Graduate Certificate in
Buddhist Counseling
Integrating Buddhist Philosophy into Behavioral Health Professions
The 18-unit Buddhist Counseling Certificate is an advanced graduate certificate in psychology, tailored to help professionals in the field of behavioral health and those interested to learn more about the intersection of Buddhism and applied psychology.
Buddhist CounselingÂ
The Graduate Certificate in Buddhist Counseling at UWest is an 18-unit program designed for professionals in behavioral health and related fields who seek to integrate Buddhist principles with contemporary counseling practices. This program emphasizes multicultural competency and offers specialized training in Buddhist spiritual care within counseling contexts.
Tuition and Fees
- Cost per Unit:Â $743
- Total Program Cost:Â Approximately $13,374 (excluding additional fees and materials)
For a detailed breakdown of tuition and associated fees, please visit UWest’s Tuition & Fees.
Program Highlights
- Flexible Completion: Finish in as little as one year, or adjust the pace to fit your schedule.
- Online & In-Person Learning: Take courses remotely at set times or on your own schedule, with optional on-site workshops.
- Pathway to Further Education: Earn credits that can be applied toward UWest graduate degree programs for continued learning.
Core Courses
- PSYCH 503: Fundamentals of Buddhist Psychology
- PSYCH 505: Multicultural/Buddhist Community Mental Health
- PSYCH 617: Application of Mindfulness in Western Psychotherapy
Elective Courses (9 units: Choose three)
- CONT 510: Death and Dying
- MDIV 645: Spiritual Care & Counseling
- PSYCH 551: Theories II: Buddhist-Inspired Evidence-Based Practice
- PSYCH 614: Religion & Psychology Seminar
- PSYCH 651: Buddhist Psychology & Addiction
- REL 521: Buddhist Meditation Practicum
Why Choose UWest’s Buddhist Counseling Program?
Designed for Working Professionals
Whether you’re already in the mental health field or exploring a new path, this flexible, one-year program is built to fit your schedule while expanding your ability to bring mindfulness, cultural sensitivity, and presence into your work.
Grounded in a Living Buddhist Tradition
Drawing from Fo Guang Shan’s legacy of compassion and community care, this program explores how Buddhist values inform ethical listening, presence, and emotional support in real-world counseling.
Interdisciplinary Approach
Opportunities to engage with monastic teachers, chaplains, and global Buddhist leaders through temple-based internships and retreats.
Affiliation with Fo Guang Shan
A global Buddhist monastic order with an emphasis on humanistic and engaged Buddhism.
Connection to Hsi Lai Temple
Proximity to Hsi Lai Temple offers a work-study model, integrating academic learning with direct experience in Buddhist spiritual care.
Interdisciplinary Approach
Opportunities to engage with monastic teachers, chaplains, and global Buddhist leaders through temple-based internships and retreats.
Integrating Buddhist Psychology & Therapy
Emotional Resilience & Mindfulness Practices
Cognitive & Behavioral Buddhist Approaches
Self-Reflection & Personal Insight Development
Ethical Application of Buddhist Counseling
Integrating Buddhist Psychology & Therapy
Emotional Resilience & Mindfulness Practices
Cognitive & Behavioral Buddhist Approaches
Self-Reflection & Personal Insight Development
Ethical Application of Buddhist Counseling
Individualized Guidance
You will meet with a program advisor to discuss your what sparks your passions and how your interests fit into your larger career goals. Together, you will develop your individualized program—a course of study that is truly you.
Curriculum
The curriculum combines core courses in Buddhist psychology with electives that explore the intersection of Eastern and Western approaches to spiritual care, mindfulness, and meditation.
Unique Learning Opportunities
- Experiential Learning:Â Engage in activities such as visits to Hsi Lai Temple, UWest’s founding and sustaining order in Hacienda Heights, California, and participate in meditative practices like sound bowl sessions.
- Expert Insights:Â Attend guest lectures from renowned researchers specializing in mindfulness and Buddhist counseling.
Alumni Success
“UWest’s Buddhist Chaplaincy program provided me with not only the academic foundation but also the hands-on experience I needed to become a board-certified chaplain. The opportunity to train at Hsi Lai Temple and learn from real practitioners was transformative.”
— Jamie L., MDiv Graduate, Class of 2022
FACULTY
Chair
Joanne Kwoh-Maysami, PhD
Faculty
Norja Cunningham, PhD
Adjunct Faculty
Victor Gabriel, PhD
Bryan Ferry, MDiv
Dung Nguyen, DMin
Monica Sanford, PhD
Ven. Xiandong (Yazhe Ying), MDiv
Nathan Michon, PhD
Sarah Ford, MDiv
Michael Tran, MDiv
David Woo, MDiv
80% of students receive some form of financial aid
UWest offers various financial aid options to support students, including:
- Scholarships: Merit-based and need-based scholarships are available.​
- Grants: Federal and state grants for eligible students.​
- Loans: Federal student loan programs with favorable terms.​
- Work-Study Programs: Opportunities to earn while learning through campus employment.​
APPLICATION DEADLINES
- Fall Semester: June 15th
- Spring Semester: Nov 15th
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Personal statement outlining chaplaincy goals
- Two letters of recommendation
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Start Your Journey
UWest’s Buddhist Chaplaincy programs offer a rare opportunity to integrate Buddhist teachings with professional spiritual care training in an accredited academic environment.
