Doctor of Philosophy
in Religious Studies
Lead the Future of Buddhist and Religious Scholarship
As an institution founded by and affiliated with Fo Guang Shan, one of the world’s largest Buddhist monastic orders, UWest provides unparalleled opportunities for both academic and experiential learning in Buddhist studies.
Doctor of Philosophy & Religious Scholarship
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Religious Studies at UWest is a rigorous academic journey rooted in Buddhist thought and committed to meaningful, interdisciplinary research. Designed for students seeking to deeply investigate Buddhism and global religions, this program cultivates both scholarly excellence and personal growth.
With a foundation in mindfulness, ethics, and academic inquiry, the PhD in Religious Studies prepares scholars to contribute original research and thought leadership across Buddhist studies and comparative religion.
Program at a Glance
- Location: Los Angeles
- Length: Typically 5–7 years
- Units Required: 63 units (plus 18 language prep units)
- Tuition: $743 per unit
- Flexible Start Dates: Fall & Spring
Mentorship Ratio: Individualized faculty mentorship in a close-knit scholarly community
Program Structure
Core Courses (6 units)
- History & Theory of the Study of Religion
- Research Methods
Content Courses (45 units)
Tailored to your specialization in consultation with your advisor. Topics include:
- Buddhist Meditation & Ritual
- Religion & Environmentalism
- Vajrayana & Chan/Zen
- Interfaith Dialogue
- Women in Buddhism
- Global Spread of Buddhism
Language Requirements (non-degree applicable)
- 12 units in a primary canonical or research language
- 6 units in a secondary research language
Qualifying Exams
3 exams designed collaboratively with your committee to support your dissertation focus.
Dissertation Phase (12 units)
Includes proposal writing, research seminars, and a final oral defense.
Optional Teaching Practicum
Prepare to teach at the college level and even instruct undergraduate courses at UWest.
Why Choose UWest’s Religious Studies 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).
UWest & Hsi Lai Temple: Scholarship in Action
Studying at UWest means gaining more than academic credentials. It’s an immersive journey of personal transformation and lived experience, grounded in Buddhist ethics and global understanding.
What You’ll Gain:
- On-Site Learning: Attend Dharma talks, retreats, and ceremonies at Hsi Lai Temple
- Work-Study Opportunities: Engage in temple research, teaching assistance, or translation projects
- Mentorship & Community: Build close ties with Buddhist monastics, scholars, and thought leaders
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
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the PhD in Religious Studies will be able to:
- Conduct comparative and historical research across Buddhist and other religious traditions
- Critically analyze religious practices, texts, and traditions
- Publish and present scholarship in professional academic forums
- Engage in complex research using canonical and modern languages
- Articulate the broader ethical, social, and cultural relevance of religious scholarship
Career Pathways
PhD graduates from UWest pursue impactful careers such as:
- University Faculty & Researchers in Religious Studies and Buddhist Studies
- Translators & Textual Scholars of canonical Buddhist literature
- Spiritual Leaders & Chaplains in hospitals, interfaith centers, and nonprofit organizations
- Public Intellectuals contributing to ethical leadership, climate advocacy, and interreligious dialogue
- Museum Curators, Cultural Consultants, or Editors of religious publications
Alumni Success
“UWest’s PhD program in Religious Studies offered me a profound foundation in mindfulness, ethics, and academic inquiry. The personalized mentorship and interdisciplinary approach prepared me to contribute meaningful research to the field.”
— Daniel S., Class of 2023
FACULTY
Chair
Miroj Shakya, PhD
Faculty
William Chu, PhD
Jane Iwamura, 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: November 15th
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Your Transformational Journey Starts Here
At UWest, your PhD journey is more than a dissertation—it’s the culmination of years of study, reflection, and meaningful engagement with the world’s spiritual and ethical traditions.
You begin as a Seeker of deep knowledge, evolve into a Transformer through rigorous study and growth, and emerge as a Leader in the academic and spiritual communities you serve.
