the Institute of Buddhist Studies

Admissions Information

The IBS offers a number of degree programs as well as other academic programs and enrollment options. Whether you're interested in pursuing a graduate degree in Buddhist Studies or deepening your understanding of Buddhist by auditing a class, please read the information below to see how we can best suit your needs. And feel free to contact us for more information.

• Enrollment options
• Application requirements
• Tuition and Fees
• Financial Aid
• Housing resources
• Request a catalogue or more information
• Visit the Institute
• Contact us

---

Enrollment Options

Degree Programs

Master of Arts (M.A.) 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. Applicants to the MA program must be admitted to both the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) and the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS). Students in the program are required to take a broad range of courses in Buddhist Studies, while also gaining an exposure to other religious traditions and a variety of approaches to the study of religion.

Master of Buddhist Studies (M.B.S.)
The MBS degree is offered by IBS and designed for those who are interested in a systematic education in Buddhist Studies for professional or personal purposes. Students in the program are required to take courses focusing in Buddhist Studies, developing an understanding of the doctrinal, historical and cultural development of the tradition as a whole.

While enrolled in either of these programs, students can ellect to fulfill additional requirements for our Chaplaincy Training program or ministerial education. Click here to learn more about these options.

Non-Degree students

Special Students
This status is either for students preparing to enroll at the IBS in a degree program, in which case the status is normally maintained for no more than one academic year, or for students wishing to take classes for credit to transfer to another institution. Special students are expected to be able to work at the graduate level, and are required to fulfill all academic work as expected of other students in the class(es) they take. They receive most privileges accorded to degree program students, with the exception of library privileges at GTU and UCB. The same tuition and registration fees, policies and procedures apply to Special Students as apply to degree program students.

Auditors
Most courses are open to enrollment by auditors. Auditors pay an auditor's fee, which is lower than that paid by regular students. No grade is given to the auditor for the course and transcripts are not available for audited classes. IBS will keep registration records for "Auditor with Record," whereas no record of attendance will be maintained by the Institute for "Auditor without Record." Auditors are expected to be able to work at the graduate level and to participate fully in the class.