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.

• Online Certificate in Buddhist Studies
• Online Certificate in Shin Buddhist Studies
• Online Certificate in Sōtō Zen Buddhist Studies

We also offer the following on-site certificate programs.

• Certificate in Buddhist Chaplaincy
• Certificate in Theravada Buddhist Studies

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