US Students

Welcome U.S. Students!

Atlantic School of Theology, nestled on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean in Nova Scotia, Canada, is ready to receive you as our newest student! We are an ecumenical, degree-granting public university, and our graduate programs in theology are fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools of the United States and Canada. With a strong faculty and a robust on-campus and online curriculum, we're confident that your experience of theological education here will be one that you will find enjoyable, challenging and transformative.

In addition to the pages in this section, we invite you to explore our website, including these helpful references:


AST Student Spotlight: Nic Hartmann

Anticipated graduation date: 2028

Student at AST

Nic Hartmann is originally from Indiana. He’s a Promise candidate for ministry in the United Church of Canada, a former professor and nonprofit director, and a third-generation comic/zine artist working under the name Nico-Maria.

Nic moved to Bedford, N.S. from Cedar Rapids, Iowa recently, with his wife, Jen and their two daughters, Mari (14) and Rosi (11). Beyond the books, Nic enjoys visiting museums and parks, fiber art and curling. 

What brings you to AST, Nic?

I’ve felt a call to go to seminary for my entire adulthood, but it has never been the right time or place in our family’s life. While in grad school at Memorial University, I became familiar with AST through our family visits to Nova Scotia. When our family made the decision to return to Canada, I remembered AST and realized that now was the right time to pursue my calling to ministry. I spent a lot of time in prayer and discernment about it, and had more support for it than ever!

What are you most excited about for your time at AST?

I am keeping an open mind about things at AST! I have things I’m excited for, but I am up for things I’ve never thought about.

I am really looking forward to field placements, my Old Testament class and the opportunity to do faith formation.

What makes you passionate about the program you’re taking?

I found one thing that carried throughout all of my work – whether as a museum educator, professor or former housing nonprofit director – was a desire to be a healing presence for people, especially as they endure life’s waves and struggle with the big questions in life. Combined with a deep love for discussing faith and putting it into action, I am looking forward to seeing where my MDiv studies take me.

What are three things you love about Halifax?

As an artist, I love the creative life of the city and am looking forward to seeing where it takes me creatively. As a dad, I love that it’s a very family-friendly area. But I have really loved just looking out my window and watching the sun rise and the fog roll in.

 

 

Our Recruitment Coordinator can answer any questions you may have and to help guide you through the applications process:
astinfo@astheology.ns.ca
902-430-7662

See our Administration and Staff page for more contacts in our Academic Department.

 

 

 

AST offers three programs at the graduate level:


Master of Divinity 

A 30-course program (90.0 credit hours) that focuses on preparation for ministry, priesthood or chaplaincy. The degree may be taken on campus over three years. You may also combine online learning from home (September to April) with on-campus learning in the 6-week summer term (June and July). This is our unique Summer Distance MDiv program.


Master of Arts (Theology and Religious Studies)

An 8-course program (if you have a previous degree in a related discipline; 24.0 credit hours) or 18-course program (if it is your first degree in theology; 54.0 credit hours). This degree is offered in partnership with nearby Saint Mary's University. It can be completed on campus or online.

Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies 

A 10-course certificate that can be completed on campus or online.


Find out more about our graduate level programs on our Graduate Studies page.

 

AST offers an undergraduate degree:


Bachelor of Theology 

A 30-course program (90.0 credit hours) suitable for those who do not have a prior degree but have completed high school or equivalent. The Bachelor of Theology provides introductory studies to academic theology and the practice of ministry.

 

AST also offers three non-degree programs:

  • Diploma in Theological Studies (fully online)
  • Diploma in the New Evangelization
  • Diploma in Missional Leadership

Find out more about our non-degree programs on our Diploma Programs section.

If you are not a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant, you will need a study permit from the Canadian Government to study on our Halifax campus. Please consult the Government of Canada website.

Important note

It is each student's responsibility to satisfy requirements for entry into Canada.

Healthcare in Nova Scotia is publicly funded. However, if you are not a Canadian citizen, you will need to arrange for private health insurance or pay the full cost of health services at the time of delivery.

A limited healthcare plan is also funded by your AST Student Union fees. It is offered in conjunction with the Saint Mary's University Students' Association. The rates for this coverage are listed on our Tuition & Administrative Fees page under Student Association Fees.

Halifax area population: 530,167 (2024)

Student life

Halifax is home to seven universities and colleges. The city is culturally vibrant and filled with restaurants, clubs, concert venues and more. There are fun shopping districts and farmers' markets, all within the city centre.

Recreation

The campus of Atlantic School of Theology is right on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean and is a beautiful spot to relax and reflect. There is a 185-acre park -- Point Pleasant Park -- just a few minutes' walk from the campus, with miles of nature trails.

Within the city of Halifax, you'll find plenty of opportunities for sports and leisure activities, from yoga, tennis and swimming, to canoeing, dancing, team sports, martial arts and more. Within a 30–60-minute drive of the city, you'll find wilderness, camping, hiking, sailing, skiing and more.

Photo: A sunset view from our campus shore

Getting Here

Please note that citizens of the United States travelling between the U.S. and Canada now require a valid U.S. passport, Air NEXUS card or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner document.

Weather in Nova Scotia

Halifax Transit

 

Graduate Placement

Approximately two-thirds of AST graduates who are seeking work have a position in their chosen field immediately upon graduation. After six months, this number rises to 80%.

Significant Learning

Students and graduates report that studying at AST provides them with significant learning opportunities:

  • “AST gave me confidence in myself as a leader.”
  • “I noticed a big change from when I started to when I graduated in my ability to engage theological material critically.”
  • “The greatest strength of AST ... is preparing priests and ministers for the pastoral challenges we may face.”
  • “The ecumenical character of AST is a significant aspect that can nourish healthy interreligious dialogue, bridging time and tradition.”
  • “I obtained valuable skills I carried forward into ministry.”
  • “Many times I was forced through my learning experiences to work outside my comfort zone and this proved to be invaluable for ministerial and public leadership.”
  • “I have learned amazing things from amazing faculty.”
  • “The AST experience has made me more loving and more hopeful.”