University of the West

We were founded in 1991 as an alternative to the conventional university experience, integrating liberal arts traditions with a global perspective and drawing from Buddhist wisdom to create a community of scholarships, service, and collaboration. Our graduates meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and globally interdependent world with creativity and compassion.

University of the West is a private, nonprofit, non-sectarian, co-educational university offering undergraduate, graduate, certificate and continuing education programs consistent with the educational mission of California higher education degree-granting institutions. Since February 16, 2006, it is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The mission of University of the West is to provide a whole person education in a context informed by Buddhist wisdom and values, and facilitate cultural understanding and appreciation between East and West. A highly qualified faculty and a supportive and physically attractive learning environment are provided so that students can master a body of knowledge, acquire analytical and creative problem-solving and learning skills, cultivate moral and cultural discernment and develop personal and social responsibility.