BA in Yoga Studies
Yoga Degree
Program Overview
Naropa’s yoga certification and degree program is dedicated to preserving the vast teachings of yoga, from the historical and philosophical aspects to the practical implementation and methods.
You will spend four years delving into yoga’s history, literature, and philosophy.
The methodologies of Hatha Yoga will come to life as you practice asanas, pranayama, and meditation.
Deep Study of Yoga
In this program, learning how to become a yoga instructor is only one piece of the big picture. The curriculum covers the foundations of yogic practice, the history and ideas behind yoga, the science of human anatomy, Sanskrit language and literature, and more.
Experienced Instructors
The award-winning faculty of Naropa’s bachelor’s degree in yoga studies are distinguished scholars, historians, authors, world travelers, and deeply committed practitioners of yoga. With specialties in Indian philosophy, world music, Buddhist studies, and more, our faculty can offer mentorship in a diverse array of yoga-related disciplines.
Contemplative Approach
The modern mindfulness movement started on our campus, and the study of yoga is integral to our mission of contemplative learning. Transform from the inside out through meditation and self-inquiry.
Quick Facts
- The first bachelor’s degree in yoga offered in America
- On-campus degree
- 36 credit hours (of the 120 credits required for a bachelor's degree)
- Transfer up to 90 semester credits
- 3 credits in Sanskrit, the language of Yoga
- 1,000 hours Yoga Teacher Training Certificate
- Distinguished faculty
- Admissions open for 2025
Program Format
Naropa’s Yoga Degree is a four-year, fully accredited Bachelor of Arts. During the 36-credit major, students delve into the rich and diverse history, literature, and philosophies of the yoga tradition while immersing in the methodologies of Hatha yoga, including asana, pranayama, and meditation.
In addition, students study Sanskrit, Ayurveda, anatomy, yoga therapy, Hinduism, Tantra, and Buddhism, all while engaging in an intensive teacher training curriculum as part of their yoga degree program.
Upon completion, students earn both a bachelor’s degree and a 1,000-hour certificate in Yoga Teacher Training, which meets and exceeds the 500-hour requirement of Yoga Alliance. All graduates are eligible to become Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT500) with Yoga Alliance.
Course Spotlight
Hindu Tantra
The term “Tantra” encapsulates intricate traditions, often misunderstood or misrepresented due to romanticization and cultural appropriation. This course seeks to clarify and ground students in the true essence of Tantra, spanning its origins in fifth-to-sixth-century India to its modern interpretations. By exploring its various streams, rituals, and philosophies, students gain a comprehensive understanding. The objective is to navigate its historical evolution and diverse social dynamics, ensuring a nuanced appreciation of Tantra’s depth and significance.
Degree
Requirements
A Bachelor of Arts degree (120 credits) consists of a Core Curriculum (24 credits) and at least one major, as well as minors and/or elective courses of the student’s choosing.
Naropa’s Yoga Studies Major is comprised of 36 credit hours.
Yoga Studies Major Requirements
Gateway: 3 credits
- TRA-133 Yoga I: Foundations (3)
Milestone: 12 credits
TRA-233 Yoga II: Tantric Yoga (3)
TRA-333 Yoga III: Synthesis (3)
TRA-453 Yoga History, Theory, and Philosophy (3)
TRA-463 Yoga Meditation (3)
Anatomy: Choose 3 credits
PAR-101 Experiential Anatomy (3)
PSYB-332 Human Anatomy (3)
Language: 3 credits
- REL-355 Introductory Sanskrit: Language of the Gods (3)
Enrichment Electives: Choose 5 credits
PSYB-304 Somatic Intelligence: The Neuroscience of Our Body-Mind Connection (3)
REL-158W Breeze of Simplicity: Meditation Weekend (1)
REL-210 Religion and Mystical Experience (3)
REL-247 Embodying Sacred Wisdom: Modern Saints (3)
REL-255W Opening the Heart: Meditation Weekend (1)
REL-277 Sanskrit I (4)
REL-334 Hindu Tantra (3)
REL-351 Theories of Alternative Spiritualities and New Religious Movements (3)
TRA-114 Indian Devotional and Raga Singing I (3)
TRA-314 Indian Devotional and Raga Singing II (3)
TRA-499 Independent Study: Traditional Eastern Arts (0.5)
Capstone: 10 credits
-
TRA-433 Yoga IV: Yoga Teacher Training (3)
-
TRA-449 Yoga V: Yoga Teacher Training (3)
-
TRA-485 BA Wisdom Traditions Retreat (1)
-
COR-440 Capstone II (3)
Total: 36 credits
Why Choose Naropa?
Award-winning Faculty
Your yoga degree and certification will be backed by faculty members with decades of experience in fostering the success of yoga students. They will assist you in academic exploration, contemplative practice, and mindful movement, incorporating timeless yoga wisdom into every lesson.
