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Whether you are culturally Hindu and looking to reconnect deeply with your roots or you are culturally non-Hindu but interested in engaging deeply with the knowledge systems and traditions of Vedic and Indic origin, the Hindu University has something unique to offer you
It was indeed a splendid idea several years ago to launch the Hindu University. The
the idea is as powerful today as it was then, and perhaps even more so as the current marketplace
of ideas demonstrates a growing desire to learn more about the values enshrined in Hinduism
through its practices, such as meditation, yoga, pranayama, and Ayurveda.
Padma Bhushan Ved Nanda
As Hindu University’s mission statement reveals, it represents a historic opportunity
to reconsider the role and value of the humanities. I am hopeful that in the years to come the
Hindu University will make a major contribution not only to Hindu studies and
Hinduism but also to American academia itself by living up to the standards of critical inquiry
and open debate.
Dr. Vishwa Adluri
The Hindu University holds enormous promise for the future of humanity by marshaling
Vedic wisdom towards addressing multiple crises confronting the world today. It can emerge as
an intellectual beacon for understanding the problems plaguing our society and exploring
solutions in the light of that ancient Vedic wisdom.
Dr. Debidatta Aurobinda Mahapatra,
“Traveling through the “spiritual India” is like enjoying the care of a nurturing grandmother; she is ever-present to transfer the profundity of her ancestral knowledge. In Bharat, every aspect of daily life carries a significance, and the individual realizes that everything is part of universal synchronicity. What is particularly exciting about this program is that we will explore and experience the deep harmony that comes from living by such principles. Physically being in India, with guidance that caters to your growth, creates an environment where is impossible to be untouched.”
Adriana Salazar
” This was a great course, well organized, engaging, and to-the-point. I found the Zoom based virtual classrooms to be a very effective platform for teaching a class. The participants were eager and curious and contributed immensely to the quality of the class. The rotation of teachers from various departments was awesome. I am grateful I attended this class. I am hoping I get more time in the near future to attend more courses and continue my learning. “
Harish Sukhwani
“Apart from explaining some hard to understand topics in a very interesting way and being able to listen to lectures from the very knowledgeable professors, it has been very convenient to learn so much without leaving home. I feel that every Hindu must take full advantage of these wonderful study programs offered by HUA.”
Bindu Patel
“ The Orientation to Hindu Studies Course” offered by the Hindu University, had a great mix of both simple and complex concepts of Hinduism, explained by erudite Professors. This not only gave me clarity about a plethora of topics like Sanskrit Studies, Post-colonialism, Orientalism, Indology, etc, but also generated enough curiosity in me about the courses HUA had to offer. I was inspired to immediately join their MA-PhD in Hindu Studies Program. And I’m glad that I did.
Jyoti Suravarjula
“As a Hindu, I feel what the Hindu University is doing is invaluable to Hinduism generally and to India. HUA provides the background as well as the foundation of what Hinduism is. Most Hindus, wherever they are, would find the courses offered to be of immense value, richness, and personal satisfaction.”
Kiran Chhaganlal
FAQ
- New Students
- Non-Degree Students
- Non-Hindu Students
- International Students
- Graduate Students
- Teaching at HUA
What kinds of students study at the Hindu University?
Students of the Hindu University are typically serious (i.e. not casual) and find themselves committed to authentic learning i.e. they wish to go beyond merely preparing for a safe and secure career or having one already.
They wish to enter a subject area deeply and are willing to give the time and focus necessary to develop competence and mastery in a new and possibly an “alternate” domain of knowledge. They generally fall into the following categories:
- Undergraduate students who are keenly interested in earning a graduate degree (i.e. MA and/or Ph.D) in Hindu studies from an authentic Hindu institution, preparing themselves for service, leadership and global engagement within Indic studies.
- People who seek personal enrichment and professional development, who wish to transcend the competitive rat race, and who want to develop a spiritually centered lifestyle, based both in Hindu thought and another equivalent school of thought.
