the Institute of Buddhist Studies

Degree Programs

The Institute of Buddhist Studies offers two degree programs, a Master of Arts (in Buddhist Studies) offered jointly through the Graduate Theological Union and a Master of Buddhist Studies.

Master of Arts Degree in Buddhist Studies

In cooperation with the Graduate Theological Union, the Institute of Buddhist Studies offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree with a specialization in Buddhist Studies. The Graduate Theological Union is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Association of Theological Schools. It is recognized worldwide for its diverse theological resources and outstanding educational programs. Applicants to the Master of Arts program must be admitted to both the Graduate Theological Union and the Institute of Buddhist Studies.

Students in the program are required to take a breadth of courses in Buddhist Studies, while also gaining an exposure to other religious traditions and a variety of approaches to the study of religion. The course of study culminates in a thesis in which the student demonstrates his/her grasp of a specialized area of study within a broader context, either Contemporary Shin Buddhist Studies or Buddhist Studies generally.

The program is designed so that students can complete their studies in two to three years depending upon background studies and area of emphasis.

Master of Buddhist Studies (M.B.S.) Degree

In addition to the MA (Buddhist Studies) degree, the Institute of Buddhist Studies offers a Master of Buddhist Studies (M.B.S.) degree. This degree is designed for those interested in a systematic education in Buddhist Studies for professional or personal purposes. The M.B.S. degree program is offered under a license issued to the Institute by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, Department of Consumer Affairs, State of California.

Students in the program are required to take of breadth of courses in Buddhist Studies, developing an understanding of the doctrinal, historical and cultural development of the tradition as a whole. The course of study culminates in a thesis in which the student demonstrates his/her grasp of a specialized area of study within a broader context, either Contemporary Shin Buddhist Studies or Buddhist Studies generally.

The program is designed so that students can complete their studies in two to three years.