BTI Certificate

The Nature of the Certificate: The certificate in Religion and Conflict Transformation is awarded by the Boston Theological Institute in recognition of courses taken in Religion and Conflict Transformation at the schools of the Institute.

Summary of Requirements:

1.    Core Course: Students will enroll in the following core course at Boston University School of Theology, or their equivalent:

The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation: Creating a Culture of JustPeace (STH TS 805)

2.    Certificate Electives: Three additional courses which focus on religion and conflict transformation studies or religious peacebuilding in the following areas: conflict studies, spiritual formation of peacebuilders, trauma healing, human security, restorative justice, and interfaith dialogue. Electives include, for example: The Theology of Trauma Healing, The Principles and Practices of Restorative Justice, Spiritual Formation of Peacebuilders, Theologies of Dialogue.  Courses must meet the following two criteria, and be approved by the RCT Director.

  • Course has as one of its central purposes the study of one of the 6 themes;
  • Significant attention to analyzing religion in relation to conflict and/or conflict transformation.

3.   Annual Fall Retreats: The Fall Retreat is an all-day intensive led by an eminent scholar/practitioner in one of the program’s focal areas related to conflict transformation Since the first retreat in 2007, the annual retreat has been a rich opportunity for students as well as faculty and staff to gain new wisdom, new perspectives and new possibilities within the field, as well as an opportunity to get to know those students who are entering the program.  This occurs on a Saturday in September or early October. Attendance is required for those seeking a Certificate in Conflict Transformation.

4.  Annual Spring Capstone Circle: The Spring Capstone Circle is an opportunity for the RCT community to hear each graduating participant in the program share learnings from their study in the RCT Program as well as how these learnings will guide them in their work in the future.  These have been remarkable events, inspiring and educational.  In preparation for their presentation, each graduate writes an integrative paper that speaks to their particular journey in conflict transformation. Attendance at the Spring Capstone Circle is a required part of the certificate program.

5.   The Practicum: The Practicum is optional, and can be substituted for one of the RCT course electives. A practicum engages the student in hands-on learning experiences with an organization that is practicing conflict transformation/reconciliation/peacemaking.  It can be taken as a 4 credit course throughout the academic year, or during the summer.  Students interested submit an application to the RCT office the spring before the year of their anticipated placement.

6. Travel Seminar: A travel seminar can be substituted for one of the RCT course electives if the Travel Seminar has been approved by the RCT program. They are offered during January, March Spring Break, in May, or August.  Students must submit an application and attend several classes to prepare for the trip itself as well as classes after to debrief the experience.

How to Apply for the Certificate: Applications for the certificate are sent upon the student’s completion of the program’s requirements. (Note that this is a different form from the registration form above that the RCT Program asks interested students to fill out at the start of their studies at BU STH). Students in their final semester must fill out the BTI Certificate Application and send it to the RCT Program Administrator (rct@bu.edu).

Deadlines: December graduates must apply for the certificate by November 1st. For Spring graduates, applications must be received by April 1st.