Degree-Seeking Admission
Students interested in enrolling in degree programs must submit a completed application by the date designated in the application materials and website. Degree Program students matriculate each Fall semester. To apply for admission, students must complete and submit the online application, including a non-refundable application fee. A calendar of important dates and deadlines is available on the Academic Calendar and on the Admissions website.
Admission to current degree programs at Maitripa College include a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) from an accredited institution, and a completed application including:
- Letters of Recommendation from two people with whom you have acted as student, mentee, colleague, volunteer, or employee
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate colleges attended
- Resume or CV
- Essay describing the development of your spiritual life, including a discussion of the development of your faith, practice and belief systems
- Statement of Interest including your goals in applying to this degree program, how you see this program relating to your personal and/or professional life, how you intend to use this degree, and what about Maitripa College appeals to you the most
- English language proficiency for applicants whose primary language is not English
All application materials will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee, after which an admissions interview will be scheduled.
Decisions will be sent out within a reasonable period of time. The admissions committee will act in accordance with Maitripa College’s nondiscrimination policy, and all student information will be kept private.
Continuing Education and Auditing Admission
Students interested in taking classes without pursuing a degree can apply as Continuing Education or Auditing students. Once accepted, students will be led through the registration process and have an opportunity to meet with Admissions. Availability of courses for continuing education and auditing students will be posted each semester on the College’s website and in the administrative office.
All students are expected to participate fully in the course as designed by the instructor. All students will have full access to course materials and college resources, including engagement with classmates, faculty, and teaching assistants, library, and community practices.
Continuing Education (CE) Students
- Live in Oregon or states included in the State Authorization for Distance Education (see College Policies and Procedures, Legal and Regulatory Notices)
- Are expected to comply with the full attendance and evaluation requirements for the course(s).
- Receive a grade, transcript, and credit hours for completed courses
Auditing Students
- Live outside of Oregon and states not included in the State Authorization for Distance Education (see College Policies and Procedures, Legal and Regulatory Notices)
- Auditing students will not receive a grade, transcript, or credit for courses completed
Please refer all admissions queries to:
Maitripa College Admissions
1632 SE 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97214
503-235-2477
admissions@maitripa.org
Enrollment in Courses
Enrollment for any course is open through the deadline for adding/dropping a class. Very special circumstances may extend the enrollment deadline by permission of instructor only.
Registration
Students will be required to register for each semester of enrollment at Maitripa College. Registration is completed by logging into a student account and adding or dropping classes. Students who need assistance can request an appointment with their advisor, the Office of the Registrar or Technical Support. Registration opens at least one month before classes begin. Students may not register for classes if their accounts with the College are not in good standing.
Drop/Add Period
Students can add/drop classes during the first two full weeks of Fall and Spring terms. If a student plans to add a course after the course start date, they must attend the classes prior to adding unless approved absence is requested and granted by the professor. Any increase in tuition will be invoiced on the day of the change to the schedule and due immediately. If the student is on a payment plan and adds a class, the plan will be adjusted accordingly. Any outstanding tuition due for the month will be due immediately. Likewise, if a class is dropped during the add/drop period, the bookkeeper will process the refund on the day the dropped class is requested.
Repeating Courses
Courses at Maitripa may be repeated for a grade if the grade received in the course was a C+ or below. The repeated course must be the same course as one previously taken. The grading basis must also be the same. Students who repeat a course do not earn additional credit toward their degree. Credit from the repeated course will replace the previous course in computing cumulative grade point average. Both courses will remain on the student’s transcript.
Degree Program Change
Students wishing to change degree programs must submit the Degree Program Change Request Form. Students who have completed less than two semesters of work for an existing degree may be asked to submit a new application and the Internal Transfer of Credit form. Students who have completed more than two semesters of work for an existing degree must submit the Degree Program Change Request form and the Internal Transfer of Credit form.
Transfer Credit
Transfer of Credit to Other Schools
Transfer of credit is always at the discretion of the receiving school, depends on comparability of curricula, and may depend on comparability of accreditation.
Transfer of Credit within Programs at Maitripa College
Credits accumulated at Maitripa College for a particular degree program may be transferred to another degree program if the student is in compliance with the policies relating to and has completed the formal process for degree program change (see applicable section in this handbook). To complete this process, students must submit the Internal Transfer of Credit form, available from the administrative office.
Transfer of Credit from Other Schools
Courses from other accredited or HECC-approved colleges, universities, or educational programs may be counted for credit at Maitripa College under certain circumstances and when meeting College criteria. The below policy outlines the maximum transfer credits that may be applied towards a Maitripa College degree, and the general considerations for assessing course equivalency or elective course credit. The Academic Program Director receives requests for transfer credit, and may review transcripts, course descriptions, and course syllabi in a case by case assessment of appropriate awarding of credit according to the below guidelines.
