Why Choose CSTM?
Why Choose CSTM?
We're a school of both theology and ministry—a place where thought and practice meet to form a full picture of faith leadership. Here, you’ll engage in theological study at the highest level, but you'll also connect to active ministry in local and global communities as you discern the role that God is calling you to play in today's world.
Home to the largest library of Catholic literature and the largest theology faculty in North America, Boston College is a global hub for ministerial and theological education. CSTM faculty are known for their expertise in contemporary Church matters, doctrine, and liturgy, as well as social, racial, and environmental justice.
In addition to all that CSTM and Boston College offer, you can also take courses at 10 different area schools through the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium, the world's largest theological consortium.
#10
51²è¹Ý's global ranking for Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies
(QS World University Rankings 2023)
300,000
volumes in our Theology & Ministry Library, the largest collection of Catholic literature outside of the VaticanÂ
73
theology faculty members at 51²è¹Ý, the largest theology faculty in North America
300+
courses per semester to choose from between CSTM, the 51²è¹Ý Theology Department, and the BTI Consortium
STM students enjoy the tight-knit community of a small graduate school and the resources of a world-class research university, including Boston College's robust alumni network and opportunities for leadership and service through Campus Ministry and 51²è¹Ý's Office of Graduate Student Life.
Our community aims to embody St. Paul's vision of unity in diversity. Students range in age from 21 to 76 and hail from more than 30 countries. They include single and married lay students of diverse faith traditions, Jesuits and members of other religious orders, women religious, recent graduates, and professionals of all backgrounds.
The CSTM Student Forum is home to a wide range of student organizations, including identity-based affinity groups, the Interreligious Engagement Group, the student academic journal Lumen et Vita, and so much more.
“Faculty, administrators, staff, students, and alumni are invested and involved in the greater CSTM community. Part of forming community depends on people's openness, their resiliency, and their interest, not only in being in community, but creating the conditions for authentic friendships that will go into the future. I believe that's one of the most powerful aspects of the CSTM community.”
Our commitment to the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis—care for the whole person—is infused throughout our programs. Through curricula, spiritual direction, daily liturgies, retreats, and everyday interactions, we cultivate every student's intellectual, spiritual, professional, and social growth.
This integrated approach to formation includes robust career and graduate school preparation, individual mentorship, career workshops, and alumni connections. 95% of our graduates—and 100% of those who participate in our career workshops—find a placement within six months of graduation.
Mentorship and care are at the core of the CSTM experience. Faculty and staff offer encouragement and wisdom throughout your formation journey, helping you prepare to serve and lead within the Church and beyond.
Intellectual Formation
Rigorous scholarship is central to our mission but doesn't occur in a vacuum—you'll be prepared with a view that what you learn has an impact on the rest of the world.
Ministerial Formation
You'll be challenged to refine your ministry skills and grow through new pastoral experiences. Students serve as leaders on campus and in parishes across Boston.
Spiritual Formation
Theology is not just an academic study—it's a spiritual pursuit that concerns one's whole being. Grow and reflect through prayer, worship, retreats, and spiritual direction.
Academic excellence, caring community, and integrated student formation are just the beginning of what makes CSTM truly distinct.