FAQ Boston Theological Institute (BTI)

1) Is the BTI a school?
No. The BTI is a theological consortium that fosters cross-registration into nine graduate schools of theology. By virtue of its arrangements, BTI provides access to students, faculties and staff to library materials, field education opportunities and other resources. Certain areas of programming among all schools or a sub-set of schools are entered into on a cooperative basis.

2) Are BTI member schools graduate or undergraduate institutions?
All the BTI Schools are graduate schools of theology, university divinity schools, schools of theology and seminaries located in the Greater Boston Area.

3) What academic degrees do the BTI Schools offer?
Students pursue masters and doctoral degrees appropriate to the respective institutions. (See elsewhere on this website or member school websites and bulletins.)

4) Does the BTI offer degrees?
No. The BTI does not offer any degrees as such. The BTI does offer two non-degree certificates in recognition of demonstrated engagement and study of “international mission and ecumenism.” and “religion and conflict transformation.”

5) How can students take advantage of the consortium?
Students can take advantage of the consortium 1) by cross-registering into other member schools, 2) by using of the resources of all consortium libraries and 3) by having access to joint faculty on advanced degree committees. Additionally, students from different schools may join together in common projects for applied learning on issues of human rights, environmental stewardship, etc.

6) How do I stay informed about BTI activities and opportunities?
By visiting the online calendar and E-Newsletter which highlights events in the schools for general information.

7) How do faculties and administrators in the schools take advantage of the consortium?
Faculties are frequently involved in colloquia organized by academic disciplines. They may share in the instruction of given courses and often serve as advisors for programming. Administrators share together in joint working groups and can determine institutional strategy in relation to cooperative planning.

8) What is the strategic value of the Boston Theological Institute?
The Mission Statement of the consortium provides a vision of its purpose and of the intent of the Board of Trustees. It serves as a guide to current planning.

9) Do I need to apply to the BTI to enjoy the resources of the schools and of the consortium?
No. You do this by becoming a member – student, faculty or staff – of any one of the BTI schools.