About

AST signage

Atlantic School of Theology is an ecumenical school of theology and Christian ministry. It was founded in 1971 by institutions of the three founding parties: the Divinity Faculty of the University of King’s College (Anglican Church of Canada), Holy Heart Theological Seminary (The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Halifax) and Pine Hill Divinity Hall (United Church of Canada).

It is specially characterized as an ecumenical, tri-denominational theological school with an ecumenical Board of Governors, Senate, Faculty, student body, and curriculum.

The school is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and offers Master of Divinity and Master of Arts (Theology and Religion) degrees.

The Master of Arts (Theology and Religion) degree is offered in conjunction with Saint Mary's University. A Bachelor of Theology,  diploma programs, and Continuing Education offerings are also available.

 

Yes. Since March 2002, Atlantic School of Theology (AST) has been formally affiliated with Saint Mary’s University (SMU) in Halifax. While both remain independent institutions that grant their own degrees, they collaborate to offer joint academic programs and shared operational efficiencies.

What are the benefits of the AST-SMU partnership for students?

This strategic alliance strengthens the educational mission of both institutions, offering students unique opportunities such as:

Inter-Faith Dialogue: Students can explore theological education within a broader societal context, focusing on the growing importance of inter-religious and inter-faith engagement.

Joint Programming: Both institutions are committed to establishing and promoting joint and complementary academic courses and programs. 

How does the affiliation affect degree granting?

Each institution retains its independent status. This means that while you may take courses through a joint lens or access SMU resources, your degree will be granted specifically by Atlantic School of Theology (or Saint Mary's University, depending on your primary enrollment).

Yes. Atlantic School of Theology is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada. 

The Commission has formally approved the following degree programs at AST:

MDiv, MA (Theology and Religion)

Comprehensive Distance Education Program

How can I contact the accreditation commission?

For official verification or inquiries, you may contact The Commission:

The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools 10 Summit Park Drive | Pittsburgh, PA 15275 | USA Telephone: 412-788-6505 Website: www.ats.edu

 

Faint glimmers of the unusual, even unique collaboration, which is AST’s contribution to ecumenical education, could be detected in the increasing cooperation among the founding institutions in the late 1960s. During those years, students of King’s College, Holy Heart Seminary, and Pine Hill Divinity Hall shared some classes and benefited, on a limited basis, from a sharing of faculty from the other institutions. Limited though this cooperation was, it was a beginning.

Circumstances and challenges of the day suggested new ways in which the theological institutions could cooperate in the days ahead. Deliberations subsequently led to the recommendation that one school of theology be founded, a resolution agreed to by King’s, Holy Heart, and Pine Hill. Articles of Agreement were signed on March 29, 1971; the school admitted its first students in September of 1971.

AST Act — 1974

An Act to Incorporate Atlantic School of Theology
Signed: 28 June 1974
In force: 1 May 1974

Three years after the Founding Agreement, government of the Province of Nova Scotia passed An Act to Incorporate Atlantic School of Theology, establishing the Board of Governors as a body corporate: an autonomous university with power to confer degrees in its own right under the name of Atlantic School of Theology. Before that, degrees had to be conferred by the founding parties.

To view the Act, as approved by the Legislature of Nova Scotia, please click on NS Legislature Statues 1973-74 (PDF) and scroll to page 291.


The Story of AST

The Story of AST is a celebration of the past, present, and future, written in honour of AST's 40th Anniversary.

Atlantic School of Theology serves Christ’s mission by shaping effective and faithful ordained and lay leaders and understanding among communities of faith.

As a public university profoundly committed to deeply valuing each human life and the good of the world, Atlantic School of Theology is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. AST’s policies, plans and practices reflect this commitment in a broad range of areas, including physical accessibility on campus, accommodations for those with a variety of learning needs, and the full inclusion of people of all races, ethnicities, genders and faith communities. We commit ourselves to the constant work of listening and learning. 


Physical accessibility

Atlantic School of Theology is committed to creating a physically accessible and inclusive environment for all. We strive to ensure our campus supports full participation in learning and community life. By addressing barriers, we affirm our dedication to equity and accessibility.


Faith

Atlantic School of Theology, which is founded on the principles of ecumenical diversity, encourages participation and dialogue of individuals of all faiths and no faith. AST strives to embrace open and respectful dialogue in teaching and worship in a community that reflects our theological diversity.


Neurodiversity and learning needs

Atlantic School of Theology strives to create an equitable environment for neurodivergent individuals, meeting them on their journeys of education, formation, and service at AST. We are committed to partnering with students and others to offer appropriate accommodations to facilitate all persons’ learning and service, and to offer responsible support as needed.


Gender and sexuality

Atlantic School of Theology commits to including all people with compassion and dignity, including those of all genders, expressions and sexual orientations. We value the opportunity to meet at ecumenical crossroads to learn and grow together through encounters with those different from ourselves.


Anti-racism

Atlantic School of Theology commits itself to identify and address racism in all its forms. We affirm the inherent dignity and equality of every human person and strive to listen, learn and create systemic change throughout our teaching, learning, hiring and community life together.


Indigenous peoples

Atlantic School of Theology commits to the continual work of truth and reconciliation with the diverse Indigenous communities throughout Turtle Island. We acknowledge that our campus is in Mi’kmaki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. AST is dedicated to fulfilling our responsibilities under the TRC Calls to Action.

