Areas of Study

Students will enroll in at least one of the following five areas*:

Yoga Philosophy: These courses form the core curriculum that is basic to all of the Institute's offerings. Classes are designed to lead to an Associate of Arts Degree here at the Institute or to provide transferable units to other colleges. Sample courses are described in the Yoga Philosophy Studies section of the guide.

Education for Life Teacher Training: Prepares students to teach in an Education for Life or Living Wisdom School (preschool through high school). Also helps students to apply Education for Life principles to other educational settings. An Education for Life Teaching Credential is awarded upon successful completion of the program. (1 year, with a prerequisite of one year of Yoga Philosophy or the equivalent)

Cooperative Communities: Trains students in the skills and attitudes that have proven helpful for living and working in an Ananda Cooperative Community. Also gives first-hand experience of community living for those interested in starting their own communities. A special "Building with Spirit" course is available for those interested specifically in the construction trades. (1 year)

Holistic Health and Healing: Explores in theory and practice a yogic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual health. Students gain an in-depth exposure to such modalities as hospice, Ayurveda, vegetarian diet and cooking, prayer and mantra, massage, flower essences, and many others. Health professionals can gain a deeper awareness of the holistic potential of their chosen occupation. (1 year)

Study Abroad: Offers an experiential understanding of world religions and cultures from a spiritual and yogic perspective. Each year's program is unique, but generally covers visits to pilgrimage sites, other intentional communities and businesses, and inspiring spiritual teachers. Can be taken as a stand-alone or in conjunction with one of the other programs. (4-6 weeks)