Program Overview

Drawing on the latest and most cutting-edge research in Buddhist Studies, this program offers students an in-depth overview of the development of Buddhism, in theory and practice, from its earliest origins in South Asia, to its living traditions in the contemporary world. Through a robust curriculum of online courses, students engage in university-level coursework in the history and practice of Buddhism, traditional Indian philosophy, textual study and analysis, as well as foundational training in classical Pali, Sanskrit, and/or Tibetan language. The program culminates in a graduate seminar where students will have the opportunity to carry out their own research project and present their work in a graduate symposium.

Requirements

Core Curriculum (18 credits)

Students are required to take the following 4 foundational courses:

• BS 101 | Introduction to Buddhism (4 credits)
• BS 103 | Indian Buddhist Philosophy (4 credits)
• BS 201 | Bodhicaryāvatāra: How to Lead an Awakened Life (5 credits)
• BS 202 | Visuddhimagga: The Path of Purification (5 credits)

Elective Courses: 100-level (24 credits)

Students select a minimum of 6 elective courses of their choice. Course listings will continue to be updated as the curriculum develops.

• BS 102 | Buddhist Meditation in Theory and Practice (4 credits)
• BS 104 | Tibetan Buddhism (4 credits)
• BS 105 | Women and Buddhism (4 credits)
• BS 106 | Buddhism and Animals (4 credits)
• BS 107 | Buddhism and Climate Change (4 credits)
• BS 108 | Buddhism and Compassion (4 credits)
• BS 109 | Introduction to Buddhist Art (4 credits)
• BS 110 | Pilgrimage and Buddhism (4 credits)
• BS 111 | Buddhist Medicine (4 credits)
• BS 112 | Yoga in Buddhism (4 credits)
• YS 109 | Classical Yoga and Buddhism (4 credits)
• YS 110 | Tibetan Yoga: Histories, Practices, Transformations (4 credits)
• YS 117 | Karma, Rebirth, and Liberation (4 credits)

Elective Courses: 200-level (5 credits)

Students select a minimum of 1 additional text-study courses. Course listings will continue to be updated as the curriculum develops.

• BS 203 | Philosophy of the Middle Way (5 credits)
• PALI 201 | Intermediate Pali II (5 credits)
• YS 206 | The Amṛtasiddhi: Haṭha Yoga's Source Text (5 credits)

Elementary Language (15 credits)

Foundational training in a classical Buddhist language is required of all graduates. On a case-by-case basis, students who demonstrate the equivalent of a full-year of academic language training at another institution can substitute outside courses for credits, or take a comprehension exam. 

• PALI 101 | Elementary Pali I (5 credits)
• PALI 102 | Elementary Pali II (5 credits)
• PALI 103 | Elementary Pali III (5 credits)

OR

• SKT 101 | Elementary Sanskrit I (5 credits)
• SKT 102 | Elementary Sanskrit II (5 credits)
• SKT 103 | Elementary Sanskrit III (5 credits)

OR

• TIBETAN 101 | Elementary Tibetan I (5 credits)
• TIBETAN 102 | Elementary Tibetan II (5 credits)
• TIBETAN 103 | Elementary Tibetan III (5 credits)

BS 501 | BSACP Graduate Seminar (8 credits)

Once a student has completed their initial 62 credits of coursework, they will be eligible to apply for the bi-annual BS 501 | BSACP Graduate Seminar (offered every other year). The next BS 501 course will be offered in fall 2026. 

Students must have the required credits prior to the registration period. Upon successful completion of BS 501, students will receive their final 8 credits, and graduate with the Buddhist Studies Advanced Certificate. The Graduate Seminar will entail:

• Live Zoom Sessions
• Required Readings & Discussions
• Final Comprehensive Exam
• Research Project & Written Assignment (TBD)
• Final Presentation at Graduate Symposium

 Total Credits = 70

• Depending on the nature and frequency of study, students can expect to complete this program on average of 2-3 years. There is currently no time limit to complete the program.

Updated: July 1, 2025. Curriculum and requirements are subject to change. 

Register anytime for the Advanced Certificate Program and begin tracking your course progress with our Program Dashboard. To begin, students will be asked to make a one-time payment of $25 USD.