AcademicsGraduate AcademicsMaster of Divinity

Master of Divinity

MDiv Degree

Earn your Master of Divinity at Naropa, the West’s first Buddhist-inspired university. Our interreligious spiritual care degree values innovation and social engagement while remaining deeply rooted in contemplative practice.

Program Overview

The Naropa Master of Divinity program uniquely prepares chaplains and spiritual community-builders for lives of contemplative leadership. Our Buddhist-inspired divinity program functions as an interreligious seminary, welcoming graduate students who represent a diversity of spiritual and religious backgrounds. This three-year accredited program combines deep theological study, community engagement, interreligious spiritual care, and meditation practice, all within a real-world context. Each pathway is grounded in contemplative insights, meditation practices, and clinical training. You may also choose to complete Mindfulness Instructor Training as an optional specialty.

Unlike traditional MDiv degrees, Naropa welcomes students of all faiths and spiritualities, allowing them to pursue their personal divinity journey within an academic setting with hands-on experience opportunities. While the MDiv degree program requires students to engage in contemplative practices, there is no presumption about how the students identify themselves within a specific religious tradition.

Our MDiv degree prepares students through four streams of learning:

  • Theological study—an in-depth understanding of the basic Buddhist texts and doctrines in historical and present-day contexts

  • Community—devoted to the insights and tools for fostering “engaged” communities

  • Interfaith Pastoral Care—the ability to serve the spiritual and human needs of a diverse community in ministerial/ chaplaincy roles while embodying the principles and practices of one’s primary tradition

  • Practice and Meditation—the spiritual practice of sitting meditation from the Buddhist tradition.

Each Master of Divinity student will apply their classroom learning in an ACPE-accredited Clinical Pastoral Education internship. Our Internships provide a context for integrating all four streams of learning and applying them to real-world needs while initiating the process of lifetime learning through the students’ work.

Violet brush

Quick Facts

Yellow brush

Program Format

Naropa’s Master of Divinity offers two pathways for graduate students. Those who prefer in-person courses can study on our Boulder, Colorado, campus. Graduate students who wish to remain in their current zip code can enroll in our low-residency program. This allows students to do most of their study online, connecting with Naropa faculty and divinity program peers during residential retreats. Each pathway is rooted in contemplative philosophy and practice. Both the on-campus and low-residency degree options share four residential retreats – three nine-day retreats and one seven-day retreat – that bring the students together with their faculty to build community and provide a face-to-face, intensive engagement with contemplative education.

Graduates od the divinity program sharing experiences.

Master of Divinity Course Spotlight

Ethics & Spiritual Caregiving

This course explores the ethics of spiritual caregiving in diverse contexts within the field of professional spiritual care, with a particular focus on empowerment and change agency. Readings and discussions will engage current and abiding ethical considerations such as healthy professional boundaries, the role of chaplains in guiding and supporting ethical deliberation, and complex ethical dilemmas in healthcare such as physician-assisted dying, resource allocation, and end-of-life decision-making.

Degree
Requirements

Naropa’s Master of Divinity is a 72-credit, three-year program firmly grounded in Buddhist philosophy and meditation practice, emphasizing an interreligious approach to individual and community care. In addition to in-person retreats, the MDiv program includes a noncredit, seven-day Contemplative Practice Intensive requirement, completed at a retreat center of the student’s choosing. Regular coursework features four meditation practicum courses complementing core Buddhist teachings. Students are paired with personal Meditation Instructors and engage in five hours of meditation weekly.

Low-Residency MDiv Requirements

Students opt for a summer start or fall start with an additional semester to distribute coursework, accommodating busy schedules. The low-residency program offers on-demand programming instead of live class meetings.

First Year, Summer

  • REL605e Pathways of Spiritual Care (2)
  • REL749e Contemporary American Religion (3)
  • Religious Studies Electives (1)
  • Subtotal: 6 credits


First Year, Fall

All courses include a nine-day retreat during the first few weeks of the semester.

