yoga therapists, tailoring yoga practices to address specific health conditions and manage pain.
Research and Academia: With further research qualifications, graduates can contribute to the growing field of yoga research or pursue teaching and administrative roles in yoga colleges or universities.
Management and Consultancy: Graduates with strong business acumen can manage yoga studios, organize yoga events and retreats, or work as yoga consultants for hotels, healthcare centers, or corporate wellness programmes.
Content Creation: Writing yoga books, articles, and blogs, developing online yoga courses, or creating yoga-related videos can be avenues for those with communication and digital skills.

Starting salaries for MA Yoga graduates in India vary depending on experience, location, and job type. Yoga instructors typically earn between INR 15,000 to INR 30,000 per month, while yoga therapists and consultants can command higher salaries (up to INR 50,000+).

MA in Yoga Scope Abroad

An MA in Yoga can open exciting doors abroad, offering a rewarding career in a field experiencing global growth. Here's a glimpse into the scope:

Yoga Instructor: Teach in studios, gyms, wellness centers, and resorts catering to international clientele. You can also work with specific populations like seniors, children, or athletes.
Yoga Teacher Trainer: Train aspiring yoga instructors in international schools or conduct workshops and retreats.
Yoga Therapist: With additional certifications, work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private practice, using yoga to address various health concerns.
Research and Academia: Contribute to research in yoga universities or institutions abroad, or teach yoga and related subjects at academic institutions.
Content Creation and Online Teaching: Develop online yoga courses, write books or articles, or create yoga-related content for international audiences.
Corporate Wellness Consultant: Help companies implement yoga programmes to improve employee well-being and productivity.
Travel and Retreats: Organise and lead yoga retreats in exotic locations or work as a traveling yoga instructor.

Salaries for yoga professionals abroad vary considerably depending on location, experience, and job type. In developed countries like the US, Canada, and Europe, experienced yoga instructors can earn between USD 50-100 per hour, while therapists and consultants can command even higher salaries.

Is MA in Yoga Worth It? Key Points to Consider

Growing Industry Demand: The wellness and fitness industry is expanding rapidly, with increasing interest in yoga and holistic health. An MA in Yoga can position you well in this growing field.

Diverse Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue various roles, including yoga instructor, wellness coach, researcher, or roles in healthcare settings that incorporate yoga therapy.

Deepening Knowledge: The program offers in-depth understanding of yoga philosophy, anatomy, and therapeutic applications, enhancing personal practice and professional competency.

Academic Credentials: An advanced degree can provide a competitive edge in a field where many instructors have only basic certifications.

Networking Opportunities: Being part of a formal program can connect you with professionals in the field, opening doors to collaborations and job opportunities.

Teaching and Training Roles: Graduates can also qualify to teach yoga teacher training programs, expanding their influence in the yoga community.

Research Opportunities: For those interested in academia, an MA can lead to opportunities in research related to yoga's health benefits, contributing to the body of knowledge in holistic health.

Potential for Specialization: Many programs offer specializations in areas like yoga therapy, meditation, or holistic health, allowing for tailored career paths.

Personal Growth: The study of yoga can foster personal development, self-awareness, and improved well-being, enriching both personal and professional life.

Financial Considerations: Evaluate the cost of the program versus potential salary increases or job opportunities post-graduation to determine financial viability.

Cultural Understanding: An MA program often includes studies on the cultural and historical context of yoga, enhancing your teaching and practice.

License and Certification Requirements: Research if an MA is necessary for the type of career you want, as some roles may only require certifications.

Geographical Factors: Demand for yoga professionals can vary by location; consider regional job markets when making your decision.

Community Impact: Graduates can make a positive difference in communities by promoting health and wellness through yoga practices.

Long-Term Commitment: Consider the time and effort required for an MA versus alternative pathways like workshops or certifications, and whether it aligns with your career goals.

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