I’m nearly finished with my MA in Buddhist Studies at University of Kelaniya.
There is another sub school called Post Graduate Institute of Pali Buddhist Studies.
Both are accepting applications. I recommend the main university (the program that I’m in).
The cost of the MA is $900 for one year and 1300 for 2 years (thesis).
Main University.. (my program), 1 and 2 year programs
It is late for applications, but i think it does not matter since there were a few who joined later. To date, there is no class participation grade, so it is possible to do asynchronously (watch videos after). However, exams must be done in real time through ai proctoring software for extra cost (or in person).
Without breaking any kind of privacy, can you give us a sense of your classmates? Like what percentage were monastics, etc. I’d also be curious to know what the intentions/aspirations of any lay people in the programme were.
It is difficult to know who is who. There are many “mystery students” who do not attend class, either online or in person. Maybe one third or more are monastics (including one nun). I think different people have different aspirations. There are a few students who already teach Buddhism. One was cherry-picked from the previous BA degree to go for a Master’s and is already teaching (gifted?). One lady did very well in a Pāli language degree. Some just want to learn extra. One student (my kappiya, who helps me print my assignments) wants to do psychology with a Buddhist focus.
As for my own aspiration, it was quite multifaceted. I wanted to drop out of the International Institute of Theravāda after individually meeting the core requirements for the nissaya-vimutti, but they take six years to complete all of that there. I wanted something easier, but still pariyatti-focused, where I could ease myself back into the meditation life I normally live. A teacher at IIT was doing the Buddhist Psychology MA (he already had an MA and an Alaṅkāra degree), and I thought it might be good to sign up. I signed up at the wrong school, but after I found out about both, I stayed with the original, and I’m happy about that.
There was also the idea that if I move to Florida, I could offer a free Buddhist course at the monastery, and with an MA degree, maybe work out a deal with the local university or community college to offer college credit. I actually have a minor in education and could have taught if I hadn’t gone into programming as a lay person. My thesis will be based on education, technology, and Buddhism.
Giving people free credit and an initial interest in the course material could be fruitful for propagation. For myself, I became interested in Buddhism while taking a world religions class in my early years of college. So I feel a duty to give back.
I originally signed up for a one-year degree. However, I became motivated to write a thesis. Now I’m a two-year student. It is lots of fun. I really enjoy the classes. I really enjoyed writing the research papers. It is a real treat for me. I’m happy about it and that is why I share it.
The exams are coming up. That part, I’m quite anxious about.
Yes… for community college or university, you would need an MA to teach a class for credit as a part-time worker. I think most would need a PhD for tenure.
Even for high school teachers in Connecticut, you need 30 credits beyond an undergraduate degree to keep your teacher’s license. (30 credits is enough for a one-year MA), but I think you can take random courses if you want. In that sense, I’m not certified as a full-time teacher (nor would I want to). Some high schools, like the one I attended, have AP courses (advanced placement college credit). Usually a full-year course is equivalent to a single semester class. Calculus, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, or Humanities are usually offered as AP for honors students.
Support? I’m just looking to figure out how to give kids credit. Another thing is called CEU. Continuing Education Units
No, I meant do you feel like your teachers at the university programme you are in right now support your research. Specifically are they able to give you help that you otherwise might not be able to get on your own. Just curious.
But it does sound like the accreditation is a big part of your motivation, which is great. The world needs more qualified people teaching Buddhism in colleges/uni in the USA. Thanks!
The most impressive thing about the degree is the level of knowledge of the professors that seems impossible on the west , not to mention a focus on Theravāda. The level of personal contact is very high for those who seek it. Sometimes I feel I’m the only one who participates in classes. Classes are super small in person. Online usually seems less than 20.
