Visiting Researchers

Outside faculty, scholars, and researchers can be invited by the School of Theology (STH) to serve as visiting researchers. The invitation and appointment is made through the office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Bryan Stone. Persons interested in seeking a visiting researcher appointment should be in direct contact with Dean Stone. The formal application must include (1) a copy of the researcher’s CV, (2) dates requested, (3) a rationale for appointment at the School of Theology, (4) and an acknowledgement that the researcher understands the School’s and the University’s regulations and fees. All appointments are subject to University regulations.

Visiting researchers pay a fee of $1,000 for an academic year. In cases where the length of stay will be less than a full academic year, the fee is $500 per semester or any part thereof. Most visitors are supported by funding sources in their home countries or through sabbatical leave salaries from their home institutions. Visiting researchers are provided access to the BU library system (excluding inter-library loan) and to the BU internet. No financial aid, stipends, offices, or housing are available for visiting scholars. Visiting researchers may audit School of Theology classes (and only School of Theology classes; not classes in the wider University) with permission of the instructor and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

International scholars whom we invite to visit will be provided with information about visas and other important details. They will also be asked to supply financial documentation to support their visa applications. Such documents must be originals, in English, which certify financial ability in terms of US dollars. In most cases, visiting researchers from outside the US will fall under the J1 Scholar classification. For more information pertaining to visas, including J1 financial requirements, please see the website of our International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO).

Given the general cost of living in the Boston area, prospective visitors should carefully plan their short-term housing and other living expenses. Some general information about Boston’s various neighborhoods can be found at Boston University’s ISSO website.

Related Resources

Recent Awards

Our faculty, students, and administrators are at the forefront of their fields of expertise. See the grant awards recently awarded to STH community members.

See Awards

Meet Our Faculty

Experts in a wide range of fields, our faculty is among the most published and cited in the country.

​See profiles