Official emblem of Atlantic School of Theology

Atlantic School of Theology

Halifax, Canada Founded 1971

Updated Sep 2026

Overview

English Name: Atlantic School of Theology
Acronyms: AST
Founded: 1971
Institution Type: University
Atlantic School of Theology community on campus
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Atlantic School of Theology (AST) is an ecumenical school of theology and Christian ministry in Halifax, Nova Scotia, located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq Peoples.

AST was formed when representatives of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Roman Catholic Church, and the United Church of Canada signed an agreement on March 29, 1971, combining three existing theological schools: the Faculty of Divinity of the University of King's College (Anglican), Holy Heart Theological Seminary (Roman Catholic), and Pine Hill Divinity Hall (United Church). The Nova Scotia Legislature formally incorporated AST as an independent, degree-granting university on June 28, 1974.

AST's campus is at 660 Francklyn Street in Halifax. The school is governed jointly by its three founding denominations, with tri-denominational representation across its board, faculty, and curriculum.

Its Master of Divinity and Master of Arts (Theology and Religion) programs, plus its distance-education offerings, are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools; its undergraduate Bachelor of Theology is accredited by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission.

Since March 2002, AST has been formally affiliated with Saint Mary's University, sharing some academic programming and campus services while each institution remains independently degree-granting. Alongside its degree programs, AST offers diploma and certificate options, including part-time and distance formats, for students pursuing lay and ordained ministry.

Location & Contact

Planning a visit to Atlantic School of Theology or following up with admissions? Location and contact details are listed below. Admissions email typically replies within 5–10 business days during peak season.

Map:
Phone: +9024236939
Fax: +9024236939
Social Media:

Academic Details

A quick read on Atlantic School of Theology's academic vitals — enrolment counts, faculty makeup, and recognition status. The combination determines class sizes, faculty access, and credential portability.

Admission Requirements: Admission requirements vary by programme. The Bachelor of Theology requires a completed high school diploma (including English 12) or equivalent with a minimum B average (70% or better). Graduate programmes — Master of Divinity, Master of Arts (Theology and Religion), and the Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies — require a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a minimum B average; MA applicants may alternatively hold a Master of Divinity or a related theology degree. Diploma programmes (Theological Studies, New Evangelization, Intergenerational Faith Formation, Pastoral Ministry) require only a high school diploma or equivalent. Applications include reference letters, transcripts, and programme-specific forms; the MA additionally requires a writing sample and letter of intent. English is the language of instruction; applicants must be fluent, but AST publishes no minimum IELTS, TOEFL or other standardized English test score at any level. International applicants meet the same academic requirements and pay a $5,000 CAD non-refundable admission deposit once accepted.

Programs Offered

Every programme Atlantic School of Theology currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable. Status and intake details vary by programme — verify with the institution before committing to applications.

9 programmes on record. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada

Bachelor's Degree 1 programme

Master's Degree 3 programmes

Certificate 1 programme

Diploma 3 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate 1 programme

How to apply to Atlantic School of Theology

A short guide to applying to Atlantic School of Theology — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Atlantic School of Theology runs 9 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Before applying to Atlantic School of Theology, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Canada.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Atlantic School of Theology's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.astheology.ns.ca). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +9024236939. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Atlantic School of Theology

Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Atlantic School of Theology, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.

When did Atlantic School of Theology open?

Atlantic School of Theology traces its founding to 1971 (approximately 55 years ago).

Where is Atlantic School of Theology located?

Atlantic School of Theology is located in Halifax, Canada.

How do I find Atlantic School of Theology online?

The institution's website is www.astheology.ns.ca.

Top-Ranked Universities in Canada

Research output among Canada's top universities sets the publication-and-citation upper bound. Comparing Atlantic School of Theology's research output to this benchmark gives a fair institutional read.

Faculties at nearby universities

Public transport hubs near Atlantic School of Theology affect access to all the universities below similarly. Major transit nodes often correlate with where the cluster of institutions is densest.

Where Else to Study Religious Studies

Below: institutions across Canada that offer Religious Studies, providing comparison points for Atlantic School of Theology's programme. Variations in elective range, placement support, and credential portability are worth examining carefully.

Universities Compared with Atlantic School of Theology

Cross-peer scholarship reciprocity exists in some systems where peer institutions accept each other's scholarship students. Worth checking for Atlantic School of Theology if location flexibility matters.

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