Frequently Asked Questions

What program should I take?

This depends a lot on what you want to get out of your theological studies, and somewhat on your own educational background. If you’re looking to test the waters, theologically speaking, or you need to take one of our courses to use for a degree program elsewhere, then Non-Degree Studies is best suited for you.

If you are active in lay ministry (board member, Sunday School teacher, server, etc.) in your parish and want to give yourself a deeper theological understanding of your role, then you might want to consider the Certificate for Anglican Lay Ministry.

The Diploma in Theology is a more intensive program than the Certificate. In the Diocese of Algoma, for example, Parochial Lay Readers who wish to become Diocesan Lay Readers are required to complete the Diploma (or equivalent studies).

If you are looking for an even more intensive theological education, and are interested in pursuing Master’s-level studies in theology or divinity, then you will be interested in the Bachelor of Theology. Please see the Appendix for our agreement with both Wycliffe and Trinity Colleges (Toronto School of Theology).

I want to become an Anglican priest or a deacon. Which program will prepare me?

If you are discerning a call to ordained ministry, as either a deacon or priest, this is a conversation you need to have first with your bishop. If your bishop recommends that you pursue theological studies, Thorneloe will be glad to register you in the BTh Pastoral degree program.

I’ve been admitted…now what?

Congratulations! The next thing to do is to register for one or more courses. Have a look at our course schedule published at https://www.thorneloe.ca/2023-24-course-offerings to see what is available.

How much does it cost to take a course?

The cost of each of our THEO courses depends on whether it is a 3 or 6 credit course, and whether you are a Canadian resident, and whether you are auditing or taking an in-class course for credit. The current costs are always detailed on the Course Registration Form. N.B. Our tuition fees are approximately 1/3 the cost of equivalent courses at other universities (including Laurentian University) and theological institutions in Canada.

How do I know what courses to take next?

It’s a good idea to start with your required courses. Have a look at the program requirements, published in this Handbook and on the website, to see which courses are required for your program. It’s probably a good idea to begin with Introduction to the Old Testament, Introduction to the New Testament (or Introduction to the Bible if you’re in the Certificate program).

You are strongly advised to be in touch with the Director of the School of Theology, who will be delighted to offer advice and direction.

Because we have a relatively small number of active students, we don’t offer every course in every session. It’s very important that you plan ahead so that you can take the courses you need without having to take too many in a single session.

How many courses can I take at the same time?

This depends on your personal work-life balance, and a bit on how long it’s been since you’ve been involved in formal education. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to start with just one course in your first session. Most students tend to register for two to three courses each session. There is no maximum number of courses you can take, except for the number offered in any given session.

How much time will I need to spend on my course each week?

You can expect to spend approximately 8-10 hours per week reading, reflecting, researching, and writing for each course.

Can I audit a distance course?

No. All of our distance courses are offered for university credit only.

Will the course(s) I take count for credit at another university or college?

That decision is up to the Registrar of the other institution. If you are in a program elsewhere, please make arrangements with the other institution before registering for one of our theology courses, in order to prevent administrative hassles after the fact. If you are a theology student or graduate here and applying to a program elsewhere, you will need to provide the other institution with your official transcript (see Transcripts). Acceptance of our courses for transfer credits is entirely at the discretion of the Registrar of the other institution.

Can I register for a “THEO” course if I’ve already taken a “TCST” course with the same course number?

Technically, yes, BUT, you cannot retain credit for both. The only exception is with our special topics courses, which all have the number 3900 regardless of the topic.

Where can I buy the textbooks I need for my courses?

There are a number of online booksellers who may also carry the books you will need for your courses.

How and when can I contact my Course Supervisor?

Your course materials will include information on how to contact your Course Supervisor by email or by phone. You will also have several opportunities to join your Course Supervisor and classmates in a telephone conference each session. You are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to connect.

I’ve submitted an assignment. When should I expect feedback from my course supervisor?

Course supervisors are expected to provide feedback to written assignments within ten working days of receipt.

When and how will I get the final mark for my course?

The final mark for your course will be mailed to you as soon as they have been confirmed. We do our best to have the final marks prepared, confirmed, and mailed within a month of the final