Institute of Buddhist Studies
About
The Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) in Berkeley, California, is a premier graduate seminary renowned for combining rigorous academic scholarship with practical ministerial and chaplaincy training. Affiliated with the Buddhist Churches of America, IBS offers accredited Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees with specialized strengths in Shin Buddhism, Asian philosophies, and contemporary Buddhist chaplaincy. Its unique placement within the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) fosters an intimate, contemplative student experience enriched by vibrant interfaith dialogue and access to academic resources at nearby UC Berkeley. IBS stands out as one of the very few accredited institutions in North America providing formal, tradition-grounded pathways for Buddhist ordination and professional healthcare ministry.
Wikipedia:The Institute of Buddhist Studies is a Jodo Shinshu-affiliated seminary and graduate school, located in Berkeley, California. It is a member school of the Graduate Theological Union, also located in Berkeley. Its mission is to provide graduate level education in the entirety of the Buddhist tradition with specialization in Jodo Shinshu ministry and Buddhist chaplaincy. It is the sole seminary for ministers serving temples in the United States through the Buddhist Churches of America, the U.S. mainland branch district of the Nishi Hongwanji sect of Japanese Buddhism.
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