Why Study at IBS?
Education – Research – Community
Studying Buddhism at IBS means joining a close-knit, inclusive community. And through our partnership with the Graduate Theological Union, students can study Buddhism in an enriching multi-religious context with access to some of the best reasearch and library resources in the world, including the University of California, Berkeley.
IBS offers two degree programs, a Master of Divinity and a Master of Buddhist Studies. We also participate in GTU’s inter-religious Master of Arts with a concentration in Buddhist Studies. Additionally, we offer six certificate programs which can be completed as part of a degree or independently.
Enrollment options
The Institute of Buddhist Studies offers two graduate degree programs:
Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies (M.A.B.S.)
Application deadlines for both degree programs are:
March 1 for fall semester admission
November 1 for spring semester admission
Students are encouraged to apply by the deadline to receive consideration for some institutional grants.
How to Apply
How to Apply
1. Choose your program. You will be prompted to enter your contact information on a new screen. This will set up an application for you in our online system, Populi.
- Master of Divinity
- Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies
- Certificate in Buddhist Studies (online)
- Certificate in Shin Buddhist Studies (online)
- Certificate in Sōtō Zen Buddhist Studies (online)
- Certificate in Buddhist Chaplaincy
- Certificate in Theravada Buddhist Studies
Do you have any questions about the admissions process?
All of our programs have a faculty director who can help answer questions about the program, and our Admissions Director, Rev. Gesshin Greenwood is happy to assist with the application process and any technical questions you might have along the way. It might be a good idea to make contact via email as you start your application process.
Housing
Through educational programs grounded in critical thinking and academic freedom, IBS empowers students to become effective and engaged scholars, teachers, ministers, and chaplains.
Tuition & Fees
The tuition and fees listed are for all students enrolled in IBS programs.
Institutional Scholarships
Scholarships are neither need-based nor merit-based. All students who apply are eligible to receive IBS Student Scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
Have more questions?
The Institute of Buddhist Studies offers two graduate degree programs, six graduate certificate programs, and supports the Buddhist Studies concentration in the GTU’s Master of Arts program.
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 Director Rev. Gesshin Greenwood if you have any questions along the way: gesshin@shin-ibs.edu.
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! In addition to a number of online courses offered every semester available to special students and auditors (see enrollment options), IBS offers three fully online certificate programs:
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 reducing tuition costs by half. 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.
Normally yes, but the dorm is currently under construction.
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 the regular tuition rate and will receive a record (grade) 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 required for the GTU MA program application.
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 Admission Director (gesshin@shin-ibs.edu) or contact one of the faculty directors for a specific program or certificate.