The Department of Religious Studies offers three graduate degrees:
The MA in Religious Studies The MA Religious Studies degree offers two concentrations: Contemplative Religions and Indo-Tibetan Buddhism.
Contemplative Religions concentration (45 credits) is especially designed for the student who wishes study comparative religions, their related contemplative practices and interreligious dialogue. Students develop literacy in the living practice traditions of world religions, with a special emphasis on dialogue skills and an appreciation for religious pluralism. Graduates of this program will be especially suited for higher degree studies in religion, as well as teachers within their respective faith communities, and secondary school teachers in the humanities.
Indo-Tibetan Buddhism concentration (45 credits) is an in-depth study of Tibetan Buddhism and its Indian roots, with a balance between study and the practice of meditation. These students seek personal enrichment and career enhancement through systematic study of Buddhism and applied meditation. This degree is an excellent foundation for advanced degree study, as well as preparation for careers in nonprofit agencies, dharma centers, secondary school teaching and social service.
The MA in Religious Studies with Language
The MA Religious Studies with Language degree offers two concentrations: Contemplative Religions and Indo-Tibetan Buddhism.
The Contemplative Religions concentration (61 credits) includes all the course work of the MA in Religious Studies degree in this concentration plus training in either Sanskrit or Tibetan through two years (16 credits) of course work or more. This degree is recommended for students without previous language study interested in pursuing further academic work in the field of Religious Studies or students with a special academic interest related to studying either language.
The Tibetan Tradition concentration (61 credits) is designed for those students who wish to pursue a PhD in Buddhist Studies, with the eventual career goal of college or university teaching and/or professional translation work. Students in this degree may study two years or more of Sanskrit or Tibetan; some of our students elect to study both languages. We continue to have graduates of this degree who enroll in competitive PhD programs.
The Master of Divinity (78 credits) is a three-year program including in-depth theological study of the Buddhist tradition integrated with a thorough grounding in contemplative approaches to spiritual care-giving, interfaith chaplaincy, and community work. The degree prepares students for professional work in the fields of pastoral care, chaplaincy, dharma teaching, and community development. This program is firmly grounded in Buddhist philosophy and meditation practice. Within this Buddhist context, the program strongly emphasizes an interfaith approach to individual and community care, and a pluralistic view of working with life and diversity.
Additional Costs
All graduate Religious Studies programs have additional cost beyond Naropa University’s tuition. These noncredit programs are integral to the student’s educational experience but represent expenses that must be allotted for in their budget. Dathün or Contemplative Practice Retreat (approx $1,000) NitarthaInstitute ($1,500 plus travel to Vancouver or Halifax): Tibetan Tradition Emphasis Clinical Pastoral Education Training ($1,750): MDIV.
Scholarships are offered through the Fredrick P. Lenz Foundation and other donors to help pay for a portion of these program costs.
