APPLY / FAQ

I am a research scholar in another discipline or religious tradition but would value the opportunity to engage in sustained interdisciplinary conversation with theologians and the Christian tradition in my work. Am I eligible to apply to CTI?
Yes. Applications are considered from those in all academic disciplines and religious traditions whose work would benefit from and contribute to the Center’s interdisciplinary conversations and investigations on theological questions.

I am very interested in the Center's interdisciplinary conversation on theological questions, but my own work is focused on a specific discipline. Would my application be welcome?
Yes. We use the word "interdisciplinary" to characterize the engagement of scholars from different academic fields, not to mean that one's research proposal must engage more than one field. While some members may work in more than one discipline, most are specialists in a given field who welcome the Center's interdisciplinary conversation with scholars from other fields.

I have a sabbatical coming up. Does CTI offer sabbatical accommodation?
No. Membership is granted solely for the purpose of pursuing advanced study in CTI’s program. Research proposals are considered on their academic merit, compatibility with the Center’s aim and contribution to its interdisciplinary Colloquium. Of course, scholars who wish to pursue advanced study in this unique environment are encouraged to use the opportunity of research leave from their institution to apply for resident membership.

I have just finished my Ph.D. and I would now like to prepare my dissertation for publication. Can I apply to CTI for that purpose?
No. We only consider applications from post-doctorate scholars with an advanced research record and agenda beyond their doctoral work and its publication. Please consider applying at a later stage in your academic career and research work.

I applied last year but was not accepted. May I resubmit last year’s application?
No. You must complete the application and supporting documents again.

I am a CTI Member. May I apply for another period of residency?
In principal, yes, but the Center gives priority to suitably qualified first-time applicants.

Do you provide stipends?
No. While we provide accommodation for a subsidized rent and an office at Luce Hall, we expect scholars to apply for funding either from their home institutions or external grant-making institutions. We do offer two fellowships to qualified applicants, the William H. Scheide Fellowship and the J. Houston Witherspoon Fellowship.

What is the William H. Scheide Fellowship?
The William H. Scheide Fellowship in Theology was established by a gift from Dr. William Scheide, a founding trustee of the Center. An exceptional candidate in theology may be designated as the Scheide Fellow and partially supported by income from this gift.

What is the J. Houston Witherspoon Fellowship?
The fellowship was established by a gift from the late J. Houston Witherspoon of St Louis, Missouri, to further conversation between theology and natural science. An exceptional candidate in theology, one of the natural sciences, or philosophy may be designated as the Witherspoon Fellow and partially supported by income from this gift.

What should I do if one of my referees does not complete their letter on time?
It is your responsibility to make sure that three completed letters are submitted by the November 15 deadline.

One of my referees does not use email. What should I do?
Download and print the form and send it to them in hard copy. Have them mail it to Applications, Center of Theological Inquiry, 50 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540.