MAITRIPA COLLEGE MASTER OF DIVINITY
CURRICULUM & DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
(click here for course catalog/complete course descriptions)

ACADEMIC PROGRAM LINKS

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

APPLICATION DEADLINES &
DATES FOR FALL 2012 DEGREE ENTRY

February 1: Early admissions application deadline for Fall 2012 degree entry
March 1: Notification of early admissions acceptance/denial for Fall 2012 degree entry
May 2: Application deadline for Fall 2012 degree entry
May 15: Notification of admissions acceptance/denial for Fall 2012 degree entry
June 5: Deadline to accept offer of degree entry

ACADEMIC YEAR CALENDAR

Spring 2012
January 30: Spring 2012 semester begins
February 13: Last day to add/drop classes for Spring 2012 semester
March 19-April 1: Spring break
May 21: Registration opens for Fall 2012 semester
June 2: Spring semester ends

Fall 2012
August 27: Fall 2012 semester begins
September 10: Last day to add/drop classes for Fall 2012 semester
November 19-25: Thanksgiving Week
December 3: Registration opens for Spring 2013 semester
December 16: Fall 2012 semester ends

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Maitripa College is a nonprofit corporation authorized by the State of Oregon to offer and confer the academic degrees described herein, following a determination that state academic standards will be satisfied under OAR 583-030. Inquiries concerning the standards or school compliance may be directed to the Office of Degree Authorization, 1500 Valley River Drive, Suite 100, Eugene, Oregon, 97401.

Maitripa College faculty and staff are committed to periodic review and revision of this curriculum in light of new findings and methods in the fields of study, feedback from alumni and professionals, and faculty expertise. Individual students’ course of study will vary according to concentrations, language studies, and elective options. For an individualized, complete course plan for three, four, or more years of full or part-time study, please see an academic advisor.


MAITRIPA COLLEGE MASTER OF DIVINITY (72 Credits)

Course No.

COURSE

CREDITS

OFFERED

CORE AREAS & Required COURSES (total 52 credits)
PHILOSOPHY PILLAR: minimum 10 credits, including:

PHL301

Introduction to Buddhist Thought

2

FALL

PHL302
Foundations of Buddhist Thought:
The Medium and Great Scope
2
SPRING
PHL303

Madhyamaka Philosophy: Where Is the Middle Way?

2
FALL
PHL304

Madhyamaka Philosophy: A Dose of Emptiness

2

SPRING

PHL 
Elective
2
MEDITATION PILLAR: minimum 10 credits, including:

MDT301

Introduction to Buddhist Meditation

2

FALL

MDT302
Techniques of Buddhist Meditation:
The Medium & Great Scope
2
SPRING
MDT303
Techniques of Meditation: Madhyamaka 2 FALL
MDT304

Madhyamaka Meditation: Preparation for Vajrayana

2

SPRING

MDT 
Elective 2
SERVICE PILLAR: minimum 16 credits, including:
CST001
Who We Are & Who We Serve: Personal
Theology & Foundations of Engagement
1 FALL
CST002
Compassionate Service: Building Bridges 3 SPRING
CST003
Compassionate Service: Wisdom and Method   3 FALL
CST004
Buddhist Ministry & Leadership:
Building Spiritual Communities  
3 SPRING
CST005
TBD 3 FALL
CST006
TBD 3 SPRING
THEOLOGY COURSES: minimum 12 credits, including:
THL320
Buddhist Theology 2 ALT. FALL
THL/SOC 305
Engaged Buddhism 2 ALT. SPRING
THL410
Buddhist Rituals, Ethics, Services, and Ceremonies 2 FALL
THL xxx
World Religions 2 TBD
PHL450
Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion 2 ALT. SPRING
HIS301
History of Indian and Tibetan Buddhism 2 ALT. FALL
FINAL PROJECT: 4 credits
THL500
Practical Theology Paper  
4
VARIABLE

Optional Concentration Areas and Recommended Electives (min. 20 credits)
CANONICAL LANGUAGE & LITERATURE CONCENTRATION: equivalent of 4 semesters of language classes plus 4 literature credit hours, minimum, from the following possible courses:
TIB101
Introduction to Classical Tibetan Language 
3
FALL*
TIB102
Classical Tibetan Language II  
3
SPRING*
TIB110
Classical Tibetan Language Summer Intensive
6
SUMMER*
TIB201
Intermediate Tibetan I: Bridge to Translation 
2
FALL
TIB202
Intermediate Tibetan II: Bridge to Translation
2
SPRING
TIB301R
Seminar in Tibetan Translation
2
VARIABLE*

*All Tibetan language courses count towards concentration in Tibetan language and literature. Tibetan 101 and 102 may be offered in alternate fall and spring semesters only in the future. The Summer Intensive is not guaranteed annually. Tibetan 301R requires permission of instructor for enrollment, and may be repeated for credit.

In addition to four minimum semesters of Tibetan language, students take two courses that focus on the close reading of Tibetan text(s) in translation. Courses that count towards this requirement are indicated in the course catalog, and include but are not limited to:
PH 600
The Uttaratantra: The Nature of Mind 
2
PHL316
Stages of Meditation: Kamalashila’s Gom Rim in
Theory & Practice
2
PHL317
The Foundations of Mahayana Buddhism 
2
SPIRITUAL FORMATION: 7 minimum credits in MDT electives and recognized retreat

The Spiritual Formation concentration enables depth in the study of meditation techniques and practice through additional meditation electives and retreat experiences. The concentration is comprised of a minimum of 4 credit hours in MDT courses (excluding the required core MDT 301-304 courses) plus a minimum of 1 credit hour (equivalent to 100 hours) in meditation retreat. Students work with their academic adviser and the President to formulate retreat plans that ensure educational efficacy, mentorship, and evaluation. Retreats may be structured and offered by Maitripa College for group and/or individual practice, and, in rare circumstances, students may be able to petition with sufficient documentation for limited recognition of retreats in other lineages or under the supervision of other teachers.

GENERAL ELECTIVES: minimum, variable

Students may select non-required courses from the course catalogue and new courses as they are offered to build specific competencies or concentrations of study according to their educational interests and goals. Students planning to pursue national certification as Chaplains are advised to consider both breadth and depth in nine curriculum areas, whereas those preparing for future graduate work are advised to maximize language study, for example. The number of total electives is variable and students are advised to generate an individual plan with their advisors. 



LOCATION | CONTACTS | VISIT

Maitripa College | 1119 SE Market Street | Portland, Oregon USA 97214 | phone: 503-235-2477 | email: info@maitripa.org | fax: 503-231-6408