Atlantic School of Theology (AST), founded in 1971, chartered under provincial statute in 1974, bases its operations on property in Halifax where theological education has been delivered since 1878. AST is the result of amalgamation of three faculties from previous seminaries (Anglican, Roman Catholic, and United Church of Canada) into one ecumenical university. Other Christian denominations (e.g. Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Salvation Army etc.) are also represented, and persons from all faith traditions or none are welcome to study here. In March of 2002, AST and Saint Mary's University, Halifax, signed a Memorandum of Agreement affiliating the two institutions. AST and Saint Mary's University offer a joint Master of Arts degree, along with other collaborative projects.

  • Governance: AST has a Board of Governors, appointed by the three founding parties, and representation of students, faculty, and ex-officio representation of administrative staff.
  • Accreditation: AST is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (U.S. & Canada).
  • Catchment area: AST welcomes students from across Canada, the United States, and around the world to its campus-based and distance programs of study.
  • Graduates' employment: Since 1971, over 1,700 AST alumni have gone on to serve in church leadership, education, business, health care, law, chaplaincy (hospital, prison, university, and military*), and in other sectors of society.
  • Current enrolment: 89 students in our degree programs, and 66 students in diploma programs.
  • Tuition: At $774.00 (2022/23) per graduate degree course, among the lowest in the region. Students from NS are eligible for a bursary program from the Province of Nova Scotia.
  • Student employment: AST occasionally employs students in its library and maintenance departments as well as the Advancement Office, and as research assistants.
  • Bursaries: AST manages numerous bursaries to assist students in need of financial aid. These are funded by interest earned on investments and are made possible by the generosity of donors. Potential bursary awards in any given year are generally in the range of $75,000-plus.
  • Other financial assistance for AST students: AST provides over $90,000 annually in entrance scholarships to applicants with excellent academic results in previous studies, including the Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship. Pine Hill Divinity Hall offers a tuition allowance for United Church ministry candidates, and support for a limited number of lay applicants. Postulants within the Anglican Church of Canada are eligible for tuition support through their local diocese. Roman Catholic students may be eligible for financial assistance through the Vocations Office of their diocese. Students from other traditions are encouraged to contact their denominational representatives about financial support. Other sources of funding can be found here.
  • Program delivery modes: Internet-based courses are available from any location with a high-speed internet connection. On-campus classes are also offered each summer, fall, and winter term.
  • Faculty: 8 full-time faculty and 2 half-time faculty, all with doctoral degrees; and 12 sessional faculty, most of whom have doctorates.
  • Annual budget: The 2022/2023 Budget is $3.2 million.
  • Library: With a collection of more than 80,000 print books, and online access to eBooks and electronic journal article databases, the AST Library offers on-campus users a bookable Study Room, as well as access to printing and photocopying. Reference and research assistance is available to on-campus and distance students, and a print book mailing service is offered to students residing more than two-hours away from the Atlantic School of Theology. 

  • Fundraising, grants and contributions: There have been two successful capital campaigns at AST: $3 million was raised for a new library in the early 1990s and $3 million for the Future Growth campaign, which wrapped up in 2010. AST receives more than $1 m each year through a combination of capital, special and annual contributions. The Annual Fund Appeal raises approximately $100,000 each year in unrestricted donations and is supported by alumni, friends, churches, founding parties, faculty, staff, board of governors, corporations, and foundations.

  • Impact on community: Student and faculty engagement, through field placements and community service, impact local communities locally and across Canada. Student placements, both paid and unpaid, total 55,000 hours annually. Unpaid student work and faculty and staff offerings contribute in the range of 12,000 volunteer hours annually (estimated: $300,000). Students, staff, and faculty offer their time in church, community, health care, social services, youth and family programs, elder support, popular education, mental health supports, cultural groups, community development, social care, and other contexts.

* Chaplaincy: "The ecumenical program at AST prepares chaplains for the Canadian Military who are particularly well suited to work in a multi-denominational setting like ours. We value the formation that our chaplains receive at this unique school."  Major John Fletcher, Formation Chaplain, Maritime Forces Atlantic.

 

(Last revised September 18, 2025)

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The AST Board of Governors is composed of representatives appointed by our three founding parties—the United Church of Canada (Pine Hill Divinity Hall), the Anglican Church of Canada, and the Roman Catholic Church—alongside faculty, students, and university leadership. 


Pine Hill Divinity Hall

  • The Rev. Dr. Linda Yates
  • The Rev. Kate Jones
  • The Rev. Kim Waite
  • Jim Musgrave
  • Rev. Jeff Chant


University of King's College

  • Dr. Susan Dodd


Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

  • Gillian Doucet Campbell
  • Patrick J. Donahoe, Ph.D.


Diocese of Fredericton 

  • Rev. Maria Shepherdson
  • The Rev. Julian Pillay


Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth

  • Greg Aikins
  • Dr. Maria Pacurar
  • Dr. Maryn Anderson
  • Dr. Carol Kuzmochka
  • Rev. Mr. Bill Grady


Other Board Members:


Faculty 

  • The Rev. Dr. Rob Fennell 
  • Dr. Alyda Faber


Students

  • Jacqui Moraal
  • Michael Moneke


President

  • The Rev. Dr. Heather McCance


Corresponding/non-voting members

  • The Rev. Dr. Susan MacAlpine-Gillis
  • Dr. Michael Khan
  • Beth Pyesmany


Executive Committee

  • Chair: Greg Aikins
  • Vice Chair: Patrick J. Donahoe, Ph.D.
  • Past Chair and Chair, Governance: The Rev. Dr. Linda Yates
  • Treasurer: Dr. Maria Pacurar
  • Board Secretary: The Rev. Dr. Heather McCance

 

REVISED: January 2026

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Anglican Church of Canada

Roman Catholic Church

Pine Hill Divinity Hall (United Church of Canada)

Other links

Anglican Church of Canada

Roman Catholic Church

United Church of Canada