Graduate School of Buddhist Studies was established in 1991 on the Seoul Campus for the purpose of cultivating professionals and leaders in the field of Buddhism through education and research of the applied areas centering on Buddhism. Compared with the master's and the doctor's courses at other general graduate schools which focus on academic research, the Graduate School of Buddhist Studies is a special school for evening lectures and is for priests and Buddhists. It is the educational organization specialized in Buddhism with the courses for masters, researchers, and leaders.
Education Object
During the last 2,500 years since Buddha's teachings were spread to the world, Buddhism has been developed as a system of thought that has both methodology as an ascetic exercise and trust as a religion. Appropriating the modern academic methodology, the study of Buddhism has constructed its academic area as a religion and philosophy which has perspicacity and visions of human beings and Buddha.
It is a science that systematically and logically researches Buddha's teachings, and realizes the ideal society of Buddhist character and land. The Buddhist Studies is divided into three areas - Buddhist Studies, History of Buddhism, and Applied Buddhism. In the Graduate School, specialized lectures of each major and cultural lectures of Buddhism are opened every semester, which are performed by the University's full-time professors and outside lecturers whose distinguished scholarships are recognized by the Buddhist world.
At the very beginning of the 21st century, the age of uncertainty, Korean Buddhism is sincerely required to change its thinking paradigm. Corresponding to this demand in the age, in order to cultivate leaders of Buddhism who will lead the future of the Buddhist land, the Graduate School of Buddhist Studies is carrying out "Open education for Cham Saram (true person)" so that all the people can participate regardless of age, sex, nationality, and religion.