Applicants for the Diploma 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. Screening interviews are held to determine the candidate’s aptitude for ministry.  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.

• Apply through our online application portal and pay the non-refundable application fee (see Tuition and Fees).
• 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.
• Submit an autobiography and curriculum vitae*.
• Letters of reference from three persons qualified to judge the applicant’s character and intellectual ability as well as aptitude for ministry.
• Submit a Security Clearance Check* obtained six months or less from the submission of the application package.

*Guidelines available from the Office of the Registrar.

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.

The Dip.Th. is awarded upon completion of 60 credits including:

• 45 core credits
• 15 elective credits.

Students who enter the Dip.Th. with a C.Th. from Newman Theological College may transfer all credits received for the C.Th. program into the Dip.Th.

Most undergraduate courses are offered in conjunction with graduate courses, and 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.

Core Courses

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

Foundational Theology

(6 Credits)

FND 211 Early Church History
FND 221 Medieval Church History
-OR-
FND 231 Modern Church History

Sacred Scripture

(9 Credits)

SCR 100 Introduction to Sacred Scripture and their Interpretation*
SCR 260 Synoptic Gospels
SCR 355 Pauline Literature

Systematic Theology

(21 Credits)

SYT 100 Introduction to Theology*
SYT 184 Christology
SYT 214 Introduction to the Sacraments and Christian Initiation
SYT 215 Liturgical Theology
SYT 240 Theological Anthropology
SYT 308 The Theology of Revelation
SYT 385 Theology of God

Moral, Pastoral, and Spiritual Theology

(9 Credits)

MPS 120 Introduction to Moral Theology
MPS 170 Introduction to Spiritual Theology
MPS 230 Theology of Ministry

Electives

(15 Credits)

Lay Formation THEO 020 - optional

see Undergraduate Course Descriptions

THEO 020 Lay Formation Non-Credit - Optional

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 are encouraged to participate in THEO 020 Lay Formation or THEO 020i Distance Lay Formation for two semesters. This is strongly recommended for students who foresee continuing with the B.Th. program.

Students who enter the program having completed courses from the Certificate in Catholic Studies program will be granted advanced standing of 3 credits for each 6 unique C.C.S. courses towards their undergraduate studies at Newman Theological College to a maximum of 9 elective credits towards the Dip.Th. program. Students may transfer in a maximum total of 15 credits towards the Dip.Th. program including credits from other recognized colleges and universities. The transfer of credit is subject to the approval of the NTC Admissions and Evaluations Committee.

Please note: Students who have completed the C.Th. program at Newman Theological College are allowed to transfer all 30 credits into the Dip.Th. program. Any semesters of THEO 020 Lay Formation completed during the C.Th. program will be counted towards the mandatory 4 semesters of lay formation required for the Dip.Th.

Tuition and Fees (per term) - 2023/2024

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