For students interested in yoga post-Class 12, there comes a dilemma: “Should I do a degree in Yoga Science or take up a short yoga course?”
The former is more beneficial than the latter when one takes into consideration its educational and career aspects. Having knowledge of their differences will allow students to opt for one program depending on their future career prospects.
Quick Comparison Between Degree and Short-Term Yoga Science Course
The key factor is the extent to which the education takes place. The degree program would be an extensive one, whereas the short-term program would have a more specific objective in mind.
Factor |
Degree in Yoga Science |
Short-Term Yoga Course |
|---|---|---|
Duration |
Completed in 4-5 years | Completed within a few months |
Learning depth |
Comprehensive and structured | Focused and introductory |
Qualification |
Undergraduate degree | Certificate |
Practical training |
Generally included in the programme | Varies as per institutions from which the course is opted |
Career preparation |
Suitable for long-term career planning | Suitable for skill development |
Ideal for |
Students seeking a professional career | Students seeking quick or additional learning |
When Do Students Need to Select a Yoga Science Degree?
It is the perfect course for those students who want to pursue their career in the field of yoga, health, fitness, etc. Students seeking a systematic undergraduate programme after Class 12 can enroll in this programme.
The degree may suit those students who:
- Need a recognized undergraduate degree
- Desire to know more about yoga
- Plan to become professional yoga teachers
- Wish to learn the science and theories of yoga
- Plan to pursue further studies after graduation
- Plan to work in the areas of wellness, fitness, or yoga-related organizations
The degree also offers the students several years to gain practical experience as well as theoretical knowledge.
Advantages of Studying Yoga at Degree Level
The primary benefit of studying yoga science at the degree level is that there will be more structure to learn about yoga in a comprehensive manner.
Some benefits could include:
- Learning through structure: They are learned in an organized way and not just within a short span of time
- Foundation of education: Learning yoga from a theoretical, practical, and scientific perspective
- Practice: Practiced alongside learning the theoretical basis to gain proficiency in the art form.
- Professional base: A degree can also help those students who wish to make it a professional career out of it as a source of their livelihood.
- Higher studies: Those students who want to pursue further studies in yoga can use their bachelor’s degree as a basis.
Some of the topics covered under a full degree course will are as follows-
- Yoga philosophy & principles
- Human anatomy & physiology
- Yoga practice & techniques
- Meditation & relaxation
- Health & wellness
- Yoga therapy related concepts
- Practical yoga training
- Research & academic subjects
It helps students who have decided to take yoga as their primary academic and professional path after Class 12 to decide which one is right for them.
When To Select a Short-Term Yoga Course?
A short yoga program could suit learners who desire knowledge or learning but do not wish to invest in several years of university degree studies.
Short yoga programs may suit students who:
- Wish to study yoga for their personal health and benefits
- Are already qualified in any other discipline or career
- Seek to acquire additional skills
- Have little time for higher education
The short-term programs will enable the learner to discover his or her true interest in the practice of yoga studies.
Limitations of a Short-Term Course
But the short duration course offers some kinds of limitations as it reduces the learning duration needed to cover vast topics.
- Be exposed to fewer theoretical subjects
- Have less knowledge about the science of yoga
- Have less time for practical training
- Receive a certificate instead of a bachelor’s degree
Final Thoughts
In case the student is interested in choosing yoga as a career after completing Class 12, taking up a degree would be a better option as compared to a short-term course.This will help them in adopting an overall strategy for learning. However, the best option that one can choose depends on the goals related to the career, the preferred time period for learning, and the academic qualification level that he wishes to obtain.