  • REL600e Meditation Practicum I: Seeds of Peace (3)
  • REL611e First Turning of the Wheel: Nature of Mind and Emotions (3)
  • REL602e Contemplative Communication in Spiritual Caregiving (3)
  • Subtotal: 9 credits


First Year, Spring

  • All courses include a nine-day retreat during the first few weeks of the semester.
  • REL615e Power, Privilege, and Diversity (3)
  • REL614e Mind and Its World (3)
  • REL620e Meditation Practicum II: Self & No-Self (3)
  • Subtotal: 9 credits


Second Year, Summer

  • Religious Studies Electives (7)
  • Optional Electives or Nitartha Institute Shedra-Gomdra Option, Monthlong Summer program *
  • REL547 Contemplative Practice Intensive—Mahamudra Meditation (3)
  • REL701 The Middle Way School (3)
  • Subtotal: 7 credits


Second Year, Fall

  • REL635e Meditation Practicum III: Mind-Training (3)
  • REL661e Second Turning of the Wheel: The Bodhisattva Path (3)
  • REL714e Introduction to Spiritual Care (3)
  • REL651e Contemplative Meditation Intensive (noncredit) (0)
  • Subtotal: 9 credits


Second Year, Spring

  • Some courses include a nine-day retreat during the first few weeks of the semester.
  • REL710e Third Turning of the Wheel: Yogacara and Buddha Nature (3)
  • REL780e Meditation Practicum IV: Maitri and Mandala (3)
  • REL779e Interreligious Dialog (3)
  • Subtotal: 9 credits

Third Year, Summer

  • REL853e MDiv Capstone Seminar (3)
  • Religious Studies Electives (4)
  • Subtotal: 7 credits


Third Year, Fall

  • REL747e Clinical Pastoral Education (6)
  • REL804e Ethics and Spiritual Caregiving (3)
  • Subtotal: 9 credits


Third Year, Spring

  • Some courses include a nine-day retreat during the last few weeks of the semester.
  • REL658e Ritual Arts (3)
  • REL763e Art of Spiritual Teaching and Formation (3)
  • REL880e Comprehensive Exam (noncredit)
  • REL885e Master’s Project OR REL884e MDIV Thesis (1)
  • Subtotal: 7 credits


Total Credits: 72 

It takes three years and one summer semester to complete.

First Year, Fall

  • All courses include a nine-day retreat during the first few weeks of the semester.
  • REL600e Meditation Practicum I: Seeds of Peace (3)
  • REL611e First Turning of the Wheel: Nature of Mind and Emotions (3)
  • REL602e Contemplative Communication in Spiritual Caregiving (3)
  • Subtotal: 9 credits


First Year, Spring

  • All courses include a nine-day retreat during the first few weeks of the semester.
  • REL615e Power, Privilege, and Diversity (3)
  • REL620e Meditation Practicum II: Self & No-Self (3)
  • REL614e Mind and Its World (3)
  • Religious Studies Electives (3)
  • Subtotal: 12 credits


First Year, Summer

  • REL605e Pathways of Spiritual Care (2)
  • REL749e Contemporary American Religions (3)
  • Religious Studies Electives (1)
  • Subtotal: 6 credits


Second Year, Fall

  • REL635e Meditation Practicum III: Mind-Training (3)
  • REL661e Second Turning of the Wheel: The Bodhisattva Path (3)
  • REL714e Introduction to Spiritual Care (3)
  • REL651 Contemplative Meditation Intensive (noncredit)
  • Religious Studies Electives (3)
  • Subtotal: 12 credits


Second Year, Spring

  • Some courses include a nine-day retreat during the first few weeks of the semester.
  • REL780e Meditation Practicum IV: Maitri and Mandala (3)
  • REL710e Third Turning of the Wheel: Yogacara and Buddha Nature (3)
  • REL779e Interspiritual Dialogue (3)
  • Religious Studies Electives (1)
  • Subtotal: 10 credits


Second Year, Summer

  • REL853e MDIV Capstone Seminar (3)
  • Religious Studies Electives (4)
  • Subtotal: 7 credits


Third Year, Fall

  • REL747e Clinical Pastoral Education (6)
  • REL804 Ethics and Spiritual Caregiving (3)
  • Subtotal: 9 credits


Third Year, Spring

  • Some courses include a nine-day retreat during the last few weeks of the semester.
  • REL658 Ritual Arts (3)
  • REL763 Art of Spiritual Teaching and Formation (3)
  • REL880 Comprehensive Exam (noncredit)
  • REL885 Master’s Project OR REL884 MDIV Thesis (1)
  • Subtotal: 7 credits


Third Year, Summer

  • Optional Electives or Nitartha Institute Shedra-Gomdra Option, Month Long Residential Summer Program
  • REL547 Contemplative Practice Intensive—Mahamudra Meditation (3)
  • REL701 The Middle Way School (3)
  • Subtotal: 0-6 credits

