Located coast to coast across Canada, the eight United Church theological schools offer unique educational programs designed for those pursuing a career in ministry, as well as a range of lectures, courses, and degree programs for anyone seeking to explore faith on a deeper level. Each school is actively participating in the Reimagining Theological Education Project, funded by the Lilly Endowment.
Atlantic School of Theology – Halifax, NS
Atlantic School of Theology (AST) is not removed from real life — it is deeply engaged with it. Here, you will wrestle with the questions that matter: How do we lead with integrity? How do we care for communities in times of change? How does faith respond to injustice, grief, hope, and transformation? Whether you are preparing for ordained ministry, chaplaincy, community leadership, or personal growth, AST offers flexible pathways through on-campus, hybrid, and online learning.
Centre for Christian Studies – Winnipeg, MB
The Centre for Christian Studies (CCS) is a national theological school grounded in the tradition of diakonia. We prepare people for ministries in the United Church of Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada, and offer lifelong learning for anyone who wants to deepen their faith-in-action. CCS continues to train and support leaders who emerge from the “edges” to engage in ministry that lives in the world, works with the world and transforms for wholeness. With a grounding in social justice, our graduates work as leaders and advocates with those most often forgotten by society.
Emmanuel College – Toronto, ON
Emmanuel College is a theological college of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. Rooted in the ecumenical heritage of The United Church of Canada and in relationship with Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, and other communities, Emmanuel equips leaders and scholars for rigorous theological inquiry and for inclusive practices of justice and care, contextual analysis, creative activity, and interfaith engagement. As one of seven member colleges of the Toronto School of Theology, Emmanuel students have access to the rich academic resources and course offerings of one of North America’s largest ecumenical consortia for theological education.
Montreal Diocesan Theological College – Montreal, QC
Montreal Diocesan Theological College (widely known simply as “Dio”) is a creative learning community rooted in the Anglican and United Church traditions. Through residential and distance programs, we offer theological education that prepares students from all backgrounds for faithful and creative ministry in the church. Since 1880, the college has been affiliated with McGill University. Students in our Bachelor of Theology, Master of Divinity, and Master of Sacred Theology programs are co-registered as McGill students and have access to all the benefits that come with being a student at one of Canada’s premier universities.
St. Andrew’s College – Saskatoon, SK
St. Andrew’s College is a theological school of The United Church of Canada, rooted in the Prairies and committed to proclaiming and embodying Jesus Christ’s message of compassion, justice and hope. The college offers an inclusive community for theological learning and preparation for Christian leadership.
St. Andrew’s welcomes all who seek to deepen their faith, explore theological questions or develop their leadership within the church, including candidates for ministry, lay people interested in theological studies and ministry leaders pursuing further education.
St. Stephen’s College – Edmonton, AB
St. Stephen’s College is a multifaith community that offers sacred spaces for learning and transformation. As a graduate college affiliated with the University of Alberta, St. Stephen's grants degrees in spiritually-informed theology, psychotherapy, and art therapy. We offer graduate programming that educates the whole person (body, mind, and spirit) and equips ministers and caregiving professionals with the intellectual, applied, and spiritual capacities needed for service in the public sphere. All St. Stephen's degree and certificate programs are open to people from any faith tradition.
Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre – Beausejour, MB
Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre (SSSC) is a place of spirit where both Indigenous and Christian spiritual beliefs are respected, shared and understood. The Calls to the Church, prepared by the Caretakers of Our Indigenous Circle, expresses our vision for the ongoing development of Indigenous Peoples’ mission and ministry and communities of faith within The United Church of Canada. Our Ministry Program trains Indigenous community leaders in helping and healing capacities, and trains people for Indigenous leadership roles within churches. Students in our program may become eligible for Ordination, Commissioning to Diaconal Ministry or recognition as Designated Lay Ministers within The United Church of Canada.
Vancouver School of Theology – Vancouver, BC
The Vancouver School of Theology is called to educate and form thoughtful, engaged, and generous Christian leaders for the church and the world. A change agent and innovator for the church, VST prepares ministers, priests, pastors, and lay people to lead flourishing congregations.
Through its Inter-Religious Studies and Indigenous Studies programs, VST broadens theological education across faith traditions and communities. For 40 years, the Indigenous Studies Program has been integral to VST’s mission, grounding its commitments in relationship and mutual respect.
Grounded in an ecumenical approach, VST celebrates its foundational partnerships with the Anglican Church of Canada, the United Church of Canada, and the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Formally established in 1971, VST continues a legacy of more than 100 years of theological education in British Columbia and is an affiliated college of the University of British Columbia.