Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Degree is a 72-unit graduate professional degree which prepares students to engage fully and with confidence in ministry, chaplaincy, and related professions as well as further academic work.
The M.Div. program provides a unique opportunity for students to build a rich and nuanced understanding of Buddhist traditions at a Buddhist seminary, and, through its relationship to the GTU and its member schools, a well informed understanding of other faith traditions and the dynamic religious and spiritual landscape of contemporary society. Diversity and dialogue are an essential part of the program and support its aim — to develop skilled, thoughtful and effective leaders grounded in the Buddhist tradition, able to think critically and respond constructively to the needs of a changing world.
Students from all Buddhist traditions are welcome in the IBS M.Div. program. Those seeking ministerial ordination in a specific tradition should consult with their community to ensure course work meets ordination requirements. For those students wishing to prepare for Jōdo Shinshū ministry and/or professional chaplaincy, specialized tracks of study provide additional structure to the M.Div. program. Additionally, students may consider completing a concurrent certificate program to guide and focus their studies.
Currently, the IBS MDiv program and the Certificate in Buddhist Chaplaincy are only approved as in-person/on-ground programs. This means that a student cannot take more than 50% of their courses online (regardless of synchronous or asynchronous). MDiv and Chaplaincy students must complete 50% of their coursework in-person, on-ground at the IBS campus.
Want to hear from students and alumni themselves? Below is a panel on spiritual formation where chaplaincy and ministerial alumni discuss the importance of Buddhist spiritual care, facilitated by Chenxing Han.
IBS’s Master of Divinity program
All students are required to complete a range of courses across six subject areas to provide a foundational basis for Buddhist ministry, chaplaincy, and religious leadership in an increasingly interfaith and intercultural world.
Students in IBS’s Master of Divinity program will:
Demonstrate foundational knowledge of Buddhist history, literature, thought, practice, and ethics as the basis for effective ministry, chaplaincy, or religious leadership.
Identify and articulate ministerial skills appropriate to their professional goals, using a range of Buddhist and non-Buddhist sources, and demonstrate how these skills apply to their ministry.
Gain specific, in-depth, knowledge of the teachings and practices of their own Buddhist tradition and express a well-articulated understanding of how that knowledge serves as a guide and resource for their ministry.
Relate their own tradition to multi-religious, multi-cultural, and multi-Buddhist contexts to support effective engagement with diverse communities.
Produce research projects and demonstrate communication skills through writing, public speaking, and dharma talks.
Admissions Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or its equivalent from an accredited college or university; or evidence of having completed equivalent studies under a different educational system.
Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s ability to do graduate level work, prior academic experience, and/or prior Buddhist training or experience (such as service to a temple), as appropriate. Choose people who can speak knowledgeably and articulately about your prior academic or other relevant experience as well as your potential professional goals.
A statement of purpose of approximately 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 professional goals and how you see the M.Div. supporting you; (d) how your academic background or relevant prior experience prepares you for your proposed course of study at IBS.
More about how to pay for application fees. Pay by credit card, check etc. Bibendum vitae sollicitudin molestie nunc sem odio. Varius ut nisi et cras quam. Blandit quam sa Credipien quis augue id aliquam nunc nunc ac.
Students from all Buddhist traditions are welcome in the IBS M.Div.
Optionally, applicants may submit GRE scores from the past five years. GRE verbal score should be at least 150 and writing score of 4 or above.
Additionally, applicants may provide evidence of relevant prior professional or academic experience or prior language study.
