Your calling is uniquely your own.

Discernment

Vocation does not mean a goal that I pursue. It means a calling that I hear. Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am. I must listen for the truths and values at the heart of my own identity, not the standards by which I must live—but the standards by which I cannot help but live if I am living my own life.

– Parker Palmer in “Let Your Life Speak”

Your typical day at STH (as if there is such a thing!) might involve exploring devotional music of the early 20th century and planning a service around it. Or a chat about spiritual traditions of US immigrants on the way to a class in comparative religion. Or a friendly debate about ethics over dinner. Or all three. Or not. The point is, there is a wide range of academic and community opportunities for just about everyone—your experience will be individualized. So, spend a few minutes with our Discernment Tool. Once you answer the questions, we’ll show you resources at STH that are likely to interest you and help you make a positive difference. We look forward to learning more about you!

Discernment

Your Path at STH

Here are programs of study and resources of the School of Theology community that may well appeal to you. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Other Program

Spiritual Direction Training

Do you find yourself speaking with others about their spiritual journey? Would you like to help coach people toward a deeper understanding of themselves and God? Spiritual Direction training, available through BUSTH and our partners, can prepare you to be a Spiritual Director, providing one-on-one or small group support to spiritual seekers.

Other Program

Special Student Enrollment

Not sure that you want to enter a degree program, and just want to take a couple classes in a subject that interest you? Special Students are non-degree enrollees who enjoy the benefits of coursework without needing to fulfill the requirements of a program. Take a class of your choosing and experience our learning community as a Special Student.

Degree Program

Religious Leadership Concentration

Master of Sacred Theology

STM

Do you have a previous theological master’s degree, but crave more education around a particular aspect of ministry? The completely-customizable curriculum of the STM provides the flexibility to study your own interests.

Degree Program

Military Chaplaincy

Master of Sacred Theology

STM

If you are a military chaplain seeking further study, our STM provides a customizable one-year curriculum perfect for an education furlough. Concentrate on pressing issues confronting military chaplains, such as trauma healing, conflict transformation, interfaith ministry, spiritual formation, pastoral care, ethics, and leadership.

Degree Program

Disciplinary Concentration

Master of Sacred Theology

STM

Would you like to concentrate your studies on a particular field of academic interest? If so, the disciplinary track STM might be for you. This second-level master’s is also a good preparatory degree program for a future PhD.

Degree Program

Master of Sacred Music

MSM

You understand the vital role the arts play in traditional and emerging religious settings and congregations. The MSM curriculum emphasizes musical excellence in organ performance or choral conducting, the liturgical arts, and sacramental theology.

Dual Degree

Master of Divinity and Master of Sacred Music

MDiv/MSM

Develop your gift of organ performance or choral conducting at a professional level while also preparing for a dual ministry in areas such as church music and pastoral counseling, a position on a large church staff, or for a comprehensive ministry as both pastor and church musician in a smaller church.

Dual Degree

Dual Degree with Master of Social Work

Master of Divinity

MDiv and MSW

Social work is a growing field with interests that intersect with 21st century religious leadership. This dual degree program provides the theological education of the Master of Divinity alongside the Master of Social Work’s urban practice, which can lead students to both ordination and licensure as an LCSW. Earn both degrees in only four and a half years.

Certificate

Graduate Certificate in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (GRS)

Students in the Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, or Master of Sacred Music degree programs can add this certificate program, offered through BU’s Graduate Consortium in Women’s Studies, onto their curriculum for no additional cost. This four-course certificate focuses on feminist, womanist, queer, and gender-related theories and their intersections.

Dual Degree

Dual Degree with Master of Social Work

Master of Theological Studies

MTS and MSW

If you have a heart for social justice and desire to directly affect change with marginalized communities, the dual MTS and MSW might be the right program for you. The MTS’s curricular flexibility allows you to probe the origins of poverty and injustice while the MSW provides urban social work practice and a track toward licensure. Graduate from both degrees in only three and a half years.

Degree Program

Doctor of Philosophy

PhD

The BU School of Theology PhD is a research doctorate for students wishing to enhance their knowledge and competence in teaching and research and to contribute to scholarship in a specialized area of theological studies. You’ll train not only in your field of specialization, but also in teaching and research, preparing you for scholarship and teaching at a broad range of institutions.

