Atlantic School of Theology


Atlantic School of Theology is a Canadian public ecumenical university located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The university provides graduate level theological education and undertakes research to assist students to prepare for Christian ministries and other forms of public leadership. Persons of all religious traditions, or none, are welcome to study at AST.
WWW astheology.ns.caIG ast_halifax

History

Atlantic School of Theology was founded in 1971 and formally incorporated on June 28, 1974, by an act of the Legislature of Nova Scotia. Atlantic School of Theology is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada and by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission.
AST was formed in 1971 through a merger of the following institutions:
Theological education has been offered on the property in Halifax since 1878. AST occupies the former campus of Pine Hill Divinity Hall situated on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in eastern Canada.
The university received its charter to grant degrees in 1974 from the government of Nova Scotia. In 1975, fire destroyed the Holy Heart Theological Institute. In 2002, AST and nearby Saint Mary's University signed a collaboration agreement. The two universities remain independent.

Academic programs

AST's degree programs include the Master of Divinity – offered on campus or in a blended campus/internet format – and the Master of Arts. The Master of Arts in Religious Studies and Theology is offered in collaboration with Saint Mary's University. The MA degree is usually pursued in preparation for doctoral studies, for vocational formation, or for personal enrichment. The MDiv degree, which is usually pursued in preparation for service to faith communities, may also be undertaken at the honours level. Both MDiv and MA students may choose to write a thesis.
Atlantic School of Theology's ecumenical degree programs also prepare students for chaplaincy in the contexts of health care, universities, prisons, and the military.
AST has conferred honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees on several notable leaders, including David Suzuki, Natalie MacMaster, Marie Wilson, and Elizabeth May.

Notable alumni