INSTITUTE
EARN A DEGREE IN AYURVEDA
at Mount Madonna, California
Master of Arts in Ayurveda
Online & In-Person
Degree Program
Achieve a level of academic excellence through advanced study and clinical practice. Earn a NAMA recognized Ayurvedic Practitioner certificate as you complete a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Ayurveda from Mount Madonna Institute, a regionally accredited institution.
The Master of Arts degree in Ayurveda is a graduate level professional training that confers mastery and excellence in the field of holistic wellness and integrative health care.
The MA program consists of graduate level courses in advanced Ayurvedic medicine and classical texts, interprofessional education, supervised clinical practicum, an apprenticeship and research literacy. This program is designed for individuals who have completed the Ayurvedic Health Counselor program, have a B.S. or B.A. degree and desire an MA credential from an accredited university.
This program offers the option for the student to enjoy Mount Madonna’s 380 acre mountaintop campus or to study from the comfort of their home or office . Students receive instruction from teachers who offer a variety of perspectives and expertise, and programming that is steeped in the classical texts of Ayurveda.
Why study at Mount Madonna Institute?
- Accredited by WASC
- Sharing the Science of Ayurveda since 1978
- BAMS & MA-Ayurveda trained faculty
- Convenient meeting schedule
- Small class sizes allow students to interact with faculty
- Payment plans to facilitate tuition
What you will learn
Classical Ayurvedic Knowledge
- To adapt Ayurveda for an integrative approach to healthcare
- To function effectively within healthcare subsystems
- To deliver excellent team-based, client-centered care and education for individuals, families, and the community
What you can do
The next generation of ayurveda in the usa
- Pursue research and academic opportunities
- Be on the forefront of the development and promotion of Ayurveda, the fastest re-emerging modality of healthcare in the world
- Become a solid partner in the expanding field of Integrative Medicine
- Teach, write articles, and contribute to new or on-going research
- Present at professional conferences
- Maintain a respected clinical practice
- Become the next generation of Ayurvedic practitioners in the United States and around the world
Tuition
$23,950
More Information
Contact the Admissions Counselor for questions and enrollment assistance via email or phone.
Masters of Arts in Ayurveda
Sample Monthly Schedule (Subject to Change)
| Thursday Evening | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Course / Integration | 3 hr |
| 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Course / Integration | 2 hr |
| Friday | ||
| 7:00 am - 8:30 am | Yoga | 1.5 hr |
| 9:30 am - 12:30 pm | Course / Integration | 3 hr |
| 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm | Course / Integration | 4 hr |
| 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm | Integration | 2 hr |
| Saturday | ||
| 7:30 am - 9:30 am | Yoga | 2 hr |
| 11:00 am - 2:00 pm | Course / Integration | 3 hr |
| 11:00 am - 2:00 pm | Course / Integration | 3 hr |
| 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Course /Integration | 2.5 hr |
| 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm | Course / Integration | 2.5 hr |
| Sunday | ||
| 7:00 am - 8:30 am | Yoga | 1.5 hr |
| 9:30 am - 12:30 pm | Course / Integration | 3 hr |
| 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Integration | 3.5 hr |
| *Pacific Time Zone |
Prerequisites
- B.A./B.S. from an accredited institution
- Six college credits of Anatomy & Physiology
- Successful completion of the Ayurvedic Health Counselor program
- Successful completion of the NAMA Board Exam or the MMI AHC Final Exam, if the student completed their AHC at another institution
- Academic good standing at Mount Madonna Institute, if the student is currently enrolled in the AHC program
Content Delivery
- One long weekend a month Thursday – Sunday, hybrid
- Three Wednesday nights a month, 6:00 – 9:00 pm PT, online
- Two Friday mornings a month, 9:00 – 11:00 am PT, online
- Three Clinical Internship in-person modules are required
Nama Recognized Format
This format is required to take the NAMA AP Board Exam and to continue into an Ayurvedic Doctor (AD) Program:
- 19 month program (including Clinical)
- 15 modules offered hybrid (in-person/online)
- Choice of remote option for as many as 3 modules
- Required in-person for 12 modules, including 3 Clinical Internship modules
Non-Nama Recognized Format
- 19 month program (including Clinical)
- 15 modules offered hybrid (in-person/online)
- Choice of any combination of remote or in-person for 12 modules
- Required in-person for the 3 Clinical Internship modules
MA Tuition & Fees
Academic Year 2025-2026
Estimated total does not include meals and lodging. Your meals and lodging cost is based upon your housing selection and length of stay.
