The Buddhist Chaplaincy (BC) department specializes in preparing Buddhist practitioners for hands-on work in interfaith and inter-Buddhist settings. Our mission at the University of the West (UWest) is to foster understanding and appreciation between East and West while educating the whole person. The BC department is ecumenical, welcoming Buddhists from all streams of Buddhism as well as those who are ‘Buddhist interested’ or from other religious/spiritual traditions. Students are encouraged to engage in spiritual formation and reflection within their own faith traditions and share their experiences and insights with peers. This cross-cultural learning helps students understand how different faiths provide spiritual care for themselves and others.

Graduates often serve in fields such as hospital chaplaincy, hospice care, university chaplaincy, military, police, or prison chaplaincy. Others work in areas like animal chaplaincy, eco-chaplaincy, or in various roles at nonprofit organizations. Buddhist monastics, priests, and ministers also benefit from these programs by developing their spiritual caregiving, counseling, facilitation, and leadership skills to better serve their temple communities. Our faculty are actively engaged in the practice of Buddhist ministry.