Buddhist Studies Major

Description: A program that focuses on the philosophy preached by Siddartha Gautama, the Buddha, in ancient India and subsequently interpreted by his disciples and apostles; together with the intellectual, cultural, social, and ritual developments of the faith and its branches. Includes instruction in Buddhist sacred literature (Tripitaka, etc.) and study of one or more of the main branches including Early Buddhism, Hinayana, Theravada, Madhyamaka, Yogacara, Pure Land, Shingon, Tendai, Nichiren Shu, Zen, Tibetan, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and others. Is Buddhist Studies the right major for you?
Take the MyMajors Quiz and find out if it fits one of your top recommended majors!

Buddhist Studies Major

What Courses Do Buddhist Studies Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Buddhist Studies majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

  • Ethics
  • Foreign Language
  • Literature
  • Religious Studies