BTI or GTU?

[recentgrad]

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!

[recentgrad]

...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?

[sacklunch]

I just got done dealing with a similar problem. GTU offered me 75%, BC offered me 50%. I would MUCH rather live in the nicer weather of CA, but I was trying to pick the best "academic" reason for school and not have the location or cost (if only a couple grand overall, like you) effect my decision. I picked BC because of the BTI, its faculty, and looking through their course lists from the past year or two (and for the fall). Your interests are quite a bit different than mine, so I can't give my opinion on BC's systematic expertise. BC is much more recognized outside of theology, unlike GTU which is only a specialized school. If that matters to you then that's also a perk. I don't remember his name, but one of BC's faculty got his MA from GTU. I actually emailed him a couple months ago to get his opinion on "BC vs GTU." You might shoot him an email if your still having trouble deciding.

good luck,

-Nick

[sacklunch]

Also, through the BTI I have seen quite a few philosophy of X type of courses (I think many through Harvard). Check them out: http://www.bostontheological.org/bti_courses.html

[JonathanEdwards]

A previous poster had a good point regarding the difference between a degree from the very well-known Boston College and the unknown-outside-the-field GTU. I'd encourage you to look at the schools and their resources that make up the BTI and the GTU (which also favors BC).

[pro omnibus novis]

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.

[recentgrad]

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?

[pro omnibus novis]

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 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?

[recentgrad]

One question: in addition to comparative theology, what are your other interests?

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?

[pro omnibus novis]

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?

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.

[Postbib Yeshuist]

...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?

Never. If the schools are comparable (and the GTU is definitely a heavy-hitter in the field of theology), that's an important element. If you're unhappy where you are, how will you do well in your studies?

Edited June 9, 2010 by Postbib Yeshuist