PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies degree is a 39-credit program designed for those who seek a systematic education in Buddhist Studies for professional, academic, or personal purpose. Students of the MA program will acquire knowledge of Buddhist history, texts, and practices with a focus on Pali language and terminology, develop analytical thinking and research skills. A wide range of topics to study includes selected works in the Tipitaka, comparative studies of Buddhist schools, contemporary social issues, Buddhism and modern sciences, etc. A college enriched with the beauty of multicultural VISION International Buddhist Studies College of Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University produces intelligent graduates within a collaborative network of Buddhist educational Institutes around the world, with the aim of awakening society and integrating Buddhist studies with modern sciences to develop Buddhist research, innovation and academic services based on projects to foster and maintain the arts and culture of a multicultural society. MISSION The program is aimed to provide profound knowledge in the field of Buddhist studies and foster the development of student’s research skills such as independence, critical thinking, problem solving, initiative, and professional contribution in order to serve humanity with Buddhist values. The mission of IBSC is to support Buddhism in its multicultural manifestation and ensure a higher level of religious and academic services by providing Buddhist education for monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. CURRICULUM The Master of Arts program is a two-year course with 27 credits of course work conducted during 3 semesters and thesis 12 credits. As a requirement for graduation, a student is to conduct personal research work under the guidance of a supervisor to in order to complete his or her thesis. 1. Required Subjects (9 Credits) 602 101 Tipitaka Studies 602 102 Theravada Buddhism 602 203 Mahayana Buddhism 2. Special Subjects (Non-Credit subjects) 602 304 Buddhist Meditation 602 105 Introduction to Pali 602 206 Pali Composition and Translation 3. Major Subjects (12 Credits) 602 207 Selected Works in Buddhist Scriptures 602 208 Buddhism in Thailand 602 109 Research Methodology in Buddhism 602 310 Seminar on Buddhism and Modern Sciences 4.3 Group C: Buddhist Philosophy 602 323 Theravada Philosophy 602 324 Madhyamika and Yogacaara Philosophy 602 325 Zen and Vajrayna Philosophy 602 326 Selected Topics in Buddhist Philosophy 602 327 Buddhist Ethics 602 328 Buddhist Hermeneutics and Interfaith Dialogue 4.Elective Subjects (6 Credits) Students are required to choose 3 subjects from the following groups: 4.1 Group A:Tipitaka 602 311 Buddhist Vinaya and Monastic Organization 602 312 Buddhist Doctrine of the Suttanta Pitaka 602 313 Pali Abhidhamma: Its Origin and Development 602 314 Selected Topics in Tipitaka 602 315 History of Pali Literature 602 316 Selected Buddhist Works 4.2 Group B: Buddhism in Thailand 602 317 The Buddhist Sangha in Thailand 602 318 Comparative Study of Buddhist Art and Architecture 602 319 Buddhist Inscriptions 602 320 Selected Topics of Buddhism in Thailand 602 321 Meditation Masters in Thailand 602 322 Works of Eminent Thai Buddhist Scholars 4.4 Group D: Mahayana Studies 602 329 Selected Sutras in Mhayana Buddhism 602 330 Buddhism in China 602 331 Buddhism in Japan 602 332 Selected Topics in Mahayana Studies 602 333 Mahayana Buddhism in South-East Asia 602 334 Mahayana Buddhism Arts and Rituals 4.5 Group E: Buddhism and Modern Science 602 335 Buddhist Psychology 602 336 Sociology of Buddhism 602 337 Buddhism and Ecology 602 338 Buddhist Economics 602 339 Buddhist Education 602 340 Buddhism and Social Development 5. Thesis (12 Credits) COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION The comprehensive examination consists of both written and oral parts and covers the major area pursued by the student. The student passes the comprehensive examination if a majority of the official examining committee (including the chair) approves the student’s performance. The candidate must complete a thesis showing the planning, conduct, and results of original research and scholarly creativity. The purpose of the thesis is to encourage and ensure the development of broad intellectual capabilities as well as to demonstrate an intensive focus on a problem or research area. THESIS Three semesters must be spent in resident study at IBSC. Residence is not merely a period measured in hour. During this period the aspirant must be involved full time in academic pursuits, which may include up to half-time on campus teaching or research, or under certain circumstances, a greater percentage of research if it is directed specifically toward the student’s degree objectives. RESIDENT STUDY * International applicants should check the IBSC website for additional admission requirements. Please note: Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. The application for admission to the International Center for Buddhist Studies College of Mahachulalongkornraja vidyalaya University for the master study has the following requirements: 1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. 2. A complete graduate application: apply online at the Office of IBSC Student service. 3. An official transcript (not student’s copy) of all previous undergraduate and graduate credit sent from the institution directly to the Office of IBSC Student service (printed transcripts or official electronic versions are both acceptable). 4. English requirement please check from the list here. 5. A statement of career goals describing an area of interest in curriculum and instruction and how this degree will help meet professional aspirations. 6. Letters of recommendation from one people who can comment on the applicant's ability to complete a master program of study. 7. A writing sample: Thesis Proposal, an article, paper, or other composition originally written by the applicant. An appropriate length is eight to ten pages. 8. CV or a vitae or resume. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Tuition Fee Tuition Fee for MA in Buddhist Studies: Approximately 130000 THB for the whole program International Buddhist Studies College (IBSC) Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University IBSC Office, 2nd Floor, IBSC Building, MCU, 79 Moo1, Lamsai, Wang-noi Phra Nakorn Si Ayutthaya 13170 , Thailand Tel: (+66)83 475 9564 Email: ibsc@mcu.ac.th