Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy (MDiv)
Step into Purposeful Leadership Rooted in Compassion and Mindfulness
The Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy ºìÌÒÊÓƵ prepares students to offer spiritual care through the lens of Buddhist wisdom. This immersive, in-person program is designed for those committed to guiding others with integrity, presence, and compassion—whether in hospitals, prisons, military settings, or community organizations.
Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy (Mdiv)
Whether you’re a chaplain, therapist, or community leader, this program grounds you in Buddhist wisdom, mindfulness, and real-world application to support healing and transformation.
Rooted in engaged Buddhism, ±«°Â±ð²õ³Ù’s MDiv blends rigorous study with hands-on training to develop compassionate, ethical, and spiritually grounded care providers.
Program at a Glance
Location: Los Angeles
Length: 2.5 Years / 72 Units
Flexible Enrollment:ÌýFall & Spring start dates
Small Class Sizes:Ìý10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Immersive Learning:ÌýDirect engagement withÌýHsi Lai Temple & Fo Guang Shan
What Makes this Program Unique?
±«°Â±ð²õ³Ù’s MDiv in Buddhist Chaplaincy offers more than academic study, it’s a full immersion into the practice of spiritual care rooted in Buddhist values. Students engage in group process work, service learning, and clinical internships every semester, developing skills in pastoral counseling, interfaith ritual, and nonprofit leadership. The program fulfills all nine APC core competencies, preparing graduates for professional chaplaincy certification. With direct access to Hsi Lai Temple, the North American headquarters of Fo Guang Shan, students train alongside a living Buddhist community, deepening their spiritual formation and gaining practical experience in diverse care settings—from hospitals and hospices to prisons, universities, and the military.
✔ÌýOne of the only Buddhist chaplaincy programs in the U.S.Ìý– Gain aÌýspecialized spiritual care educationÌýrooted in Buddhist wisdom.
✔ÌýDirect Access to Buddhist Monastic TrainingÌý– Engage withÌýHsi Lai TempleÌýandÌýFo Guang Shan, one of theÌýlargest Buddhist monastic ordersÌýin the world.
✔ÌýInterfaith & Multicultural ApproachÌý– Develop the skills toÌýserve diverse populationsÌýinÌýhospitals, prisons, military, social work, and education.
✔ÌýCareer-Ready Spiritual FormationÌý– BuildÌýpractical skillsÌýinÌýpastoral care, ethics, and mindfulness-based interventionsÌýfor real-world application.
Why Choose UWest’s Mdiv Program?
A Direct Link to Buddhist Practice & Tradition
- Affiliated with Fo Guang Shan, a global Buddhist monastic order with an emphasis onÌýhumanistic and engaged Buddhism.
- Proximity to Hsi Lai TempleÌýoffers aÌýwork-study model, integrating academic learning withÌýdirect experience in Buddhist spiritual care.
- Opportunities to engage with monastic teachers, chaplains, and global Buddhist leadersÌýthrough temple-based internships and retreats.
Accredited & Professionally Recognized Training
- The first accredited Buddhist chaplaincy program in the U.S., ±«°Â±ð²õ³Ù’s MDiv sets the benchmark for professional training in Buddhist spiritual care.
- CurriculumÌýaligns with the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) standards, ensuring students meet eligibility requirements forÌýcertification and credentialing.
- Graduates are recognized as qualified chaplains in hospitals, the military, correctional systems, and other care-based institutions.
Interdisciplinary & Ecumenical Approach
- Collaborates with ±«°Â±ð²õ³Ù’s departments of Religious Studies, Psychology, and Business, ensuring students gainÌýa well-rounded understanding of spiritual care, counseling, and leadership.
- Welcomes students from all Buddhist traditions, as well asÌýthose from other faithsÌýseeking to incorporate Buddhist teachings into their spiritual care practice.
- Training in interfaith dialogueÌýprepares chaplains to work inÌýdiverse, multicultural, and multifaith environments.
Admission Requirements
1. Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.​
2. Personal Statement: A statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s interest in Buddhist spiritual care and professional goals.​
3. Letters of Recommendation:ÌýTwo letters attesting to the applicant’s academic and/or professional qualifications.​
For more detailed information, please refer to theÌý
MINDFULNESS-BASED SPIRITUAL CARE
Compassionate & Ethical Spiritual Care
Buddhist Philosophical & Ethical Foundations
Mindfulness-Based Spiritual Care
MINDFUL COUNSELING IN MULTIFAITH SETTINGS
Mindfulness-Based Spiritual Care
Spiritual Care Rooted in Wisdom and Integrity
Buddhist Philosophical & Ethical Foundations
Meditation & Emotional Well-Being
Mindful Counseling in Multifaith Settings
Who Should Enroll?
This program is designed for individuals who want to:
✔ Commit to a full-time, in-person journey of spiritual formation grounded in Buddhist practice.
✔ Integrate mindfulness, ritual, and Buddhist ethics into professional chaplaincy or caregiving roles.
✔ Train for a vocation in spiritual care, interfaith ministry, or community-based leadership.
✔ Meet the educational and practical requirements for board certification as a professional chaplain.
Career Pathways
Graduates of the MDiv in Buddhist Chaplaincy are prepared to serve in roles such as:
- Board-Certified Chaplain – Offering spiritual care in hospitals, hospices, the military, correctional institutions, and universities.
Spiritual Care Counselor – Supporting individuals through grief, trauma, and life transitions with a Buddhist-informed approach.
Community or Dharma Leader – Guiding meditation groups, Buddhist centers, and socially engaged initiatives.
Interfaith Chaplain or Advocate – Fostering spiritual connection and understanding across diverse cultural and religious communities.
Alumni Success
“UWest’s Buddhist Chaplaincy program provided me with not only the academic foundation but also the hands-on experience I needed to become a board-certified chaplain. The opportunity to train at Hsi Lai Temple and learn from real practitioners was transformative.”
—ÌýJamie L., MDiv Graduate, Class of 2022
FACULTY
Chair
Jitsujo Gauthier, PhD
Adjunct Faculty
Victor Gabriel, PhD
Bryan Ferry, MDiv
Dung Nguyen, DMin
Monica Sanford, PhD
Nathan Michon, PhD
Sarah Ford, MDiv
80% of students receive some form of financial aid
UWest offers various financial aid options to support students, including:
- Scholarships:ÌýMerit-based and need-based scholarships are available.​
- Grants:ÌýFederal and state grants for eligible students.​
- Loans:ÌýFederal student loan programs with favorable terms.​
- Work-Study Programs:ÌýOpportunities to earn while learning through campus employment.​
APPLICATION DEADLINES
- Fall Semester: June 30th
- Spring Semester: October 30th
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- CompletedÌýonline application
- Official transcriptsÌýfrom all previous institutions
- Personal statementÌýoutlining chaplaincy goals
- Two letters of recommendation
Begin Your Journey in Buddhist Chaplaincy
±«°Â±ð²õ³Ù’s Buddhist Chaplaincy program offers a unique path to merge Buddhist wisdom with professional chaplaincy training in a fully accredited, graduate-level setting.
