Buddhist Seminary and Graduate School since 1949
The Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) is a leader of American Buddhist education by preparing students to effectively apply Buddhist teachings to inspire personal and collective transformation, inform compassionate healing and care, and create meaningful social impact.
Degree Programs
The Institute of Buddhist Studies offers two degree programs with specializations in academic Buddhist studies, Buddhist ministry, and Buddhist chaplaincy.
Through degree and certificate programs, IBS fulfills its mission to provide graduate education in the entirety of the Buddhist tradition. Explore more here and discover the right path for your continued Buddhist education.
Certificate Programs
IBS certificate programs support foundational understandings of Buddhism plus focused studies on specific traditions and topics including Sōtō Zen, Theravada, Shin Buddhism, and Buddhist Chaplaincy.
Certificate programs can be completed within a degree or independently.
Faculty
Our faculty produce leading edge scholarship and are active in academic and Buddhist communities, locally and internationally.
Upcoming events
IBS Theravāda Speaker Series: Bhikkhunī Identity in Contemporary Sri Lanka
September 22, 2026
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Jodo Shinshu Center (IBS)
Join us for a discussion regarding Theravāda Bhikkhunī (nuns) on Tuesday, September 22 at 6:00 p.m. at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, Ca. Our speaker will be Rev. Dr. Unapane Pemananda Thero, a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk and scholar […]
Book Launch: Of Mud and Lotuses
September 23, 2026
4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Zoom Webinar
Join us on Wednesday September 23 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time to celebrate the release of Dr. Paula Arai’s newest book — Of Mud and Lotuses: Dreaming the Lives of Buddhist Women. Register for this event. A unique blend of […]
Shin Buddhism and Black Culture: A Conversation with Dean Takashi Miyaji
September 30, 2026
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Zoom Webinar
“How Do We Meet Each Other? Black-Asian Dialogue in Buddhist America” This conversation series brings Black and Asian-American Buddhist scholars and practitioners together for honest dialogue about what it means to practice Buddhism in America today. These conversation partners aim […]
Latest Articles, News and Publications
New conversation series brings Black and Asian-American Buddhist leaders together for public dialogue
“How do we meet each other? Black-Asian dialogue in Buddhist America” launches September 30, with new conversations each month through spring 2027 Berkeley, California — September 2, 2026 — Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad, Founding Director of the Initiative for Black Buddhist […]
IBS Celebrates Class of 2026
Faculty, students, trustees and friends of the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) gathered May 21 at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, California, to celebrate the graduating class of 2026. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Leroy Morishita, Chair of […]
Institute of Buddhist Studies Appoints Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad as Research Fellow
The Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad as Research Fellow, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Vesely-Flad is a nationally recognized scholar whose work stands at the intersection of Buddhist studies, Black […]
IBS Reopens Dorm, Dedicates to Rev. Yamaoka
The Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) is excited to announce the reopening of the IBS Haste Street Dorm. The pandemic lockdown highlighted that the dormitory required major renovation and repair. The IBS Board of Trustees did not believe the IBS […]
Dr. Natalie Quli Named Yehan Numata Professorial Chair of Buddhist Studies
It was a full-circle moment for Dr. Natalie Quli when she was appointed the Institute of Buddhist Studies’ Yehan Numata Professorial Chair of Buddhist Studies in fall 2025. “I see this Chair as a form of stewardship,” she said, “My […]
IBS at AAR Boston
This year’s annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion is taking place in Boston, MA, from November 21 to 25. And several members of the IBS faculty will be participating or giving presentations. If you’re planning to attend, here […]
Alumni Name Dorm Room After Daijaku Kinst
Updates from our fundraiser to renovate the Haste Street Dorm- alumni from the chaplaincy program quickly pooled their resources to name a room after Rev. Dr. Daijaku Kinst. There’s still time to join our campaign and name a resident room […]
The Fall 2025 Semester Begins
On Saturday, August 23rd, incoming students, faculty and staff convened at the Jodo Shinshu Center for Fall Orientation. The in person orientation was a chance for students and faculty to meet each other, and for students to mingle for the […]
Dr. Nancy Lin: Nurturing Buddhist Chaplains Through the Hanyu Chair
As the current holder of the Noboru and Yaeko Hanyu Buddhist Chaplaincy Professorial Chair at the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS), Dr. Nancy Lin is carrying forward an important legacy of compassion and service. The Hanyu Chair was established in […]
A New Life: Historic Buddhist Dorm Prepares for Its Next Chapter
In the early 1960s, the Buddhist Churches of America committed itself to the training and education of America-born ministers. It was decided that the BCA Study Center, then housed at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple, would be chiefly responsible for these […]
Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies Now Available Online!
The Institute of Buddhist Studies is pleased to announce that a new online Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies (M.A.B.S) has been approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Applicants are welcome to apply for Spring 2026 […]
IBS Celebrates 2025 Commencement
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, students, faculty, trustees and friends of IBS gathered at the Jodo Shinshu Center to celebrate our graduating students Dr. Thomas Calobrisi delivered the commencement address. Faculty and staff also led a memorial service for Camille […]