Total Credits: 72

Fall Online Electives

  • REL577e The History and Philosophies of Yoga (3)
  • REL617e Meditation in Yogic and Tantric Traditions (3)
  • REL634e Hindu Tantra (3)
  • REL507/507e Sanskrit I (4)
  • TRA515e Yoga I (3)
  • REL645/645e Methods and Issues in the Study of Religion (3)
  • REL699 Independent Study (0.5–4)


Fall Residential Electives

  • REL590 Special Topics in Religious Studies: Queer Theory (3)
  • REL623 Religious Experience in Africa: Sacred Cosmos, Ritual, and Community (3) (SP23)
  • TRA503 Yoga History/Theory/Philosophy (3)
  • TRA505 Taijiquan I (3)
  • TRA520 Ikebana/Kado I (3)
  • REL504W Breeze of Simplicity: Meditation Weekend (1)
  • *REL609W Mindfulness Instructor Training I (1)
  • REL809W Mindfulness Instructor Training III (1)


Spring Online Electives

  • PSYE790e Topics in Ecopsychology (3) SP
  • REL530e Yoga and Globalization: The Inception of Postural Yoga (3)
  • REL535e Kabbalah and Consciousness (3)
  • REL672e Non-Dualism in Theory and Practice (3) (SP23) TRA515e Yoga I (3)
  • REL546/546e Buddhism and Modernity (3)
  • REL655/655e Trends in Religious Studies (3)
  • REL699 Independent Study (0.5–4)
  • REL751/ REL751e Buddhism in Tibet (3) even years
  • REL760/760e Buddhist Tantra (3) (prerequisite REL661 or REL614) Odd years


Spring Residential Electives

  • REL540 Zen Buddhism (3)
  • TRA512 Yoga Meditation (3)
  • REL554W Opening the Heart: Meditation Weekend (1)
  • REL525 Contemplative Christianity (3)
  • REL529 Contemplative Judaism (3)
  • **REL701 The Middle Way”

On-Campus MDiv Requirements

Students have the option of a summer start or fall start.

First Year, Summer

  • REL605e Pathways of Spiritual Care (2)
  • REL749e Contemporary American Religion (3)
  • Religious Studies Electives (1)

Subtotal: 6

First Year, Fall

  • REL600 Meditation Practicum I: Seeds of Peace (3)
  • REL611 First Turning of the Wheel: Nature of Mind and Emotions (3)
  • REL602 Contemplative Communication in Spiritual Caregiving (3)

Subtotal: 9

First Year, Spring

  • REL615 Power, Privilege, and Diversity (3)
  • REL620 Meditation Practicum II: Self and No-Self (3)
  • REL614 Mind and It’s World (3)

Subtotal: 9

First Year Summer

Religious Studies Electives (6)
Optional Electives: Nitartha Institute Shedra-Gomdra Option only, Monthlong Summer program *

  • REL547 Contemplative Practice Intensive—Mahamudra Meditation (3)
  • REL701 The Middle Way School (3)

Subtotal: 6

Second Year, Fall

  • REL635 Meditation Practicum III: Mind-Training (3)
  • REL661 Second Turning of the Wheel: The Bodhisattva Path (3)
  • REL714 Introduction to Spiritual Care (3)
  • REL651e Contemplative Meditation Intensive (noncredit)** (0)

Subtotal: 9

Second Year, Spring

  • REL710 Third Turning of the Wheel: Yogacara and Buddha Nature (3)
  • REL780 Meditation Practicum IV: Maitri and Mandala (3)
  • REL779 Interreligious Dialog (3)
    Religious Studies Electives (1)

Subtotal: 10

Second Year, Summer

  • REL853e MDiv Capstone Seminar (3)
  • Religious Studies Electives (4)

Subtotal: 7

Third Year, Fall

  • REL747e Clinical Pastoral Education (6) 
  • REL804 Ethics and Spiritual Caregiving (3)

Subtotal: 9

Third Year, Spring

Some courses include a nine-day retreat during the last few weeks of the semester.

  • REL658 Ritual Arts (3)
  • REL763 Art of Spiritual Teaching and Formation (3)
  • REL880 Comprehensive Exam (0)
  • REL885 Master’s Project /REL884 MDIV Thesis (1)

Subtotal: 7

Total Credits: 72

Takes three years to complete.

First Year, Fall

All courses include a nine-day retreat during the first few weeks of the semester.

