Institute of Buddhist Studies
Source: http://www.shin-ibs.edu
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:36
Institute of Buddhist Studies
Institute of Buddhist Studies – Wisdom Compassion Community
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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.
Studying at IBS
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Degree is a 72-unit graduate professional degree which prepares students to engage fully and with confidence in ministry, chaplaincy, and related professions as well as further academic work.
Explore MDiv
Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies
The Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies (M.A.B.S.) provides students an opportunity to deeply engage Buddhist history, thought, texts, and practices as a foundation for further academic study at the doctoral level or professional service in a religious community, the nonprofit sector, or other areas.
Explore MABS
Certificate Programs
We offer five different certificate programs that can be completed as part of a degree program to focus your studies or folded into the stackable curriculum, allowing you to earn units toward a MABS or M.Div. degree.
Explore Certificates
Stackable Curriculum
Our stackable curriculum is flexible to meet the diverse needs of our students and their various paths into and from the Institute of Buddhist Studies.
Learn More
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.
Get Started
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.
Get Started
Faculty
Our faculty produce leading edge scholarship and are active in academic and Buddhist communities, locally and internationally.
Meet the Faculty
Upcoming events
View all events
Taitetsu Unno Memorial Lecture: All Power to the Sangha
April 24, 2026
4:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Jodo Shinshu Center (IBS)
With generous support from the Unno family and in honor of Rev. Dr. Taitetsu Unno, the Institute of Buddhist Studies is pleased to announce the 2026 Taitetsu Unno Memorial lecture, by Dr. Jeff Wilson, on Friday, April 24th at 4pm. […]
Latest Articles, News and Publications
Read Latest News
News
IBS Reopens Dorm, Dedicates to Rev. Yamaoka
The Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) is excited to announce the reopening of the IBS Haste Street Dorm. The pandemic lockdown highlighted that the dormitory required major renovation and repair. The IBS Board of Trustees did not believe the IBS […]
Faculty Research
,
News
Dr. Natalie Quli Named Yehan Numata Professorial Chair of Buddhist Studies
It was a full-circle moment for Dr. Natalie Quli when she was appointed the Institute of Buddhist Studies’ Yehan Numata Professorial Chair of Buddhist Studies in fall 2025. “I see this Chair as a form of stewardship,” she said, “My […]
Alumni
,
Faculty Research
,
News
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
,
News
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 […]
News
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 […]
Faculty Research
,
News
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 […]
Alumni
,
News
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 […]
News
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 […]
Events
,
News
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 […]
Events
,
News
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, […]
Events
,
News
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 […]
News
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: […]
Institute of Buddhist Studies – Wisdom Compassion Community
Skip to Content
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.
Studying at IBS
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Degree is a 72-unit graduate professional degree which prepares students to engage fully and with confidence in ministry, chaplaincy, and related professions as well as further academic work.
Explore MDiv
Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies
The Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies (M.A.B.S.) provides students an opportunity to deeply engage Buddhist history, thought, texts, and practices as a foundation for further academic study at the doctoral level or professional service in a religious community, the nonprofit sector, or other areas.
Explore MABS
Certificate Programs
We offer five different certificate programs that can be completed as part of a degree program to focus your studies or folded into the stackable curriculum, allowing you to earn units toward a MABS or M.Div. degree.
Explore Certificates
Stackable Curriculum
Our stackable curriculum is flexible to meet the diverse needs of our students and their various paths into and from the Institute of Buddhist Studies.
Learn More
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.
Get Started
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.
Get Started
Faculty
Our faculty produce leading edge scholarship and are active in academic and Buddhist communities, locally and internationally.
Meet the Faculty
Upcoming events
View all events
Taitetsu Unno Memorial Lecture: All Power to the Sangha
April 24, 2026
4:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Jodo Shinshu Center (IBS)
With generous support from the Unno family and in honor of Rev. Dr. Taitetsu Unno, the Institute of Buddhist Studies is pleased to announce the 2026 Taitetsu Unno Memorial lecture, by Dr. Jeff Wilson, on Friday, April 24th at 4pm. […]
Latest Articles, News and Publications
Read Latest News
News
IBS Reopens Dorm, Dedicates to Rev. Yamaoka
The Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) is excited to announce the reopening of the IBS Haste Street Dorm. The pandemic lockdown highlighted that the dormitory required major renovation and repair. The IBS Board of Trustees did not believe the IBS […]
Faculty Research
,
News
Dr. Natalie Quli Named Yehan Numata Professorial Chair of Buddhist Studies
It was a full-circle moment for Dr. Natalie Quli when she was appointed the Institute of Buddhist Studies’ Yehan Numata Professorial Chair of Buddhist Studies in fall 2025. “I see this Chair as a form of stewardship,” she said, “My […]
Alumni
,
Faculty Research
,
News
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
,
News
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 […]
News
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 […]
Faculty Research
,
News
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 […]
Alumni
,
News
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 […]
News
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 […]
Events
,
News
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 […]
Events
,
News
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, […]
Events
,
News
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 […]
News
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: […]