- Ethnic and Cultural Hindus who are already professionally settled but are seeking a deeper understanding of their cultural roots and heritage. They may wish to penetrate the fog of misrepresentation and mis-portrayal of Hinduism arising from the colonial era in the contemporary mainstream discourse and develop unmediated access to the source texts and traditions of Sanatana Dharma
- Spiritual but not religious people, who are attracted to the systems of thought, practices, and philosophy that can be generally categorized as New Age Spiritual, who wish to examine their authentic ancient Hindu roots without having to become Hindu in the process
- Culturally Non-Hindu people who are attracted to Hindu thought, culture, philosophy and systems of knowledge, and wish to develop a more thorough foundation which may help them in their own careers and professions e.g, as yoga teachers, meditation teachers, counsellors, therapists, chaplains, ayurveda medical professionals, social workers, teachers, academics, practitioners, life-coaches and so on.
- People who wish to develop alternate professional careers (in addition to the one they already have), in fields such as yoga, ayurveda, writing and media, leadership, and management in Hindu contexts, jyotisha, vaastu, coaching, counselling, chaplaincy and so on.
Is Hindu University a religious educational institution?
Our Hindu University is authorized by the State of Florida as a religious institution that is exempt from state oversight. For more information about State exemption in Florida, please refer to the following excerpt from the 2018 Florida State Statutes, Chapter 1005 pertaining to Non-Public Post-Secondary Education: General Provisions: 1005.06: pertaining to Institutions, not under the jurisdiction or purview of the Commission for Independent Education.
You may Click Here to directly access the Florida Statutes:
Do I have to be a Hindu to study at the Hindu University?
No. Hindu University welcomes students from all backgrounds, cultures and ethnicity, and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, social status and/or income level, political views or military service.
We invite all who wish to learn, who enjoy the pursuit of knowledge, and who are willing to give the time and focus necessary for higher and deeper learning
Does the Hindu University have an evangelical purpose?
Hinduism itself does not have an evangelical purpose. It has been one of the great non-proselytizing traditions of the world. In keeping with that heritage, Hindu University also does not have an evangelical purpose.
The Hindu University is committed to the purpose of higher knowledge, the evolution of human consciousness and the emergence of enlightenment (i.e. in the sense of Self-knowledge) and whatever enrichment that may bring to the human experience.
It is not committed to a discourse of power and dominance masquerading as a discourse in knowledge
How is studying at HUA different from going to my local Temple or Guru?
At Hindu University, you can go much deeper, go beyond basic and cursory understanding, and engage in”the in-depth exploration of subject areas emerging from Hindu thought”. Whether you wish to understand a specific Sanskrit text in all of its rich, multi-faceted dimensions, or whether you want to understand the Euro-centric Orientalist ideas that gave rise to much of the contemporary discourse on Hinduism, Vedic Indic studies, our Sanskrit University in the USA is a place for a higher, deeper, and more sustained pursuit of knowledge.
It is also a place where you develop yourself in writing, in critiquing, in constructing arguments and debates, in research, in articulating perspectives and hypotheses, so that what you say for the rest of your lives, will come from a place of deep learning and reason. Thus the education you receive at Vedic University takes you well beyond being a passive recipient of information, and challenges you to engage responsibly and intelligently on the global stage.
In the Hindu tradition, we have a higher knowledge that is based on Shruti-Bhashya and a more colloquial access to the same knowledge through the Katha-Pravachan traditions. Hindu University is re-imagining an institution of higher learning, on the lines of Nalanda and Takshashila as they once existed, but at the same time, as an institution that is contemporary, relevant and appropriate to the times that we live in.
What career pathways exist for students who graduate from HUA?
