Graduate Admissions

Unlock Your Potential, Embrace the Future: Join our Graduate Program!

 

University of the West

We know the graduate school you choose is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make, and that’s why we continuously strive to deliver top-notch graduate programs. UWest’s stellar faculty work with our graduate students to ensure their learning experience helps them achieve their academic and career objectives. To bring theory and practice together, our graduate programs focus on real-life application. We’re excited for you to bring your experience and perspective to the UWest community.

Before you get here, though, we just need a few things from you.

  1. Application – COMPLETE THE UWEST ONLINE APPLICATION»
  2. Application fee – The $50 fee for domestic students or $100 fee for international students is non-refundable. Payment may be made by check, credit card, or through the online application. Click Here to pay your application: PAY APPLICATION FEE »
  3. Statement of Purpose – Your original statement of purpose should be 500-600 words (typed, double-spaced), describing your interest in a specific area of study at UWest and your goals beyond achieving an advanced degree. The statement should include why you chose to study at UWest, your desired focus and/or research area, and personal goals or aspirations.
  4. Official Transcripts – Copies of transcripts from all universities you’ve attended. Transcripts must be sealed and sent directly from the school(s) to the Enrollment Office. Transcripts can be email to documents@uwest.edu
  5. Letters of Recommendation – Three letters of recommendation submitted directly from the references in a sealed envelope or from an email with a professional domain. Academic letters of recommendation are highly encouraged. References may not be a relative of the applicant.
  6. Diploma – Submit a copy of your most recently earned diploma.
  7. Identification – Copy of legal photo identification (e.g. driver license, state ID, passport), along with a copy of your Social Security card and Permanent Resident card, if applicable.
Graduate Admissions Brochure PDF

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Additional Requirements by Program



MBA / Post MBA Certificate

Submit current resume/CV
Post MBA certificate: MBA required, Letters of Recommendation: Not required

MBA / Post MBA Certificate
  • Submit current resume/CV
  • Post MBA certificate: MBA required, Letters of Recommendation: Not required
Psychology - Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
  • Interview: Admission may require an in-person or telephone interview at the discretion of the department chair.
  • Statement of Purpose: Two written statements are required:
  • Autobiography (200-250 words)
  • Personal Statement addressing the question “Why Marriage and Family Therapy at UWest?” (450-500 words)
  • Additional Document: Curriculum vita is optional but recommended.
Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy (MDiv)
  • Interview: Application should be prepared for a telephone or in-person interview, which may be required at the discretion of the chair. A campus visit is strongly recommended.
  • Statement of Purpose: the applicant should state how UWest’s MDiv program will further the applicant’s personal goals and aspirations, achievements, and educational and career objectives.
Doctor of Buddhist Ministry (DBMin)
  • Prior degree requirement: Applicant should hold an MDiv degree or master’s degree in related field. However, applicant with a master’s degree in an unrelated discipline may be considered if they have significant relevant experience.
  • Prior experience: One year of CPE residency is highly recommended. Applicant who lacks residency experience must meet one of the following:
    • 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Care (CPE); provide evaluation letter from CPE supervisor assessing written communication and emotional and spiritual development.
    • Three years in ministerial/temple work following the completion of master’s degree. Letters of recommendation: Four letters are required, including:
  • Two letters from academic sources such as advisor, dean, chair.
    • One letter from peer such as Dharma brother or sister.
    • One letter from pastoral supervisor or master.
  • Statement of Purpose: the applicant should state how UWest’s DBMin program will further the applicant’s personal goals and aspirations, achievements, and educational and career objectives.
  • Interview: An interview is required, either by telephone or in person.
Religious Studies (MA)

Prior degree requirement: Both graduates with traditional bachelor’s degrees and graduates of recognized Buddhist colleges are eligible to apply to the Master of Arts in Religious Studies.

Religious Studies (PhD)
  •  Interview: Admission may require an in-person or telephone interview at the discretion of the department chair.
  • Prior degree requirement: Applicant must have a master’s degree in Religious Studies, Theology, Chaplaincy, Philosophy, or the equivalent. If this criterion is not met, the student cannot be admitted into the PhD, but may be eligible to apply to the MA program.
  • Statement of Purpose: The statement should address the applicant’s proposed area of research, his or her academic preparation to engage in such research, and how the program will be instrumental in pursuing his or her scholarly and professional goals.
  • Letters of Recommendation: At least two of the three recommendation letters from qualified scholars at recognized educational institutions.
  • Thesis: A copy of student’s MA thesis, if applicable.