pro omnibus novis

I believe an MA from BC would be more valuable to an extent simply because it is a more prestigious, better recognized school. I did my MTS at Harvard Divinity and took 5 classes at BC during that time--an absolutely wonderful school (and, actually, 2/3 of my letters of recommendation came from BC faculty, even though I attended Harvard). That said, I chose to do my PhD at the GTU primarily for two reasons: the faculty resources were excellent for my research interests, and the area is simply fantastic. I'm glad to be here rather than there, but I'm also glad that I had the opportunity to study theology in that setting for a short time. I think both schools would be able to meet your research interests very well.

I apologize that I overlooked the fact that you had mentioned DSPT in your original post. Quite the contrary, I'd say that having an MA from the DSPT in particular would be to your advantage. The faculty at DSPT are excellent and you would, I believe, have little difficulty making the necessary "connections" (and conducting the requisite caliber of study) to assure a strong PhD application; in addition, as you mentioned, the GTU offers many resources for the study of Islam, and, with regard to philosophy, you can also attend classes at UC Berkeley (about 15 min. walk from DSPT). Keep in mind that, with regard to future PhD applications, the name of your master's institution is not quite so relevant as many think--a degree from Harvard will not by itself even almost assure acceptance to an Ivy League school, nor will a degree from Boston College even almost assure admittance to BC itself, Notre Dame, et al. A good transcript, solid scholarship, and creative research interests that "fit" with the faculty where you are applying are what will matter. In short, both BC and DSPT would be adequate. BC is indeed superior in terms of name recognition, but, as said above, that counts for only so much. If you feel confident in your ability creatively to engage your resources, and if you would indeed be better off financially attending DSPT during your master's, then I see no strong reason for choosing BC over DSPT. (Also to keep in mind is the fact that, whereas the BTI only offers one RC institution, the GTU offers three [Franciscan, Jesuit, and Dominican].) One question: in addition to comparative theology, what are your other interests?

If your main reason for attending BC would be the resources of the BTI, I'd choose the GTU. The institutions of the BTI are quite spread apart throughout the Boston area, and, while most places in the area are accessible via public transportation, you may find it a hassle to try and go back and forth. Most of the schools of the GTU, however, are within a few blocks of each other (and, yes, walking from place to place is wonderful on sunny and warm days, which are not at all uncommon in the area). Also, with regard to non-theological resources, you shouldn't forget that as a student of the GTU, you would have access to the faculty, course offerings, and libraries of UC Berkeley. One other thing to be said in behalf of the GTU is that, in my opinion, it more radically realizes religious diversity--you can keep your identity, but you'll be forced to do so in constant dialogue with contrasting perspectives. This, of course, is true to an extent of the BTI as well, but, in my experience, diversity is more pronounced at the GTU (perhaps it is simply because the schools are closer together). That said, for a master's degree, BC would perhaps be a wiser choice for at least two reasons. In the first place, the degree from BC will (I believe) be more valuable when it comes time to apply for PhD programs (but, you didn't say whether the master's your considering re the GTU is the GTU common MA, or, rather, a master's from one of the schools in particular--which could make a huge difference). And, secondly, funding will be more available at BC. I hope that helps.