General FAQ
We offer a graduate-level degree and certificate programs spanning a range of Buddhist traditions to prepare students for meaningful careers in Buddhist ministry, chaplaincy, and scholarship. Learn more about our programs here and reach out to our admissions team with additional questions.
The Institute of Buddhist Studies offers two graduate degree programs and five graduate certificate programs.
Our M.A.B.S. and M.Div. programs are ideal for students looking for careers in Buddhist ministry, chaplaincy, and further graduate or doctoral work in academic Buddhist Studies.
Our certificate programs support degree program students or can be taken as stand-alone programs with a focused study in a specific tradition (Jōdo Shinshū, Zen, Theravada) or a specific topic (chaplaincy).
Overviews of our educational programs can be found on the Academics page.
You can start your online application today! Once you’ve entered your information, you’ll be directed to our student portal, Populi, where you can upload transcripts, your statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
Be sure to review the catalog and apply before the posted deadlines. And contact our admissions office with any additional questions.
Applications for degree and certificate programs are reviewed by our faculty Admissions Committee to ensure that applicants are a good match for our programs and that we have the resources to support your educational goals. Read more about the application process here.
Yes! Part time enrollment is possible, and many of our students take this option for at least part of their studies.
Yes! In addition to a number of online courses offered every semester available to special students and auditors (see enrollment options), all of our certificate programs and our M.A.B.S. degree program may be completed fully online, in person, or in hybrid modalities.
The M.A.B.S. program is available as an online program, but there is a 50% residency requirement for the Master of Divinity degree program. This means that at least 50% of courses counted towards that degree program must be taken in California. Additionally, many of our degree program classes, such as Spiritual Care, are only offered in person.
See this page for complete information on current tuition and fees.
Yes! Most students who apply receive scholarships which reduce tuition costs. The application for scholarships is part of the admissions application. Find more scholarship information here including IBS grants for our study abroad program at Ryukoku Univeristy, Kyoto, and travel grants for academic conferences.
Yes! The Rev. Dr. Seigen Yamaoka Memorial Dormitory was recently remodeled and is available for all IBS students at below market rates.
Yes! All of our classes are open to members of the community who may enroll either as a special student or auditor. Special students pay a reduced tuition rate and will receive a record (transcript) for the course but do not have full privileges of degree or certificate students (library access or academic advising). Auditors, with permission of the faculty, can take any course at a reduced rate but will not receive credit. Learn more about these policies on our website and in our catalog.
Unfortunately, not at this time for on-site programs. International students may apply for admissions into our online programs.
GRE scores are optional for the M.Div. and M.A.B.S. program applications.
GRE scores are not required for certificate program applications.
Learn more about the admissions process.
Most of your questions can be answered by reviewing our website or our catalog. If you have other questions, please feel free to reach out to our Admissions Office.
Stackable Curriculum FAQ
The flexibility of our stackable curriculum allows students to begin their studies in a fully online program and apply credits earned toward a degree program.
More questions? Contact our admissions team Office or, if you are currently enrolled in an IBS program, contact your advisor.
A student who is enrolled in one of IBS’s certificate programs may decide to continue their education into a degree program. In this situation, they may petition to advance into the degree, and credits earned at the certificate level will be applied to the degree program.
Because our certificates are offered online — and many of our students enroll part time to balance the needs of work, study, and family — the stackable curriculum offers students flexibility on their path of study.
The stackable curriculum policies apply to any of our five online certificate programs.
All of the units earned for a certificate may be applied to a degree. Keep in mind, though, that different programs have different unit requirements.
Yes! All of our certificate programs have been approved for distance or online learning.
Keep in mind that not all IBS courses are offered asynchronously. As a graduate-level program, we value learning in real time and in community with our students. So be sure to check our course catalog and schedule to see if there are real-time meetings for classes, and review our expectations for online learning.
The Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies has been approved for distance learning and may be completed fully online. We are currently in the process of developing a low-residency Master of Divinity program.
