For individuals seeking the academic requirements for professional chaplaincy training...
…and seeking to earn an accredited graduate degree, New York Theological Seminary and the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care collaborate to offer a Buddhist track in the NYTS Masters of Arts in Pastoral Care and Counseling (MAPCC) degree program*. New York Theological Seminary (NYTS) is a Christian institution of graduate theological education that is committed to educating people for ministry in the urban context. NYTS and its degree programs are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS).
*This program is not currently accepting new enrollments. Please inquire for more information.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW YORK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
The MAPCC is a 36-credit graduate degree designed to be completed in two years. Candidates in the Buddhist track of the MAPCC at NYTS must successfully complete 18 credits of study in Buddhist scriptures, Buddhist history, and Buddhist philosophy offered through courses available at NYZC, in order to meet the established requirements for biblical, historical, and theological studies in the MAPCC degree. The 18 remaining credits are taken through courses offered at NYTS.
Candidates should begin by taking the year-long Foundations in Contemplative Care in their first full year in the program. Students in the Buddhist track must also attend four retreats offered through the Zen Center, in place of the four NYTS Master’s degree program retreats that are required as part of the MAPCC. All students identified as being in the Buddhist track will be assigned an academic advisor from NYTS. Should students need guidance periodically, someone from the Zen Center will be available to support them.
*It should be noted that the MAPCC degree does not meet the full educational requirement of 72 graduate credits that has been established by the Association for Professional Chaplains (APC) for board certified chaplains.
* In order to meet the 72 graduate credit requirement, students must take the MAPCC degree plus our Certificate Level 2.
buddhist track - Curriculum design
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The MAPCC Buddhist track seeks to prepare individuals for ministry who are:
- Informed scripturally and knowledgeable concerning the historical development of Buddhist thought and tradition as well as other religious traditions
- Equipped for diverse and inclusive partnerships in religious communities, the city, and the world
- Centered in a spiritual tradition which is dynamic in its formation and open to continuing revelation
- Aware of their own ongoing personal spiritual and psychological development
- Knowledgeable about the complexity of the human being and the contribution that context makes in terms of the formation and development of the person and groups of people
- Skillful at translating their gained knowledge into praxis in expressions of ministry, and into leadership within their religious community
Candidates for the Buddhist track of the MAPCC degree must both apply with NYZC and also follow the regular NYTS application and admissions process and be accepted into the degree program. Candidates should identify themselves at the time of their initial application as being candidates for the Buddhist track, doing so through the Zen Center. Should students need guidance periodically, someone from the Zen Center will be available to support them.
