Boston College ranked 10th among universities worldwide in Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies in the 2020 QS World University Rankings, released today in London.
The Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies ranking is based on academic and employer reputation and global research impact. Boston College was one of only two Catholic institutions among the top 10 schools in the prestigious international survey, along with the University of Notre Dame.
The top 10 schools in the 2020 rankings are: University of Notre Dame, University of Oxford, Harvard University, Durham University, University of Cambridge, Yale University, Eberhard Karls Universit盲t T眉bingen, Duke University, University of Chicago, and Boston College.
Thomas Stegman, S.J., dean, School of Theology and Ministry
Richard Gaillardetz, chair, Theology Department; Joseph Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology
School of Theology and Ministry Dean Thomas Stegman, S.J., said BC鈥檚 strong showing in the rankings is a testament to the theological talent assembled at Boston College, and validates the University鈥檚 strategic objective to become the world鈥檚 leading Catholic university and theological center.聽聽
鈥淥ur faculty, along with colleagues in the Theology Department in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, are recognized leaders in their respective fields,鈥� said Fr. Stegman.聽 鈥淎t the STM, we are committed to excellence, theological scholarship in service of the Church, and to forming agents of transformation for ministry. It is gratifying to be recognized accordingly in the latest QS Rankings.鈥�
Theology Department Chair Richard Gaillardetz, the Joseph Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology, said the rankings reflect the hard work and commitment of BC Theology faculty to teaching, research, and service.
"The QS Rankings, which rate Boston College as one of the world's top graduate programs in theology, divinity, and ministry, simply confirms what those who are 聽part of the Boston College community already know鈥搕hat we have a world-class faculty and are successfully preparing future scholars to make a decisive contribution to the field of theology,鈥� said Gaillardetz. 聽
鈥淲hen you combine the stature of Boston College with the聽resources provided by the other schools in the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium, it becomes clear that there are few cities in the world that can match the opportunities the city of Boston affords for graduate study in theology.鈥�
Founded on the Brighton Campus of Boston College in 2007, the School of Theology and Ministry prepares lay and religious graduate students from throughout the world for careers and vocations within the Church. Its graduates pursue leadership positions where their theological foundation and professional preparation support mission-based careers. The STM places 98 percent of all its graduates in careers within six months of graduation.
The Theology Department provides undergraduate and graduate students with the knowledge and skills necessary for reasoned reflection on their values, faith, and tradition, as well as on the religious forces that shape our society and world. The department鈥檚 five primary areas of research include biblical studies, historical theology/history of Christianity, comparative theology, systematic theology, and theological ethics.
The QS Rankings are prepared by British firm Quacquarelli Symonds, which is considered to be among the most influential providers of international university rankings. Its Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies ranking was launched in 2017.
Jack Dunn | University Communications