AcademicsSchools & Centers

Schools & Centers

At Naropa University, we believe that transformative change begins within.

Our approach weaves contemplative practices into every aspect of our educational and research initiatives, guiding individuals to deepen their self-awareness, compassion, and understanding. By integrating mindfulness, spiritual exploration, and innovative research, we address today’s complex global challenges and foster meaningful connections across diverse fields. Explore how our unique blend of contemplative education and practice is shaping a more connected and resilient world, and discover how you can be a part of this transformative journey.

Graduate School of Counseling
Discover your personal expression of service in Naropa’s  Graduate School of Counseling. We’ll help you uncover the insight and compassion you need to heal yourself and others.
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Graduate School of Counseling
Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics
The Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics emphasizes innovative approaches to literary arts. Our programs problematize genre while cultivating contemplative and experimental writing practices.
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Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics
Center for the Advancement of Contemplative Education

Serving as a hub for the study and development of contemplative education, the Center for the Advancement of Contemplative Education is and international resource for educators to expand their knowledge and experience of contemplative education.

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Center for the Advancement of Contemplative Education
Joanna Macy Center for Resilience & Regeneration
The Joanna Macy Center for Resilience & Regeneration at Naropa seeks to advance the vision and legacy of Dr. Joanna Macy’s work in order to empower present and future generations in building and more resilient world that works for all.
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Joanna Macy Center for Resilience & Regeneration
Center for Contemplative Chaplaincy

The Center for Contemplative Chaplaincy was established in 2019 to provide 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 such as medicine, nursing, spiritual leadership, and counseling.

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Center for Contemplative Chaplaincy
Keating-Schachter Center for Interspirituality
The Keating-Schachter Center for Interspirituality is dedicated to bringing genuine spiritual wisdom into education, creating opportunities for students and staff to interact with genuine wisdom holders from the diversity of the world’s spiritual traditions. 
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Keating-Schachter Center for Interspirituality
Center for Bhutan Partnerships

Naropa University has a longstanding relationship to the Kingdom of Bhutan through the founder Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche’s extensive time on retreat and heartfelt connection to the royal family of Bhutan and its people and culture.

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Center for Bhutan Partnerships

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.

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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. 

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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.