Visiting the School of Theology
Although a visit to the School is not necessary, it is often helpful in decision- making as applicants consider graduate theological study. We are happy to welcome prospective students to the School; significant others, family, and friends are also welcome to visit with you. There are two types of visitation days:
Catch-a-Glimpse Days for All Prospective Students
Each academic year the Admissions Office hosts “Catch-A-Glimpse” days especially for prospective students. A registration form for the next event will be posted once that date has been determined. The next Catch-a-Glimpse will take place in Spring 2012, details to follow.
Catch-a-Glimpse days offer the opportunity to visit classes, talk with faculty/students/staff, obtain information about financial aid/housing/life in Boston, meet other prospective students, tour the School, and meet with Admissions Office staff. If you would like to schedule an individual meeting with an Admissions Officer on a Catch-a-Glimpse Day, please let the Admissions Office know (sthadmis@bu.edu or 617-353-3036).
Individual Visits to the School of Theology
If the date of Catch-a-Glimpse is not convenient for you, most of the above activities can also be accomplished in an individual visit.
You are welcome to visit the School any time the University is open. The University is closed at night, on weekends, for all national holidays, and between Christmas Eve Day and New Year’s Day. The University is open during the summer; however, the School’s summer classes (from May to July) are very limited, and there are no classes offered by the School from July 4 through Labor Day. Please contact the office to see if classes are in session when you plan to visit.
Life in the Admissions Office is very active, and often staff time is booked ahead. In order to make the best use of your time, please contact us prior to your arrival at the School.
Certain considerations may help you to decide when in particular you would like to visit:
- Most of the core required courses for the Master’s level degree programs meet Tuesday through Thursday in the morning, beginning at 9 AM. Doctoral courses are more distributed throughout the day and week.
- On Wednesday at 11 AM there is a community worship service that all visitors are welcome to attend.
- On Wednesdays at Noon there is Community Lunch: a meal sponsored free-of-charge by one of the School’s student organizations. Speakers offer information and discussion on a topic of current interest during the meal. Prospective students are welcome to enjoy lunch with the community.
- Morning prayer is student-led and takes place from 8am until 8:30am each morning, Monday through Thursday in Muelder Chapel on the third floor of the School of Theology. If you arrive for your visit day early, you may want to take this opportunity to meet informally with current students and participate in the spiritual life of the community.
If you need accommodation in Boston, we recommend The Walker Center as a place to stay. This is an ecumenical conference center with a bed-and-breakfast component. While it is about 45 minutes from the School by subway, it is located in a very pleasant area and the rate is very inexpensive, especially by Boston-area standards. Many of our students live at the Center, so there may be opportunity to meet some of them. You can contact the Center at (617)969-3919 or at reservations@walkerctr.org
Other Boston accommodation can be found at www.boston.com.
We look forward to meeting you!