RAMAKRISHNA
SEMINARY

Most courses consist of multiple modules. A module typically includes two hours of lecture or demonstration (usually presented as multiple 30 minute videos); interactive online instruction and discussion via webinar using Zoom or similar media, reading materials and possible assignments. The interactive webinars last between 60 to 90 minuets.  In general, a module will occur each week during the period of the course. Most courses contain 8 modules, but some may be shorter.

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Although informally in operation since 1993 Ramakrishna Seminary has begun offering formal distance learning courses to the wider spiritual community in 2019. To celebrate this new service venture, we are offering all courses at discounted tuition to our new students for the 2019/2020 school year.

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​Single-Themed Open Courses

Base cost per unit is $212. With the first year discount the price will be lowered to only $165 per unit.

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For example:  An 8 Module/3 Unit course would be $636, but with the first year discount the adjusted cost is $495

 

During the economic crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic, courses may be offered at greatly reduced prices.

 

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Certificate and Diploma Programs

For the first year program leading earning a Certificate in Hindu Studies and for the second year program leading to a Diploma in Applied Theology, the costs are basically the same: $2960 per year.

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• Application fee: Free

• Courses (from 40 to 53 module/units): $2560

• Access to restricted video-podcast lectures and interviews (independent of courses): fee waved for enrolled students

• Access to restricted online discussions on sacred literature (independent of courses): fee waved for enrolled students

• Fall Intensive Retreat: $200

• End of Year Intensive Retreat: $200

• Certificate/Diploma: no extra fee

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Cost for year-long year Certificate in Hindu Studies program: $2960

Cost for two year-long Diploma in Applied Theology program: $5920

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Prices are subject to change.

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Prorating

Students who takes one or more Open Course can later decide to sign up for the one-year Certificate or two year Diploma program. If accepted, students will receive a pro-rated tuition that will include a deduction of the courses already taken with the Certificate or Diploma discount pricing applied.

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Payment

A student must pay for Open Courses courses at least two days before they start.  Students committed to the Certificate or Diploma programs can pay the full tuition all at once or in several installments. All tuition and course fees are non-refundable after courses begin.

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Payment of fees can be made by check, credit card, PayPal or Venmo.

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Scholarships

It is our goal that no sincere student should be denied religious education and training due to limited finances. As such, we try to keep our tuition costs affordable. Scholarships will be considered for qualified individuals in the form of discounted tuition, donations from patrons, or from the Kali Mandir Scholarship Fund.

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Textbooks

Textbooks for your course may be purchased from any vendor or bookseller of your choice. Some may available online in downloadable formats for free or minimal costs. Students will also have free access to instructor-curated class readers that may contain collections of PDFs of articles, essays and selections from books and journals.

 

Retreats

Certificate and Diploma students are strongly encouraged to attend two Intensive Retreats each year at the Ramakrishna Seminary at Kali Mandir in Laguna Beach, California. The retreats lasts three days and occur over a weekend in late Fall and in early Summer and includes attending temple ceremonies, instruction in ritual and meditation, interactive classes, communal meals and fellowship with instructors and fellow students in the atmosphere of a traditional ashram.  Students are responsible for their own travel and local accommodations.

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Financial Aid

Students are not eligible for federal financial aid programs.