OpenFieldSt. Stephen's College at the University of Alberta
St. Stephen's College is an historic graduate theological and clinical therapy college situated directly on the University of Alberta campus in Edmonton. Established in 1908, the college is globally renowned for pioneer graduate programs in art therapy, psychospiritual counselling, and inclusive multifaith theology.
Institutional Overview
Affiliated with the University of Alberta and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), St. Stephen's offers Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality (MPS), Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), and Graduate Certificates in Spiritually-Informed Creative Arts. Courses combine deep psychological theory, clinical supervision, and social advocacy.
- Students
- 420+
- International
- 16%
- Faculty
- 32+
- Established
- 1908
Academic Strengths & Distinctive Focus
Affiliated with the University of Alberta and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), St. Stephen's offers Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality (MPS), Master of Theological Studies (MTS), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), and Graduate Certificates in Spiritually-Informed Creative Arts. Courses combine deep psychological theory, clinical supervision, and social advocacy.
Research Profile, Admissions & Scholarships
Admissions to St. Stephen's College welcome scholars and clinicians seeking holistic, multifaith, and clinical counselling certifications. Requirements include a recognized four-year bachelor's degree with minimum 3.0 GPA, background coursework in psychology or religious studies, academic writing samples, and reflective personal statements. Bursary awards and research travel grants are awarded annually.
Current Verified Opportunities & Fellowships (7)
Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality (MPS) Entrance Bursary
Pioneering graduate psychotherapy degree integrating psychodynamic counseling, trauma-informed care, and spiritual diversity with supervised practicum.
Art Therapy Specialization Graduate Research Award
CATA-approved graduate specialization equipping therapists to utilize creative art interventions for trauma recovery, pediatric mental health, and community healing.
Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Multifaith Leadership
ATS-accredited applied doctorate investigating transformative leadership, interfaith dialogue, and indigenous spiritual reconciliation in Canadian society.
Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Care & Palliative Chaplaincy
Four-course post-baccalaureate credential delivering advanced training in end-of-life spiritual accompaniment, moral distress, and palliative healthcare consultation.
Dr. Charles F. Johnston Memorial Ecumenical Scholarship
Endowed scholarship supporting graduate scholars dedicated to fostering dialogue among Christian traditions and diverse world faiths.
Clinical Counselling Practicum Residency at UAlberta Health
Supervised 450-hour direct client psychotherapy residency conducted at University of Alberta community health clinics and partner non-profit wellness centres.
Master of Theological Studies (MTS) Multifaith Studies
Two-year research master's degree exploring contemporary spiritual thought, environmental ethics, indigenous cosmologies, and interfaith social activism.
Sourced Faculty & Research Advisors (3)
Dr. Fred Tappenden
Principal and Associate Professor of Christian Studies · Academic Directorate
Dr. Fred Tappenden is Principal of St. Stephen's College and specialist in early Christianity and Pauline literature, examining ancient religious embodiment and cognitive religious frameworks.
Dr. Kimberly Penner
Assistant Professor of Theological Ethics · Department of Theology and Ethics
Dr. Kimberly Penner researches theological ethics, sexual justice, and restorative institutional practices, addressing moral accountability across religious and civil institutions.
Dr. Zara Brodie
Director of Art Therapy & Psychotherapy Programs · Department of Psychotherapy and Spirituality
Dr. Zara Brodie directs clinical art therapy training, examining neurological and expressive mechanisms through which visual arts facilitate profound trauma recovery.
Connect with OpenField Advisors
Our academic advisors provide free mentorship, admission guidance, and research proposal feedback for prospective scholars applying to St. Stephen's College at the University of Alberta.