Buddhist Seminary and Graduate School since 1949
The Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) is a leader of American Buddhist education by preparing students to effectively apply Buddhist teachings to inspire personal and collective transformation, inform compassionate healing and care, and create meaningful social impact.
Degree Programs
The Institute of Buddhist Studies offers two degree programs with specializations in academic Buddhist studies, Buddhist ministry, and Buddhist chaplaincy.
Through degree and certificate programs, IBS fulfills its mission to provide graduate education in the entirety of the Buddhist tradition. Explore more here and discover the right path for your continued Buddhist education.
Certificate Programs
IBS certificate programs support foundational understandings of Buddhism plus focused studies on specific traditions and topics including Sōtō Zen, Theravada, Shin Buddhism, and Buddhist Chaplaincy.
Certificate programs can be completed within a degree or independently.
Faculty
Our faculty produce leading edge scholarship and are active in academic and Buddhist communities, locally and internationally.
Upcoming events
Memorial Service
November 13, 2025
5:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Jodo Shinshu Center (IBS)
The Institute of Buddhist Studies will hold its annual memorial (eitaikyo) service on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:30 pm (Pacific Time). For over seventy-five years, generations of dedicated teachers, ministers, students, graduates, donors, supporters and friends have made our […]
Book Launch for Oxford Handbook of Lived Buddhism
November 21, 2025
5:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Sheraton Boston
For those attending the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion, as well as friends and colleagues in the Boston area, join us for a book launch and reception for The Oxford Handbook of Lived Buddhism. The Handbook is […]
Latest Articles, News and Publications
IBS at AAR Boston
This year’s annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion is taking place in Boston, MA, from November 21 to 25. And several members of the IBS faculty will be participating or giving presentations. If you’re planning to attend, here […]
Alumni Name Dorm Room After Daijaku Kinst
Updates from our fundraiser to renovate the Haste Street Dorm- alumni from the chaplaincy program quickly pooled their resources to name a room after Rev. Dr. Daijaku Kinst. There’s still time to join our campaign and name a resident room […]
The Fall 2025 Semester Begins
On Saturday, August 23rd, incoming students, faculty and staff convened at the Jodo Shinshu Center for Fall Orientation. The in person orientation was a chance for students and faculty to meet each other, and for students to mingle for the […]
Dr. Nancy Lin: Nurturing Buddhist Chaplains Through the Hanyu Chair
As the current holder of the Noboru and Yaeko Hanyu Buddhist Chaplaincy Professorial Chair at the Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS), Dr. Nancy Lin is carrying forward an important legacy of compassion and service. The Hanyu Chair was established in […]
A New Life: Historic Buddhist Dorm Prepares for Its Next Chapter
In the early 1960s, the Buddhist Churches of America committed itself to the training and education of America-born ministers. It was decided that the BCA Study Center, then housed at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple, would be chiefly responsible for these […]
Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies Now Available Online!
The Institute of Buddhist Studies is pleased to announce that a new online Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies (M.A.B.S) has been approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Applicants are welcome to apply for Spring 2026 […]
IBS Celebrates 2025 Commencement
On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, students, faculty, trustees and friends of IBS gathered at the Jodo Shinshu Center to celebrate our graduating students Dr. Thomas Calobrisi delivered the commencement address. Faculty and staff also led a memorial service for Camille […]
Chaplaincy Workshop Explores Buddhist Approaches to Grief and Care
On Saturday, April 12th, IBS hosted a chaplaincy workshop featuring three speakers who offered diverse viewpoints on the topic of “Humble Healing: Narratives, Story, and Silence in Spiritual Care.” The hybrid event was well-attended in-person and on Zoom by students, […]
Ruth Ozeki Reflects on Writing, Zen and the Self at Unno Memorial Lecture
On Friday, April 21, to a packed crowd at U.C Berkeley, Zen priest and acclaimed author Ruth Ozeki delivered the 2025 Unno Memorial Lecture. Opening with an anecdote about scholar Taitetsu Unno, who Ozeki met at her time at Smith […]
Sweatshirts and T-shirts Available Again
Didn’t get the limited edition IBS sweatshirt the first time around? We’re pleased to announce we’re selling sweatshirts (and T-shirts!) for this year’s commencement. Proceeds from sales will go towards supporting our programs and areas of greatest need. Available here: […]
IBS Faculty and Student Featured in The Berkeley Journal of Religion and Theology
We’re pleased to announce that two members of our community, Professor Emeritus Dr. Richard Payne and M.Div candidate Letesa Isler have articles published in the recent issue of The Berkeley Journal of Religion and Theology. Dr. Payne’s piece is adapted […]
Supporting Women in Buddhism
I remember the first time I spoke at length with Dr. Paula Arai—it was at the retirement dinner for Dr. Richard Payne. By chance, she sat at my table, and after introductions and toasts, she began excitedly sharing a new […]
