About SUA
Soka University of America is an independent, non-profit, public- benefit, co-educational, comprehensive institution of higher learning. SUA serves both national and international students. Founded on the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights and the sanctity of life, SUA is open to students of all beliefs and is committed to diversity in its academic community.
SUA is founded on the belief that student-centered education is the best way to promote peace and human rights by fostering a global humanistic perspective on the world in which we live. The university prepares students for graduate studies and the world of work in an increasingly diverse and global society.
Classrooms are centers of dialogue and discussion, emphasizing seminar course settings. Students have many opportunities to work in small teams in the classroom and with faculty on research projects, as well as with peers in residence hall learning activities. Advanced computing and networking capabilities are widely available in all buildings and outside gathering areas, supporting a laptop computer campus. Information technology facilitates student-faculty and student-student interactions.
SUA offers a B.A. in Liberal Arts, with concentrations in Environmental Studies, Humanities, International Studies, Life Sciences, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The SUA Graduate School offers a Master’s Program in Educational Leadership and Societal Change.
University Mission
The mission of Soka University of America is to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life.
University Mottos
- Be philosophers of a renaissance of life.
- Be world citizens in solidarity for peace.
- Be the pioneers of a global civilization.
University Principles
- Foster leaders of culture in the community.
- Foster leaders of humanism in society.
- Foster leaders of pacifism in the world.
- Foster leaders for the creative co-existence of nature and humanity.
University Values
Soka University is founded upon the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights and the sanctity of life. Educational objectives are fostered at the university through the commitment to rigorous academic endeavors, free and open dialogue, and an appreciation for human diversity. In the Buddhist view, education is an integrating process in which students gain an awareness of the interdependence of themselves, others and the environment. Wisdom, courage and compassion – values treasured by the university – do not exist in isolation. They emerge in individuals as they learn the importance of service to others, to the natural world around them, and to the great cause of peace and freedom.
Institutional Learning Outcomes
- To become integrative learners
- To become skilled in inquiry
- To become globally educated
- To become civically engaged