Area of Study: Conflict and Peace Studies

The Certificate program in Hindu Studies (CPHS). HUA prepares Students to engage with the world as a Hindu with confidence and clarity. Along the way, it also aims to develop in the student a lifelong love for service and contribution. At the end of the program, students will be informed, empowered, and inspired by the possibilities of living a deeply fulfilled life as a Hindu, and making a real difference in the world.

As Students discover the range and depth of Hindu thought, its uniquely awesome cosmology, and clear up some of the misconceptions and erroneous narratives that they have inherited, they will find themselves being profoundly transformed, naturally creating new realms of self-expression, and new possibilities for who they can now be in the world. 

Program Learning Outcomes: 

At the end of this Certificate Programs in Hindu Studies, Students will: 

1. Clarify the Hindu Paradigm, having acquired an overview of Hindu principles, practices, values, history, philosophy, society, culture, traditions, and civilization. 
2. Articulate the contemporary relevance of Hindu thought and contribute its value to the Hindu community as well as to humanity in general. 
3. Apply their learning to think from a Hindu context and develop strategies for the preservation and transmission of Hindu thought across the generations. 
4. Create new pathways for service, leadership, and global engagement from a Hindu context, and new realms of self-expression for themselves. 
5. Contribute with confidence and clarity, in unique and innovative ways towards fostering the culture and traditions of Hindu Dharma. 

Program Context

Being successful in our professional lives, as a Doctor, Engineer, Business person, Entrepreneur, or a Lawyer and so on, equips us with a basic ability to compete effectively in the contemporary economy, to survive and succeed in the world. But it does not necessarily address a deeper dimension of human possibility i.e., the spiritual or the Adhyatmika realm.

In each of us lies dormant a need and a desire for deeper engagement with the world, to contribute, to make a difference and be of service in a profound and meaningful way. In each of us lies as yet unfulfilled the potential for leadership and global impact, sometimes even as yet unimagined.

In every one of us without exception there lies the possibility of going within, exploring the realms of deeper levels of consciousness, and transforming our connection and relationship with the cosmos itself, manifesting the perfection and possibilities that already lie within us. These are the realms of Dharma and Moksha, the unique dimensions of Hindu thought. 

What is the purpose of our human existence? Does it have one? What does it mean to live a successful life? What is the source of deep fulfillment and contentment in our lives? What is Dharma? What is our Svadharma? How do we ensure that we fulfill the unique purpose and opportunity of our lives? How do we even discover it? Have we exhausted the possibilities of being alive already? How has Hindu Dharma addressed these questions? 

In the Certificate Programs in Hindu Studies, Students will engage with these questions in a deep and authentic way, as they prepare themselves for service, leadership, and contribution, and for making a deep and lasting impact in the communities in which they live, as well as the world in general.

Whether you are interested in writing, speaking, and teaching, in counseling and healing, in social work, media or the performing arts, in education and curriculum development, in providing leadership in your communities, working with youth or in inter-faith domains, or simply engaging with schools and colleges, and the institutions of our contemporary world, or being of service in some other vital way, the Certificate Programs in Hindu Studies, will empower and enable you in your life’s journey. 

This program will take work, commitment, and the ability to sustain your interest through several quarters. But what you will accomplish at the end, who you will become in the process, and all the new aspirations and possibilities that you will create for yourself, that you didn’t even know that you had, will transform you in an amazing and inspiring way. You will go beyond your real or perceived limitations, capacity and capabilities, and may even sustain and nurture the continued relevance of Sanatana Dharma for posterity as its ambassador. 

Structure of the Program:

The certificate programs consists of a total of 24 credit hours of coursework. It can be completed at the earliest in 8 quarters, if the students can take 3 Credit hours per quarter, or more slowly over time, in any case, under five years. Students must take at least 15 Credit hours from the Core Courses in the Certificate programs. They may complete the remaining 9 credit hours by taking any set of elective courses from the community education program. 

Pre-requisites:

The students must have completed the Orientation to Hindu Studies course minimally and must demonstrate a deep interest in service, contribution and making an impact from within a Hindu context, in order to be admitted into the Certificate Program in Hindu Studies. Students who have not taken the Orientation to Hindu Studies course, may enroll into the Certificate Program in Hindu Studies, with the understanding that they will register into the course immediately.