  • REL600 Meditation Practicum I: Seeds of Peace (3)
  • REL611 First Turning of the Wheel: Nature of Mind and Emotions (3)
  • REL602 Contemplative Communication in Spiritual Caregiving (3)

Subtotal: 9

First Year, Spring

All courses include a nine-day retreat during the first few weeks of the semester.

  • REL615 Power, Privilege, and Diversity (3)
  • REL620 Meditation Practicum II: Self & No-Self (3)
  • REL614 Mind and Its World (3)
    Religious Studies Electives (3)

Subtotal: 12

First Year, Summer

  • REL605e Pathways of Spiritual Care (2)
  • REL749e Contemporary American Religions (3)
  • Religious Studies Electives (1)

Subtotal: 6

Second Year, Fall

  • REL635 Meditation Practicum III: Mind-Training (3)
  • REL661 Second Turning of the Wheel: The Bodhisattva Path (3)
  • REL714 Introduction to Spiritual Care (3)
  • REL651 Contemplative Meditation Intensive (noncredit)
  • Religious Studies Electives (3)

Subtotal: 12

Second Year, Spring

Some courses include a nine-day retreat during the first few weeks of the semester.

  • REL780 Meditation Practicum IV: Maitri and Mandala (3)
  • REL710 Third Turning of the Wheel: Yogacara and Buddha Nature (3)
  • REL779 Interspiritual Dialogue (3)
    Religious Studies Electives (1)

Subtotal: 10

Second Year, Summer

  • REL853e MDIV Capstone Seminar (3)
  • Religious Studies Electives (4)

Subtotal: 7

Third Year, Fall

  • REL747e Clinical Pastoral Education (6) 
  • REL804 Ethics and Spiritual Caregiving (3)

Subtotal: 9

Third Year, Spring

Some courses include a nine-day retreat during the last few weeks of the semester.

  • REL658 Ritual Arts (3)
  • REL763 Art of Spiritual Teaching and Formation (3)
  • REL880 Comprehensive Exam (noncredit)
  • REL885 Master’s Project OR REL884 MDIV Thesis (1)

Subtotal: 7

Third Year, Summer

Optional Electives or Nitartha Institute Shedra-Gomdra Option only, Monthlong Residential Summer Program

  • REL547 Contemplative Practice Intensive—Mahamudra Meditation (3)
  • REL701 The Middle Way School (3)

Subtotal: 0-6

Total Credits: 72

Fall Online Electives

  • REL577e The History and Philosophies of Yoga (3)
  • REL617e Meditation in Yogic and Tantric Traditions (3)
  • REL634e Hindu Tantra (3)
  • REL507/507e Sanskrit I (4)
  • TRA515e Yoga I (3)
  • REL645/645e Methods and Issues in the Study of Religion (3)
  • REL699 Independent Study (0.5–4)


Fall Residential Electives

  • REL590 Special Topics in Religious Studies: Queer Theory (3)
  • REL623 Religious Experience in Africa: Sacred Cosmos, Ritual, and Community (3) (SP23)
  • TRA503 Yoga History/Theory/Philosophy (3)
  • TRA505 Taijiquan I (3)
  • TRA520 Ikebana/Kado I (3)
  • REL504W Breeze of Simplicity: Meditation Weekend (1)
  • REL609W Mindfulness Instructor Training I (1)*
  • REL809W Mindfulness Instructor Training III (1)*


Spring Online Electives

  • PSYE790e Topics in Ecopsychology (3) SP
  • REL530e Yoga and Globalization: The Inception of Postural Yoga (3)
  • REL535e Kabbalah and Consciousness (3)
  • REL672e Non-Dualism in Theory and Practice (3) (SP23) TRA515e Yoga I (3)
  • REL546/546e Buddhism and Modernity (3)
  • REL655/655e Trends in Religious Studies (3)
  • REL699 Independent Study (0.5–4)
  • REL751/ REL751e Buddhism in Tibet (3) even years
  • REL760/760e Buddhist Tantra (3) (prerequisite REL661 or REL614) Odd years


Spring Residential Electives

  • REL540 Zen Buddhism (3)
  • TRA512 Yoga Meditation (3)
  • REL554W Opening the Heart: Meditation Weekend (1)
  • REL525 Contemplative Christianity (3)
  • REL529 Contemplative Judaism (3)
  • REL701 The Middle Way School (3)
  • REL709W Mindfulness Instructor Training II (1)*


Residential Intensives

  • REL544 Sufism: An Introduction to its History, Thought, and Practice (3)
  • REL545 Contemplative Islam: An Introduction to Its History, Thought, and Practice (3)

*The prerequisites for REL609W are Meditation Practicum I and II, as well as a Buddhist monthlong meditation intensive, two weeks of which must be completed before the class begins.

