Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS)

The Institute of Buddhist Studies is a leading American Buddhist graduate school and seminary that provides graduate-level education across the full breadth of the Buddhist tradition, with specialized training in academic studies of Buddhism, Buddhist chaplaincy, and Jōdo Shinshū Buddhist ministry.

Quick Facts

Denominational Affiliation: Buddhist Churches of America. IBS actively recruits students from all major Buddhist traditions in the United States. 

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission 

Academic Programs and Degrees:

  • Master of Divinity (MDiv): three-year program preparing students for service as Buddhist ministers or priests and Buddhist chaplains.
  • Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies (MABS): two-year program with tracks of study in ministry, chaplaincy, and preparation for work at the doctoral level.
  • Master of Arts (MA, through the GTU): two-year program focused on the interdisciplinary academic study of religion with a focus on Buddhism.
  • Certificate programs in Buddhist Studies, Chaplaincy, Shin Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism, and Buddhist and Psychology.

Facilities: IBS is located inside the Jodo Shin Shinshu Center on the south side of the UC Berkeley campus. 

For further information, contact:
Institute of Buddhist Studies
2140 Durant Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704

info@shin-ibs.edu
510-809-1444