Degree Program

Doctor of Ministry

DMin

Anyone can become a transformational leader. You first need the desire to build new skills and explore new ideas, to understand your community and know its strengths and needs, and a willingness to see possibilities for transformative change – the Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership can help you get there!

Other Program

Continuing Scholar Program

Do you have a previous theological degree and want to take classes informally, just for your personal growth and edification? As a continuing scholar, you can study with our world-class faculty and students in an intellectually challenging and spiritually rewarding atmosphere for a reduced cost. Continuing scholars can take regular BU School of Theology courses for continuing education credit, too.

Other Program

Contextual Education

Our Contextual Education office pairs students with a variety of internship, ministry, research, travel, and contextual study opportunities to enhance their programs with real-world experience. No matter your vocational calling, we can help you gain the practical skills and connections necessary for you to take your next steps beyond graduation.

Certificate

Certificate in Spiritual Formation

Spiritual direction is a field that provides one-on-one or small group care to those in spiritual discernment. This certificate can provide training to become a spiritual director, as well as a robust understanding of the history of Judeo-Christian spirituality.

Certificate

Certificate in Religious Leadership

This certificate can be added to any Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, or Master of Sacred Music program for no additional cost. It provides students concentrated work in religious education practice and human development theory, which serves well those preparing for local church leadership, adult religious education, camp and outdoor ministry, or youth and children’s ministry.

Certificate

Certificate in Religion & Conflict Transformation

The Certificate in Religion and Conflict Transformation is an acknowledgment of a student’s interests, efforts and focuses within their program, integrating theology, theory, and practice of faith-based conflict transformation. This certificate is awarded by the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium (BTI) in recognition of courses taken in Religion and Conflict Transformation at BTI schools.

Certificate

Certificate in Music Ministry

Certificates from the School of Theology help you deepen your knowledge and expertise in a particular area and to document your specialized preparation for ministry. This particular certificate can help students with a natural inclination toward music learn liturgical history and sensibility, hymnology, and musical repertoire for the sake of enhancing their worship leadership.

Certificate

Certificate in

International Mission and Ecumenism

Students with an eye toward global Christianity and mission will benefit from adding this certificate program to their master’s degree curriculum. The program gives special emphasis to the meaning and effectiveness of mission and faith-based NGO movements in a post-colonial, interconnected world.

Certificate

Certificate in Fundraising Management

This certificate is offered through BU’s Metropolitan College and can be added onto the School of Theology’s Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, or Master of Sacred Music programs for no extra cost. It offers students the practical skills necessary to manage finances and fundraise for non-profit institutions – extremely important skills for any 21st century religious leader to have.

Certificate

Certificate in Evangelism

Certificates from the School of Theology help you deepen your knowledge and expertise in a particular area and to document your specialized preparation for ministry. Those with an interest in 21st century Evangelism, post-colonial Mission, social justice outreach, or new/emerging church movements would benefit from this certificate.

Degree Program

Religion and Public Leadership

Master of Arts

MARPL

Our fully online Master of Arts in Religion and Public Leadership (MARPL) degree program will prepare you to lead confidently and faithfully in religious spaces. Develop expertise for interests like ecological faith and justice, the art of conflict transformation, and disability and ministry.

Degree Program

Master of

Theological Studies

MTS

Our Master of Theological Studies program lets students guide their studies toward their unique academic goals and interdisciplinary interests.

Degree Program

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Open Track

Master of Divinity

MDiv

Those looking for vocational discernment and preparation in a wide range of theological topics should choose this track.

Degree Program

Chaplaincy Track

Master of Divinity

MDiv

Chaplaincy is a fast-growing field of ministry. Our program offers training for many different chaplaincy settings.

Degree Program

Ecclesial Ministry Track

Master of Divinity

MDiv

Calling to local church ministry? The MDiv Ecclesial Ministry Track is most often selected by prospective students seeking ordination and church ministry service.