Optional Specialties

Naropa divinity students may complement their studies with optional specialties that expand students’ skillset, knowledge, and understanding, preparing them for a career of service in their desired field.

Tibetan Tradition Emphasis

Students can choose to allocate 6 credits of electives to attend the month long Nitartha Institute Residential Summer Program and pursue the Tibetan Tradition specialty. This program presents the systematic foundational courses of the traditional educational system of a Tibetan monastic college (shedra).

Blue brush

Mindfulness Instructor Training

Students of the MDiv degree may also pursue training as mindfulness instructors. Participants develop skills in providing first-time meditation instruction and mentoring for new and ongoing practitioners in diverse contexts. The training consists of a three-weekend online series, plus three 3-hour-long online sessions, which train students to offer instruction in Shamatha (calm abiding) meditation.

Blue brush
Violet brush

Why Choose Naropa?

Tradition of service

Since 1974, Naropa has provided a home for students wanting to study Buddhism and apply Buddhist teachings to meaningful careers. We’re proud to see so many of our graduates serving their communities as mindfulness educators, sangha leaders, prison and military chaplains, and social justice activists, among other vocations.

Blue brush

Contemplative education

Naropa’s contemplative education approach is the cornerstone for all of our graduate and undergraduate programs. In our Master of Divinity program, contemplative education includes not only the practices of a range of religious traditions but also how classes are taught, as well as the seasoned faculty whose lives and careers are steeped in contemplative practice.

Flexible degree options

Students have the option of a low-residency or on-campus degree program, as well as a summer start or fall start. We allow students to pursue their divinity degree in the manner and time that suit them best.

Blue brush
Naropa students gathered in a circle during a course activity.

How this Program Prepares You

Real-world Chaplaincy Experience

Naropa faculty believe in the value of hands-on learning experiences, especially for service-oriented disciplines. Through Clinical Pastoral Education, students will integrate theoretical learning and apply it to real-world scenarios, beginning their chaplaincy journey.

Solid Foundation in Theological Study

MDiv students receive an academic grounding in the three turnings of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism as well as intensive training in the practice of mindfulness meditation and contemplation. Elective courses allow them to explore other rich contemplative traditions found in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

Pursuing your own spiritual journey

The Divinity program encourages students to integrate their academic, experiential, and personal work, culminating in a personalized formative experience. Fieldwork placements are also arranged based on students’ personal interests. At Naropa, we allow students to reflect on their faiths and beliefs, exploring religion and spirituality at their own pace.

What You'll Learn

Strong Theological Foundation

Gain in-depth knowledge of Buddhism and practice interreligious dialogue.

Rich Meditative Practice

Understand the role of meditative practices in Buddhism and other religions.

Diversity Awareness

Embrace diverse cultures and religions as part of your spiritual path.

Inner Wisdom

Transform from within to be of greater service to others.

Chaplaincy Courses

Practice a contemplative, interreligious, and inter-spiritual approach to chaplaincy.

Yellow brush

Career Opportunities with a Master of Divinity

Naropa’s Divinity program breaks new ground in preparing Buddhist-inspired students to serve their communities in leadership capacities. With our Master of Divinity degree, graduates can pursue careers caring for the spiritual health of individuals and communities in a variety of clinical environments, from hospitals and hospices to nonprofit and nature-based settings.

Hear from a Graduate

[The Divinity program] opened up my sense of faith and familiarized me with the beauty of different faith traditions, and I learned how to relate to people of different beliefs and how to take accountability for my power and privilege to serve diverse populations.

Daniel Rajunov

MDiv graduate

FAQs About the
Master of Divinity

With a Master of Divinity degree, graduates can pursue careers as spiritual and religious leaders, as well as job opportunities in teaching, community service, and healthcare, among other options. Given Naropa’s unique interreligious approach, the scope of opportunities for MDiv Graduates tends to be broader than for graduates of other universities.

The main difference between a Theology and a Divinity Degree is that of intent. Theology is oriented toward philosophical inquiry about God. Theology graduates typically go on to become professors, researchers, and teachers. Divinity is oriented towards service, be it religious and/or spiritual. Divinity graduates may become chaplains, community workers and leaders, activists, counselors, or educators, among other career options.