The in-person component of the M.Div. program is a feature, not a bug! This program was designed with future ministers, priests, chaplains, and religious leaders in mind, and learning in community, in person, is an important part of the student’s training and practice.
In general, no. The math simply doesn’t work! (Two or more certificates may add up to more units than a degree.)
However, studying at IBS often involves a process of discernment. If a student comes to feel that the program they began with will not meet their future goals, they should have a frank discussion with their academic advisor. It may be necessary to transfer programs or change a course of study. And that’s a normal part of the process!
No, students who are currently enrolled in a certificate program and who want to continue into a degree program do not re-apply. However, there is a petition to advance process which must be approved by the student’s advisor and a faculty committee.
If you’re thinking about petitioning to advance into a degree program, we strongly encourage you to have a conversation with your academic advisor.
You should speak with your academic advisor. Let them know your interests, your goals, and your reasons for wanting to continue your education with IBS. They can give you good advice on which degree program may be more appropriate, what the expectations will be for that program (including thesis-level research), and will need to write an endorsement to be reviewed by a faculty committee.
Certificate students need to petition for advancement into a degree program within one year of completing the certificate. If you were awarded your certificate more than a year ago, and you would like to complete an IBS degree, you will need to complete the admissions application for that program. If admitted, you may then petition to have previously completed units count toward the degree as per IBS’s transfer of credit policy. (See academic catalog for details.)
Buddhist Chaplaincy FAQ
Our 72-unit Master of Divinity degree program meets the standard for chaplain certification set by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC). Read more to discover if chaplaincy is right for you.
A chaplain is a person who works to meet the spiritual needs of people in institutional settings including hospitals, hospices, the military, schools, prisons, businesses, and other organizations. Chaplains are available to any person in distress, and function primarily in interfaith settings. A professional chaplain receives substantial education and training in skillfully providing this service.
There are many ways to be a chaplain. Chaplains can be volunteer or paid. Paid chaplains can be board certified, associate certified, or uncertified. Among these, board certified chaplains meet the highest professional standards in the field. This includes graduate theological education, clinical pastoral education, and firm grounding in a spiritual practice and tradition. Certification as a professional chaplain is a nationally recognized qualification, and some employment opportunities require it. Standing as a professional chaplain also opens leadership and research opportunities. The chaplaincy track within the M.Div. degree program at the Institute of Buddhist Studies meets all academic education requirements for certification by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC).
A Buddhist chaplain is sustained and guided in their work by Buddhist teachings and practice, is skilled in meeting the needs of Buddhists and those with an affinity for Buddhist teachings, and is also able to serve people of another, or no, spiritual tradition.
In order to build a foundation for a life of practice and service, the education of a professional Buddhist chaplain includes central Buddhist teachings, relevant aspects of pastoral care literature, contributions from contemporary psychology and counseling, an exploration of the role of ritual and practice, and the teachings of different religious traditions. All study is accompanied by thoughtful inquiry into how these teachings are applied to a chaplain’s work within an interfaith setting.
Candidates interested in chaplaincy at IBS often have prior experience serving those in need. This could be volunteering at a hospice, prison, or hospital, or prior counseling or social work experience. Most also have an established relationship to a Buddhist tradition.
However, there is no one formula for becoming a chaplain and no one trajectory. Ultimately, over the course of your studies you can discern whether professional chaplaincy is the right path for you. While there are many volunteer, career, and spiritual experiences that may inform your choice and prepare you to become a chaplaincy candidate, most if not all chaplains feel “called” to this work. Beyond an interest or curiosity, a calling is often a voice, intuition, or yearning to serve in this way.
Students enter the IBS chaplaincy program with a variety of plans and goals, and our graduates work in many settings. Some become APC board certified chaplains, others serve as educators of volunteer chaplains, some enter the military, others work in education. Some graduates have gone on to deepen their Buddhist practice in residential or monastic settings. Each journey is unique and your education will be tailored to your specific, and perhaps evolving, needs and goals.
