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Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy Print
The Buddhist Chaplaincy program provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel as Buddhist practitioners working in the field of professional chaplaincy. The program is designed to meet the needs of those who wish to engage in spiritual care and counseling work and become properly trained and certified professionals. The program incorporates the requirements of the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) by offering 75 semester hours that cover the nine core educational areas specified by the APC. By the end of their training, students will have acquired the following knowledge and skills:
 
  1. Knowledge and application of Buddhist values;
  2. Knowledge of the religions of the world;
  3. An understanding of how society, culture, language and customs influence religious belief;
  4. Knowledge of best practices in clinical settings;
  5. Ability to engage in critical, scholarly analysis of religious beliefs and practices;
  6. Ability to facilitate and construct opportunities for inter-religious collaboration;
  7. Knowledge and practical skills for the application of spiritual care and counseling.
 
Internship Requirements
 
Students must complete one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (C.P.E.) during the summer after their second year of study. This is to be done at an approved clinical setting (e.g., hospice, hospital, prison) under the supervision of that institution and/or the C.P.E. supervisor. The supervisor(s) will report back to UWest on the student's progress in C.P.E.
 
COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF DIVINITY
 
1st Year
 
Fall Semester
 
- REL 410 Early Buddhism (3)
- REL 565 Developments in Buddhist Psychology (3)
- REL 405 Buddhist Meditation Traditions (3)
- MDIV 410 Communication Skills for Chaplaincy (3)
- (practicum w/ Buddhist Meditation Traditions) (0)
- (practicum w/ Communication Skills for Chaplaincy) (0)
 
Goals:
Students will acquire a clear understanding of the basic concepts and practices associated with chaplaincy. Students will also be able to attend to others in accordance with fundamental principles for effective spiritual care and counseling. In addition, students will demonstrate an understanding of the origins of Buddhism. They will also be able to articulate clearly the tradition's ideas about human psychology. Students will also begin or continue their practice of meditation, giving special attention to its importance and applications in their work as caregivers.
 
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to do the following:
 
  1. Practice active listening and assess needs in the context of counseling/caregiving.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of early Buddhism
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of Buddhist psychology, particularly as it was taught by the Buddha and later discussed in the Abhidharma texts
  4. Practice meditation and articulate something about its importance and applications in their spiritual care and counseling work
 
Spring Semester
 
- REL 411 History of Indian Buddhism (3)
- REL 646T Seminar on Mahayana Schools (3)
- REL 590 Comparative Study of Religion (3)
- MDIV 415 Groups, Systems, and Chaplaincy (3)
- (practice/meditation requirement) (0)
- (practicum w/ Groups, Systems, and Chaplaincy) (0)
 
Goals:
Students will acquire a clear understanding of the basic concepts and practices associated with chaplaincy in the context of working with groups and/or systems. Students will also be able to work with groups and/or systems in accordance with fundamental principles for effective spiritual care and counseling. In addition, students will demonstrate an understanding of the history of Indian Buddhism and the comparative study of religion. They will also gain a nuanced understanding of schools of thought within the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. Students will also continue their practice of meditation, with special attention placed on how to teach meditation to others for the purposes of stress reduction and/or self-care.
 
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to do the following:
 
  1. Offer care and counseling in group/system settings.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of Indian Buddhism
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the comparative study of religion
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the various schools of thought within Mahayana Buddhism, particularly the Madhyamika and Yogacara schools
  5. Practice and teach meditation and articulate something about its importance and applications in their work as caregivers
 
 
2nd Year
 
Fall Semester
 
- REL 651 Seminar on East Asian Buddhism (3)
- REL 610 Religion and Ethics Seminar (3)
- MDIV 420 Buddhist Scriptural Foundations for Chaplaincy (3)
- MDIV 425 Chaplaincy Roles and Competencies (3)
- (practice/meditation requirement) (0)
- (practicum w/ Chaplaincy Roles and Competencies) (0)
 
Goals:
Students will acquire a clear understanding of the basic roles and competencies for professional chaplains. As part of this learning, they will be asked to perform those roles and demonstrate those competencies in the context of campus activities through the campus chaplain's office. Students will also be able to point to textual sources within the Buddhist tradition for caregiving and counseling. In addition, students will demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which the subject of religion and ethics is important in their work as chaplains. They will also gain an understanding of the history of Buddhism in East Asia. Students will also continue their practice of meditation, and begin to offer instruction to students and members of the UWest community.
 
