Institute of Buddhist Studies

The Institute of Buddhist Studies (IBS) stands as a unique and pioneering institution dedicated to advanced Buddhist education and ministerial training. As the first non-Christian seminary to achieve full membership in the prestigious Graduate Theological Union (GTU), IBS offers a distinctive academic environment for those seeking a deep understanding of Buddhist thought and practice.

Its origins trace back to a vital need within the Japanese American community following World War II. Founded in 1949 by nisei Buddhists with the support of the Buddhist Churches of America, IBS was created to educate American-born ministers—a groundbreaking initiative at a time when all US ministers were trained in Japan. This legacy continues to shape its mission, fostering a rich blend of traditional Buddhist scholarship with contemporary academic rigor.

Today, IBS operates as an accredited graduate school and seminary, recognized by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 2020. Its affiliation with the GTU, beginning in 1985 and culminating in full membership in 2021, provides students with unparalleled access to a broader interfaith academic community while maintaining its specialized focus. With a small student body of just 53, IBS offers an intimate, supportive, and highly focused learning experience ideal for serious scholars and future religious leaders, led by President Scott A. Mitchell and supported by an impressive $15.9 billion endowment.