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 Buddhism and Contemporary Psychology
- 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:
- Evidence (transcripts) of relevant prior study or coursework such as previous Buddhist Studies courses or a Bachelor’s degree (B.A.).
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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 Name | Director or Coordinator | Online? | No. of required courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Certificate in Buddhist Studies | Scott Mitchell | Yes | 4 |
| Certificate in Shin Buddhist Studies | Harry Bridge | Yes | 8 |
| Certificate in Sōtō Zen Studies | Daijaku Kinst | Yes | 6 |
| Certificate in Buddhist Chaplaincy | Chenxing Han | No | 8 |
| Certificate in Buddhism and Contemporary Psychology | Richard Payne | No | 6 |
| Certificate in Theravada Buddhist Studies | Scott Mitchell (and Diana Clark) | No | 6 |