Hindu University aims to prepare students for service, leadership, and global engagement. Recognizing that the field of Hindu studies is itself undeveloped today and that the career pathways are as yet still emerging, Vedic University nevertheless offers specific developmental pathways that lead to alternate or supplementary vocations, and to mainstream jobs and vocations. Here are some of the roles that a student who has earned a graduate degree in Hindu studies may aspire towards:
- Education – Teaching / Community Education
- Academics – Research / Writing / Publication
- Thinkers – Writing / Speaking / Being a Public Intellectual
- Counseling – Spiritual mentorship / Life coaching / Therapy
- Chaplaincy – Counseling and Healing in Hindu contexts
- Leadership – Spiritually Centered Leadership
- Management – Hindu Temple administration / Non-Profit management
- Social Work – Community service / health / wellness / yoga / ayurveda
- Consulting – Jyotisha and vaastu consultancy
- Media – Contemporary media engagement and mass communication
- Religious Service – Priests, the performers of rituals
Do I have to be a resident of HUA campus during my program of study?
No. Students of Hindu University can earn their degrees and certificates entirely through a distance education model. Residency requirements will be handled locally in affiliated centers and classrooms.
In the future, as Hindu University acquires a respectable campus, there may be new models of engagement and hybrid modes of learning. Watch this space for future developments.
Is Hindu University accredited?
For now, Hindu University is not accredited. It however offers a legitimate degree authorized by the State of Florida.
We are working through an internal university evaluation process while preparing our application for accreditation.
Does Hindu University provide financial assistance?
Yes. For Graduate level students, a limited number of student assistantships are available. Students may apply for partial or full scholarships, teaching assistantships, as well as research fellowships.
The financial assistance provided by Hindu University is dependent on the donor community for making available scholarships and fellowships specifically for students. We aspire to build up capacity in this area, to support increasing numbers of students in the future.
What study options do I have for continuing education at HUA?
Continuing Education is one of the most important divisions of Hindu University. In this model of engagement, you are gaining education for life, and not just to make a living. Students in this division are learning because they love to learn, and not because they must pass some exam or gain some qualifications. Most students in this division are simply taking one or more courses at a time in an a la carte mode, sampling the offerings from the Vedic University. Some students are focusing on an area of study and working towards a certificate. But in all cases, they are not working towards a degree.
The Hindu University offers a great variety of course options, and streams of study. And we are committed to continuing to add more and more variety of courses in this division. In this mode of learning, you can study at your own pace, taking as much load or as little as you wish.
What value does the continuing education I get from HUA provide me in my life?
- For the student who is graduating from casual learning to a slightly more serious engagement with a structured course over the course of a full quarter of 11 weeks.
- For the student who wishes to make learning a consistent habit in their lives – going from one area to another, but with little intention to obtain a degree
- For the student who wishes to develop some level of depth of knowledge in an area of study, and obtain a certificate
- For the student who simply wishes to enrich their personal lives, through fruitful engagement with the variety of areas of knowledge and practice within the Hindu world
- For the student who is making important transitions in life, and transforming their spiritual, health and lifestyle choices
Will the certificates I earn from HUA, help me in my career?
Will the continuing education hours count towards professional certification?
Some of the courses will count towards your professional certification. In fact, with education from HUA, you may be able to pass certain professional certification exams, advancing your career options.
Can I take one course at a time as a stand-alone course?
Can individual continuing education courses be applied towards a Certificate program?
Can individual continuing education courses be applied towards a Graduate degree?
Yes, in most cases. The exception being that you should have taken your continuing education courses in the graduate division. All courses from the graduate division, can be applied towards a graduate degree at the Master’s or Doctoral level, or a Graduate Diploma or Certificate with the consent of the Academic Committee of the Vedic university. In a few exceptional cases, some courses taken at the Continuing Education division of the University may also be applied towards a graduate degree. In all cases, the decision of the Academic Committee shall remain final.
I am not a Hindu by birth or faith – are the programs of HUA relevant for me?
