Certificate Program Frequently Asked Questions
General Program Information
Primarily online, with some hybrid or in-person options for specific programs (e.g., chaplaincy).
Yes. Chaplaincy has Christian connotations whereas spiritual care is increasingly used to describe the work done by caregivers from all faith backgrounds.
Each certificate is independent and we recommend committing to one certificate.
Yes, but in order to receive academic credit you will need to enroll in one of the certificate programs.
Admissions and Eligibility
Statement of purpose, transcripts, interview, and letters of recommendation (including one from a Buddhist teacher for the Spiritual Care certificate). Applicants must demonstrate established meditation practice and prior retreat experience.
$100 Application Fee
There aren’t any specific prerequisites other than a demonstrated interest in Theravada Buddhism or Buddhist spiritual care.
No.
No, we welcome all who are interested and demonstrate the ability to complete the program. The only limitation may be scholarship funds.
Admissions are open on a rolling basis. Class start dates vary by program. The regular chaplaincy program, Anukampa, and Sila/Samadhi/Panna start in September/October. Eco-Chaplaincy starts in August every other year. Other offerings may start in January/February or during the summer. Start dates are partially determined by teacher availability.
Yes, if you would like to start accumulating credits that are applied towards your certificate.
Program Requirements
The sole requirement is that the retreat be a residential, in person silent meditation retreat such as an Insight retreat, Zen Sesshin, or comparable offerings
Yes, for the certificate in spiritual care. Participants will receive 3 units of credit for completing a spiritual care project independent of any specific requirement to fulfill any of our chaplaincy trainings.
It depends on the program. For the chaplaincy programs, courses count toward the certificate if the programs’ requirements for completion were met. For Sila, Samadhi, Panna, and Anukampa, a 10-page research and reflection paper on a relevant topic is required.
Completion:
Students complete 24 units and fulfill practicum requirements.
- Theravada Studies Certificate. Two 7-day silent retreats.
- Spiritual Care Certificate. Supervised chaplaincy placement or fieldwork in a spiritual care setting.
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Tuition: $500-800 per unit
- Administrative Fee: $500-1000 per year
- Estimated Total Cost: $12,000-22,000 per certificate
- Financial Aid: Scholarships and work-study positions funded through private donations.
Some 50% work scholarships are offered where participants pay half the tuition in exchange for completing simple tasks for the course or Sati’s administration. Beyond that, scholarships are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on need. Applicants can discuss their situation and propose what they can pay. The number of scholarships may be limited since there is no dedicated scholarship fund. Reduced tuition decreases the capacity to cover program expenses.
Certification and Recognition
Not directly, but it depends on the situation. If applying to be recognized for completing the equivalence of an M.Div. equivalent, the board will likely allow “equivalence” credit to be claimed for completing these programs. For example, the APC has recognized the regular chaplaincy program as providing 6 units of credit toward the 72 credits needed.
Accessibility
The regular chaplaincy program may be offered in a format that works for those time zones. A minimum of 7 participants is needed to make this viable. For other programs, it depends on how they’re offered. Some programs use recordings, so certain courses may not require live participation.
If you have any additional questions, please email admissions@sati.org.