Students wishing to be awarded transfer credit for academic work completed at the graduate level before admissions or after matriculation must submit a Transfer Credit Authorization form to the Program Director for review. There may be an administrative fee for review of Transfer Credit Authorization form. The Program Director and/or Chief Academic Officer will make a determination whether courses are relevant to the curriculum of study, meet general graduation requirements, count towards specific degree requirements, or may be equivalent to Maitripa College courses. This determination will be based upon the criteria outlined below and review of materials such as transcripts, syllabi, and course descriptions.
Maitripa College graduate students may accrue a maximum total of 25% of the credit required towards the degree (18 credits in the MDiv, 11 credits in the MA). The maximum credit total for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) completed at an ACPE accredited program is 1 unit, which will transfer as six credits, and may be taken at any time in the student’s degree program.
Maitripa College transfer credit process includes student petition and administrative review and approval that the below criteria are met. Upon review of the student’s petition for transfer credit, the administration is satisfied that:
- The course was/is offered by an accredited university, and is at corresponding degree level, or otherwise approved by the HECC
- The course was/is equivalent to courses in the student’s degree curricula and the total number of hours of student effort may be calculated according to OAR definitions of credit hours for a semester
- The area of course focus was/is pertinent to the degree and closely aligned with the student’s professional and academic interests,
- Those interests could not be met under supervision of Maitripa faculty or through coursework on campus
- If the proposed transfer credit is for a course that requires community service, volunteer service hours and mentorship was or will be secured at a suitable and enriching community organization with mentorship or supervision
- Maitripa College is able to provide faculty oversight in reviewing the student’s final papers and coursework produced, liaison with mentors or instructors as needed, and/or grant administrative oversight to manage transcripts, student assessment, etc.
- The grade earned must be in accordance with Maitripa College grade policies and OARs (C or above) to receive credit towards the degree
Maitripa College does not currently grant credit for non-collegiate work, other than the above specified Clinical Pastoral Education chaplaincy practicum intended for MDiv students.
Transfer Credit: Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Chaplaincy Internship
Maitripa College awards six credits as transfer credits from one successfully completed Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) unit offered by a qualifying program and site. Transfer credit for internship is calculated based on research that demonstrates six credits for one unit of CPE is consistent with comparable MDiv programs and accepted by APC/BCCI educational standards for degree programs and equivalencies. One unit of CPE is defined as a minimum of 400 total hours of student effort, comprised of 100 hours of education delivered by a Certified Educator and 300 hours of direct chaplain care to patients, family, and staff, or social services clients, at a site placement approved by the Certified Educator and supervised by site mentor(s). Curriculum design, learning outcomes, and student evaluation is solely administered by the CPE program. Qualifying CPE programs are those which are recognized and accepted by BCCI, Inc as meeting the clinical education requirement for Board Certified Chaplain at the Associate or Full level. In 2025, eligible CPE programs are those offered by ACPE, CPSP, and CPEI; this is subject to change and it is the student’s responsibility to check current qualifying programs during their application process. MDiv students must apply for one unit of CPE internship, pay any application and tuition fees, and abide by all CPE program requirements, including but not limited to onboarding, orientation, curricula requirements, ethical codes, laws, and employee health rules. Upon completion of one unit, the student must document their unit by registering the unit with the corresponding national CPE agency, provide the student’s final evaluation by the Certified Educator to the MDiv program director, and provide certificate of completion to the Registrar at Maitripa College. The MDiv program director is available for advising and support from preparation to completion of clinical internships.
Transcripts
Grade transcripts will be available to students from the administrative offices beginning one month after grades are turned in for each semester. Students can check their current, unofficial transcripts by logging in to Populi. For assistance in accessing unofficial transcripts via Populi, please refer to the Current Students page of the Maitripa College website or contact the Registrar at registrar@maitripa.org.
The request for official transcripts must be made in writing. Allow 5 business days for processing official transcripts. Transcripts will be mailed to your current mailing address, or to other addresses as requested in writing. Transcripts will not be released to students with an outstanding balance on their account.
Non-Class Credit
Other than the approved service-learning curriculum, Maitripa College does not recognize any non-class credit for work done outside of classes.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose primary language is not English are required to demonstrate English language proficiency as a condition of admission. Maitripa College’s programs involve sustained graduate level reading, writing, discussion, and collaborative inquiry; strong English skills are essential to full participation and to the quality of the learning community as a whole.
The standard accepted tests are the TOEFL iBT and the IELTS Academic. Scores must be from a test taken within two years of the application deadline. Official scores should be submitted directly to Maitripa College’s Office of Admissions as part of the complete application.
