Overview

About the program

The Religious Studies Department works closely with other departments, particularly Buddhist Chaplaincy and Psychology, providing a bridge between the study of religion—past, present, and future—and the problems of modern life. Our faculty are involved in groundbreaking research projects, including the detailed study of ancient Buddhist texts and the study of Asian religions in the contemporary world.

Through the Religious Studies program from University of the West, students acquire a deep understanding of the history and cultural impact of religious practices, ideas, outlooks, and concerns. Asian religious traditions, particularly Buddhism, provide the core focus of the program. The department is dedicated to open academic inquiry and religious diversity and committed to fostering an environment that furthers religious understanding between East and West. Students from all religious backgrounds are encouraged to bring their own unique and enriching perspective to the study of religion.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

UWest offers three optional concentrations in its master’s degree program. First, students may specialize in Buddhist Texts & Translation. This concentration equips students with the canonical language skills and methodological approaches to translate and interpret key Buddhist texts.

Second, students may select the concentration in Humanistic Buddhism. This emphasis develops and promotes a humanistic and socially aware understanding of the world based on Buddhist wisdom and values.

Third, students may pursue the concentration in Mindfulness, Meditation, & Mind. This pathway allows students to explore and investigate the Buddhist foundations of spiritual cultivation within the broader context of contemplative practice.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Rosemead, United States

Disciplines

History Theology and Religious Studies Literature View 536 other Masters in History in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Application – Complete the UWest online application.
$100 Application fee – This is non-refundable and may be made by check or credit card. Please make checks out to: University of the West.
Statement of Purpose – Your original statement of purpose should be 500-600 words (typed, double-spaced), describing your interest in a specific area of study at UWest and your goals beyond achieving an advanced degree.
Official Transcripts – Copies of transcripts from all universities you’ve attended. Transcripts must be sealed and sent directly from the school(s) to the Enrollment Office.
Letters of Recommendation
Diploma – Submit a copy of your most recently earned diploma.
Official documents
English Proficiency Verification
Documentation of Finances

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

6633 USD / year

≈ 6633 USD / year
Out-of-State

6633 USD / year

≈ 6633 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6633 USD / year

≈ 6633 USD / year

Living costs

Rosemead

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Religious Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

About the program

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Rosemead

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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