Welcome to the University of the West

Founded in 1991, University of the West (UWest) is a private non-profit university located in Southern California. UWest is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The small campus feel of UWest is set on an 11-acre beautiful hillside overlooking a nature preserve. Our trees and greenery block out the sounds of the city around you, but you are never far from major attractions in “The Entertainment Capital of the World.”

Mission and Values

The mission of UWest is to provide a whole-person education in a context informed by Buddhist wisdom and values, and to facilitate cultural understanding and appreciation between East and West.

In proud tradition of our founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, University of the West values Character, Compassion, and Community.

Belonging to a university founded on Humanistic Buddhist principles means:

• Becoming people of strong character who behave ethically, cultivate awareness of self and others, and develop wisdom.
• Practicing compassion and working with others to relieve suffering and promote equality
• Building a sustainable community by embracing diversity and achieving harmony through common purpose.

Academic Programs

English Learning

• English as a Second Language
• Academic English Bridge
• English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
  • American Conversation Practice
  • English Skills for Business Professionals
  • Test Preparation & Enrichment Courses (TOELF/IELTS)

Undergraduate Programs 

Majors

• Business Administration
  • Concentrations:
    • Accounting
    • Computer Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • International Business
• Liberal Arts
• Psychology

Minors

• Business Administration (for non-business majors)
  • Finance (for business majors only)
  • Management (for business majors only)
• Contemplative Studies
• English
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

• Master in Divinity & Buddhist Chaplaincy
• Master of Arts in Buddhist Spiritual Care (NEW!)
• Business Administration (MBA)
  • Concentrations:
    • Computer Information Systems
    • Finance
    • International Business
    • Nonprofit Organization Management
•  Psychology: Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT)
  • Concentrations:
    • Buddhist Psychology
    • Multicultural Generalist
• Master in Religious Studies
  • Concentrations
    • Buddhist Texts & Translation
    • Comparative Religion
    • Humanistic Buddhism
    • Mindfulness, Meditation & Mind

Scholarships

UWest offers an incredibly wide range of scholarship opportunities. New international students may apply for the Lotus Scholarship which is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Students can earn a renewable annual award of up to $7,000/year.

Housing

UWest offers on-campus housing to students all academic year. Our two residence halls offer: live-in residential advisors, furnished accommodations, lounge and study spaces, computer lab, wireless network, cable television, coin-operated laundry, dining facilities, common-area kitchenettes, pool and spa, and exercise facilities. Living on campus allows students to enter a supportive community that fosters academic success and personal growth.