Doctor of Eastern Philosophy and Management (DEPM)
A First-of-Its-Kind Doctorate in Wisdom-Driven Leadership
Designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and educators, this hybrid program equips you to lead with clarity, compassion, and purpose in an interconnected world.
Doctor of Eastern Philosophy and Management (DEPM)
The DEPM is a first-of-its-kind, low-residency doctoral program that integrates Eastern philosophical traditions—Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism—with contemporary business and management practices. Developed in collaboration with leading institutions in Taiwan and China, it offers a rare blend of cultural depth, ethical insight, and practical application.
Designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and educators, this hybrid program equips you to lead with clarity, compassion, and purpose in an interconnected world.
Transform yourself—and lead the kind of change the world needs.
Program at a Glance
- Location: Los Angeles + Hybrid Online Format
- Length: 3 Years / 54 Units
- Tuition: $1300 per unit
- Flexible Enrollment: Fall & Spring start dates
- Â Small Cohorts: Personalized guidance & mentorship
- Cultural Access: Integration with Chinese cultural institutions & Hsi Lai Temple
Admission Requirements
- Master’s degree from a recognized institution, or Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of professional or managerial experience
- Statement of Purpose – including proposed research interests and professional goals
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- UWest’s standard graduate admissions requirements
Graduation Requirements
✔ Completion of 54 semester units with GPA ≥ 3.0
✔ Pass comprehensive exams
✔ Complete and defend a comprehensive research project
✔ Demonstrate readiness for scholarly and ethical leadership
Why Choose UWest’s Eastern Philosophy Program?
Buddhist Foundation, Global Perspective
As a university founded by Fo Guang Shan, one of the world’s largest Buddhist orders, UWest offers a rare opportunity to study global religious traditions within a distinctly Buddhist academic framework.
Academic-Experiential Integration
With access to Hsi Lai Temple, students engage in experiential learning—from ritual observation to community-based research, meditation, and service.
Customized Research Pathways
Work closely with faculty mentors to design your own course of study, choose qualifying exam topics, and develop a dissertation project that makes a real contribution to the field.
Advanced Language Preparation
Develop research-level proficiency in both canonical languages (e.g., Pali, Sanskrit, Classical Chinese) and modern research languages (e.g., German, French, Japanese).
Buddhist Foundation, Global Perspective
As a university founded by Fo Guang Shan, one of the world’s largest Buddhist orders, UWest offers a rare opportunity to study global religious traditions within a distinctly Buddhist academic framework.
Connection to Hsi Lai Temple
With access to Hsi Lai Temple, students engage in experiential learning—from ritual observation to community-based research, meditation, and service.
Customized Research Pathways
Work closely with faculty mentors to design your own course of study, choose qualifying exam topics, and develop a dissertation project that makes a real contribution to the field.
Advanced Language Preparation
Develop research-level proficiency in both canonical languages (e.g., Pali, Sanskrit, Classical Chinese) and modern research languages (e.g., German, French, Japanese).
Advanced Theological & Philosophical Inquiry
Interfaith Dialogue & Cultural Understanding
Textual Analysis & Interpretation
Research & Scholarly Writing
Ethical & Spiritual Leadership
Advanced Theological & Philosophical Inquiry
Interfaith DIALOG & Cultural Understanding
Textual Analysis & Interpretation
Research & Scholarly Writing
Ethical & Spiritual Leadership
Admissions Requirements
- Master’s degree from a recognized institution, or Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of professional or managerial experience
- Statement of Purpose – including proposed research interests and professional goals
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- UWest’s standard graduate admissions requirements
Career Pathways
Graduates of the DEPM program are prepared for roles such as:
- Executive Leadership – Integrating mindfulness and ethics into global business strategies.
- Cross-Cultural Consultant – Bridging Eastern and Western paradigms for international collaboration.
- Educator & Public Scholar – Teaching Eastern philosophy, ethics, or leadership in academic and professional settings.
- Social Impact Entrepreneur – Creating ventures aligned with compassion, sustainability, and human flourishing.
- Organizational Development Specialist – Fostering culture change, resilience, and wisdom in complex systems.
FACULTY
Chair
Miroj Shakya, PhD
Faculty
William Chu, PhD
Shou-Jen Kuo, PhD
Emeritus Faculty
Lewis R. Lancaster, PhD
Darui Long, PhD
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
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Take the Next Step
Become a leader who transforms not just organizations—but the world.