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to do the following:
 
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and competencies for professional chaplains, as well as perform those roles and demonstrate those competencies in the context of campus activities through the campus chaplain's office
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the textual sources within the Buddhist tradition for caregiving and counseling
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which the subject of religion and ethics is important in their work as chaplains
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of East Asian Buddhism
  5. Teach meditation to fellow students on campus, as well as continue their personal practice
 
 
Spring Semester
 
- REL 652 Seminar on Tibetan and Central Asian Buddhism (3)
- MDIV 430 Interfaith Chaplaincy (3)
- MDIV 435 Practical Psychology for Chaplains (3)
- MDIV 440 Biblical Texts for Buddhist Chaplains (3)
- (practice/meditation requirement) (0)
- (practicum w/ Interfaith Chaplaincy) (0)
 
Goals:
Students will gain an understanding of the character and history of Vajrayana Buddhism. In addition, they will acquire a clear understanding of the responsibilities entailed in professional interfaith chaplaincy. As part of this learning, they will be asked to perform interfaith services and rituals in the classroom and on campus. In addition, students will demonstrate an understanding of the psychological principles crucial to their work as chaplains. Students will also gain an understanding of the books of the Bible and how to use them in the context of interfaith chaplaincy. Students will also continue their practice and instruction of meditation.
 
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to do the following:
 
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the character and history of Vajrayana Buddhism
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of interfaith chaplaincy, as well as practice it in the context of both classroom exercises and campus activities
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological principles crucial to their work as chaplains. This includes, but is not limited to, understanding personality theories, recognizing psychoses, working with addictions, and knowing when to refer a patient.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the books of the Bible and how to use them in the context of interfaith chaplaincy
  5. Teach meditation to fellow students on campus, as well as continue their personal practice
 
Summer Semester
 
- CPE unit (no credit)
- MDIV 445 Spiritual Care and Counseling (3)
 
Goals:
Students will undertake one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (C.P.E.). In addition, they will learn about spiritual care and counseling theory back at campus as they undergo this learning.
 
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to do the following:
 
  1. Complete one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (C.P.E.)
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the spiritual care and counseling theories that have shaped contemporary professional chaplaincy
 
 
3rd Year
 
Fall Semester
 
- MBA 560 Managing Non-Profit Organizations (3)
- REL 450 Buddhist Ethics (3)
- MDIV 450 Pastoral Theology (3)
- MDIV 455 Spiritual Formation for Buddhist Chaplains (3)
- (practice/meditation requirement) (0)
- (chaplaincy work on campus/through the university) (0)
 
Goals:
Students will gain the skills and education necessary for managing non-profit organizations.   In addition, they will acquire a clear understanding of how the different varieties of Buddhist practitioners conceive of ethics. Students will also demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the classic literature in the field of pastoral theology. They will also learn and think about the "stages of faith" from traditional Judeo-Christian as well as Buddhist perspectives. Students will also continue their meditation practice and instruction, as well as their chaplaincy work on campus.
 