Featured Faculty

Choi Hee An

Clinical Associate Professor of Practical Theology; Director of the Anna Howard Shaw Center

Featured Faculty

Chris R. Schlauch

Associate Professor, Counseling Psychology and Religion, Psychology of Religion

Featured Faculty

Christopher H. Evans

Professor of History of Christianity and Methodist Studies

Featured Faculty

Andrew Shenton

Professor of Music, James R. Houghton Scholar of Sacred Music; Director, MSM Program

Featured Faculty

Bryan P. Stone

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism; Co-Director of the Center for Practical Theology

Featured Faculty

Charlene Zuill

Director of Spiritual Life, Lecturer in Spiritual Formation

Featured Faculty

Christopher Boyd Brown

Associate Professor of Church History

Featured Faculty

Claire Wolfteich

Professor of Practical Theology and Spirituality Studies, Co-Director of the Center for Practical Theology

Featured Faculty

Courtney T. Goto

Associate Professor of Religious Education, Co-Director of the Center for Practical Theology

Featured Faculty

Cristian De La Rosa

Associate Dean for Students and Community Life; Clinical Assistant Professor of Contextual Theology and Practice

Featured Faculty

Dana L. Robert

William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor, Director of the Center for Global Christianity and Mission

Featured Faculty

David Schnasa Jacobsen

Bishops Scholar Emeritus in Homiletics and Preaching; Director, Homiletical Theology Project, Retired

Featured Faculty

Filipe Maia

Assistant Professor of Theology

Featured Faculty

Karen B. Westerfield Tucker

Professor of Worship

Featured Faculty

Katheryn Pfisterer Darr

Harrell F. Beck Professor of Hebrew Scripture

Featured Faculty

Luis Menéndez-Antuña

Assistant Professor of New Testament

Featured Faculty

Nicolette D. Manglos-Weber

Associate Professor of Religion & Society; Director of STH Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Featured Faculty

Nimi Wariboko

Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics

Featured Faculty

Rady Roldán-Figueroa

Professor of the History of Christianity

Featured Faculty

Rebecca Copeland

Assistant Professor of Theology

Featured Faculty

Robert Allan Hill

Dean of Marsh Chapel, Chaplain to the University, Professor of New Testament and Pastoral Theology

Featured Faculty

Shelly Rambo

Professor of Theology

Featured Faculty

Shively T. J. Smith

Associate Professor of New Testament; Director, PhD Program

Featured Faculty

Steven J. Sandage

Albert and Jessie Danielsen Professor of Psychology of Religion and Theology

Featured Faculty

Wanda J. Stahl

Clinical Assistant Professor of Contextual Theology and Practice, Director of Contextual Education and Congregational Partnerships; Retired

Featured Faculty

Wesley J. Wildman

Professor of Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics, and of Computing and Data Sciences

Featured Alum

Ryan Pitts

STH '09

Business Development Manager at America’s Charities

Identity Student Groups

Wesleyan Student Association

The Wesleyan Student Association facilitates professional and spiritual development of those who claim John Wesley and Methodism as part of their religious heritage, and those who are interested in it. The group shares monthly meals, provides support for ordination candidates, and hosts speakers and public forums.

Quality

Urban Environment

Boston University sits at the very heart of this vibrant city, and STH sits at the heart of the University. We aren’t cloistered from the needs of the community. Students encounter issues every day and bring them up in our classrooms. Then, informed by their studies and experiences, those students take their learning into places where their ministry deeply matters.

Denominational Resource

UCC Community of Learning

A collaboration with the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ, the UCC Community of Learning at the School of Theology is open to students from all UCC conferences. Its mission is to form a community of students, faculty, and staff dedicated to nurturing and preparing United Church of Christ students for future leadership and service in and through the church.

Quality

Travel Seminars

Learning outside of the classroom offers our students opportunities to cultivate a true community across differences. Travel seminars are taken for credit, and destinations featured for this year include Cuba, the Arizona-Mexico border, the Balkans, and Peru.

Center or Institute

Tom Porter Religion and Conflict Transformation Program

The Tom Porter Religion and Conflict Transformation Program prepares religious leaders to become a source for justpeace in a multicultural, multifaith world. Through courageous and imaginative action, the Program integrates theology, theory, and practice of faith-based conflict transformation.