Who will benefit?

This program can benefit everyone who is interested in living a life of service and contribution, who wishes to engage with the communities in their lives in a meaningful way, in a Hindu context. It applies to all those who wish to reconnect deeply with their own Hindu cultural roots, develop a deeper understanding of their own unique place in the world.

For Non-Hindus who have developed some level of curiosity and interest in the Hindu world, this program will deepen their engagement with that world, and open up entirely new possibilities for contribution and service. 

List of courses

The list of Courses available for Students as part of the Certificate Program in Hindu Studies is listed below. Each course is designated as a Core course or an Elective course. These courses may be taken in any sequence, as long as the student first completes the Orientation to Hindu Studies course, at the very beginning of the program.

Holistic Yoga – Philosophy and Practice

YOG1000 – Holistic Yoga - Philosophy and Practice course provides an introduction to holistic yoga, that integrates yoga philosophy from ... Read More

YOGA – The principles of pure soul in Bhagavad-Gita

HSF1303 – (C.P.H.S – Elective Course) “YOGA – The principles of pure soul in Bhagavad Gita” is the last part ... Read More

BODHAK – The Gita Vidya Teacher Training

HSF1304 – (CPHS – Elective Course) “BODHAK – The Gita Vidya Teacher Training” is the first of a four-part series ... Read More

Introduction to the Vedic Ritual

HSF1401 – (CPHS – Core Course) Ritual is the laboratory where the mind is purified, settled, and prepared for higher ... Read More

Introduction to Hindu Philosophy: Shad Darshanas

HSF2001 – (CPHS – Core Course) This course will introduce the student to the six traditional perspectives of Hindu Philosophy, ... Read More

Introduction to Upanishads – Part 2

HSF2003 – (CPHS – Core Course) Upanishads form a strong philosophical foundation in the development of Hindu philosophy and culture. Introduction to ... Read More

Dhyaanam – Meditation and the Meditator

HSF2101 – (CPHS – Core Course) Living in the contemporary world includes navigating conflicts at the level of family, work, ... Read More

Chanakya’s Leadership Principles for the 21st Century

HSF3401 – (CPHS – Elective Course) This Course is divided into 3 sections: Leadership, Management and Training. It is based ... Read More

Understanding the Vedas

TAT3205 - (CPHS - Elective) The Vedas are known as the oldest books of wisdom of the world. They are ... Read More

Ayurveda – Advanced Nutrition

TAT1104 – (CPHS – Elective Course) Ayurveda – Advanced Nutrition is an experiential training course in Ayurveda Diet & Nutrition ... Read More

Ayurveda – Essential Nutrition

TAT1103 – (C.P.H.S – Elective Course) In our contemporary era, concern for the prevention of disease is neglected in favor ... Read More

Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram

TAT1301 – (CPHS – Elective Course) This course on Vishnu Sahasranama stotram, will prepare students to chant the slokas with ... Read More

Across the Universe: Hindu Dharma and Western Creative Arts

TAT2100 – (CPHS – Elective Course) This course is both a celebration and a deep analysis of artists who opened ... Read More

Bhaja Govindam – A Topical Approach

TAT1302 – (CPHS – Elective Course) In this course, students will learn Bhaja Govindam with its verses re-organized around some ... Read More

The History of Shastriya Sangeet

TAT3102 – (CPHS – Elective Course) Hindu Musical Traditions (Shastriya Sangeet traditions) are ancient and diverse. This course takes students ... Read More

Singing Bhakti Music: From Saints to Synthesizers

TAT2200 – (CPHS – Elective Course) This course will provide students a practical introduction to the musical tapestry of Bharat ... Read More

GNANA – The principles of sound mind in Bhagavad-Gita

HSF1302 – (C.P.H.S – Elective Course) GNANA – The principles of sound mind in Bhagavad-Gita is the second part of ... Read More

Vedantasara of Sadananda Part 2

TAT3204 – (C.P.H.S – Elective Course) In this second part of the course, Students will inquire into some of the ... Read More

Advaita, Visistadvaita, Dvaita – The three flavors of Vedanta Sastra

TAT4001 – (CPHS – Core Course) Hindu Thought provides for the simultaneous co-existence of varied perspectives on the nature of ... Read More

