Description
Master of Arts in Sanskrit
Program Code:
MAS
Course Codes:
SAN5000 – SAN8000
Credit Hours:
48 Quarter Credit Hours/ 32 Semester Hours
Duration:
2 years (full time)
4 years (part time)
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Sanskrit Program (MAS) offers immersive study in the Sanskrit language, advancing the student from proficiency to mastery. Taught entirely in the Sanskrit language as the medium of instruction, it enables the transformation of Sanskrit enthusiasts into scholars who can engage rigorously with the varied knowledge-systems rooted in Hindu thought. Underscoring the importance of Sanskrit learning for the study of the source texts, the Master of Arts in Sanskrit Program provides direct, unmediated access to the literary, spiritual, and scientific texts without having to rely on translations. Through research and practice-oriented study, the program prepares the students to apply the insights gained from the Vedas, Vedānta, Itihāsa, Purāṇas and other classical Sanskrit texts with a commitment and concern for the wellbeing and future of humanity. It also prepares the students to enter the Doctoral programs in Hindu Studies.
Program Learning Outcomes
Through the Master of Arts in Hindu Studies program, students will be able to:
- Explain the structure of Sanskrit texts (Śastras).
- Interpret Sanskrit texts using the śastric method.
- Analyze Sanskrit śastras using diverse commentaries.
- Compare diverse interpretations of the śastras based on different schools of thought.
- Communicate the contemporary/timeless value of vedic knowledge systems.
Video Testimonial
Who is this Program for?
This program caters to students interested in exploring Hindu/Indic knowledge systems to understand life from their perspective and master the Sanskrit language. It’s ideal for those seeking direct access to source Sanskrit texts, such as the Vedas, and other śastras, without relying on translations. Many globally are drawn to Sanskrit language due to cultural affinity or its relevance in fields like Yoga and Āyurveda. After grasping basic Sanskrit, they seek structured master’s programs to delve into literary, spiritual, and scientific literature. However, juggling work or home commitments makes traditional full-time university attendance challenging. Most distance learning options lack flexibility and specialization. HUA’s Master of Arts in Sanskrit programs in partnership with MIT-IIKS address these gaps, offering application-oriented Sanskrit studies for modern contexts.
Prerequisites for the Program:
Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s Degree and must demonstrate adequate proficiency in Sanskrit by successfully completing the Sanskrit Proficiency Test (SPT) to be eligible for the MA Sanskrit program.
How long will this program take?
This two-year program offers flexible completion options. Learners can choose to complete it in two years with four courses per semester, or extend their studies to four years with two courses per semester to better suit their schedule.
Structure of the Program
Students may complete the Master of Arts in Sanskrit by earning 48 quarter credit hours, i.e., by completing 16 x 3 quarter credit hour courses. This is equivalent to 32 semester credit hours of learning.
Out of these 16 courses, 11 are mandatory core courses and the remaining 5 are electives.
The Master’s program consists of a total of 48 quarter credit hours of coursework.
Year-1 Structure
| Year | Semester | Block | Courses | Assessment | ||
| M.A Sanskrit (IKS) Year-1 | Semester I | Block A | Vedic Sciences foundation | Assignments 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |
| Introduction to Vedas (Vedas -01) | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||||
| Block B | Vyakarana 01 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |||
| Sahitya Landscape (Sahitya 01) | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||||
| Semester II | Block A | Vyakarana 02 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||
| Sahitya 02 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||||
| Block B | Nyaya Vaisheshika Basic | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |||
| *Elective -01 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||||
Elective 01 Any one of the following –
- Vedas -02(Rgveda)
- Yoga Basic
- Vedanta Basics
- Jyotisha Basics
- Ayurveda Basics
Year-2 Structure
| Year | Semester | Block | Courses | Assessment | |
| M.A Sanskrit (IKS) Year-2 | Semester III | Block A | Vyakarana -03 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks |
| Meemamsa Basics | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |||
| Block B | *Elective -02 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||
| *Elective -03 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |||
| Semester IV | Block A | Vyakarana -04 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |
| Term Project | Jury Evaluation based on presentation for 100 marks. | ||||
| Block B | *Elective -04 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||
| *Elective -05 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |||
Elective Prerequisite:
Completion of basic courses is mandatory for the corresponding advanced electives.
Elective 02 (Any one of the following) –
- Vedas -03(Yajurveda & Samaveda)
- Yoga Advanced
- Vedanta Advanced
- Jyotisha Advanced
- Ayurveda Advanced
- Sahitya 03
- Nyaya Vaisheshika Advanced
Elective 03
- Students may choose an elective they haven’t taken before.