You do not have to be a Hindu by birth to become a student of the Hindu University nor do you have to convert into a Hindu to benefit from these offerings. You may be delighted with the quality, depth, and value of the educational offerings at HUA, and may discover that they enrich your life considerably.
We encourage you to try out a few courses. Correspond with the instructor. Find out if a certain course of study, certificate or degree applies to you.
I am spiritually inclined, but not religious – Will studying at HUA be valuable?
For spiritually inclined people, not necessarily attracted towards any one religion, the course offerings at the Hindu University will be especially valuable in exploring the original ancient sources from which these spiritually based knowledge systems have emerged.
Hinduism itself, even though it is understood to be a religion in the popular imagination, is unlike any religion or religious ideology. In fact, what we understand by the word religion is itself modeled after the proto-typical middle eastern model, which became universalized into a category of its own, called religion.
Hinduism, on the other hand, is more like an open library of knowledge systems that originate from a special spiritual place and world-view, with a particular understanding of the nature of the relationship between consciousness, matter, and the cosmos, and the unique place we as human beings have within it. These knowledge systems embedded in communities that preserved them gave rise to numerous traditions.
Religion is a word too limiting to describe Hinduism, (or Sanatana Dharma) to use a more original Sanskrit name. You may discover that you can participate fruitfully in the areas of study offered by the Sanskrit University of the USA without having to become religious in any sense of the word.
Am I expected to convert into Hinduism at Hindu University?
Most definitely not. The knowledge systems and mode of study offered by HUA are designed to enhance the quality of your life, and the options and choices before you without having to engage with any form of religious practice or convert.
The ideas and concepts presented through these courses at HUA, stand as possibilities for you to consider, to try on to see if they fit for you, and work for you.
There is no expectation on the part of the Hindu University that you emerge with any new relationship with Hinduism or Hindu ideas and practices.
I have studied Yoga and taught it – Can I get credit for my prior work?
I have an interest in ayurveda – can I get a degree from HUA in that field?
Are there courses at HUA that specifically apply to non-Hindus?
The courses at the Hindu university do not explicitly differentiate between people. So, there is no course that is designed specifically for non-Hindus. All courses are equally available and applicable to all people.
Are there courses at HUA that don’t apply to non-Hindus?
Can I enroll in HUA if I reside outside the United States?
Is there a requirement to reside in or visit the United States during my program?
However, there are specific certificates that require “contact” hours. These may require face to face sessions, especially in the Continuing Education division. Watch out for such courses, which may be difficult for international students.
Are there any special admission requirements for international students?
Are international students eligible for financial assistance?
Yes. They are eligible for financial assistance. International students may apply using the regular process applicable to all students. There are no special processes for international students.
How can I get my international degree and transcripts evaluated?
Can I get credit for prior work done in other international universities?
What graduate programs does HUA offer?
Currently, Hindu University offers a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D. Degree in Hindu studies. This is a single program, which offers two terminal degrees.
In addition, HUA also offers two Graduate Diploma Certificates in Sanskrit studies, which may be combined to form the equivalent of a Master’s Degree in Sanskrit.
Can I work part-time on my Master’s or Doctoral Degree?
Yes. Both the Master’s and Ph.D. Degrees in Hindu Studies, as well as the Graduate Diplomas in Sanskrit, are designed keeping in part-time students, who are professionals, in mind. The pacing of the program and course load can also be appropriately structured and customized for each student in unique ways.
Can I transfer credit from other universities into HUA’s graduate programs?
Yes. Transfer of credit into HUA’s programs are possible and will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Please refer to the Credit Transfer pages on the website.
What are the admission requirements for the graduate programs?
For admission into the Master’s Program in Hindu Studies, a bachelor’s degree earned in any discipline is a pre-requisite.
For admission into the Doctoral Program in Hindu Studies, there are three distinct entry points. Students who have completed a Master’s Degree in Hindu Studies from HUA, with good standing will be deemed adequately prepared for admission into the Doctoral program.
