Los Angeles, CA – [Aug 09, 2025] Vivekananda Yoga University (VaYU), the 1st Yoga University outside India focused on graduate education and research, located in Los Angeles, is proud to announce that it has been granted Candidacy Accreditation for a five-year period by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)—a significant milestone in its journey toward full institutional accreditation.
Prof. Sree N. Sreenath, VaYU President said “This recognition affirms VaYU’s commitment to academic excellence, operational integrity, and the transformative power of Indian Knowledge Systems. Candidacy status enables VaYU to offer recognized academic programs while completing final benchmarks for full accreditation.” VaYU is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, and offers Online MS (Yoga) since Fall 2020 with specializations in Yoga Therapy, Philosophy and Research, and Online Ph.D. (Yoga) degrees.
VaYU Board Chair Babulal Gandhi, yoga practitioner from an young age and retired Aerospace Executive said that “We at VaYU achieved this significant landmark in record time of 5-years from program start, with rigorous academic standards, while simultaneously delivering a great value to our students.”
VaYU Provost Dr. Murali Venkatrao enumerated the advantages of Candidacy Accreditation:
- Quality Assurance: Recognized curriculum, faculty standards, and student support.
- Credit Transferability: Easier credit migration to other North American universities.
- Federal Aid Eligibility: Students may access loans, grants, and scholarships.
- Employer Recognition: Degrees with proven credibility.
- Program Expansion: Ability to launch new academic and joint venture programs.
- Global Mobility: International recognition of VaYU credentials.
Sajjan Agarwal, VaYU Board Member and Chair of Fundraising committee said “Join us in shaping the future of an accredited, Dharmic, wellness-driven ‘Yoga as Medicine’ education. Support VaYU’s mission for us to offer rigorous, international-standard programs rooted in Indian Knowledge Systems.”
VaYU is grateful to the Uma & Avadesh Agarwal Foundation, Tarsadia Foundation, Asha & Sajjan Agarwal Foundation, Bhutada Foundation, Agarwal & Gupta Foundation, and the Koppula DAF for current and past support.