Certificate of Theology Program (C.Th.)

The Certificate of Theology (C.Th.) is a 30 credit undergraduate program in theology. It is intended to give students a basic understanding of theology for personal interest, as a component in preparation for ministry, or in preparation for further study. Note that the Certificate of Theology is not intended to qualify a student for ministry on its own. The C.Th. program can be taken via a combination of on campus and online courses. The program can be taken fully online on a part-time basis over 2 years.

There are six routes for this program, namely a Lay Route, a Sacred Scripture Route, a Diaconate Route, an Eastern Diaconate Route, Anglican Route, and also an Eastern Route. The requirements for candidates of the Diaconate Route include additional formational and ordination requirements.

Note: The Certificate of Theology is not intended to qualify a student for ministry on its own.

Instruction delivery mode: The program can be taken fully online, fully on-campus, or through a combination of on campus and online courses.

Completion timeline: The program can be completed on a part-time basis over 2 years, or by taking as few as one course per academic year.

Bursaries available: Please see the bursaries and scholarships page for more information. Bursary and scholarship Application Forms are available here or from the Student Services area on the NTC campus. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Certificate of Theology must have an Alberta High School Diploma (with English 30) or its equivalent. Applicants, 30 years of age or older, who do not have a high school diploma may also be admitted upon successful completion of English 30 or an acceptable equivalent.  At present we are not able to offer Distance Education courses to residents of the U.S.A., but we welcome inquiries from anyone so interested.

This program is not Designated and ineligible to receive foreign nationals on a study permit.

Procedure for Admission

1) Submit a completed Application Form online and pay the non-refundable application fee by using our CrossRoad application portal. 

2) Arrange for official high school transcripts and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended to be sent directly to Admissions from the issuing educational authority. No photocopies allowed.

3) Two letters of recommendation* from persons qualified to judge the character and intellectual ability of the applicant.  Letters must be sent directly to the Admissions Office.

 

Transfer Credits

Students who enter the program having completed courses from the Certificate in Catholic Studies (CCS) program at Newman Theological College will be granted advanced standing of 3 elective credits for each 6 unique C.C.S. courses towards their undergraduate studies at Newman Theological College, to a maximum of 6 elective credits towards the C.Th. program. Students may transfer in a maximum of 6 credits towards the C.Th. program from other recognized colleges and universities. The transfer of credit is subject to the approval of the NTC Admissions and Evaluations Committee.

Students on the Anglican route may complete the Formation for Missional Ministry Program of the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton. This program has been pre-approved for transfer of three (3) elective credits towards the Certificate of Theology Anglican Route upon submission of a certificate showing successful completion.

Cost of Education

Tuition and Fees (per term) - 2025/2026

Tuition (full course load 15 credits, $262/credit, $786.00 per course)

 

$3930.00

Non-instructional Fees*

 

$190.00

Books and Supplies (approx.)

 

$650.00

Year 1 Total (Tuition, fees, books for full course load 30 credits)

 

$9450.00

*Full-time student fees include Administration fee, Library fee and Students' Association fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Under Construction 

Sacred Scripture Route

Certificate Requirements - Sacred Scripture Route

This C.Th. is awarded upon completion of 30 credits including:

•      18 core credits
•      12 elective credits

General Outline
Core Courses

Sacred Scriptures

18 Credits

SCR 100               Introduction to Sacred Scriptures and their Interpretation*

Plus five courses from the following:

SCR 253               The Pentateuch and Historical Books
SCR 254               The Prophets
SCR 260               The Synoptic Gospels
SCR 261               Matthew-Mark**
SCR 351               Psalms and Wisdom Literature
SCR 355               Pauline Literature
SCR 362               Luke-Acts**
SCR 366               Johannine Literature

Electives

12 Credits
Can be taken from any undergraduate courses.
The following elective courses are recommended:

SYT 100               Introduction to Theology

SYT 184               Christology
SYT 308               Theology of Revelation
MPS 120              Introduction to Moral Theology

Possibility to transfer 6 CCS modules for one elective course (3 credits) or 12 CCS modules for two elective courses (6 credits).


* Courses must be taken in the First Year of Studies.

** Students who take this SCR 261 or SCR 362 cannot take SCR 260 Synoptic Gospels for credit

Lay Route

Certificate Requirements - Lay Route

This C.Th. is awarded upon completion of 30 credits including:

•      21 core credits

•      9 elective credits

General Outline
Core Courses

Foundational Theology

3 Credits

One of:

FND 211              Early Church History
OR
FND 221              Medieval Church History

Sacred Scriptures

6 Credits

SCR 100               Introduction to Sacred Scriptures and
                              their Interpretation*
SCR 260               The Synoptic Gospels

Systematic Theology

9 Credits

SYT 100               Introduction to Theology*

Plus two of:
SYT 184               Christology
SYT 214               Introduction to the Sacraments and
                             Christian Initiation
SYT 215               Liturgical Theology

Moral, Pastoral, and Spiritual Theology

3 Credits

MPS 120              Introduction to Moral Theology

Electives

9 Credits
Can be taken from any undergraduate courses.


 * Courses must be taken in the First Year of Studies.
** Students who take this SCR 261 or SCR 362 cannot take SCR 260 Synoptic Gospels for credit.