Elective 04
- Meemamsa Advanced
- Sahitya 04
Or
- Students may choose an elective they haven’t taken before.
Elective 05
- Students may choose an elective they haven’t taken before.
Yearly Structure
| Year | Semester | Block | Courses | Assessment | |
| M.A Sanskrit (IKS) Yearly | Semester 1(Part1) | Block A | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |
| Block B | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |||
| Semester II(Part 1) | Block A | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||
| Block B | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |||
* This schedule may vary subject to availability of the faculty.
** The students can take four courses per year, offered in that duration, subject to meeting the prerequisites for the course.
Year | Semester | Block | Courses | Assessment | ||
M.A Sanskrit (IKS) Year-1 | Semester I | Block A | Vedic Sciences foundation | Assignments 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |
Introduction to Vedas | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||||
Block B | Vyakarana 01 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |||
Sahitya Landscape | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||||
Semester II | Block A | Vyakarana 02 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||
Sahitya 02 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||||
Block B | Nyaya Vaisheshika Basic | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |||
*Elective -01 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||||
Elective 01 Any one of the following –
- Vedas -02(Rgveda)
- Yoga Basic
- Vedanta Basics
- Jyotisha Basics
- Ayurveda Basics
Year | Semester | Block | Courses | Assessment | |
M.A Sanskrit (IKS) Year-2 | Semester III | Block A | Vyakarana -03 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks |
Meemamsa Basics | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |||
Block B | *Elective -02 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||
*Elective -03 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |||
Semester IV | Block A | Vyakarana -04 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |
Term Project | Jury Evaluation based on presentation for 100 marks. | ||||
Block B | *Elective -04 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||
*Elective -05 | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |||
Elective Prerequisite:
Completion of basic courses is mandatory for the corresponding advanced electives.
Elective 02 (Any one of the following) –
- Vedas -03(Yajurveda & Samaveda)
- Yoga Advanced
- Vedanta Advanced
- Jyotisha Advanced
- Ayurveda Advanced
- Sahitya 03
- Nyaya Vaisheshika Advanced
Elective 03
- Students may choose an elective they haven’t taken before.
Elective 04
- Meemamsa Advanced
- Sahitya 04
Or
- Students may choose an elective they haven’t taken before.
Elective 05
- Students may choose an elective they haven’t taken before.
Year | Semester | Block | Courses | Assessment | |
M.A Sanskrit (IKS) Yearly | Semester 1(Part1) | Block A | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | |
Block B |
| Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||
Semester II(Part 1) | Block A | Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||
Block B |
| Assignments or Quizzes 40 Marks | End Term Exam 60 Marks | ||
* This schedule may vary subject to availability of the faculty.
** The students can take four courses per year, offered in that duration, subject to meeting the prerequisites for the course.
Program Context:
The Master of Arts in Sanskrit is offered by Hindu University of America in partnership with the Institute of Indic Knowledge Studies (IIKS), established and run by Maharashtra Academy of Engineering and Educational Research (MAEER), and recognized by Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University (KKSU), Maharashtra, India.
The MA Sanskrit program of MIT IIKS HUA addresses the intellectual as well as logistical gaps to transform Sanskrit enthusiasts into Sanskrit scholars. Specifically, it offers a blend of guided and self-paced study for their convenience with the rigor of a university degree. It also offers a choice-based credits model with a variety of Indic knowledge streams to choose from as part of a formal master’s program.
The MA Sanskrit offers intensive specialization and practical application in Indic knowledge systems. Designed for flexibility, it accommodates busy schedules with remote online classes, both live and pre-recorded. With part-time options and a focus on immersive Sanskrit learning, students gain true mastery. The program employs block teaching for efficient learning, with hand-picked global faculty. A wide variety of electives are available to the students to choose from based on their interest. Feedback-based assessments empower knowledge growth, while orientation for independent study prepares students for further research, culminating in a term project.
Highlights of Our MAS Program:
- A well-recognized M.A. degree in Sanskrit, with in-depth expertise in a specialized field.
- Focus on practice-oriented study of Indic knowledge, with solid foundation to conduct quality research.
- Facility for remote study to accommodate busy schedules via online classes (both, live and pre-recorded videos).
- Facility for part-time study via flexible course timings and delivery model.
- Immersive Sanskrit learning in Sanskrit medium which is essential for true mastery.
- Block teaching for effective learning – 2 subjects taught in parallel at a time.
