Master of Arts in
Buddhist Spiritual Care (MABSC)
Embark on a Master’s Journey of Compassionate Practice
UWest’s graduate program in Buddhist Spiritual Care is designed for professionals seeking to integrate Buddhist principles into spiritual care, counseling, and community leadership.
Master of Arts in Buddhist Spiritual Care (MABSC)
Whether you’re a chaplain, social worker, psychotherapist, or educator, this program provides a deep foundation in Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness, and engaged practice to support individuals and communities in meaningful ways.
Unlike traditional chaplaincy programs, UWest’s MABSC is rooted in engaged Buddhism, blending academic study with hands-on training to develop compassionate, ethical, and culturally competent spiritual care practitioners.
Program at a Glance
Location: Los Angeles (Low-Residency Format)
Length: 2 Years / 36 Units
Tuition: $743 per unit
Flexible Enrollment: Fall & Spring start dates
Small Class Sizes: 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Immersive Learning: Direct engagement with Hsi Lai Temple & Fo Guang Shan
What Makes this Program Unique?
UWest’s chaplaincy programs offer more than traditional classroom learning. Founded by and affiliated with Fo Guang Shan, one of the world’s largest Buddhist monastic orders, students have access to hands-on training at Hsi Lai Temple, Fo Guang Shan’s North American headquarters, located just minutes from campus. This direct connection to a living Buddhist tradition distinguishes UWest’s program, providing students with immersive experiences in spiritual formation, professional training, and interfaith dialogue, while developing practical skills essential for certification and careers in chaplaincy.
✔ One of the only Buddhist chaplaincy programs in the U.S. – Gain a specialized spiritual care education rooted in Buddhist wisdom.
✔ Low-Residency Format – Designed for working professionals, with flexible coursework and immersive on-campus intensives.
✔ Direct Access to Buddhist Monastic Training – Engage with Hsi Lai Temple and Fo Guang Shan, one of the largest Buddhist monastic orders in the world.
✔ Interfaith & Multicultural Approach – Develop the skills to serve diverse populations in hospitals, prisons, military, social work, and education.
✔ Career-Ready Spiritual Formation – Build practical skills in pastoral care, ethics, and mindfulness-based interventions for real-world application.
Why Choose UWest’s Buddhist Spiritual Care Program?
A Direct Link to Buddhist Practice & Tradition
- Affiliated with Fo Guang Shan, a global Buddhist monastic order with an emphasis on humanistic and engaged Buddhism.
- Proximity to Hsi Lai Temple offers a work-study model, integrating academic learning with direct experience in Buddhist spiritual care.
- Opportunities to engage with monastic teachers, chaplains, and global Buddhist leaders through temple-based internships and retreats.
Accredited & Professionally Recognized Training
- First accredited Buddhist chaplaincy program in the U.S., setting the national standard for professional Buddhist spiritual care education.
- Curriculum aligns with the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) standards, ensuring students meet eligibility requirements for certification and credentialing.
- Recognized by hospitals, military, and correctional facilities as a pathway to chaplaincy careers.
Interdisciplinary & Ecumenical Approach
- Collaborates with UWest’s departments of Religious Studies, Psychology, and Business, ensuring students gain a well-rounded understanding of spiritual care, counseling, and leadership.
- Welcomes students from all Buddhist traditions, as well as those from other faiths seeking to incorporate Buddhist teachings into their spiritual care practice.
- Training in interfaith dialogue prepares chaplains to work in diverse, multicultural, and multifaith environments.
Admission Requirements
1. Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. Personal Statement: A statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s interest in Buddhist spiritual care and professional goals.
3. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters attesting to the applicant’s academic and/or professional qualifications.
For more detailed information, please refer to the 2024-2025 UWest Academic Catalog for the Master of Arts in Buddhist Spiritual Care.
Mindfulness-Based Healing Techniques
Compassionate & Ethical Spiritual Care
Buddhist Philosophical & Ethical Foundations
Meditation & Emotional Well-Being
Interfaith Chaplaincy & Counseling
Mindfulness-Based Healing Techniques
Compassionate & Ethical Spiritual Care
Buddhist Philosophical & Ethical Foundations
Meditation & Emotional Well-Being
Interfaith Chaplaincy & Counseling
Who Should Enroll?
This program is designed for individuals who want to:
✔ Deepen their spiritual care practice through a Buddhist lens.
✔ Apply mindfulness and Buddhist ethics in chaplaincy, social work, or mental health.
✔ Pursue a meaningful career in spiritual counseling, interfaith engagement, or community leadership.
✔ Develop professional skills that align with certification standards for chaplaincy and spiritual care fields.
Career Pathways
Graduates of the MABSC program are prepared for careers in:
- Buddhist Chaplaincy & Spiritual Counseling – Providing compassionate care in hospitals, hospices, and correctional facilities.
- Social Work & Mental Health Services – Applying Buddhist-informed counseling to trauma, grief, and emotional well-being.
- Dharma Teaching & Community Leadership – Leading Buddhist organizations, meditation centers, and educational programs.
- Interfaith Dialogue & Advocacy – Bridging religious and cultural perspectives in diverse community settings.
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
Jitsujo Gauthier, PhD
Faculty
Tilda Zheng, DBMin
Adjunct Faculty
Victor Gabriel, PhD
Bryan Ferry, MDiv
Dung Nguyen, DMin
Monica Sanford, PhD
Nathan Michon, PhD
Sarah Ford, 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
Start Your Path in Buddhist Spiritual Care
UWest’s Buddhist Spiritual Care program offer a rare opportunity to integrate Buddhist teachings with professional spiritual care training in an accredited academic environment.
