Overview

Unlike traditional chaplaincy programs, the Buddhist Spiritual Care program at University of the West is rooted in engaged Buddhism, blending academic study with hands-on training to develop compassionate, ethical, and culturally competent spiritual care practitioners.

What Makes this Program Unique?

UWest’s chaplaincy programs offer more than traditional classroom learning. Founded by and affiliated with Fo Guang Shan, one of the world’s largest Buddhist monastic orders, students have access to hands-on training at Hsi Lai Temple, Fo Guang Shan’s North American headquarters, located just minutes from campus. This direct connection to a living Buddhist tradition distinguishes UWest’s program, providing students with immersive experiences in spiritual formation, professional training, and interfaith dialogue, while developing practical skills essential for certification and careers in chaplaincy.

One of the only Buddhist chaplaincy programs in the U.S. – Gain a specialized spiritual care education rooted in Buddhist wisdom.
Low-Residency Format – Designed for working professionals, with flexible coursework and immersive on-campus intensives.
Direct Access to Buddhist Monastic Training – Engage with Hsi Lai Temple and Fo Guang Shan, one of the largest Buddhist monastic orders in the world.
Interfaith & Multicultural Approach – Develop the skills to serve diverse populations in hospitals, prisons, military, social work, and education.
Career-Ready Spiritual Formation – Build practical skills in pastoral care, ethics, and mindfulness-based interventions for real-world application.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Mindfulness-Based Healing Techniques

Compassionate & Ethical Spiritual Care

Buddhist Philosophical & Ethical Foundations

Meditation & Emotional Well-Being

Interfaith Chaplaincy & Counseling

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

Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Rosemead, United States

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies View 746 other Masters in Theology and Religious Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Personal Statement: A statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s interest in Buddhist spiritual care and professional goals.
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters attesting to the applicant’s academic and/or professional qualifications.

Tuition Fees

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.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Buddhist Spiritual Care.

Available Scholarships

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

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