Women in Hinduism

HSF4100 – (C.P.H.S – Core Course) This course, “Role of Women in Hinduism” will introduce students to women’s roles and ... Read More

Nyaya Darshana Part – 1

TAT3206 - (CPHS - Elective) This Course is the first of the two-part course sequence that introduces Nyaya Darshana of ... Read More

Adhyasa bhasya of Adi Sankara

TAT4000 – (CPHS – Core Course) This course will unfold the adhyasa bhasya, considered perhaps to be the magnum opus ... Read More

IsA-vAsya Upanishad – The Three Vedantic Perspectives

TAT4003 - An overview of three commentaries on the IsA-vAsya Upanishad is the main topic of this course. IsA-vAsya Upanishad ... Read More

The Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita

YOG2001 – (CPHS – Core Course) This Course takes the Students into a Journey of Exploration of Yoga as enunciated ... Read More

The Yoga of Mahabharata

YOG3100 – (CPHS – Elective Course) This course is designed to use the itihasa-purana Mahabharata as a mirror to discover ... Read More

The Yoga of the motherhood

YOG3300 – (CPHS – Elective Course) The Yoga of Motherhood is a transformational pathway for mothers to learn how to ... Read More

Mother Womb – Engaging the Divine Feminine

YOG3301 - This course will guide students on a journey of empowering and healing themselves through engaging with the Divine ... Read More

Chakra Healing

YOG2201  - This Chakra Healing Course that explores the significance of Yoga Chakras and its relationship to our body, its ... Read More

Discover Dharma – A Study Tour in India

HSF5011 – Discover Dharma – A Study Tour in India is a unique course that brings together an exploratory journey ... Read More

Certificate Program in Hindu Studies

Program Code: CPHS Course Codes: 5000 – 6000 Credit Hours: 24 quarter credit hours Duration: 2 years (full time) Express ... Read More

Nyaya Darshana Part – 2

TAT3207 - (CPHS - Elective) This Course is the Second of the two-part course sequence that introduces Nyaya Darshana of ... Read More

Sri Aurobindo and Sanatana Dharma

HSF3104 - (CPHS – Elective Course) More than any one single figure, Sri Aurobindo prophesied that the renaissance of Sanatana ... Read More

Ayurveda – The Wisdom of Wellbeing

TAT1101 - (C.P.H.S - Core Course) This foundational course is designed to make the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda accessible to ... Read More

Distortions in Indian Historiography

HAM4301 - This course traces the distortions in the historiography of medieval and modern India, discernible since the Independence of ... Read More

The Yoga of the Yoga Sutras

YOG2002 - (CPHS - Core Course) The Yoga of the Yoga Sutras course takes the students into a journey of exploration ... Read More

DEHA – The principles of sound body in Bhagavad Gita

HSF1301 - (C.P.H.S - Elective Course) “DEHA principles of sound body in Bhagavad Gita” is the first part of a three-part ... Read More

Hindu Temples and Traditions

TAT3104 - (CPHS - Core Course) Hindu temples and traditions occupy an important place in the Hindu mind, both in India ... Read More

An Immersive exploration of the iconic “Autobiography of a Yogi”

YOG2100 - (C.P.H.S - Elective Course) Of all the books that spread Hindu dharma beyond India, none has had as ... Read More

Upanishadic Dialogues – I: The Chandogya Upanishad

HSF3001 - (C.P.H.S - Elective Course) This course will explore the metaphysics of Hindu Philosophy through a detailed analysis of ... Read More

Sankhya Darshana through the Sankhya Karika – Part I

TAT3201 - (C.P.H.S - Elective Course) This Course is the first of a two-part course series presenting an in-depth exploration ... Read More

Ramayana for Excellence in Management and Leadership

HSF3301 - (CPHS - Elective Course) This course aims to introduce Srimad Ramayana as an important literature in teaching and ... Read More

Sankhya Darshana through the Sankhya Karika – Part 2

TAT3202 - (C.P.H.S - Elective Course) This Course is the Second of a two-part course series presenting an in-depth exploration ... Read More

