Distance Learning Courses and Degrees in Buddhist Studies

Master's degree programs in Buddhist studies are available with distance learning options at some U.S. schools. Online Buddhist studies programs at other degree levels may be available from international sources.

Master's Degree in Buddhist Studies with Distance Learning Options Overview

Students may pursue a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Buddhist studies or a Master of Buddhist Studies (MBS) degree. An M.A. program covers other religious traditions along with Buddhism, while the more intensive MBS program provides systemic instruction in Buddhist doctrine, philosophy, history and culture. Both programs culminate in a written thesis.
Interested students must have a bachelor's degree and have completed undergraduate coursework in Buddhist studies and comparative religions. Other requirements may include a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and reading proficiency in a language that relates to the study of Buddhism, like Japanese.

Program Details and Requirements

Students generally finish their degrees within 2-3 years. The amount of the degree that may be completed through distance learning depends on the program and an individual student's needs, since only a small and variable selection of courses may be available online each semester. Distance learning materials take the form of online lectures and discussions. Students must have reliable, high-speed Internet access.

Common Courses in Buddhist Studies Master's Degree Programs

Buddhist studies classes can cover a wide range of disciplines, including history, philosophy, theology, sociology and psychology. Listed below are typical Buddhism-related courses found in online master's degree programs.

Introduction to Asian Buddhist Traditions Course

This course provides an overview of Buddhism's origins in India and the effects of its spread throughout the region. This introduction may be divided into two courses, covering South Asia and East Asia in separate semesters.

Buddhism and Globalization Course

Advances in worldwide communications, trade and travel have influenced the spread of Buddhism around the globe. With an emphasis on its expanding presence in North America, this course examines the influence of Buddhist thought and practice on western culture, as well as the consequences of adaptation for modern Buddhism in general.

Zen Buddhism Course

This course covers the writings, traditions and practices of Japanese Zen. Students learn about Zen teaching stories, rituals, meditation and arts, as well as the impact of Zen's modern expansion to the West.

Tibetan Buddhism Course

Starting with Indian Mahayana Buddhism, this course traces the development of the primary schools of Tibetan Buddhist thought. Along with studying the traditions, literature and practices of Tibetan Buddhism, students consider its rising popularity in the West and its modern political context.

Psychological Theories in Buddhism Course

Students examine the psychological aspects of Buddhism through traditional texts. Concepts explored include emptiness and no self, mindfulness, transformation of consciousness and Buddha nature.

Career Information

Graduates with a master's degree in Buddhist studies commonly seek jobs as chaplains or postsecondary teachers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of March 2009, U.S. government chaplains earned an average of $75,485 per year (www.bls.gov). Overall employment for all federal jobs is expected to increase 10% between 2008-2018, but this number will vary by position.
The BLS also reports that as of May 2009, the average annual salary for postsecondary teachers of philosophy and religion was $67,610. Employment growth is expected to be faster than the average for postsecondary teachers in general, rising as much as 15% from 2008-2018. This is due to anticipated increases in both student population and teacher retirements (www.bls.gov).