This in-person or online program is available as a stand-alone certificate supplementing significant previous academic and/or clinical studies. This certificate is appropriate for students wishing to pursue a chaplaincy career in hospice or health care, prison outreach, or the armed services. The certificate indicates that the student has completed a course of study focusing on the application of Buddhist thought and practice in pastoral care and chaplaincy..
Please contact our admissions office for more information.
Program Requirements
Students must complete a total of eight, 3-unit courses within three years to complete the certificate.
- HR8151 Buddhist Traditions of South Asia
- HR8152 Buddhist Traditions of East Asia
- PSHR3076 Buddhist Spiritual Care I
- HRIR8200 Buddhism and World Religions
- Buddhist literature/text or a ritual/practice course (from list of MDiv requirements)
- Three elective courses selected in consultation with the program advisor to meet individual students’ specific needs
In addition to these courses, chaplaincy students have the opportunity to partake in a variety of experiences designed to aid in their development as professional helpers, such as monthly, supportive “formation meetings” and lectures by visiting scholars. IBS students are also active in their various educational, religious and spiritual communities.
From March 27- March 29, 2024, chaplains and scholars from around the world gathered at the Institute of Buddhist Studies for Foundations of Buddhist Chaplaincy: A Japan-US Dialogue. Read about the event here.
Watch our alumni in the “Buddhist Spiritual Care for Our Times” panel speak about their formation as spiritual leaders in the chaplaincy training program.
Chaplaincy alum Amy Shoemaker joins GTU discussion on Art and Creativity in Spiritual Care: