Educational Effectiveness

Statement of Educational Effectiveness – September 2024

Atlantic School of Theology, a Canadian public university, is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission, and by the Province of Nova Scotia. It is further recognized by the Anglican Church of Canada, the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth, and The United Church of Canada. All of these bodies contribute to the university’s self-understanding, shape its curriculum, and provide lines of accountability. 

Each year, the university conducts research about student experience and satisfaction. Questionnaires are sent to current students, graduating students, and alumni/ae. Data from questionnaires that have been returned in the last five years is reflected below. 

Student Satisfaction 

AST students tend to give high marks to their experience and opinion of the university, its programs, courses, and faculty. There are imperfections and areas of growth for the university, but most provide positive rankings. For example, in the most recent student satisfaction survey, 90% of students reported enjoying their classes, 92% felt that AST faculty are effective educators and 100% agreed or strongly agreed that syllabi were clear, accurate and helpful.  

Graduate Placement 

Approximately two-thirds of graduates who are seeking work have a position in their chosen field immediately upon graduation. After six months, this number rises to 80%. 

Significant Learning 

Students and graduates report that studying at AST provides them with significant learning opportunities: 

  • “I have nothing but praise for the depth and breadth of knowledge that the professors so willingly share. The level of respect offered to the class and the willingness to offer a support and guidance even for personal reasons is impressive to say the least.” 
  • “The Lecturers teach well and they make learning fun. They have a way of challenging you to strive to bring out the best in you” 
  • “I cannot say enough good about my experience at AST. I am blessed to be studying in such an amazing and supportive environment! 
  • “I loved my time at AST. The community and relationships developed are still very important five years after my graduation.” 

Respondents further identified denominational formation programs, field education, and supervised ministry experiences as places of significant learning and integration. 

Areas for Improvement 

AST is eager to continuously improve its programming and the student experience, yet also aware that we cannot (and often do not) meet every student’s needs perfectly. In their questionnaires, students and graduates indicate need to improve our technology to provide a better experience in hybrid classes, an extension of library hours, which has been implemented this summer term. 

Lifelong Learning 

AST is a place that encourages and nurtures the habits of lifelong learning. Students and graduates become aware of this and integrate this as they progress through their studies: 

  • “The fear of higher education kept me from answering my call for a long time, but the AST experience has ignited a love of theological study and reflection that I will continue to pursue long after graduation.” 
  • “I deeply appreciated my master's thesis experience. It deepened my faith and my ability to do academic research.”