BTI Certificate

How to Participate:

Marsh Plaza, BU School of Theology

1. Register for the Religion and Conflict Transformation Program

The Religion and Conflict Transformation (RCT) Program is offered through the Boston University School of Theology. To sign-up for the RCT newsletter to receive updates about the program, please complete this RCT Registration Form. When you register for the program, you will be placed on our email list and invited to programming and events. The registration form also provides you with an opportunity to indicate your interest in the BTI/RCT Certificate.

2. Pursue a Certificate in Religion and Conflict Transformation

The Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium hosts the BTI/RCT Certificate. To learn how to meet the requirements for pursuing the Certificate in Religion and Conflict Transformation offered by the BTI, see the detailed list below or click here.  

3. Apply for the Certificate

To register to receive the certificate, please complete the Certificate Application Form. This Certificate Application should be completed in your final year of study.

 

Detailed Description of Requirements:

1. Inform your academic advisor about your interest in obtaining the RCT/BTI Certificate

2. Express your interest in the RCT Program by completing the RCT Registration Form. This enables you to receive emails about our events and invitations to RCT gatherings.

3. Enroll in BTI/RCT-approved Courses. This program is comprised of 12 credits worth of courses:

  • The RCT required core course, STH TS 805 The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation: Creating a Culture of JustPeace (3 credits; offered every Fall Semester at BU School of Theology)

  • Three additional course electives that 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. One of these courses may be an internship or Travel Seminar (9 credits)

    • The courses you choose to take must meet the following two criteria and be approved by the RCT Director and BTI Director:

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

    Click here to review the approved RCT Course List for the RCT Certificate (this link shows BU STH classes; please check the BTI website for updated course lists from other schools). If you would like to submit an alternative course for approval, please contact the RCT office at rct@bu.edu.

    Internship / Contextual Education: An RCT internship is optional, and can be substituted for one of the RCT course electives. An internship 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. Students can utilize their RCT internship for their Contextual Education requirement if planned with both the RCT Director and the Contextual Education Director.

    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), 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. Learn more about general BU STH Travel Seminars here.

    4. Attend the annual Fall Retreat and the Spring Capstone Colloquium.

      • 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 Friday or Saturday in September or early October. Attendance is required for those seeking a Certificate in Conflict Transformation.

      • Annual Spring Capstone Colloqium: The Spring Capstone Colloquium 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 and are consistently inspiring and educational. In preparation for their presentation, each graduate writes an integrative paper (10-12 pp) that speaks to their particular journey in conflict transformation. Attendance at the Spring Capstone Circle is a required part of the certificate program.

    5. During your final semester of study, please complete the Certificate Application Form.

    6. Write an integrative paper, 10-12 pages, that summarizes and reflects upon your learning and experience and understanding of religion and conflict transformation and how this will serve you in your vocation.

    7. Attend the half-day Capstone Seminar in April of the year you graduate to present your paper, where you will receive your certificate from the BTI and participate in a celebratory lunch.