Certificate Programs

The Institute of Buddhist Studies offers the following online certificate programs. Before applying for these certificates, please review our expectations for online learning.

We also offer the following on-site certificate programs.

Students enrolled in a degree program can complete any of our certificate programs concurrently to focus one’s studies and demonstrate competence in a particular area of study. These programs may also be completed as stand-alone programs or as part of our stackable curriculum.

For students who are not currently enrolled in a degree program, the admissions requirements for all certificate programs are:

  1. Evidence (transcripts) of relevant prior study or coursework such as previous Buddhist Studies courses or a Bachelor’s degree (B.A.).
  2. Two letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s ability to do graduate-level work, familiarity with Buddhist thought and/or practice, and relevant prior study or experience. (One letter from supervising minister is recommended for the Certificate in Shin Buddhist Studies.)
  3. Statement of purpose (approximately 300-500 words) that includes (a) your reasons for pursuing graduate studies at IBS; (b) your specific academic interests and how they fit with the faculty and courses at IBS; (c) your personal or professional goals and how you see this certificate supporting them; (d) how your relevant academic background or prior experience prepares you for your proposed course of study at IBS.
  4. Non-refundable application fee: $15

Students admitted to a degree program who want to complete a concurrent certificate must petition for admittance into a certificate program. Please contact the Registrar for the applicable form.

Start your certificate application today!


Certificate Programs At-a-Glance

Program NameDirector or CoordinatorOnline?No. of required courses
Online Certificate in Buddhist StudiesScott MitchellYes4
Certificate in Shin Buddhist StudiesHarry BridgeYes8
Certificate in Sōtō Zen StudiesDaijaku KinstYes6
Certificate in Buddhist ChaplaincyChenxing HanNo8
Certificate in Buddhism and Contemporary PsychologyRichard PayneNo6
Certificate in Theravada Buddhist StudiesScott Mitchell (and Diana Clark)No6