The Won Institute offers two tracks in Applied Meditation Studies—a 33 credit Masters of Applied Meditation Studies (MAMS) degree and an 18 credit Applied Meditation Certificate (AMC) program.  

The Applied Meditation Studies program aims to bridge the gap between the theoretical study of meditation and practical application. Not only are our graduates knowledgeable of the theoretical foundations of meditation, but they also learn how to apply meditation into their professional lives. Applied meditation can be adapted to many settings; for instance, to education, psychotherapy, social awareness, business, bereavement counseling, couples counseling, hospice care, pain management, corporate management, and Buddhist sangha building.

Our programs are designed with professional, adult learners in mind. Classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends. The classes are small and focused on discussion and the exchange of ideas, allowing for a more personalized learning environment. Student projects are crafted to advance individual educational goals. While the sources and goals of curricular offerings derive from Buddhist teachings, there is not a sectarian requirement, agenda or presumption of affiliation with, or conversion to, any Buddhist community. Students from any tradition, or from none, are welcome and respected.

Learning Outcomes

Students who have graduated from the Applied Meditation Studies Master's Degree and Certificate programs have been able to incorporate meditation into their professional lives.  Some students have gone on to teach meditation at various locations including Jefferson University's Mindfulness Institute.  Others have started businesses, such as teaching meditation to children or providing mindfulness-based classes for the corporate world.  There have even been students that have choosen to continue their study at the doctorate level at other universities including Temple University.