Accepted Tests and Minimum Scores
TOEFL iBT (0–120 scale, tests before Jan 21, 2026)
- Minimum: 80
- Recommended: 90-100
- Notes: Section scores reported separately
TOEFL iBT (1–6 band scale, tests from Jan 21, 2026)
- Minimum: 4.0
- Recommended: 4.5-5.0
- Notes: Both old and new scores shown on reports through 2028
IELTS Academic
- Minimum: 6.5
- Recommended: 7.0
- Notes: Academic band only; General Training not accepted
Note on TOEFL scoring:
Effective January 21, 2026, ETS introduced a new 1–6 band scoring scale for the TOEFL iBT, replacing the previous 0–120 scale. During the transition period through 2028, all TOEFL score reports will display both the old and new scores side by side. Maitripa College will accept scores under either scale; applicants should submit whatever score report they receive. A band score of 4.5 on the new scale is approximately equivalent to 90 on the old scale.
Alternative Test — Duolingo English Test
Applicants who are unable to access a TOEFL or IELTS testing center in their location may request consideration of a Duolingo English Test (DET) score in place of the standard tests. The DET is an adaptive, AI-scored test taken online; it is accepted by a growing number of graduate institutions but is not Maitripa College’s standard requirement. Requests to substitute DET scores must be made in writing to the Office of Admissions before the application deadline, with a brief explanation of why TOEFL or IELTS testing is not accessible. The admissions committee will review such requests on a case-by-case basis and may require an interview as part of the evaluation. The suggested minimum DET score for consideration is 110 (recommended: 120–125).
Note
Acceptance of a DET score is at the committee’s discretion and does not guarantee admission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to take the TOEFL or IELTS if at all possible.
Exemptions
A proficiency test is not required if the applicant:
- Is a native speaker of English, or
- Has earned a bachelor’s or higher degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction.
Applicants claiming exemption on the basis of prior English-medium study should indicate this in their application materials. The admissions committee may request documentation, such as an academic paper from their prior institution coursework.
Admissions Committee Discretion
Meeting the minimum score threshold does not guarantee admission, and scores somewhat below the minimum may be considered alongside other application materials at the committee’s discretion. In such cases, the committee may request an admissions interview to further assess spoken English proficiency and readiness for graduate study.
Applicants with questions about the English language requirement are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions before submitting an application.
Submitting Scores
Official test scores should be sent directly to Maitripa College by the testing organization. When ordering scores, use the information below.
Institution: Maitripa College
Address: 1632 SE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214
TOEFL code: 7290
Admissions email: admissions@maitripa.org
Scores submitted are valid for two years from the test date to meet the admissions requirements. Students should re-take the TOEFL or IELTS exam if it has been more than two years since their previous exam date.
We can use an unofficial copy of your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score report to evaluate your admissions application. However, Maitripa College must receive an official copy of your score directly from the testing center before the end of your first term of enrollment.
International graduate applicants who do not meet the minimum TOEFL or IELTS score requirements must contact the student services department to initiate a petition for special consideration.
International Students
Maitripa College is honored to welcome international students. We are committed to supporting you from application to graduation. Cultural diversity and creating global community are among our core values. We value the contributions you will make to our community; your unique history, religious traditions, and philosophical perspective; your experience. The combination of immersion in Buddhist education that is both rooted in tradition and grappling with modern application, coupled with the incredible beauty and unique culture of Portland, Oregon, creates an excellent environment for learning.
Summary of How to Obtain F-1 Visa Status to Attend Maitripa College
- Apply and be accepted for admission to Maitripa College
- Provide Maitripa College with documentation of sufficient financing for at least one year of study, including living expenses and tuition
- Maitripa College will issue you an I-20 document
- Sign your I-20 and apply for your F-1 visa at the US Consulate in your home country
After Receiving Your F-1 Visa
- Use your I-20 and F-1 visa to enter the US
- Upon arriving in Portland, check-in with the Maitripa College administrative office, bringing your passport, I-94, and I-20 documents.
- Receive information from our Administrative Office about your F-1 legal obligations
- You are responsible for maintaining your status and ensuring that you are able to complete your coursework
Your Responsibility
Maitripa College reports information to the Department of Homeland Security on a regular basis, but you are responsible for understanding your status, ensuring that you are in compliance with all laws, and maintaining your immigration status.
SEVIS Designated School Officials
- Linda Brown, PDSO (registrar@maitripa.org)
- Tiffany Patrella, DSO (studentservices@maitripa.org)
Resources
- How to Navigate the US Immigration System: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/#
- Study in the States: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students