Diaconate Route

Certificate Requirements - Diaconate Route

This C.Th. is awarded upon completion of 30 credits including:

•      24 core credits

•      6 elective credits

General Outline
Core Courses

Sacred Scriptures

6 Credits

SCR 100               Introduction to Sacred Scriptures and their Interpretation*                                     
SCR 260               The Synoptic Gospels

Systematic Theology

15 Credits 

SYT 184          Christology                                                        
SYT 214               Introduction to the Sacraments and Christian Initiation
SYT 288               Ecclesiology
SYT 308               The Theology of Revelation
SYT 385               Theology of God

Moral, Pastoral, and Spiritual Theology

3 Credits
MPS 120              Introduction to Moral Theology

Electives

6 Credits

Appropriate elective courses will be selected in consultation with diocesan diaconate program directors.

* Courses must be taken in the First Year of Studies.
** Students who take this SCR 261 or SCR 362 cannot take SCR 260 Synoptic Gospels for credit.

Anglican Route

Certificate Requirements - Anglican Route

This C.Th. is awarded upon completion of 30 credits including:

•      21 core credits

•      9 elective credits

This program route is under review.

General Outline

Core Courses

Foundational Theology

6 Credits

FND 250              The Anglican Tradition

Plus one of:
FND 211              Early Church History
OR
FND 231              Modern Church History

Sacred Scriptures

6 Credits

SCR 100               Introduction to Sacred Scriptures and
                              their Interpretation*
SCR 260               The Synoptic Gospels

Systematic Theology

6 Credits

SYT 100               Introduction to Theology
SYT 184               Christology

Moral, Pastoral, and Spiritual Theology

3 Credits

MPS 100              Introduction to Pastoral Theology

Electives

9 Credits

Students will complete 3 elective courses for a total of nine (9) credits. Please consult with your faculty advisor as to which elective courses would be most appropriate. Preference will be given to the following when available:

MPS 283              Preaching in the Anglican Tradition
MPS 382              Ritual in the Anglican Tradition


* Courses must be taken in the First Year of Studies.

** Students who take this SCR 261 or SCR 362 cannot take SCR 260 Synoptic Gospels for credit.

Eastern Diaconate Route

Eastern Diaconate Route Outline

Core Courses

Foundational Theology

3 Credits

FND 211 Early Church History 
OR 
FND 310 Patristic Theology 

Sacred Scriptures 

9 Credits 

SCR 100 Introduction to Sacred Scriptures and their Interpretation*
SCR 253 The Pentateuch and Historical Books
SCR 260 The Synoptic Gospels

Systematic Theology 

6 Credits  SYT 189 Eastern Christian Doctrine I: Trinity, Christ, and the Holy Spirit
SYT 225 Byzantine Liturgical Theology

Moral, Pastoral, and Spiritual Theology
6 Credits

       MPS 121 Eastern Christian Moral Theology 
{ OR
       MPS 281 Theology and Practice of Preaching
AND: 
MPS 368 Marriage in the Eastern Catholic churches: Canonical Issues

Electives
6 Credits

Beyond available options as above, the following courses are recommended: 

MPS 367 Canon Law of the Eastern Catholic Churches 
MPS 384 Theology and Spirituality of Icons 
SYT 214 Introduction to the Sacraments and Christian Initiation 
SYT 216 The Holy Mysteries: Byzantine Sacraments 

*Courses must be taken in the First Year of Studies 

Eastern Route

Certificate Requirement - Eastern Route

Core Courses

Foundational Theology

3 Credits

FND 211              Early Church History
OR
FND 310              Patristic Theology

Sacred Scriptures

9 Credits

SCR 100               Introduction to Sacred Scriptures and their Interpretation*
SCR 253               The Pentateuch and Historical Books
SCR 260               The Synoptic Gospels

Systematic Theology

6 credits

SYT 189               Eastern Christian Doctrine I: Trinity, Christ, and the Holy Spirit
One of:
SYT 190               Eastern Christian Doctrine II: Humanity, Salvation, Eschatology and the Church
SYT 214               Introduction to the Sacraments and Christian Initiation
SYT 216               The Holy Mysteries: Byzantine Sacraments
SYT 225               Byzantine Liturgical Theology

Moral, Pastoral, and Spiritual Theology

3 Credits
One of:

MPS 100              Introduction to Pastoral Theology
MPS 121              Eastern Christian Moral Theology
MPS 368              Marriage in the Eastern Catholic Churches: Canonical Issues

Electives

9 Credits

Beyond available options as above, the following courses are recommended:

MPS 367              Canon Law of the Eastern Catholic Churches
MPS 384              Theology and Spirituality of Icons
SYT 214               Introduction to the Sacraments and Christian Initiation
SYT 216               The Holy Mysteries: Byzantine Sacraments

* Courses must be taken in the First Year of Studies.
** Students who take this SCR 261 or SCR 362 cannot take SCR 260 Synoptic Gospels for credit.

Watch what our students have to say about studying Sacred Scripture.