recentgrad

My interests are still a bit nebulous (given the resources of my undergrad institution I could only pursue *theology* [as opposed to religious studies and philosophy] so far), but I am currently interested in Trinitarian theology, Christology, theological ethics, theological anthropology (including the interplay between the last two), the philosophy of religion as far as what I understand it to entail, and Islamic theology and philosophy. I also noticed you worte in your first post that "the degree from BC will (I believe) be more valuable when it comes time to apply for PhD programs" for why BC might be the better choice...any particular reason?

Thank you everyone for your responses! Regarding Pro Omnibus Novis, the Master's woud be from DSPT itself, rather than the Common MA...I'd be allowed to take up to 50% of my classes outside the school (rather than mandated to cross-register for 50% of my classes as is the case with the Common MA). I didn't consider that point before...I'm guessing it'd be to my disadvantage to have an MA from DSPT rather than the GTU as a whole?

...I guess I should add that I've wanted to live/study in CA for a long time now. It seems silly to give that influence in the discernment process, but is it?

I was accepted to both Boston College and the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, member schools of the BTI and the GTU, respectively. I want to get my MA/MTS in systematics (I'm particularly interested in Catholic systematic theology), but have been running in circles deciding between the two. While BC definitely has the name recognition, DSPT appears to be a very prestigious institution as well, if not as well known. Additionally the study of and inclusion of philosophy in theology is a priority of DSPT, whereas a current MTS student at BC told me philosophy is more on the periphery there (which I guess isn't a bad thing, but I see DSPT's approach as more beneficial to the aspiring theologian). The GTU also seems to allow for a more open window of study since so many religions are represented. Finally If I did expense projections correctly, the GTU would also be ~$5,000-$10,000 cheaper to attend/live at, start to (hopeful) finish. I got half-tuition scholarships to both places. Nevertheless for Catholicism, BC is a "flagship school" as my old professor described it to me, and I don't want to turn down the place if that's where I should be going, despite my inclinations towards DSPT. I know the BC offers comparative theology courses and I could take other classes within the BTI. Additionally, according to another of my old professors one of the world's prominent scholars of Islamic mysticism (a huge interest of mine) is currently at BC. The GTU, however, offers a center for Islamic Studies, so I'm wondering if that would allow for more opportunity. My interests are contradictory I guess, in that I want to study Catholicism while at the same time incorporating/studying other religions' theologies (particularly Islam), at least to a certain extent for comparative purposes, as well as to get a glimpse of the full breadth of theological thinking that's present in the world. As such I'm attracted to the situation I would have at being a DSPT student within the GTU, but at the same time BC being so well-known (as well as its very high PhD-program acceptance rate) has me very hesitant to turn it down. Would PhD programs not give me as much consideration if I applied from DSPT? They do have a lower PhD acceptance rate... I know the second I click "post" I'll realize I forgot to discuss a lot of other points of consideration, but I feel the above is a good framework of what I've been trying to make a decision on. Anyone able to help me out? Thanks in advance!