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.
It may be completed full-time or part-time, and 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.
The M.Div. Curriculum
M.Div. 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 our interfaith and intercultural world.
Students in the M.Div. program will learn/be able to:
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/or 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.
The applications fee is payable online via credit card. See current tuition and fee information here.
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. GRE scores are not required for the admissions process.
Applicants may provide evidence of relevant prior professional or academic experience or prior language study.
Students from all Buddhist traditions are welcome in the IBS M.Div.
Low Residency and Distance Education
IBS’s M.Div. degree is not currently approved as an online program. This means that a student must complete more than 50% of their coursework in person.
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.
Spiritual Care for Our Times
Learn more about spiritual formation for Buddhist ministers and chaplains directly from IBS’s students in this discussion on the importance of Buddhist spiritual care, facilitated by IBS alumna Chenxing Han.