Quick Facts
72
Credit
Hours
11:1
Student-Teacher Ratio
Student-Teacher Ratio
2
Unique
Learning Pathways (On-Campus and Low-Res)
Learning Pathways (On-Campus and Low-Res)
Apply to Naropa
Courses You Could Take
in the Master of Divinity
Naropa graduates learn that a spiritual care degree is best earned in a supportive, compassionate environment fostered by seasoned faculty whose lives and careers are steeped in contemplative practice. You'll benefit from the decades of lived experience shared by our contemplative educators and interreligious chaplains in a variety of settings, from classrooms to trauma hospitals to hospice care.
Your master of divinity degree will provide a solid foundation in theological study and interreligious methods of individual and community care. During the graduate program, you'll apply your divinity studies to hands-on experiences in the field, learning to serve diverse communities with empathy and compassion.
Courses in the Naropa Master of Divinity degree include:
The Naropa Difference
If you’ve been searching for chaplaincy degree programs but prefer an interreligious and interspiritual approach, look no further than Naropa. Our Buddhist-centered Divinity program functions as an interreligious seminary, welcoming graduate students who represent a diversity of spiritual and religious backgrounds.
Flexible Degree Options
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 study online, connecting with Naropa faculty and divinity program peers during residential retreats. Each pathway is rooted in contemplative philosophy and practice.
Divinity students may also choose to add Mindfulness Instructor Training to their degrees. In short, divinity students benefit from all that Naropa's Wisdom Traditions department has to offer, from engaging courses to deeply contemplative, faculty-led retreats.
Hands-On Chaplaincy Experience
Naropa faculty believe in the value of hands-on learning experiences, especially for service-oriented disciplines in which students are preparing for roles as counselors, chaplains, educators, and community leaders. Each Master of Divinity student will apply their classroom learning in an ACPE-accredited Clinical Pastoral Education internship.
The Center for Contemplative Chaplaincy, through which divinity program internships are completed, is dedicated to creating meaningful contemplative chaplaincy experiences. Here, students learn an interreligious approach to 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.
Careers in Chaplaincy
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.
In keeping with the Naropa tradition of service, Master of Divinity students go on to become mindfulness educators, sangha leaders, prison and military chaplains, social justice activists, and hospice and hospital chaplains. In 2017, a Naropa Master of Divinity graduate went on to become the first Buddhist chaplain in the U.S. Air Force.
Students Transformed
Strong Theological Foundation
Strong
Theological
Foundation
Gain in-depth knowledge of Buddhism and practice interreligious dialogue.
Gain in-depth knowledge of Buddhism and practice interreligious dialogue.
Rich Meditative Practice
Rich
Meditative
Practice
Understand the role of meditative practices in Buddhism and other religions.
Understand the role of meditative practices in Buddhism and other religions.
Contemplative Chaplaincy Experience
Contemplative
Chaplaincy
Experience
Practice a contemplative, interfaith approach to chaplaincy.
Practice a contemplative, interreligious and interspiritual approach to chaplaincy.
Diversity Awareness
Diversity
Awareness
Embrace diverse cultures and religions as part of your spiritual path.
Embrace diverse cultures and religions as part of your spiritual path.
Inner Wisdom
Inner
Wisdom
Transform from within to be of greater service to others.
Transform from within to be of greater service to others.
Related Programs
MA in Yoga Studies
Naropa's MA in Yoga Studies is intended for yoga teachers, practitioners, and enthusiasts, interested in developing graduate-level expertise in the diverse array and teachings and practices throughout history.
MA in Contemplative Psychotherapy & Buddhist Psychology
Take a deep dive into world wisdom traditions and learn to apply the principles of mindfulness and Buddhist philosophy in a clinical setting.