Myanmar Institute of Theology (formerly Burma Divinity School-BDS) was opened in June 1927, and shortly thereafter became affiliated with the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary of Chicago, Illinois,USA. This affiliation continued until the time of the Second World War, making it possible for all graduates who had satisfactorily completed their courses of study be granted a B.th degree. Beginning with the year 1955, BDS has similar affiliation with Central Baptist Seminary, Kansas City, MO, USA. This affiliation continued until 1960, after with the seminary granted degrees on its own.