Institute of Buddhist Studies now RA

Discussion in 'Accreditation Discussions (RA, DETC, state approva' started by heirophant, Mar 10, 2020.

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  1. heirophant

    heirophant Well-Known Member

    I've written about the Institute of Buddhist Studies a number of times in the past. It's always been my example of an academically very good currently non-accredited school.

    It's been a candidate with WASC for the last few years. And on February 14, WASC accredited it. (Retroactive to May 1, 2019.)

    Another of my old California Approved favorites list bites the dust.

    This might be the smallest school that WASC currently accredits. I'm very glad to see WASC do this.

    https://www.wscuc.org/institutions/institute-buddhist-studies

    https://www.shin-ibs.edu/
     
  2. Steve Levicoff

    Steve Levicoff Well-Known Member

    But hardly a first . . . The Won Institute (located for many years in Glenside, PA, and moving next year to nearby Warminster, PA) has been accredited by Middle States for several years. They have programs in both Won Buddhist Studies and graduate programs (including a doctorate) in Acupuncture.

    However, neither Won nor IBS appear to have significant distance education programs (IBS has an online certificate, but not degree, program).
     
    calebwilds likes this.
  3. Acolyte

    Acolyte Active Member

    That’s great, I always wondered why There were no RA non-Christian schools with those types of programs.
     
  4. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    SteveFoerster likes this.
  5. kabumpatapum

    kabumpatapum New Member

    Is like 800 bucks per credit or did I read it wrong?
     
  6. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    IBS? It's exactly $800 per credit. You read right. I was looking at another Buddhist school today that actually encouraged me to "look below the surface in all things" - including their tuition schedule. I kid you not. Verbatim. Right on their tuition page. :)
     
    Maniac Craniac likes this.
  7. GregWatts

    GregWatts Active Member

    No direct experience but the University of South Wales (UK) looks to have a good MA in Buddhist studies at a reasonable price. Not highly ranked, but a Chartered British Uni. To address the common questions:

    It won't be "worth it"
    It is not Regionally Accredited nor AACSB
    It cannot be completed in 4 weeks.

    sarcasm intended :)
     
    Maniac Craniac likes this.
  8. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    No link provided. It's here : https://www.southwales.ac.uk/courses/ma-buddhist-studies/

    Not fully online. Usually fully on-campus program, but blended now, due to COVID-19.
    Yes. Fees are reasonable. 1,000 UK pounds per 20 credits (60 UK credits all told)

    And of course it's not AACSB. That's for business programs. Or RA - that's for US schools. Clever sarcasm is enjoyable on both ends - this stuff, meh...Amateur night.
     
    Last edited: Aug 29, 2020
  9. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Wow, tough room!
     
  10. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Why they can not look below the surface when deciding what to charge their students is a mystery we may never fully comprehend.
     
  11. GregWatts

    GregWatts Active Member

    Johann is predictable... you can pull his chain easily.

    The forum is biased towards vocational learning; "Buddhist studies" is an unusual topic.

    There seems to be certain "fetish" issues regarding academic study which make sense in a discussion of vocational learning.

    Sorry that I offended the Pope. Will go to confessional tonight. :)
     
    heirophant likes this.
  12. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Benedicat tibi Dominus et custodiat te,
    ostendat Dominus faciem suam tibi et misereatur tui,
    convertat Dominus vultum suum ad te et det tibi pacem.

    The Lord bless you and keep you,
    the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you,
    the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

    (Gregor Lange)

    Pax tecum, Greg. (Peace be with you.)
     
  13. GregWatts

    GregWatts Active Member

    et quoque apud te (and also with you)
     
  14. kabumpatapum

    kabumpatapum New Member

    LoL
    I will start to look below the surface..... that was great.
    But will keep my 800 in the bank account.
     
    Johann likes this.
  15. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    kabumpatapum likes this.
  16. Messdiener

    Messdiener Active Member

    Speaking of Buddhist distance learning programs, this thread helped me remember to check out the International Buddhist College in Thailand, which we discussed here on DI some years ago.

    Unfortunately, it looks like the website has scrubbed all mention of distance learning. So, since we lost IBC, it's great to have a new RA offering via IBS!
     

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