Artistic Development
Graduates of Naropa’s yoga studies program will have both a bachelor’s degree and a 1,000-hour yoga teacher training certification. This certification meets and exceeds the Yoga Alliance certification standard of 500 hours.
Scholarships
Incoming undergraduate students enrolling full-time in at least 12 credit hours each semester have the opportunity to apply for scholarships. An inclusive community is the heart of Naropa University, thus we aim to welcome as many students as possible with the help of scholarships.
How this Program Prepares You
Diverse Career Paths
Naropa’s yoga studies graduates become yoga instructors and/or full-time yoga teachers. Others go on to open yoga studios, practice therapeutic yoga, lead yoga teacher training, engage in international social justice work, found businesses based on health and wellness, and more. The skills you develop in Naropa’s Bachelor of Arts in Yoga Studies are globally relevant and highly transferable.
Bridging Theory and Practice
In a community of like-minded peers, you’ll learn how to become a yoga instructor, studying the marriage of breath, movement, and consciousness in the yoga tradition. You’ll explore the chakra system, learn advanced breathing techniques (pranayama), practice meditation, and study anatomy and alignment in the human body— while understanding the history and philosophy behind yogic practice and tradition.
Contemplative Learning
You will embark on a profound journey of personal transformation by delving deep into the practice of meditation and self-inquiry, nurturing a profound metamorphosis from within.
Naropa’s Bachelor of Arts in Yoga Studies not only provides intellectual wisdom but also inner knowledge. Our graduates know themselves and are motivated to discover a career path unique to their spiritual journeys.
What You'll Learn
Discipline Yogic Form
Become a yoga teacher with the ability to demonstrate the correct yogic form.
Strong Teaching Skills
Learn the language and techniques for successful yoga instruction.
Careers in Yoga
Discover a rewarding career as a yoga teacher, entrepreneur, or counselor.
Foundation in Philosophy of Yoga
Understand the history and philosophy behind yogic practice and tradition.
Self-Awareness
Transform from the inside out through meditation and self-inquiry.
Career Opportunities with a BA Yoga Studies
- Self-Enrichment Teacher: Guide personal growth in art, fitness, or life skills.
- Retreat Manager: Oversee daily operations at a yogic retreat center.
- Cultural Studies Teacher: Educate on specific regions or ethnic groups.
- Religion Teacher: Teach students diverse religious principles and practices.
- Philosophy Teacher: Educate students in the principles and theories of philosophy.
- Health Specialties Teacher: Educate students on health subjects for healthcare careers.
Hear from a Graduate
My experience in the yoga teacher training program at Naropa University has been the journey of a lifetime. The wisdom passed down to the students manifests on and off the yoga mat, in all aspects of life. It was such a gift to experience this yoga program.
Lauren Barrett
FAQs About the
BA Yoga Studies
What is yoga studies, and how is this different from yoga?
Yoga studies refer to the academic and comprehensive exploration of yoga as a discipline, covering its history, philosophy, cultural context, and various aspects beyond the physical practice. While traditional courses on yoga primarily involve physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation, yoga studies broadens the scope to include theoretical and contextual understanding.
What can you do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Yoga Studies?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Yoga Studies allows graduates to work as yoga instructors and full-time yoga teachers. Others go on to open yoga studios, practice therapeutic yoga, lead yoga teacher training, engage in international social justice work, found businesses based on health and wellness, and earn advanced degrees in religious studies, psychology, the arts, and other disciplines.
Does the Naropa Yoga Studies degree include certification?
How many hours of practice will I have during my Yoga Studies?
Learn More About the Program
Connect
with your counselor
Rachel Thompson
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
- 303-970-9831
- rachel.thompson@naropa.edu
- Schedule Appointment
Ready to Apply?
Admission Requirements
Academic excellence is highly valued at Naropa University, but we also hold in high regard our students’ commitment to engaging in introspective work.
Learn more about admission requirements and the application process for first-time and transfer students.
Undergraduate Students
- Students with a 3.0 GPA or Higher
Applicants who can demonstrate a strong history of academic performance are welcome with minimal eligibility criteria.
- Students with Less than 3.0 GPA
If you wish to benefit from a Naropa education and will contribute to our growing community, we strongly encourage you to submit your application, regardless of any past academic challenges.
- Transfer your College Credit
You can transfer 60 or more transferable credits from previous studies by presenting an official college transcript on top of your application.
Take a look at our application guide for first-time and transfer students, and check all admission requirements.
International Students
By being built on a foundation of inclusion and diversity, Naropa welcomes other cultures with open arms. Becoming an international student at Naropa University will make you part of our diverse community, and will make us stronger.
Costs and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships are a great way to help with the costs of going to school. Naropa University offers an array of scholarship opportunities to undergraduate students. Students may be eligible to receive scholarships through their admissions application, by applying for scholarships, or by being nominated for a scholarship. For more detailed information about the different scholarships available and how to receive them, please review our undergraduate scholarship page.
