Master of Arts in Mindfulness Studies

The Mindfulness Studies curriculum at Atlantic University allows graduate students and working professionals to develop their scholarship and practical skills to meet the challenges of our ever-changing world. This rigorous curriculum is delivered through asynchronous online courses, allowing each student to work in alignment with their personal and professional needs. The sequence of required and elective courses allows for rich and deep self-reflection and present-moment awareness, as an evolving part of each student’s worldview and personal transformation.

As little as 2 Years

Masters

Online

Overview

The concept of mindfulness originates in ancient Eastern philosophies. Within the last 50 years, mindfulness has expanded in the West, impacting psychotherapy, leadership, education, business, healthcare, and wellbeing sectors. Relying on research, contemporary neuroscience, and human behavior, the field of mindfulness studies has become a mainstream academic pathway as well as a mainstay of professional training. Mindfulness is a learned discipline based on advanced
awareness of self and others in the present moment. Acting with the right intention, the mindfulness practitioner operates without judgment and with increased awareness in their
family, work environment, and community spheres. Thus, their own spiritual development enriches those around them in transformative ways. Mindfulness Studies at Atlantic University encompass the academic study of the holistic dimensions of mindfulness.

Course Delivery

Courses at Atlantic University are delivered in an asynchronous online environment. Asynchronous online learning allows students to view instructional materials each week at any time they choose. ​Your online classroom will provide materials for reading, lectures for viewing, assignments for completing, and exams for evaluation. You can access and satisfy these requirements on your own schedule so long as you meet the expected deadlines. Common methods of asynchronous online learning include self-guided lesson modules, pre-recorded video content, virtual libraries, lecture notes, and online discussion boards or social media platforms.

Program Objectives

Students who successfully complete the Master of Arts in Mindfulness Studies will be able to:
• Examine the foundations of mindfulness theory through wisdom and faith traditions, and science.
• Create and implement a personal mindfulness practice applicable to multiple dimensions of one’s life.
• Evaluate the application of ethical principles to individual and collective challenges related to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership and compassionate
action.
• Analyze and differentiate theories and models within the field of leadership in relation to human development and the dynamics of life.
• Apply critical and creative thinking to relevant issues and research within the evolving field of mindfulness studies.
• Analyze and appraise factors involved in change, conflict, and compassion, as they relate to individual and collective experiences.
• Develop and embody mindfulness practices related to change, conflict, and compassion, in an effort to facilitate the organic connection between self and others.
• Produce an original work demonstrating their ability to integrate theory, practice, reflection, and application.

As students in the Mindfulness Studies program prepare to bring their academic experience to a conclusion, it is important that they demonstrate their ability to apply what they have learned in the program to a particular issue or case study through a capstone project.

The Capstone Project course represents the culmination of a student’s academic work in the Mindfulness Studies program. This is the last course students take to fulfill the degree requirements.  

Prior to enrolling in ML6090 Capstone Project, students must obtain approval from their academic advisor and the faculty member to be the mentor for this project. Students will work with a faculty mentor who is available and willing to work with them on the project they have selected. The mentor and the student will work together on the formulation of the final version of the proposal and on a plan for doing the research and writing the results in the most current APA style. 

Once the mentor and the student are satisfied that the project is complete, the mentor will initiate the scheduling of an oral presentation in Zoom. This presentation will be open to faculty and interested students. The aims of this oral presentation are 1) to give the student an opportunity to share the results of their project with members of the academic community and 2) to celebrate the student’s successful completion of the capstone project. After the mentor introduces the student, the student will spend about 15 minutes sharing the main points of the project with those present. Then, the floor will be open to dialogue with those present (about 30 minutes).