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.

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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)

  1. History & Theory of the Study of Religion
  2. Research Methods

Content Courses (45 units)

Tailored to your specialization in consultation with your advisor. Topics include:

  1. Buddhist Meditation & Ritual
  2. Religion & Environmentalism
  3. Vajrayana & Chan/Zen
  4. Interfaith Dialogue
  5. Women in Buddhism
  6. Global Spread of Buddhism

Language Requirements (non-degree applicable)

  1. 12 units in a primary canonical or research language
  2. 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:

    1. On-Site Learning: Attend Dharma talks, retreats, and ceremonies at Hsi Lai Temple
    2. Work-Study Opportunities: Engage in temple research, teaching assistance, or translation projects
    3. 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:

    1. Conduct comparative and historical research across Buddhist and other religious traditions
    2. Critically analyze religious practices, texts, and traditions
    3. Publish and present scholarship in professional academic forums
    4. Engage in complex research using canonical and modern languages
    5. Articulate the broader ethical, social, and cultural relevance of religious scholarship

    Career Pathways

    PhD graduates from UWest pursue impactful careers such as:

    1. University Faculty & Researchers in Religious Studies and Buddhist Studies
    2. Translators & Textual Scholars of canonical Buddhist literature
    3. Spiritual Leaders & Chaplains in hospitals, interfaith centers, and nonprofit organizations
    4. Public Intellectuals contributing to ethical leadership, climate advocacy, and interreligious dialogue
    5. Museum Curators, Cultural Consultants, or Editors of religious publications
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        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

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        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.

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