Daksinamurtistotram by Adi Sankara

TAT3001 - (C.P.H.S – Elective Course) This course will unfold the Dakṣiṇāmūrtistōtram systematically verse by verse, drawing upon where necessary ... Read More

Understanding Hinduphobia

HSF2201 - (C.P.H.S – Core Course) Understanding Hinduphobia course serves as a starting point for those who are interested in learning ... Read More

Introduction to Upanishads – Part 1

HSF2002 - (CPHS – Core Course) Upanishads form a strong philosophical foundation in the development of Hindu philosophy and culture ... Read More

Gita Vidya Teachers Training Certificate

The ​Gita Vidya Teachers Training Certificate (GVTC) is a 4-quarter, 6 Credit-hour leisurely paced, exploration of the about 140 carefully ... Read More

Orientation to Hindu Studies

HSF5000 - (CPHS Required Course) This Course is an important point of entry into the entire curriculum offered by Hindu ... Read More

Indian and Western Music Traditions – A Comparative Study

TAT3103 - (C.P.H.S – Elective Course) This course is the first of a three-part course sequence in the Hindu Musical Traditions ... Read More

The Dharma of Global Sustainability

CPS2001 – (C.P.H.S – Elective Course) This course explores the impact of ancient Vedic Wisdom on the modern questions of ... Read More

The Yoga of Global Transformation

CPS2002 - This course explores how humanity can meet the ever-pressing challenge of global sustainability, that we all confront collectively ... Read More

• 1
• 2
• ›

As part of Hindu University of America’s commitment to ongoing community education program, most courses available at the university including Graduate Division courses are open for registration from members of the community as continuing education students. Anyone including already employed professionals and prospective degree students may apply to any single course as a special student if they can demonstrate that they have the prerequisite preparation. They may discuss their preparedness to take any course with the course faculty or instructor.

Community Education Program

• The continuing education stream of courses is targeted towards people who wish to learn ongoingly, without pursuing a specific degree or certificate.
• There are no prerequisites enforced, other than those required by the faculty, and anyone may register. We invite prospective students to try out a course or two and come back for more
• Courses taken as part of community education program can be bundled together to earn certificates at a later stage.

Ayurveda Wellness Retreat & Practicum

AIH2200 - The Ayurveda Wellness Retreat and Practicum is a transformative 4-day journey designed to harmonize mind, body, and spirit

Discover Dharma – A Study Tour in India

HSF5011 – Discover Dharma – A Study Tour in India is a unique course that brings together an exploratory journey

Lalitha Sahasranama Stotram – Part 2

TAT1304 - (CPHS – Elective Course) Lalitha Sahasranama stotram is considered to be a sacred Hindu text from the Brahmanda

Holistic Yoga – Philosophy and Practice

YOG1000 – Holistic Yoga - Philosophy and Practice course provides an introduction to holistic yoga, that integrates yoga philosophy from

Ahimsa and the Art of Nonviolent Communication

YOG2101 - The Art of Nonviolent Communication and Ahimsa course is designed to introduce participants to the Gandhian approach to nonviolent

Introduction to the daśaśāntimantras

TAT1001 – This course provides an immersive introduction to the Mantra and Chanting traditions of Sanatana Dharma. It focuses on

Growing up with the Gita

HSF1010 - ‘Growing up with the Gita’ is an introductory course designed specifically for teenagers, youth and the young at

BODHAK – The Gita Vidya Teacher Training

HSF1304 – (CPHS – Elective Course) “BODHAK – The Gita Vidya Teacher Training” is the first of a four-part series

Satsang in Samskrtam – Kanakadhaaraastotram

SAN3104 - In this Course students will learn select shlokas from Adi Shankara’s Kanakadhaaraastotram. The entire course will be taught

Satsang in Samskrtam – NirvaaNaShaTkam

SAN3103 - In this Course students will learn the full set of 6 shlokas from Adi Shankara’s NirvaaNaShaTkam text. The

Lalitha Sahasranama Stotram Part 1

TAT1303 - (CPHS – Elective Course) Lalitha Sahasranamam is considered to be a sacred Hindu text from the Brahmanda Purana.

