Beyond Weekend Trainings: Real University Degrees for Yoga Teachers (That Accept the GI Bill!)

If you have been teaching yoga for a while, you know the pattern. You take a 200-hour training, then a handful of weekend workshops, maybe a month-long immersion somewhere warm and beautiful. You learn a lot, but eventually, another feeling starts to grow.

You want more depth. You want real mastery. You want a level of learning that short trainings cannot provide. You want to understand yoga in a way that feels grounded, credible, and academically solid.

The good news is that several accredited universities now offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in yoga studies, yoga therapy, and contemplative traditions. Some of these programs also accept the GI Bill, which makes higher education more accessible for veterans and military families.

Below is an updated and friendly guide to university programs available today.

Graduate Programs:

Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California

Master of Arts in Yoga Studies

Loyola Marymount University was the first school in North America to offer a Master of Arts in Yoga Studies. It is still one of the most respected academic yoga programs available.

Why teachers choose LMU

• You finally get the depth you have been craving

• You learn the “why” behind the practices

• You study actual source material instead of quick summaries

• You feel grounded and confident in your understanding of yoga

Program overview

• Format: on campus or hybrid low residency

• Length: about 2 years on campus or 3 years in the hybrid program

• Study abroad: optional immersion trips to India

• Tuition: roughly 23,000 dollars per year depending on enrollment

GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon

• LMU participates in the GI Bill

• LMU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program

Maryland University of Integrative Health in Laurel, Maryland

Master of Science in Yoga Therapy

This is a clinical, accredited, and highly respected yoga therapy program. It prepares graduates for the C-IAYT credential and trains teachers to work with clients in therapeutic and clinical settings.

Why teachers choose MUIH

• You want to work with injuries or chronic conditions

• You want supervised clinical experience

• You want evidence-informed, therapeutic training

• You want to specialize in adaptive yoga or health care settings

Program overview

• Format: fully online with live classes and clinical hours

• Length: about 2 years across 6 trimesters

• Credits: 39.5

• Tuition: about $38,000 for the full program

• Includes supervised telehealth clinic hours

• MUIH participates in the GI Bill (always confirm program-specific coverage with the VA)

SOAS University of London

MA Traditions of Yoga and Meditation

SOAS is one of the strongest universities in the world for South Asian studies. This program is ideal for yoga teachers who love scholarship, history, and cultural context.

Why teachers choose SOAS

• You want structured study of yoga texts and traditions

• You want access to world-class research libraries

• You want to study yoga in its cultural and philosophical context

• You enjoy academic writing and research

Program overview

• Format: in person in London

• Length: one year full-time or two to three years part-time

• Tuition: around 12,965 pounds for UK students and about 25,320 pounds for international students

• Some foreign programs can be funded with the GI Bill only if individually approved (always check with the VA before applying)

Undergraduate Programs:

Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado

Bachelor of Arts in Yoga Studies

Naropa offers one of the most comprehensive undergraduate yoga degrees available. It integrates classical yoga philosophy, Sanskrit, contemplative practice, and anatomy.

Program highlights

• 1,000-hour teacher training pathway

• Strong emphasis on yoga philosophy and contemplative study

• Regionally accredited university

• Format: Fully in person

•Length: Traditional 4 year bachelor’s program

• Tuition: Approximately $36,000 to $38,000 per year

• Naropa accepts the GI Bill and participates in Yellow Ribbon

Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa

B.A. with a Specialization in Yoga and Ayurveda Wellness

This program is available online or on campus and is ideal for students who want accredited yoga and wellness education with flexibility.

Program highlights

• Yoga philosophy

• Ayurveda and lifestyle wellness

• Meditation and mind-body practices

• Flexible format for military, working adults, and parents

• Format: Available fully online or on campus in Fairfield Iowa

• Length: 4 years full-time

• Tuition: Approximately $16,000 to $20,000 per year for undergraduate programs

• MIU accepts the GI Bill

Using the GI Bill for Yoga Degrees

Key things to know

• Accredited universities generally qualify

• Private universities may require Yellow Ribbon for full coverage

• Foreign programs must be approved individually

• Degree programs are usually eligible, while certificates vary

• Always confirm with both the VA and the university

Which Path Fits Your Teaching Journey

Choose LMU if you love philosophy, Sanskrit, and yoga history.

Choose MUIH if you want a clinical path with supervised therapeutic training.

Choose SOAS if you want global scholarship and cultural depth.

Choose Naropa if you want the strongest yoga-focused bachelor’s degree in the U.S.

Choose MIU if you want online flexibility and GI Bill-friendly options.

Final Thoughts

If weekend trainings, workshops, and self-study are no longer satisfying, that simply means you are ready for deeper education. Yoga is a lifelong path, and higher education opens doors into philosophy, clinical practice, and truly global traditions.

These university programs offer something rare: real academic support, grounded study, and a level of depth that empowers you to teach with clarity and confidence. If you feel the call toward deeper learning, trust it. Your desire for understanding is valid, important, and worthy of pursuing.