Yogic Studies Advanced Certificate Program (YSACP)

The YS Advanced Certificate Program is aimed at anyone who possesses a strong and genuine interest in critical Yoga Studies—who is passionate about the study of yoga's history, Indian religions and philosophical traditions, as well as training in classical Sanskrit or modern Hindi.

In particular, the Program is suited for dedicated yoga teachers and practitioners who are interested in continuing their yoga education; for those seeking an evidence-based and academic approach to complimenting their own practice, personal study, and studio training. 

The YS Program will greatly prepare individuals who may be considering applying for professional graduate school (MA, PhD) in Yoga Studies at a university.

To apply for the Advanced Certificate Program, students are required to register here, where you will also be asked to make a one-time payment of $25 USD.

There is no single-set enrollment cost for the Certificate. Students have the option to fund their study in a few different ways.

To register for the program there is a one-time fee of $25 USD. 

The required courses can then be purchased individually (which range from $95-235 USD each). 

Students also have the option to subscribe to the YS Membership Program ($75/month or $800/year), which provides access to ALL regular YS and BS courses (except for the language classes).

As the online curriculum for this Certificate is still developing, we cannot say for certain. We estimate that depending on full or part-time engagement with the courses, it will take students on average 1.5-3 years to complete the entire Certificate. 

There is currently no time limit to complete the Advanced Certificate Program. Students can move through the courses and study entirely at their own pace. 

There are no prerequisites to register for the Advanced Studies Program. Students can begin anytime. 

While not mandatory, we do recommend students begin with the foundational YS 101 course. However, students can customize their learning path entirely, and begin with any course that most interests them!

The Certificate is not currently accredited by any outside institution. However, this is something we are looking into, and may be subject to change in the future. 

Previous students have been able to receive university credits for individual courses. However, this is something that must be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with one's home institution.

Yes and no.

All of the individual online courses at YS are eligible for Continuing Education (CE) credits if you are a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance. 

However, the Advanced Certificate Program far exceeds the minimum requirements for CE with Yoga Alliance, and is not affiliated with the organization in any professional or accredited way. 

The lead faculty for this Certificate is Dr. Seth Powell, who is the founder and director of Yogic Studies. Seth teaches the Core Curriculum units. 

The remaining elective units and Sanskrit curriculum is taught by a diverse group of faculty members who are all leading experts and professors in the fields of Yoga Studies, Indology, Religious Studies, and South Asian Studies. 

Students have the option of studying Classical Sanskrit or Modern Hindi.

We at Yogic Studies feel that it is highly valuable and important for students, and especially teachers, of the yoga traditions to have a foundational knowledge and experience of a South Asian language. 

All students will be required to undergo the equivalent of one 12-week term of university Sanskrit or Hindi studies. As an outcome of this study, graduates will be able to read and write the Devanāgarī script, reliably pronounce Sanskrit/Hindi terms, have a solid foundation in Sanskrit/Hindi grammar and syntax, and begin reading and translating basic Yoga texts with the use of print and digital dictionaries. This will also prepare students well for more advanced study. Hindi students will also develop basic spoken and conversational skills to be able to effectively communicate in the language at a basic level. On a case-by-case basis, students who demonstrate the equivalent of a full semester of academic Sanskrit/Hindi at another institution can substitute outside courses for credits, or take a comprehension exam. 

Yes! On an annual basis we are able to offer a limited number of scholarships. Please see our scholarship offerings.