The Bachelor of Theology is an undergraduate degree in theology. It is intended to give students a basic understanding of theology and religious sciences and provide a foundation for pastoral leadership. The Bachelor of Theology degree is not intended to prepare persons for ordained ministry. As well, it is not intended to be an undergraduate Arts degree with a major in theology. It is a specialized degree in theology and religious sciences.

Download the B.Th. Program Info Sheet

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants for the Bachelor of Theology degree must have an Alberta High School Diploma (with English 30) or its equivalent. Applicants, 25 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. Screening interviews are held to determine the candidate’s aptitude for ministry.
 

PROCEDURE FOR ADMISSION

1. Submit a completed Application Form and $45.00 non-refundable application fee.
2. Arrange for official high school transcripts and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended to be sent directly to the Registrar’s Office from the issuing educational authority.
3. Submit an autobiography and curriculum vitae.;
4. Letters of reference from three persons qualified to judge the applicant’s character and intellectual ability as well as aptitude for ministry.
5. Submit a Security Clearance Check obtained six months or less from the submission date of your application package.

When all required documentation is received the applicant’s file will be reviewed by the Admissions & Evaluations Committee. Applicants conditionally admitted will have an interview with three members of the faculty during their first semester. The interview team is responsible for recommending that the conditional admission be changed to a full admission. The interviewers may also advise that admission to the program is not recommended.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

B.Th. Program Outline

The B.Th. is awarded upon completion of 90 credits including:

• 63 core credits
• 6 philosophy credits
• 21 elective credits.

Full-time, part-time and distance lay students are required to participate in THEO 020 Lay Formation or Theo 020i Distance Lay Formation for six semesters.

Most undergraduate courses offered in conjunction with graduate courses, with an appropriate difference in workload. In addition to the courses listed above, students who have been admitted to the Dip.Th. program may take certain courses for credit from the graduate course listing with the approval of their Faculty Advisor and the Academic Dean.

TRANSFER CREDITS

Students who enter the program having completed the NTC Diploma in Theological Studies will be granted advanced standing of 60 credits towards the B.Th. degree. Students who enter the program with an equivalency to the NTC Diploma in Theological Studies may be subject to further core requirements. Students may transfer in a maximum of 21 credits towards the B.Th. Degree from other recognized colleges and universities. The transfer of credit is subject to the approval of the NTC Admissions and Evaluations Committee.

Most undergraduate courses are dual-streamed with graduate courses. In addition to the courses listed above, students who have been admitted to the B.Th. program may take certain courses for credit from the graduate course listing with the approval of their Faculty Advisor and the Academic Dean.

THEO 020 Lay Formation (Non-Credit)

Lay Formation is a process of spiritual, human and pastoral formation for all lay students. This process facilitates growth in human maturity, spiritual development, health and wellness, personal integrity and professional development. It recognizes the interrelatedness in life of theological education, human maturing, and the universal call to holiness. It will draw from Scripture, the rich spiritual traditions of the Church and from the social sciences. Full-time, part-time and distance lay students in the B.Th. program are required to participate in Lay Formation for six semesters. Theo 020i Distance Lay Formation is available for online students living at a distance.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A B.Th.?

The program is ideal for students preparing to work in pastoral ministry, sacramental preparation, catechesis, social justice work, youth work and health care ministry, although some of these areas will need further formal training.

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Download our Academic Calendar for a complete course catalogue and schedule. All of our forms require Adobe Acrobat Reader.

 

After my ordination as a deacon, it quickly became apparent that I needed to be committed to ongoing learning about my Church and my faith.  It was extremely challenging however, to find a quality learning opportunity that would accommodate both my busy work schedule and Diaconate responsibilities.  The NTC online Bachelor of Theology program is a perfect fit.  The flexibility that online learning provides is invaluable for my hectic life.  Although, better than the flexibility, is the quality of the program itself.  The teaching is solidly Catholic and has enhanced my ministry, particularly my preaching, immeasurably.  The courses are engaging and have brought me to a much greater appreciation of the depth and breadth of Catholic theology.  The staff and the professors are absolutely committed to their students and have consistently gone out of their way to assist me when needed.  The NTC BTh program is an ideal program for anyone who wants to grow in their understanding of our faith and the Church.  I particularly recommend it to my brother deacons. 

Deacon Joe Murphy, currently studying at NTC towards a B.Th.

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After a couple years of parish youth ministry, I came to realize that both my faith and my service to the Church required further formation, and at the encouragement of my parish priest, I explored the possibility of studying at Newman Theological College. For both my own faith as well as my service to the Church, it is an experience I am very grateful for. My five years of studies provided me an opportunity to begin to more clearly understand the faith that I love, and to help better pass that faith on to the young people I've served. Completing my BTh gave me the opportunity to fill in my enthusiasm to share the faith with a clearer ability to understand and articulate my faith to others. My time at Newman College has both helped form me as a better man as well as made me much more effective in my ministry.

Mike Landry, youth worker (NTC Alumnus, B.Th. 2009)

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