Satsang in Samskrtam – Bhaja Govindam

SAN3102- In this Course Students will learn to think about the Bhaja Govindam from within the Sanskrit language, along with

Satsang in Samskrtam – Soundaryalaharii

SAN3101 - In this Course students will learn a select set of shlokas from Adi Shankara’s Soundaryalaharii text. The entire

Discover the contemporary Relevance of Hindu Dharma

HSF1007 – (C.P.H.S – Elective Course) This course, targets an age group of 18-35 and will explore the question –

Lessons from Valmiki Ramayana

HSF1005 – This course will enable students to get a well-versed understanding of the story, lessons, and teachings of one

Exploring Hinduism – Geography and History

HSF1001 – “Exploring Hinduism – Geography and History”, is the first course in the series titled “Exploring Hinduism” that will

Reconstructing Hindu History – The Commissions

HAM4201 – (C.P.H.S – Core Course) This course is the first of a two-quarter course sequence that examines the scientific

Introducing DevanAgarii

LAN0100 - This course is targeted at all students who are beginners of Sanskrit, Hindi, or one of the other

Graduate Academic Writing Seminar Intensive

HSF5100 - This seminar writing is aimed at graduate students (currently enrolled in M.A./Ph.D. programs in Hindu Studies) wishing to

Holiday Season Gift Course

This Holiday Season, light a lamp of knowledge by gifting a HUA course(s) to your family and friends. Your Gift

Race and Hindu Reform

HAM6405 - This course is the second part of a two-part course sequence that begins with HAM6403-Race and Modern Hinduism.

Teaching Yoga for Children

YOG3004 - This course enables students to integrate yoga in their teaching career, for guiding children, and for developing spiritual

Distortions in Indian Historiography

HAM4301 - This course traces the distortions in the historiography of medieval and modern India, discernible since the Independence of

Decolonizing the Hindu Condition

PHS6302 - This course will analyze in detail the psychological and sociological consequences of the British colonial narratives on Hindus,

Holistic Yoga – 2: Deepen Your Yoga Practice

YOG2000 - This course provides in-depth experience of holistic yoga, that integrates asana, pranayama, and meditation techniques for a sustained

Managing Diabetes through Holistic Yoga

YOG1001 - This course provides online classroom training under the guidance of senior yoga therapists so that students can learn

Managing Back Pain through Holistic Yoga

YOG1006 - This course provides online classroom training under the guidance of senior yoga therapists so that students can learn

Indian and Western Music Traditions – A Comparative Study

TAT3103 - (C.P.H.S – Elective Course) This course is the first of a three-part course sequence in the Hindu Musical Traditions

Antaranga Mandapam

YOG3101 - How is this Coronavirus pandemic going to end? Will we return to our 'old selves' and our 'familiar

Advaita Vedanta: A Method

HSF6004 - This course will explore and demonstrate the use of the methods (prakriyas) used in the Upanisads to unfold

Comparative Religion: Death and Meaning

HSF6003 - The central problem of human life is twofold: morality and mortality. Given the certainty of death, is there

Experience Incredible India

HSF5001 - This course offers a unique study abroad opportunity, that includes an authentic, enriching and transformative experience in India.

The Humanities and the University – II

Inspired by neo-humanism, the research university was to facilitate self-cultivation, aesthetic appreciation (especially through knowledge of classical antiquity), and a

The Vision of the Bhagavad-Gītā

HSF5002 - Distilled from the Upaniṣad, the Śrīmad Bhagavad-Gītā is a fundamental text of Hindu Dharma which has given rise

The Foundation of Vedānta

HSF5004 - Vedānta also known as the Upaniṣad, found at the end of all four Vedas, reveal the goal and

Vālmīki’s Rāmāyaṇa

TAT7301 - Vālmīki’s Rāmāyaṇa is a classic story of human self-development focused on the relationship between the macrocosm (the kingdom)

Ancient Greek Philosophy

HSF6002 - What is the meaning of existence? What is the nature of truth? These were the questions asked by

The Humanities and the University – I

Inspired by neo-humanism, the research university was to facilitate self-cultivation, aesthetic appreciation (especially through a knowledge of classical antiquity), and

Historical Methods and Sources

As a mode of knowing, history has acquired unparalleled prestige. We now think that to know when, where and under

The Enlightenment

The Age of Enlightenment or, simply, the Enlightenment extended from the late seventeenth to the eighteenth century. This epoch had