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to do the following:
 
  1. Demonstrate the skills and education necessary for managing non-profit organizations
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of how the Buddhist religions conceive of ethics
  3. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the classic literature in the field of pastoral theology
  4. Demonstrate understanding and thought about spiritual formation from both Judeo-Christian and Buddhist perspectives
  5. Teach meditation to fellow students on campus, as well as continue their personal practice Continue chaplaincy activities on UWest campus
 
Spring Semester
 
- REL 660 Seminar on Buddhist-Christian Dialogue (3)
- MDIV 460 Buddhist Theology (3)
- MDIV 465 Buddhist Homiletics: Writing and Giving Dharma Talks (3)
- MDIV 470 Spiritual Leadership (3)
- (practice/meditation requirement) (0)
- (chaplaincy work on campus/through the university) (0)
 
Goals:
Students will gain an understanding of interfaith dialogue as it pertains to Buddhists and Christians.   In addition, they will acquire a clear understanding of how practicing Buddhist scholars write about and reflect upon their faith. Students will also demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of how to deliver a "Dharma talk." They will also learn and think about various models of spiritual leadership. Students will also continue their meditation practice and instruction, as well as their chaplaincy work on campus.
 
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to do the following:
 
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to practice Buddhist-Christian dialogue
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to practice "Buddhist theology"
  3. Demonstrate the ability to give a "Dharma talk"
  4. Demonstrate understanding of various models of spiritual leadership
  5. Teach meditation to fellow students on campus, as well as continue their personal practice
  6. Continue chaplaincy activities on UWest campus
 
 
M.Div. Course Breakdown
 
(This shows how the courses fulfill the nine areas of education required by the Association of Professional Chaplains)
 
 
RITUAL/LITURGY
  • MDIV 425 Chaplaincy Roles and Competencies
  • MDIV 430 Interfaith Chaplaincy
  • (practicums and chaplaincy work)
 
COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS
  • REL 590 Comparative Study of Religion
  • REL 610 Religion and Ethics Seminar
  • REL 660 Seminar on Buddhist-Christian Dialogue
 
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
  • REL 405 Buddhist Meditation Traditions
  • MDIV 465 Buddhist Homiletics: Writing and Giving Dharma Talks
  • (practice/meditation requirements)
 
PASTORAL CARE AND COUNSELING
  • MDIV 410 Communication Skills for Chaplaincy
  • MDIV 415 Groups, Systems, and Chaplaincy
  • MDIV 445 Spiritual Care and Counseling
  • MDIV 435 Practical Psychology for Chaplains
 
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
  • REL 460 Buddhist Psychology
  • MDIV 455 Spiritual Formation for Buddhist Chaplains
  • MDIV 470 Spiritual Leadership
 
RELIGIOUS HISTORY
  • REL 410 Early Buddhism
  • REL 411 History of Indian Buddhism
  • REL 651 Seminar on East Asian Buddhism
  • REL 435 Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhism
 
INSTITUTIONAL ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION
  • MBA 560 Managing Non-Profit Organizations
 
SACRED LITERATURE
  • MDIV 420 Buddhist Scriptural Foundations for Chaplaincy
  • MDIV 440 Biblical Texts for Buddhist Chaplains
  • MDIV 450 Pastoral Theology
 
THEOLOGY/PHILOSOPHY
  • MDIV 460 Buddhist Theology
  • REL 450 Buddhist Ethics
  • REL 646T Seminar on Mahayana Schools
 
 
MDIV 410 Communication Skills for Chaplaincy (3)
Prerequisite: Admission into M. Div. Program
This course equips students with the fundamental skills necessary for relating with others in the context of professional chaplaincy. Students explore such topics as basic attendance, active listening, body language, nonviolent communication, teamwork, giving and receiving feedback, conflict resolution and group process.
 
MDIV 415 Groups, Systems, and Chaplaincy (3)
Prerequisite: Admission into M. Div. Program
This course expands knowledge and skills gained in MDIV 410, teaching students how to effectively relate with group and systems. Students explore such topics as mediation, diversity, responsibilities and task accomplishment, roles and relationships, and communication patterns, Certain topics introduced in MDIV 410 will also be explored in greater depth here, including group process and conflict resolution.
 
MDIV 420 Buddhist Scriptural Foundations for Chaplaincy (3)
Prerequisite: Admission into M. Div. Program
This course introduces students to Buddhist canonical literature relevant to spiritual care and counseling practice. Scriptures from across the Buddhist traditions and through the centuries will be examined. Special attention is given to critical reflection in light of professional chaplaincy standards. Students will explore the possibilities and problems in extrapolating theologies of care from certain key texts.
 
