31 Best Theology and Religious Studies in Canada for 2025

We invite you to join us at Acadia to gain the energy, skills, and depth you need for the long-haul in ministry and to sharpen your effectiveness as a Christian leader. Take some time and explore this site, and then contact us so we can discuss how we can support you in fulfilling your call as a ministry leader for today’s world.

This program aims to prepare ministry leaders by combining graduate courses in leadership studies (9 credit hours) and biblical and theological studies (9 credit hours). These courses can later be applied to a graduate degree program.

If you have completed at least two years of university, or have graduated with a two or three-year diploma from a Community College, the Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE) degree is for you. Combine your previous studies with a shortened program designed to provide you with the central elements of ministry training. This two-year program meets the educational requirements for credentials with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC).

Go deeper into theological studies, lead other students, apply your discoveries in an internship setting and prepare for launch into graduate studies.

The Bachelor of Christian Ministry program offers an increasing degree of knowledge and leadership development as it builds onto the Christian Ministry Diploma courses (years 1 and 2). The program objectives are: a competent knowledge of Scripture, and attitude of servant leadership, and skill development for Christian ministry.

Classes over the course of the diploma provide an extensive approach to learning and training. Core to the program, you will take Bible as a Story, which explains the impact of the Bible’s big picture metanarrative in your first semester. In your second semester, Teaching Methods & Theories of Learning will help you teach and apply the Bible to children in practical and engaging ways. Upper year courses like Administration of Children’s & Family Ministry and Curriculum Design will equip you with the skills you need to successfully lead in a ministry context. Creative, engaging, and interactive are some of the words that describe the environment that is created by the professors. More than just dispensing information, Vanguard attempts to help students develop critical thinking, wrestling through the scriptures and establishing an approach that reflects those biblical values. As one grad stated, ‘Vanguard cannot teach you everything you need to know but it will teach you the questions that need to be asked.

Gain a biblical, theological, and historical foundation for comprehensive integration of faith and life. Deepen your faith and broaden your perspective in our rich and diverse academic community.

The Master of Worldview Studies (MWS) is an academic program with an action focus. Designed for those who want to enhance their understanding of how to serve Christ in their professional lives and other areas of socio-cultural engagement, it fosters a personal and communal "philosophy of life" rather than academic, philosophical understanding.

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MA) is designed as a one-year second degree in theology. It fosters graduate-level competence in theological study, and students may specialize in an original research topic for a thesis.

The Master of Divinity program (MDiv) is designed with the conviction that preparation for ministry is most effective when located in the local church. As a student, you remain rooted in your primary community, continuing to grow and learn in your place of life and ministry. Your studies and ministry complement each other as you continue to live out God’s call on your life and vocation.

We welcome students from many denominations and global contexts. Our Master of Divinity equips you for transformational leadership in the church. Offered in collaboration with McGill University, a top North American University. Our tuition fees are among the most competitive in North America.

Tyndale’s BA in Biblical Studies and Theology will stretch and grow you both academically and spiritually, all within a supportive community. Actively pursue the hard questions of the Bible, theology and life as you are challenged by professors and peers from different backgrounds. Graduates from this program are building and serving in dynamic ministries that stem from the solid biblical and theological foundation they received during their studies.

This four-year degree is a comprehensive program of training for ministry, with courses in theology, Bible, practical ministry, and general studies. In addition to acquiring a solid biblical and theological foundation, you will also develop the practical ministry and leadership skills essential to effectively give leadership to a faith community.

Expand your practical toolkit of servant leadership gifts and continue to strengthen your spiritual muscles, with practicum opportunities in the area you hope to serve in.

Learn to think deeply about the origin and purpose of life, and ask BIG questions Explore​​ the​ wide range​ variety​ of​ religious responses to ​ human beliefs and behaviours surrounding these ​age-old question​s​: What is the meaning of life?​ What is the good life? What is love? What is evil?​ ​Does God exist? Examine the wisdom drawn from diverse religious traditions to these questions, and consider the variety of ways religion shapes culture and society, and vice versa. ​Compare and understand how religion affected the lives of ancient peoples, and consider how it affects humankind today. How has religion shaped culture and society? Your studies will focus on western religious thought, biblical studies, religion and modern culture, and contemporary religious issues. ​Now​​, more than ever​ before​, it is ​vital​​ to understand the ​complexities of religious thought and practice​, in light of our globalized and multicultural society.​ While not promoting a particular religion or viewpoint, Religious Studies fosters respectful, informed, productive dialogue on questions that are central to human existence. Thorneloe courses count as Humanities credits and may be used towards a major in Religious Studies at Laurentian with a 3 or 4-year BA.

The Youth Ministry program prepares men and women to understand and relate to youth culture, love teens, lead them to Jesus, and equip them for ministry. Students in the Youth Ministry major are trained to lead church-based youth groups, campus clubs, city-wide events, small groups, camps, retreats, local outreach projects, and overseas missions trips. A crucial element of training is a carefully integrated program of weekly ministry in the church, campus, or community, and a 400-hour internship. Our goal is to produce competent, confident, capable, and compassionate youth pastors and youth workers for the church and other agencies in Canada and around the world.

Master a chosen subject through focused study in an area of concentration. Root that mastery in a deep, broad, and nuanced understanding of Scripture, theology, and history developed through our core curriculum.

Help people make a difference. Explore urban challenges: faith, justice, inequality, poverty, community economics, food security and sustainable community well-being.

The Master of Pastoral Ministry (MPM) is a compressed pastoral training degree that covers essential biblical, theological, and ministry subjects, to make ministry training accessible. This course provides students with the opportunity to delve into the practical application of theological principles in a ministry context. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to bridge the gap between theological understanding and its real-world impact. By equipping future pastoral leaders with the tools to integrate theology into their everyday ministry, this course ensures that ministry training is not only accessible but also deeply meaningful and relevant to the challenges of contemporary pastoral work.

The Master of Sacred Theology (STM) is a 45-credit, non-thesis degree ideal for those who want to engage in further research and theological study. The program includes two significant projects (6 credits each) that can involve academic research or engagement with some feature of the church’s life and mission. This program is usually completed over two years of full-time study (two terms per year) and can also, with permission, be taken on a part-time basis. The STM is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. The STM is a degree program at McGill University, but you register for the program through The Presbyterian College. This means you pay your tuition fees through the College and participate in the community/worship life of the College. You will have all of the advantages of studying at a premier North American University, and also the support of the Christian community and friendship as you pursue your degree. International students registering through the College pay tuition fees that are in line with those paid by Canadian students.