Becoming a board certified chaplain, or completing this degree for other purposes, requires an investment of money and time. Prospective candidates are encouraged to view current tuition rates and to apply for an IBS student scholarship if needed. Determining your level of personal, intellectual, spiritual, and financial commitment is part of the discernment process.
The majority of paid chaplain positions in hospitals and hospices require a Master of Divinity or a graduate-level theological degree. Most employers will also ask for 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and certification by a professional chaplaincy organization.
Prospective students are encouraged to check job postings from websites like indeed.org to see what employers are asking for when hiring chaplains.
To become a board-certified chaplain (BCC) by the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC), you need five things:
- 72 units of graduate study from an accredited institution (of which a set number must be in theology, philosophy, or psychology and cover certain subject areas), or the equivalent;*
- four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE);
- endorsement from a recognized faith organization;
- 2,000 hours of work experience after four units of CPE are completed; and
- essay submissions demonstrating 29 professional competencies. Then you can apply and be interviewed by a designated APC review board.
*See the BCCI website for more information, especially question 2 of the FAQ section for Education.
The M.Div. degree program at the Institute of Buddhist Studies fulfills all educational requirements required to become a certified chaplain via the APC. This is a 72-unit degree that takes three years of full-time study to complete.
An M.Div. degree is the simplest and surest way to ensure you meet the APC educational requirements for full board certification. An M.Div. degree also sets you up for future promotions and leadership roles within healthcare and/or ministry. IBS is accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and recognized by CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation). Our 72-unit M.Div. degree is fully accepted by the APC. We have an established history of graduating M.Div. students who have successfully obtained board certification.
Equivalency is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the APC. In some cases, aspiring chaplains without a theological degree may apply for “equivalency.” Since IBS does not determine equivalency, we encourage those who are interested to read the Equivalency section of the BCCI website and to contact APC directly.
You do not need to be ordained to become a chaplain. However, you do need endorsement from a faith group recognized by the APC in order to be board certified by them. Endorsement ensures that the chaplain is being held accountable by an organized spiritual community, has access to support and guidance, and is professionally qualified to represent their spiritual community.
In the case of Buddhist chaplains, this would be a Buddhist sangha or temple. Information about recognition by the APC as an endorsing body can be found here, in question 4 of their FAQ.
Although it is not necessary to be involved with an endorsing body or sangha to be a student at IBS, potential students wishing to become board certified chaplains who are not affiliated with a sangha or Buddhist group are encouraged to establish a relationship with an organized Buddhist community as soon as possible.
Endorsement to be a military chaplain is a unique process. Please see the following question.
The chaplaincy program at IBS meets all educational requirements for military and prison chaplaincy. If you are interested in military chaplaincy, you are best served by talking to a military recruiter. Endorsement by a religious body approved by the Department of Defense is required. Currently, the only Buddhist organization approved by the Department of Defense is the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA). However, the BCA will extend its endorsement to qualified candidates from other Buddhist traditions. For further information please contact Rev. Michael Endo at mendo@bcahq.org.
Requirements for prison chaplains vary from state to state, and federal prisons have specific requirements. Please check with the Department of Corrections in your state for information on serving in state prisons and the Federal Bureau of Prisons for information on serving in the federal prison system.
Feel free to watch our chaplaincy program alumni speak about their experiences in the “Buddhist Spiritual Care for Our Times” panel.
Clinical Pastoral Education is provided by sites approved by the APC. Many students complete CPE in a year-long program after completing their graduate education. However, this is not always the case. Finding the right site and the right professional course for you is a discernment process that is a part of your graduate education experience.
Though IBS does not administer CPE, we do guide students in selecting CPE sites and advise them in the application process. Interested students can contact the Field Education Director, Dr. Lilu Chen (lchen@shin-ibs.edu) for more information. You can also search for accredited CPE sites in your area here.
A Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or its equivalent from an accredited college or university is required for admission into our degree programs.
No, everyone is welcome at IBS. However, if you intend to be a professional Buddhist chaplain you will need endorsement from a Buddhist community at some point.
Yes, but this alone does not certify you to be a professional chaplain with the APC. IBS’s Certificate in Buddhist Chaplaincy is not synonymous with certification from the APC. In certain cases, the standalone chaplaincy certificate may be suitable for advanced study, especially if you already have a graduate degree. If you already have some graduate training but require more credits, please contact the APC directly to determine how many academic credits you need.
Although some courses are online, we do not offer a non-residential or online degree option.
Yes. Field education is required of all M.Div. students. Field education encourages students to generate their own meaning making and self-understanding through service experience. Students have the opportunity to choose their own field site. We encourage students to choose a site that allows for meaningful interaction with other people as well as opportunities for personal growth and skills development. Students can choose sites at a temple, sangha, healthcare setting, prison, or community care-based non-profit. Students must have oversight, guidance, and evaluation from an onsite supervisor. Students may also elect to do Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) toward fulfilling the FE requirement. For more information, see the Field Education Handbook, the Field Education Page, or contact the Field Education Director, Dr. Lilu Chen (lchen@shin-ibs.edu).
Field Education FAQ
The Master of Divinity program prepares students to engage fully and with confidence in ministry, chaplaincy, and related professions as well as further academic work. The program fosters a nuanced understanding of Buddhism in its aim to develop skilled, thoughtful and effective leaders. Field Education is critical to the aims of this program by providing an immersive approach to real world involvement.
Most questions about IBS’s field education program can be answered by reading through the Field Education Handbook.
All field education courses are intended for MDiv students who have completed at least one year of IBS study or the equivalent. We recommend that fulltime MDiv students take field education in their second year or after completing at least 12 academic credits at IBS. Start talking to the FE Director 6 months to 1 year before you plan to start field education, as it can take that long to apply for and onboard at field sites/CPE programs.
MDiv students are required to complete 6 credits of field education by taking these two classes:
- FE-2401 “Introduction to Field Education” (fall)
- FE-2421 “Spiritual Reflection in Context” (spring)
No, field education courses are only open to IBS degree students, and intended for our MDiv program. It is one component of what distinguishes the IBS MDiv program from the MABS.
We recommend that students choose field sites in line with their future vocational interests or goals after finishing the IBS MDiv. Field sites should be selected in consultation with the FE Director. We want to ensure you are connected with a quality site and have an on-site supervisor available who you can meet with regularly and oversee your work. For field site ideas, see the list of Approved Field Education Sites. Start talking to the FE Director 6 months to 1 year before you plan to start field education, as it can take that long to apply for and onboard at field sites/CPE programs.
You will need to complete a minimum of 50 hours at your field site every semester that you are registered for a FE class. This means you will be going in regularly a half day every week or full day every other week.
No, driving time and orientation onboarding does not count towards your field site hours.
MDiv students may complete up to 1 semester of field education at a congregation or temple. The second semester of field education for ministerial students should be completed at a non-congregational site like a hospital, hospice, non-profit, or through CPE. We want our ministerial students to have experience in interreligious settings as well as other industries or fields (esp. medical) so that they can have the flexibility and breadth of skills to better serve their communities.
No, there are other ways to fulfill the Field Education requirement for MDiv students.
The field education director is available as a resource should you need guidance throughout the CPE application process. Before setting up a meeting with the FE Director, consult the list of CPE sites that IBS students have graduated from as well as Peter Yuichi Clark’s 10 Commandments for Applying to CPE. Students are also encouraged to talk to other IBS students who have CPE experience.
IBS does not offer academic credit for CPE. In some cases, MDiv students who have completed CPE and/or are currently enrolled in CPE may be eligible to waive their FE volunteer hours. See the FE Handbook and consult with the FE Director for more details.