Students who have a Master’s Degree in any other related field in the liberal arts, humanities or social sciences, may be eligible for admission into the Doctoral program, after evaluation of their level of prior preparation. They may be required to take certain courses in areas where they may have a gap in their level of knowledge.
Students who have a bachelor’s degree but are interested in obtaining a Ph.D. may be eligible for admission in the accelerated MA/Ph.D. program, which will require them to get an MA Degree along the way.
Is there a thesis only option available for students with advanced standing?
In exceptional cases, a student with extensive knowledge and experience in the general area of Hindu studies, or related fields, may be granted admission into the Doctoral program with a thesis only option. But this is rare. Also, students who already have a Doctoral degree in a different field may also be granted a thesis only option to earn a second Doctoral degree.
These decisions are taken by the academic committee on a case by case basis.
Are there options for post-doctoral research work at HUA?
There are options available for post-doctoral research work at Hindu University for candidates who already possess a Doctoral degree in a related field, especially in the liberal arts, humanities, and the social sciences.
These students are categorized under the “Advanced Studies” division and are admitted based on unique criteria.
What requirements must I fulfill to obtain my Master’s or Doctoral degree?
Students may consult the pages on the Website pertaining to these programs specifically. In general, a Master’s degree requires the student to complete 60 credit hours of course work of which 6 credit hours may be earned for a mini-thesis. The Doctoral degree is awarded after the student completes 60 credit hours of course work, beyond the Master’s Degree and writes a dissertation that passes the standards of evaluation established by the dissertation committee. An accelerated MA/Ph.D. degree can be earned with 90 credit hours of course work and a dissertation.
What career choices will I have after a degree from HUA?
We anticipate that students who graduate with degrees at the Master’s level or the Doctoral level from Hindu University, will be well prepared for careers in teaching, education, research, writing, editing and publishing, journalism, media, leadership, management, administration, non-profit sector, public service, counseling, consulting, mentoring, coaching, advocacy, entrepreneurship, event management, public relations, and other disciplines.
Students are advised that there is no well-worn, beaten path to a job for a degree in Hindu studies as is the case with professional degrees such as engineering, medicine or law. At the same time, for the student who is willing to be bold, courageous and innovative, there will be plenty of opportunities.
Can I apply to teach courses at HUA?
What qualifications do I need to have to teach at HUA?
At the Continuing Education division, such qualifications are not strictly enforced. Anyone with a passion for teaching, who is good at teaching and earns the respect of their students can teach.
I do not have a Ph.D. in Hindu studies or a related field. Can I teach at HUA?
Can I teach in languages other than English at HUA?
Can I teach remotely from where I live?
Yes. Our Vedic Hindu University offers a rich distance learning platform, that can be leveraged by both faculty and students from remote areas. All you need is a good and fast internet connection. The remote teaching and learning capabilities enable interested people to come together online and engage with one another without having to travel. And this is a great advance for low-cost education, at a time when a campus-based college education is becoming increasingly expensive.
Can I teach while also being a student at HUA?
Yes. This is, in fact, one of the great opportunities of HUA. Each student may also offer courses. Each faculty may also take courses from other faculties. Sanskrit University in the USA has a Hindu studies online education platform is envisioned to promote ‘lifelong’ learning. Students may become teaching assistants with other senior faculty and gain experience in teaching while also going through their own program of study.
Can I advise doctoral students at HUA?
Subject to the criteria for advising Doctoral Students at HUA, anyone who qualifies may offer to advise a graduate student. Sanskrit University in the USA welcomes qualified faculty situated in other universities around the world, to become outside advisors to HUA’s students.
The decision to accommodate an outside advisor or to invite someone specific to become an outside advisor will be made by the academic committee and is usually based on the degree of fit between the student’s focus area in their doctoral work and the faculty’s area of interest in their research work.
How do I apply to teach at HUA?
It is as simple as that. We will follow up with a request for more information from you.