Center or Institute

Theology and the Arts Initiative

The Religion and the Arts Initiative aggregates the many resources available for studying the arts at Boston University, so that students at the School of Theology can utilize them. This includes access to university courses, experiences, and lectures, as well as yearly contests to spark seminarians’ creative energy around various artistic media such as poetry, photography, literature, and musical composition.

Identity Student Groups

ThECOlogy (Ecological justice club)

Your passion for eco-justice is shared by many at the School of Theology. Incorporating spiritual discipline, personal transformation, and activism, ThECOlogy seeks to discern prophetic discipleship in the face of ecocide and issues of eco-justice. They work with BU groups, local parishes, and communities to promote green curricula and awareness.

Quality

Spiritual Life

You are invited to bring your own definition of “Spiritual Life” and spiritual practices into our School of Theology community. Here, we seek to encourage your spirit in the midst of the academic environment.

Quality

Seminary Singers

Calling all choir members, singers, and musicians! The Seminary Singers is a volunteer choir that has an 80-year history here at the School of Theology, and we meet each week to provide an anthem during weekly worship. We sing many different styles of music from different countries, representing the diversity in both the Seminary Singers and at STH.

Identity Student Groups

School of Theology Student Association

The School of Theology Student Association (STHSA) is made up of elected student representatives, and our primary responsibility is to advocate for the needs of students and their experiences in our community. We welcome students who want to lead and serve this community while learning here!

Identity Student Groups

Raíces Latinx Student Association

The Raíces Latinx Student Association is a place of both student and faculty support and discussion for students who are from, or share the culture of, any Latin American country. Programs bring the heritages of Latinx people to the wider STH community.

Identity Student Groups

Korean Students Association

Many of our Korean students here at the School of Theology originally come from Korea and share the same cultural background. This group provides community and support to help students retain friendships and culture, as well as a welcoming space to express concerns.

Interdisciplinary Study

Interdisciplinary study infuses every aspect of a Boston University School of Theology education. Here academic disciplines don’t rest in the silos of their own making, but instead engage questions that bridge disciplines and seek to answer real-world questions. If your interests are broad and span a variety of fields, don’t worry! You can do that work here, utilizing all the resources of Boston University. Up to one-third of coursework in most programs can be taken outside the School of Theology in other relevant fields such as Public Health, Sociology, Education, Communications, International Relations, Gender and Sexuality Studies, or Social Work.

Quality

Howard Thurman Papers Project

Howard Washington Thurman played a leading role in many social justice movements and organizations of the 20th century, was dean of BU Marsh Chapel during the 1950s, a key mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr., and was one of the principal architects of the modern, nonviolent civil rights movement. The Howard Thurman Papers Project was founded in 1992 to preserve and promote Thurman’s important vast documentary record, which spans 63 years and consists of approximately 58,000 items of correspondence, sermons, unpublished writings, and speeches.

Our School's History and Legacy

Our seminary was formed in 1839 by a group of abolitionist pastors who wanted to marry academic rigor with a call to social reform. 180 years later, we still maintain that call. To us, academic excellence includes a desire to study the real-world issues that arise in 21st century society.

Quality

Faith and Ecological Justice Program

In the Faith and Ecological Justice Program, your passion for ecological justice is met with meaningful and effective work in faith-based environmental initiatives, and the rich depth of religious resources needed for this work.

Cohort Support Dmin

Flexible Curriculum

What good is having the interdisciplinary breadth available to students at BU School of Theology without a curriculum flexible to cross-register and enjoy it? Our faculty asked the same question and engineered our programs to allow for one-third of credits to be taken outside the School of Theology through Boston University or the Boston Theological Interfaith Consortium. There’s no end to the cross-disciplinary research and preparation students find here.

Quality

Community

Each student brings with them their own understanding and practices of spirituality and community. Enhance your personal formation by taking advantage of all STH has to offer you outside of the classroom.

Center or Institute

Center for Practical Theology

The Center for Practical Theology (CPT) seeks to provide a bridge between the scholarly resources, questions, and insights of a university-based theological seminary and the wisdom, questions, and traditions of communities of faith.

Center or Institute

Center for Global Christianity and Mission

Thoughtful engagement with multiple cultures around the world is at the heart of the vision for the Center for Global Christianity and Mission. Priorities for the Center include conducting research and to produce scholarly resources on Christian engagement across cultural and religious boundaries, and reflecting on what it means to be a global church.

