#United States #Los Angeles #WSCUC #Vivekananda Yoga University #Yoga as Medicine

Vivekananda Yoga University Achieves Accreditation

Vivekananda Yoga University (VaYU), which is pioneering as the first Yoga University outside India targeting graduate level education, is celebrating a significant achievement. On August 12, 2025, VaYU announced that it has received Candidacy Accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC). This five-year accreditation is a critical step toward attaining full institutional accreditation, which speaks volumes about the university's quality and credibility.

Located in Los Angeles, California, VaYU is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of Yoga as a formal education and research discipline. The university primarily offers two online graduate programs—the Master of Science in Yoga and a Ph.D. in Yoga. Launched in the Fall of 2020, these programs specialize in Yoga Therapy, Philosophy, and Research, thereby making Indian Knowledge Systems accessible to a global audience.

President of VaYU, Prof. Sree N. Sreenath, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this milestone, stating, "This recognition affirms VaYU's commitment to academic excellence, operational integrity, and the transformative power inherent within Indian Knowledge Systems. Our Candidacy status allows us to offer recognized academic programs while working towards the final benchmarks for full accreditation."

VaYU's Board Chair, Babulal Gandhi, a lifelong yoga practitioner and a retired Aerospace Executive, emphasized the remarkable achievement of reaching this landmark in a mere five years since the program's initiation. He noted the university's adherence to rigorous academic standards while providing significant value to students.

Dr. Murali Venkatrao, Provost at VaYU, articulated the numerous advantages that come from holding Candidacy Accreditation:

• - Quality Assurance: Ensured standards for curriculum, faculty, and student support.
• - Credit Transferability: Facilitates the transfer of credits to other North American universities.
• - Federal Aid Eligibility: Students can access various forms of financial aid, including loans and grants.
• - Employer Recognition: Degrees acquired from an accredited institution hold proven credibility in the job market.
• - Program Expansion: This accreditation allows for the introduction of new academic programs and collaborations.
• - Global Mobility: VaYU credentials will gain international recognition, enhancing opportunities for its graduates around the world.

Sajjan Agarwal, a Board member and Chair of the Fundraising Committee, made a passionate call to the public: "Join us in shaping the future of accredited, Dharmic education focused on 'Yoga as Medicine.' Your support will help us deliver rigorous, internationally-standard programs rooted in Indian traditions."

The university extends its gratitude towards various supporters, including the Uma Avadesh Agarwal Foundation, Tarsadia Foundation, Asha Sajjan Agarwal Foundation, Bhutada Foundation, Agarwal Gupta Foundation, and Koppula DAF, for their unwavering assistance throughout its journey towards accreditation.

In conclusion, with its recent Candidacy Accreditation from WSCUC, Vivekananda Yoga University is paving the way for future generations of students who wish to learn, research, and practice yoga within an academic framework. This significant recognition not only affirms the value of yoga education but also enhances the university's capacity to make a profound impact in the wellness and educational sphere globally.

For further information and updates, interested individuals can contact the university through Prashant Joshi at [email protected] or by phone at (908) 285-6359.

Stay tuned for more exciting developments as VaYU continues to expand its horizons in the realm of Yoga education.