This young college has developed into a phenomenal resource and learning community for students seeking to start or further their education in compassion, service and meditation through the lens of a time tested Buddhist lineage. This college also draws talented individuals for events year after year, including HH The Dalai Lama just this past spring. Though it has a few kinks to smooth out as it grows, this college deserves a more accurate review:
FACT CHECK:
1. Maitripa college is not so simply "un-accredited" as in another review. It is authorized through the state of Oregon to give Master's Degrees, and its involved in the multi-year process of moving toward full "regional" accreditation, (there is no such thing as "National") which will then allow students to apply for federal grants, federal student loans etc. They do offer very significant scholarships to assist students in the meantime. There is much value in this degree, and the multiple references to the college being "un-accredited" are somewhat misleading. If you are considering going to Maitripa for a Masters, then onward for another degree (Ph.d) or certification, as them if the Maitripa credits will transfer. Its highly likely they will.
As stated on their website:
"Maitripa Institute received legal authority in July 2008 from the State of Oregon to offer graduate degrees in Buddhist Studies. This approval means that Maitripa is now a College, and that its program courses are available for college credit. Maitripa is currently offering a Master of Arts degree in Buddhist Studies and a Masters of Divinity (MDiv) degree. This achievement is the first step towards regional accreditation."
2. The other warning that "these folks are missionaries" is not accurate from my experiences as a student over the last 3+ years, and surely this must have been based on a small sample audience that reviewer interacted with. Some people react differently to religious and spiritual teachers and teachings, and can often make things weird, with attempts to proselytize despite the fact that this tradition specifically instructs students against such behavior. Neither I, nor my friends have experienced a missionary vibe overall when taking classes or attending events at Maitripa. I have indeed experienced that type of environment of conversion before, but not so far at Maitripa.
3. Maitripa is a school based on Mahayana Buddhism: Mahayana philosophy, mediation, service, logic, and debate are the primary focus of the courses. They are not offering degrees in comparative religion, though some dialogue is always welcome in that area. Though "comparative thought" is certainly valued, is not the core focus of most classes, and those classes are not advertised as such, to my knowledge. However, the events have included teachers and professionals from diverse backgrounds, coming to share their expertise and opinions, and engage in constructive dialogue. These guests and teachers have included: neuroscientists, environmentalists, writers, psychologists and more...
Maitripa's core is Mahayana Buddhism, but it is certainly open and engaged with the wider religious, scientific and academic communities.
As for the online program, I believe it has been partially put on hold (I just checked the website), though I would confirm that directly with the college. read more