Quality

BU Libraries

Students can enjoy the considerable resources of the School of Theology’s own library, with a footprint that spans the entire second floor of our building or explore BU’s wider library resources. These include 13 on-campus specialty libraries (in disciplines such as Law, Anthropology, African Studies, Education, and Music) and a robust online catalog that makes serious research possible even while off-campus.

Identity Student Groups

Association of PhD Students

The Association of PhD Students (APS) facilitates the social and intellectual support of PhD students here at the School of Theology. Through meetings, colloquia, and events, APS seeks to develop meaningful relationships among its members and within the STH community.

Identity Student Groups

Association of Black Seminarians

The Association of Black Seminarians (ABS) at STH is comprised of Black students from the African Diaspora (Americas, Africa, Caribbean) who share a common heritage and culture. Our group seeks to develop and maintain a community committed to a sound theological education that includes a relationship to the Black experience.

Center or Institute

Anna Howard Shaw Center

Named after the Rev. Dr. Anna Howard Shaw, a Methodist minister, medical doctor, and suffragist, the Center provides research, education, support, advocacy, and fellowship for women who are dedicated to making a difference.

Denominational Resource

Anglican Episcopal Community of Learning

The Anglican Episcopal Community of Learning (AECL) at the School of Theology is a collaboration with the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and other interested dioceses, churches, and organizations that wish to network and partner with the School. Its mission is to form a community of students, faculty, and staff dedicated to nurturing and preparing Episcopalians and other Anglicans for future leadership and service in and through the church.

Identity Student Groups

Southern Fried Theologians

Originally formed by southeastern US transplants, this group welcomes anyone interested in a little Southern hospitality in Boston. The “Feast of the Holy Biscuit” road trip and a winter clothing shopping excursion are annual highlights.

protest immigrant ban

Social Justice

Social justice isn’t just a buzzword here. Our founders were abolitionist ministers who married academic rigor with concerned social action, and left for us the legacy to which we strive even today. From real-world questions raised in our classrooms to the stated principles that maintain our life together as a community, social justice undergirds much of what we do here. We don’t believe it’s cliche to try to change the world.

Quality

Academic Rigor

As a seminary embedded in an “R1” research university, we enjoy a level of academic discourse and resources beyond that of many theological schools. Our world-class faculty are thought-leaders in the field, and yet still view teaching – not just research – as a primary part of their vocation. This means students enjoy the conceptual fruits of a rigorous academic education alongside the robust advising and mentoring of stellar faculty.

Center or Institute

Boston Theological Institute

Nine theological schools are at your fingertips with the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium. Free cross-registration and shared library privileges are just two of the benefits of being part of this interfaith partnership through STH.

Quality

DACA and Immigrants’ Rights Concerns Working Group (DIRC)

DACA students are welcome at the Boston University School of Theology, and make up some of our most dynamic graduates. As such, we take seriously the unique legal, financial, and social needs that can arise for DACA students. Our DACA and Immigrants Rights Concerns (DIRC) Working Group have identified resources within BU and wider Boston that can help provide our DACA students support in these areas.

Identity Student Groups

UU Students Group

BUU

UU students at STH support one another in spiritual growth and vocational discernment, and serve as ambassadors of the UU Community to STH.

Quality

Diversity Statement

Inspired by the University’s Statement on Diversity, we at the School of Theology seek to cultivate a culture that upholds the dignity of individual and communal differences in the human family, including: life experience, race, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, physical ability, learning differences, faith tradition, religious belief, theological diversity, social and political perspectives, class, immigration status, and language

United Methodist Studies

BU School of Theology was founded in 1839 as the first Methodist seminary. Our UMC heritage is strong, and students in that tradition can find resources for not only their education and ordination preparation, but also their formation within Wesleyan spirituality.

Identity Student Groups

(LGBTQIA+ and allies)

Sacred Worth

You are of Sacred Worth! This group for the LGBTQIA+ population and its allies serves as a community of support for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities wishing to partake in God’s creation and building community. We also work for full inclusion and recognition of its liturgical traditions and other ecclesial gifts in the academy and the parish.

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