Master of Arts - Ayurveda (MA)
Tuition Cost Only
$23,950
Application Fee (New Student)*
$150
Application Fee (Continuing Student)*
$50
Estimated Textbooks
$500
Total Estimated Academic Charges
$24,600
Meals & Lodging per night
Commuting
$73
Own tent or vehicle
$86
Dormitory (4 per room)
$123
Triple (3 per room)
$138
Double (2 per room)
$171
Double room with bathroom
$204
Single
$226
Single room with bathroom
$281
Studying Affordably
Financial Aid opportunities for your education
- Scholarship: Check the scholarship box on your application.
- Payment Plans: Available to all students. Talk to an admissions counselor for more information!
Ayurveda Faculty & Staff
Rucha Kelkar,
B.A.M.S., D.P.T.
Suhas Kshirsagar,
M.D.
Renée Rossi,
M.D.
Course Descriptions
Manovaha Srotasa - Ayurvedic Psychology
Course No. AYP 306
This course investigates the knowledge of the Mind, its functions, causative factors for pathological change, stages of pathology and various diseases presenting with psychological and physical symptoms. It assesses various psychological disorders from an Ayurvedic perspective. Students explore the predominance of the three gunas (Sattwa, Rajas, Tamas) in specific conditions and learn which Ayurvedic therapies (diet, lifestyle, and herbal) can be recommended. Spiritual and subtle therapies of the sister sciences are considered as well.
Brhattrayi & Laghutrayi - Classical Texts, History & Philosophy
Course No. AYP 307
This course more deeply examines the basic principles of Ayurvedic medicine, the eight branches, medical ethics and aims through the classical texts. Students investigate the historical and philosophical foundations of Ayurvedic medicine and the history of scientific studies in Ayurveda. Students will explore and expand their knowledge and use of these ancient texts in a modern clinical practice. Both the major and minor texts will be included.
Sanskrit
Course No. AYM 301, AYM 401, AYM 501
This course continues the study of Sanskrit, the language of Ayurveda. Students learn to read, write, and chant Sanskrit slokas relating to health, wellness and each disease system studied. This course is studied throughout the 4 trimesters of the program.
Dravyaguna Vijñana - Herbology 2
Course No. AYM 403
This course continues the exploration of the Ayurvedic principles of Herbology and Pharmaceuticals, functions, indications and contraindications of various medicinal herbs, use of single and compounded herbs, and various methods of combining herbs into formulas to restore physio/mental equilibrium and management of various imbalances.
Allopathy, Functional Medicine and Collaboration 1
Course No. AYM 404
This course will review commonly used tools in allopathic medicine and common allopathic diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular, endocrine, infectious and gastrointestinal disease including lab analysis, imaging, pharmaceuticals, and surgery. The course will also examine the relationship between Ayurveda and allopathy as systems, exploring ways to work collaboratively. Basic principles of Functional Medicine and how it can complement Ayurveda will also be explored.
Srotamsi 1: Mahavaha, Pranavaha, Rasavaha & Jwara
Course No. AYM 405
This course explores in detail the major systems via srotamsi (channels) as explained in the classical texts of Ayurvedic Medicine including various disorders, assessment, and treatment. Students learn the causes, signs and symptoms, and pathogenesis of the disorders, as well as treatments through diet, lifestyle, herbal formulas and other therapies. The srotamsi explored are: Mahavaha (GI tract) Pranavaha (respiratory), Rasavaha (cardiovascular) and Jwara (infectious disease).
Srotamsi 2: Raktavaha (kustha), Shukravaha, Mutravaha & Shalakya Tantra
Course No. AYM 406
This course explores in detail the cardiovascular system in Ayurvedic Medicine including various disorders, assessment and treatment. It also examines infectious disease. Students learn the causes, signs and symptoms, and pathogenesis of the disorders, as well as treatments through diet, lifestyle, herbal formulas, and other therapies. The srotamsi explored are: Raktavaha (blood disorders & skin), Shukravaha (men’s health), Mutravaha (genito-urinary) and Shalakya Tantra (ENT/ head/ neck).
Allopathy, Functional Medicine and Collaboration 2
Course No. AYM 404
This course will review commonly used tools in allopathic medicine and common allopathic diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular, endocrine, infectious and gastrointestinal disease including lab analysis, imaging, pharmaceuticals, and surgery. The course will also examine the relationship between Ayurveda and allopathy as systems, exploring ways to work collaboratively. Basic principles of Functional Medicine and how it can complement Ayurveda will also be explored.
