Located in one of the original academic buildings on the Boston University Charles River Campus, the School of Theology is immediately next to Marsh Plaza, the geographical center and hub of Boston University’s main campus. Let’s take you floor to floor so you can discover our space!
Lower Level
Our LEED-certified Community Center on our lower level is the activity hub of STH – our weekly free community lunches and many of our special events are hosted in this familiar and newly renovated space. A private nursing room and wheelchair accessibility are also found on this level, along with several larger lecture-style classrooms.
Main Level
You will find all the major STH administrative offices on the main floor: the Deans’ Suite; Admissions, Registration & Financial Aid; Alumni & Development; Contextual Education; and the Center for Practical Theology. The gender-neutral bathroom (ours was one of the first on campus!), lockers available for each STH student, and additional classrooms are also located here.
Second Floor
The School of Theology Library occupies the whole second floor, and it is one of the quietest and best places to study on campus. Instructional classrooms and meeting rooms are available in the library as well.
Third Floor
The third floor boasts our prayer chapel, named for Dean Emeritus Walter D. Muelder, and the Anna Howard Shaw Center, named for our famous alum and suffragist. Muelder Chapel is a perfect site for prayer, reflection, and the weekly services hosted by the Spiritual Life Office, such as Tuesday Eucharist and SpiritualiTea. The charm of the chapel is due largely to the eight stained glass windows which recall the lives and legacies of outstanding Christian figures. Across the hall, the Anna Howard Shaw Center promotes structures and practices that empower women and honor diversity, and builds female empowerment through research, education, advocacy, and other support. The Center just celebrated its fortieth anniversary, and hosts a weekly lecture series which feature talks given by students or staff members regarding contemporary women’s issues. The remainder of the third floor includes the Center for Global Christianity and Mission, and offices of many of our faculty members.
Fourth Floor
It’s very likely that the fourth floor is where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s office was located during his doctoral studies at the School, according to campus tour guides. You’ll find many faculty members’ offices located on this floor.
Accesible Entrance
With the age of the building comes challenges. We are working with the University to better plan for students’ accessibility needs and to create a welcoming physical environment for all mobilities. Our accessible entrance is located on the lower level, and can be accessed via the courtyard between the School of Theology and the BU Law School. While all floors of the School are accessible via elevators, we realize it is a challenge for mobility-impaired students and visitors to access Marsh Plaza and Marsh Chapel next door. An Accessibility Fund was launched and championed by the Class of 2018 and continues to help STH raise the money needed to improve our accessibility.