- Excellent faculty for each subject, hand-picked from a global pool.
- Feedback based assessment that uses evaluation as a knowledge empowerment tool.
- Orientation for independent study of a subject of interest as a base for further research, through a term project.
X
Master of Arts in Sanskrit
2 Year Program Plans:
- Pay in Full: $12,800 one-time payment for 32 semester credits. Saving of $3,200.
- 2-Year Payment Plan: $7,000 per year, total of $14,000 Saving of $2000.
- Pay-by-Semester: $4,000 per semester, total of $16,000. (Full Price)
- Pay-as-you-go: $1,250 per Course, total of $ 20,000.
4 Year Program Plans:
- Pay in Full: $12,800 one- time payment for 32 semester credits. Saving of $3,200.
- 2-Year Payment Plan: $7,000 per year, total of $14,000 Saving of $2000
- 3-Year Payment Plan: $5,000 per year, total of $15,000. Saving of $1000.
- 4-Year Payment Plan: $4,000 per year, total of $16,000. (Full Price)
- Pay-by-semester: $2,200 per semester, total of $17,600.
- Pay-as-you-go: $1,250 per Course, total of $ 20,000.
X
Tuition and Payment
The tuition fee per semester credit hour for Graduate School courses is $500. The total cost of the Master of Arts in Sanskrit Program with 32 semester credit hours is $16,000. However, students have the option of signing up for annual payment plans that will reduce the cost.
The following payment plans are available:
2 Year Program Plans:
Pay in Full: $12,800 one-time payment for 32 semester credits. Saving of $3,200.
2-Year Payment Plan: $7,000 per year, total of $14,000 Saving of $2000.
Pay-by-semester 2-year Program: $4,000 per semester, total of $16,000. (Full Price)
Pay-as-you-go: $1,250 per Course, total of $ 20,000.
4 Year Program Plans:
Pay in Full: $12,800 one- time payment for 32 semester credits. Saving of $3,200.
2-Year Payment Plan: $7,000 per year, total of $14,000 Saving of $2000
3-Year Payment Plan: $5,000 per year, total of $15,000. Saving of $1000.
4-Year Payment Plan: $4,000 per year, total of $16,000. (Full Price)
Pay-by-semester: $2,200 per semester. total of $17,600.
Pay-as-you-go: $1,250 per Course, total of $ 20,000.
There is also a one-time administration fee of $100 to be paid initially at the time of enrollment in the program.
For students opting for extra courses please contact support at support@hua.edu.
Up to 50% scholarships are available based on need and merit, awarded on a case-by-case basis.
X
FBL Examples
Example # 1:
Priya (a hypothetical student) is interested in learning more about her family’s ancestral lineage and in enhancing her knowledge and practice of yoga in India. She lives in the United States and is the mother of a young child, so she will not be able to stay at a Yoga Gurukulam for an extended period of time. Priya has located a particular site for her FBL, which meets the criteria. They understand her responsibilities and have told her that a one or two-week stay at the Gurukulam is sufficient; she is able to manage this. She will participate in online courses with the Gurukulam, before and after her stay and is already thinking about how she can make connections with her HUA coursework in Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and other Yoga related courses.
Example # 2:
Kevin (a hypothetical student) is a musician who has been drawn to the spiritual foundations of Bhakti music. He lives in the USA, and is part of a Performing Arts Orchestra, who has been dabbling with his own musical creations based on the Vedic teachings. He is able to visit India for an extended period of time, and designs a 3-month immersion experience for his FBL with a Partner institution in India, which specializes in Classical Indian Music. He is also simultaneously learning Sanskrit through HUA and will be working on developing a deeper appreciation of the lyrics and their meanings from within a Hindu spiritual context. He will be making connections between his HUA coursework on Sanskrit as well as in Hindu Philosophy with the compositions of the Bhakti saints of various genres through his FBL.
Example #3:
Darshana (a hypothetical student) is interested in understanding the Ashram experience more fully. She is able to spend a substantial amount of time at an Ashram in the United States. She combines that experience with a quick 3-week Ashram tour of India to Rishikesh, Coimbatore and Belur, where she is able to develop an immersive understanding of the Ashram experience across multiple Hindu traditions. Her FBL is managed through the relationship with the Ashram in the USA and is able to also incorporate the 3-week travel to India to visit and experience several Ashrams. Through these varied Ashram experiences, she is able to incorporate new practices in her own life, after experimenting briefly with multiple practices being offered at these various sites.