Introduction to Scientific Research
Course No. AYM 504
This course provides the students a basic understanding of the scientific research process and an introduction to steps involved in scientific research models, methods, and analysis. Students will learn how to critically understand and evaluate scientific research presentations and literature and begin to practice the methodology.
Srotamsi 3: Majjia, Mamsa, Meda & Ashti Vah
Course No. AYM 505
This course explores in detail the nervous system in Ayurvedic Medicine including the disorders, assessment, and treatment. Students learn the causes, signs and symptoms, and pathogenesis, as well as diet, lifestyle, herbal formulas, and other therapies. Srotamsi explored are: Majjavaha/Mamsavaha (neuromuscular system), Medavaha (metabolic disorders) and Astivaha (bone).
Srotamsi 4: Aartavavaha Srotasa - Stree Roga Prasuti & Kaumarabhritaya
Course No. AYM 506
This course explores in detail women’s health in Ayurvedic Medicine including the Ayurvedic approach to promoting fertility, a healthy pregnancy, and the imbalances of menopause. Students learn the causes, signs and symptoms, and pathogenesis of the disorders, as well as diet, lifestyle, herbal formulas, and other therapies. Assessment and appropriate intervention for children is examined per different age groups from infants to adolescence. Diet and lifestyle to promote health as well as herbs suitable for children are presented. Students explore: Aartavavaha (women’s health), Stree Roga Prasuti (pre & postnatal) and Kaumarabhritya (pediatrics).
Clinical Practicum
Course No. AYP 310, AYP 410, AYP 510
This course introduces students to advanced consultation practices and protocols for consultations. Students continue to develop their skills as Ayurvedic Practitioners through consultations and clinical discussions in the classroom under the supervision of experienced Ayurvedic Practitioners. Students are required to prepare case papers for each client. (This course runs over four trimesters for a total of 90 client encounters).
Dravyaguna Vijñana - Herbology 3
Course No. AYP 603
This course explores in detail the Ayurvedic principles of Herbology and Pharmaceuticals, functions, indications and contraindications of various medicinal herbs, use of single and compounded herbs, and various methods of combining herbs into formulas to restore physio/mental equilibrium and management of various imbalances. Students will learn how to make individual formulas, calculate dosages, and recommend herbal interventions for each of the disease systems investigated.
Pancha Karma & Indriya Chikitsa - Ayurvedic Therapies & Sense Therapies
Course No. AYP 604
This course is a hands-on experiential demonstration of various Ayurvedic bodywork techniques including abhyanga, Ayurvedic massage, shirodhara, basti, Marma Therapy, and herbal swedana. Students learn the techniques and put them into practice in the classroom. Students explore and practice various Sense Therapies. Because this is a survey course and does not provide in- depth training in these therapies, students will generally apply the knowledge to refer clients out to qualified practitioners.
Jara & Rasayana - Aging & Rejuvenating Therapies
Course No. AYP 605
Students will examine health issues that are of particular concern for the aging including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure. The course explores in detail the concept of rasayana or rejuvenation in Ayurvedic Medicine. Students learn dietary measures, herbal formulas, external therapies, and daily routines used as rejuvenatives to promote nourishment and tonification, strengthen the immune system and build strength.
Complementary Medicine: Acupuncture, Chiropractor & Physical Therapy
Course No. AYP 606
This course introduces students to other modalities of healthcare like Acupuncture, Chiropractor and Physical Therapy. Students examine key concepts in each of these modalities and consider their relevance in modern healthcare treatment.
Clinical Case Study Presentations & Closing
Course No. AYP 607
This seminar provides a forum for students to present their cases and to engage in rigorous discussion about the cases and case management with a panel of professors. Students are required to write and present a minimum of two case studies through a visual presentation enhanced through peer review and class discussion.
Populi
Secure and Intuitive
Populi is a web-based learning management system (LMS). It covers academics, admissions, billing, people, reporting, library, integrated email and calendar. MMI uses Populi as its student information and learning management system, where all student and classroom activity is recorded. Application, enrollment, course work, lessons, assignments, quizzes, grades, transcripts, and financial balances are all located in Populi.
Open House & Info Sessions
Join us for an In-Person Open House or an Online Information Session to learn about upcoming Yoga & Ayurveda Programs.
More Information
Schedule a Call
Schedule a conversation with us, plan a personalized visit, or call our Admissions Counselor directly at (408) 846-4060.
FAQS AYURVEDA
Frequently asked questions about our Ayurveda programs.
