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Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy

A Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy at SBU is a graduate degree program designed to train individuals in providing spiritual care and guidance rooted in Buddhist principles. This program typically combines academic study of Buddhist texts, philosophy, and ethics with practical training in pastoral care, counseling, and interfaith communication. Students learn to offer emotional, psychological, and spiritual support in various settings, such as hospitals, military, prisons, and educational institutions, while applying mindfulness, compassion, and meditation as part of their chaplaincy practice. The program prepares graduates to serve as professional chaplains, offering comfort and wisdom within a diverse range of communities and spiritual needs.

Program Requirements

To successfully complete the Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy, students must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Admission into the Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy program
  • Consistent progress
  • A minimum of 72 graduate-level credit hours as outlined below:
  • Thirty-one (31) core courses (69 units)
  • One (1) research methodology course (3 units)
  • All students must reside for a minimum of six (6) semesters
  • Successful oral defense of the thesis
  • Maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0

Coursework Overview

Required Courses (69 units)

  • BPHIL 515 - Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy (3 units)
  • BPHIL 530 - Comparative Religions and Philosophy (3 units)
  • BPHIL 570 - Philosophical Discussions of Buddhism (3 units)
  • BUDS 595 - Intro Buddhism and Social Issues (3 units)
  • BWMN 575 - Women in Buddhism (3 units)
  • COMM 500 - Intercultural Communication (3 units)
  • COMM 510 - Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures (3 units)
  • CNSEL 507 - Chaplaincy Roles and Competencies (3 units)
  • CNSEL 541- Spiritual Care and Counseling (3 units)
  • BMED 525 - Buddhist Meditation (3 units)
  • BTEX 540 - Reading the Buddha’s Words (3 units)
  • BTEX 545 - Buddhist Scripture Translations in the West (3 units)
  • BTEX 560 - Sacred Texts in Buddhism (3 units)
  • BTEX 562 - Sacred Texts in Buddhism 2 (3 units)
  • BUDS 620 - Spiritual Formation (3 units)
  • BUDS 630 - Dharma Talk and Buddhist Rituals (3 units)
  • BUDS 640 - Spiritual Leadership (3 units)
  • BUDS 650 - Spiritual Pastoral Theology (3 units)
  • PRAC 531 to PRAC 536 - Service-learning 1 to 6 (6 units; 1 unit per class)
  • PSYC 580 - Buddhist Psychology (3 units)
  • PSYC 521 to PSYC 526 - Group Process 1 to 6 (6 units; 1 unit per class)

Required Research Methodology Course (3 units)

  • RESM 500 - Academic Writing (3 units)

Start your M.D.B.C. Degree Program application today!