If you’re passionate about yoga and thinking of turning it into a career, then pursuing a degree in yoga can be a smart choice. Yoga is more than just stretching or exercise — it’s a lifestyle that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and a deep understanding of mind-body wellness. A structured program helps you learn all these aspects systematically, along with basics like anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic applications.
A formal degree, like a bachelor’s degree in yoga, not only strengthens your practice but also prepares you for professional opportunities in teaching, wellness centres, gyms, and even therapy. Additionally, advanced programs such as an MA or MSc in Yoga can open doors to research, academic roles, and specialised therapy careers.
In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about yoga degree courses in India, including how to get a degree in yoga, what you’ll learn, and the future scope of building a career with a yoga degree.
Understanding Yoga Degree Courses in India
Yoga education in India has transformed from informal learning into structured academic programs. Students can choose from undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs depending on their career goals. These courses combine theory with practical training to ensure students develop both skills and knowledge.
Undergraduate programs, like the BA or BSc in Yoga, usually last three years and cover areas such as yoga postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, anatomy, physiology, stress management, and therapeutic applications.
Postgraduate programs, including MA or MSc in Yoga, last two years and focus on advanced yoga therapy, research methodology, wellness management, and specialised techniques for physical and mental health.
Students also learn about yoga philosophy, preventive healthcare, and designing programs for different populations.
How to Get a Degree in Yoga
Pursuing a yoga degree in India involves a few key steps:
- Eligibility: Undergraduate courses are open to students who have completed 12th grade, while postgraduate programs require a relevant bachelor’s degree.
- Admissions Process: Selection may be merit-based, through entrance exams, interviews, or evaluation of prior experience.
- Course Selection: Students can focus on specialisations like teaching, therapy, or wellness management. Programs with practical training are highly recommended.
- Duration & Curriculum: Undergraduate programs last three years, and postgraduate programs two years. Core subjects include asanas, pranayama, meditation, yoga philosophy, anatomy, physiology, and teaching methods.
Completing a degree in yoga equips students with the knowledge and skills to teach, practice professionally, and pursue higher studies if desired.
What Students Learn
Yoga degree programs in India are designed to provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students gain training in asanas and pranayama, which help improve flexibility, strength, and mental focus. Additionally, they learn meditation and mindfulness techniques to manage stress and improve emotional well-being. Courses also cover yoga philosophy, providing students with an understanding of the history, culture, and principles underlying the practice.
In addition, students study anatomy and physiology, which allows them to practice and teach yoga safely, understanding the effects of different techniques on the body. Therapeutic applications are also an integral part of the curriculum, enabling students to learn how yoga can support physical rehabilitation, mental health, and overall well-being. Finally, students develop teaching skills, preparing them to conduct classes professionally in various settings.
This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to work in wellness centres, hospitals, schools, or private practice, with the knowledge and confidence to guide others safely and effectively.
Career Opportunities and Scope
A yoga degree opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can work as yoga instructors in schools, colleges, gyms, wellness centres, or through private classes. Those interested in therapy can become yoga therapists, helping individuals manage stress, lifestyle disorders, or recover from injuries.
Corporate organisations are increasingly seeking trained professionals to design wellness programs, offering another potential career path. Graduates can also explore research and academic roles, conducting studies, publishing findings, or teaching in universities. For entrepreneurial-minded students, there are opportunities to start wellness studios, yoga retreats, or online platforms.
With the global wellness industry continuing to grow, demand for trained yoga professionals remains strong, making a yoga degree both practical and future-ready.
Why Choose Shoolini University For Yoga Studies
Shoolini University is located in the peaceful Kasauli hills of Himachal Pradesh and is ranked as the No.1 private university in India by both the Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings. It is also ranked the No.1 Research University in India by the QS World University Asia Rankings.
Notably, Shoolini is the first private university in Himachal Pradesh to offer a BSc Yoga degree, making it a pioneer in yoga education. The Yogananda School of Spirituality & Happiness at the university offers a complete academic pathway to students interested in yoga, from undergraduate to doctoral levels.
Programs include BA/BSc (Hons) Yoga for beginners, MA/MSc Yoga for postgraduates looking to specialise, MSc Yoga Therapy for professional clinical applications, and PhD in Yoga for research-focused scholars. All courses are aligned with UGC standards and are designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise from the ground up.
Shoolini’s curriculum is holistic, combining classical yoga philosophy, meditation, yoga therapy, psychology, and anatomy. What sets the university apart is its integration of science and spirituality, with access to research labs, therapy internships, and mindfulness training.
The campus boasts world-class infrastructure, including well-equipped yoga halls, therapy labs, meditation and healing spaces, and the 24/7 Yogananda Library, which offers EBSCO access. The clean, green, and secure campus provides a perfect environment for immersive learning.
Studying yoga in the Himalayas offers students a unique advantage, as the serene surroundings, forests, and mountain trails provide unmatched spiritual energy and inner peace. While firmly rooted in Indian traditions, Shoolini also has a global outlook, with international collaborations, wellness summits, workshops, and research opportunities to keep students industry-ready.
Shoolini places strong emphasis on career opportunities through its ‘Mission 130’, which aims for 100% placements, with 30% of students securing top-tier roles. Yoga graduates from the university have gone on to become instructors at national and international wellness centres, therapists in hospitals and clinics, and entrepreneurs launching yoga retreats or studios. These include Fitelo, Cultfit, Decathlon and the Ministry of Ayush.
Conclusion
A degree in yoga builds knowledge, skills, and career opportunities in teaching, therapy, research, and wellness. For students looking to pursue yoga seriously, Shoolini University offers world-class programs, hands-on training, and a serene Himalayan campus to turn their passion into a rewarding career.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do after completing post-graduation in yoga?
After completing an MA or MSc in Yoga, graduates can work as yoga therapists, teachers, wellness consultants, or pursue research and academic roles. They can also run wellness programs or start yoga retreats and private classes.
2. Is there any future scope for an MA or MSc Degree in yoga?
Yes. Advanced degrees in yoga open opportunities in research, teaching, therapy, corporate wellness, and wellness entrepreneurship. Graduates can also contribute to scientific studies and evidence-based yoga programs.
3. How are the yoga programs at Shoolini University, and how can I join?
Shoolini University offers BA/BSc and MA/MSc in Yoga with practical training, workshops, and therapy-focused learning. Admission is merit-based — after 12th for undergraduate courses and after a relevant bachelor’s degree for postgraduate programs.
4. Can we join a yoga course after 12th?
Yes. Students from any stream can join a bachelor's degree in yoga after 12th grade and build a foundation for advanced studies or a professional career.
5. What do you learn at yoga courses in India?
Students learn yoga postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, mindfulness, yoga philosophy, anatomy, physiology, therapy methods, and teaching skills.