Naropa offers a Master of Divinity program with an interreligious approach which is unique in its type. Contemplative education is at the core of our program, affecting both its contents and the way classes are taught. Unlike other divinity programs, Naropa’s MDiv does not require profession of a specific faith. We allow students to pursue their own path to contemplative chaplaincy.

The Center for Contemplative Chaplaincy provides Buddhist-inspired contemplative spiritual health training to MDiv degree students and members of the larger community interested in pursuing professional chaplaincy and spiritually-integrated approaches to related disciplines. The Center was founded in 2019 and it offers ACPE-accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) internships in community settings under the supervision of an ACPE-Certified Faculty Educator.

Students meet live for a weekly class, over video-conferencing, and are placed at clinical sites including hospice, trauma hospital, and community-based settings in their location of residence. A total of 400 hours of training is completed: 300 hours at the clinical site and 100 hours of education.

Several forms of aid are available for students of our Divinity program, including the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation Merit Scholarship. We have multiple scholarships available for graduate students, with different application and/or nomination processes. We also have Financial Aid opportunities available. Please visit our graduate scholarships and financial aid pages to find opportunities.

Learn More About the Program

Matt Powers

Connect
with your counselor

Matt Powers

Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions

Ready to Apply?

Admission Requirements

At Naropa, we value both academic excellence and the willingness to carry out introspective work. Our application process encourages your openness and contemplation. Admissions is rolling and applications will be accepted until the program is full. Learn more about admission requirements and the application process for the Master of Divinity.

Round yellow brush

Prospective students who have completed an undergraduate degree are welcome to apply to Naropa. When applying, candidates submit a transcript of their undergraduate coursework, a statement of interest, a resume, and two letters of interest. They may also apply for financial aid at this stage. Applications are submitted online. Discover all admission requirements

If your undergraduate degree is from a foreign university, additional documentation is required to complete the application process. Read our application requirements for international students.

Costs and Financial Aid

At Naropa, we believe quality education should be accessible. More than 75% of our graduate students receive some form of federal or institutional aid to help cover their costs. Our graduate costs & aids page covers costs, grants, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities for graduate students. You may also use our cost calculator to get an idea of your expenses at Naropa.

Graduate Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships are a great way to help with the costs of going to school. Divinity students who wish to contribute to American Buddhism are eligible for the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation Merit Scholarship. Several other scholarships are available for Divinity students. For more information, please review our graduate scholarship page.

A woman holding a microphone and speaking. The picure shows her from the shoulders up. Other women are seen in the background, some looking at her and seemingly listening to what she's saying.
Violet decor brush

Interested in the Master of Divinity?

Read our blog & magazine or listen to our podcast!

Magazine

The Yogi School: Bringing the World’s Wisdom to Naropa University

From its inaugural summer session in 1974, the Naropa Institute stressed experiential engagement over dispassionate observation, introducing students to the idea of the scholar-practitioner in all disciplines....
post

Tending the Sacred: The Emerging Role of Professional Chaplaincy in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies

(This article was originally published for Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and has been shortened and reposted with permission. Read the full article here). As more and more people...

Magazine

Naropa University: Sacred Landscape, Living Treasure

As a professor of Buddhist Studies at Naropa, I have the permission and expectation to be outrageous, which is one of the benefits of teaching at this university. As Naropa...

Magazine

Liberation Through Buddhadharma

Joshua Braillier (MDiv, 2016) took quite a leap when he left a premier law school for Naropa’s Buddhist divinity program....
podcast

Episode 91. Netanel Miles-Yepez: Comparative Religion

Mindful U Podcast 91. Netanel Miles-Yepez: Comparative Religion The newest episode of our podcast, Mindful U, is out on Apple, Spotify, and Stitcher now! We are happy to announce this...

podcast

Episode 81. Jamie Beachy: Psychedelic Chaplaincy

The newest episode of our university podcast, ‘Mindful U at Naropa University,’ is out on iTunes, Stitcher, and Spotify now! We are excited to announce this week’s episode features special...

YOU ARE READY.

This is where experiential learning meets academic rigor. Where you challenge your intellect and uncover your potential. Where you discover the work you’re moved to do—then use it to transform our world.

“*” indicates required fields

Search Naropa University

Search

Academics

Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.  

Admissions & Aid

If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

Life at Naropa

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community,  “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom

The Naropa Difference

How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person. 

About Naropa

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion. 

Naropa Logo

Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.