MDIV 425 Chaplaincy Roles and Competencies (3)
Prerequisite: Admission into M. Div. Program
This course introduces students to the field of professional chaplaincy, and the values, standards, competencies, and responsibilities involved in working in various clinical setting. Students will study the history of as well as the prerequisites for work in various chaplaincies. Special attention will be given to familiarizing students with current trends and issues across the field.
 
MDIV 430 Interfaith Chaplaincy (3)
Prerequisite: Admission into M. Div. Program
This course provides students with the necessary spiritual/cultural competency to be effective chaplains in the diverse religious landscape of twenty-first century North America. Through practicums, lectures and discussions, students are provided with the necessary awareness and tools to work within the multi-cultural and multi-religious environment of today’s hospitals, prisons, universities, etc. Students will also explore how to relate the professional imperatives of chaplaincy with the imperatives of a Buddhist faith.
 
MDIV 435 Practical Psychology for Chaplains (3)
Prerequisite: Admission into M. Div. Program
The course equips students with the psychological tools and information necessary for professional chaplaincy work. Special attention will be paid to indentifying mental illness and working with psychoses.
 
MDIV 440 Biblical Texts for Buddhist Chaplains (3)
Prerequisites: Admission in M. Div. Program
This course is designed to serve the Buddhist practitioner working in professional chaplaincy. It provides Buddhists with a macroscopic view of the Bible and its contents, as well as resources for further exploration. Special attention is given to helping students develop some degree of comfort working with Biblical texts in the context of Buddhist chaplaincy.
 
MDIV 445 Spiritual Care and Counseling (3)
Prerequisite: Admission into M. Div. Program
The course will introduce students to theories and practices for clinical spiritual care and counseling work. Special attention will be paid to literature in the field of healthcare chaplaincy about medical ethics, measuring effective care, and working in diverse settings.
 
MDIV 450 Pastoral Theology (3)
Prerequisite: Admission into M. Div. Program
The course will introduce students to pastoral theology--its history, its key texts, and its practice. Students will obtain the background and the methods necessary to make their own contributions to this area of writing. Under the supervision of the professor, students will also explore important texts for the particular chaplaincies in which they work.
 
MDIV 455 Spiritual Formation for Buddhist Chaplains (3)
Prerequisites: Admission in M. Div. Program
This course looks at the ways influential thinkers have understood stages of transformation in spiritual development. In particular, the works of the Buddhists Caroline Brazier, Thich Nhat Hanh, Jack Kornfield and Chögyan Trungpa are explored. James Fowler’s analysis of spiritual transformation in the Judeo-Christian tradition is also examined. Students explore the ways in which this material may deepen their own personal practice as well as their approach to chaplaincy.
 
MDIV 460 Buddhist Theology (3)
Prerequisite: Admission into M. Div. Program
The course introduces students to the emergent area of study within Buddhist Studies known as "Buddhist Theology." Special attention will be given to looking at the ways in which this critical-constructive reflection might serve chaplains. In addition, students will consider the idea of "Buddhist practical theology" and produce some of their own pieces of work.
 
MDIV 465 Buddhist Homiletics: Writing and Giving Dharma Talks (3)
Prerequisite: Admission into M. Div. Program
The course introduces students to the art of writing and giving Dharma talks. Various styles and kinds of Dharma talks will be studied and considered. Working closely with the professor and their colleagues, students will find particular styles and methods to help them in their own homiletic work.
 
MDIV 470 Spiritual Leadership (3)
Prerequisite: Admission into M. Div. Program
The course will introduce students to spiritual leadership, and consider values, responsibilities, functions, and resources for spiritual leaders. Special attention will be given to looking at examples and archetypes of spiritual leadership in the Buddhist traditions. Students will also look at spiritual leadership in the context of professional chaplaincy practice.

 
 
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