Buddhist Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Buddhist Studies offers a rigorous academic exploration of the foundational teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, and their evolution across centuries and cultures. This interdisciplinary field examines the philosophical, ethical, and metaphysical dimensions of Buddhism, alongside its rich traditions of ritual practice, scriptural interpretation, and cross-cultural development.
- Early Buddhism: Investigates the original teachings and historical context of the Buddha’s life and the formative period of the Buddhist community.
- Theravāda Tradition: Focuses on the Pāli Canon and the monastic practices central to South and Southeast Asian Buddhist cultures.
- Mahāyāna Philosophical Schools: Explores key doctrines of Madhyamaka (the Middle Way) and Yogācāra (Consciousness-Only), emphasizing metaphysical depth and meditative insight.
- East Asian Buddhist Traditions: Studies the development and practice of Zen (Chan), Pure Land, Tendai, Shingon, and Nichiren Shū within China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
- Tibetan Buddhism: Engages with Vajrayāna practices, tantric literature, and the integration of philosophy, ritual, and visual symbolism in Himalayan and Central Asian contexts.
- Buddhist Sacred Texts: Provides in-depth analysis of canonical collections such as the Tripitaka, Mahāyāna sūtras, and commentarial literature across linguistic and cultural traditions.
- Cultural and Social Dimensions: Analyzes the role of Buddhism in shaping art, ethics, politics, and community life across diverse historical and geographic settings.
Buddhist Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Buddhist Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Buddhist Studies degrees, including Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 20,840 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1126 | $78,050 | $47,550 - $134,910 | 20,840 | N/A |
Buddhist Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $40,340 in South Dakota to $103,210 in California—a 156% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Maine. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 20,840 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Buddhist Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Buddhist Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Buddhist Studies is found at Dharma Realm Buddhist University (DRBU) (8 graduates), and University of California (UCB), Berkeley (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 23 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dharma Realm Buddhist University (DRBU) |
Master's
|
8 | Ukiah, California | Private | drbu.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Buddhist Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Buddhist Studies degree?
Salaries for Buddhist Studies graduates vary by role and location. Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $78,050 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $103,210 compared to $40,340 in South Dakota. Approximately 20,840 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Buddhist Studies programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Buddhist Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Dharma Realm Buddhist University (DRBU) (8 graduates), University of California (UCB), Berkeley (4 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Buddhist Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 5 in 2010 to 23 in 2023-24. This represents a 360% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Buddhist Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 20,840 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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