Skip to content
CIP 51.3305 Health Professions

Ayurvedic Medicine/Ayurveda

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

95

2025 · 1 schools

International share

4.2%

4 international students

Master's degrees

95

4.2% international

Overview

Ayurvedic Medicine, also known as Ayurveda, is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The term "Ayurveda" is derived from the Sanskrit words "ayur," meaning life, and "veda," meaning knowledge or science. Thus, Ayurveda translates to "the science of life."

This holistic approach emphasizes preventive care and aims to promote overall well-being rather than merely treating symptoms. Ayurvedic practitioners assess individuals based on their unique constitution, known as "prakriti," which is determined by the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas represent different combinations of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—and influence a person's physical, emotional, and mental characteristics.

Ayurvedic treatments often include a combination of herbal remedies, dietary recommendations, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle modifications tailored to the individual's needs. The goal is to restore balance and harmony within the body, thus preventing illness and promoting longevity.

In recent years, Ayurveda has gained popularity worldwide as an alternative or complementary medicine. Many universities and institutions now offer programs in Ayurvedic Medicine, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Students learn about herbal pharmacology, diagnosis techniques, therapeutic modalities, and the philosophical foundations of Ayurveda, preparing them for careers in holistic health and wellness.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 2,275% and the international share went from 25.0% to 4.2%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
47.4%
Asian
18.9%
Hispanic
13.7%
Black
6.3%
Other
9.5%
Intl.
4.2%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 1 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
— Maharishi International University Iowa 95 4

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other 28,630 $61.38 $127,660

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.