NTC was founded[1] in 1969 in the wake of the Second Vatican Council. NTC grew out of the existing structure of St. Joseph Seminary which had already opened its doors in 1967.[2] NTC is a private, Catholic academic institution dedicated to the study of theology and related disciplines by people who do not intend to become priests, or who have already graduated from a seminary. Its charter to confer degrees was originally granted by the Legislative Assembly of Alberta on April 29, 1969. NTC has been an accredited member of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada since 1992.
NTC carries out its mission for the Church in an ongoing partnership with St. Joseph Seminary, whose particular mission is the human, spiritual and pastoral formation of future diocesan priests. Both institutions remain distinct, interdependent, and complementary. Lay men and women, diocesan clergy from western Canada, along with several religious orders of men and consecrated women work together to fulfill the mission of NTC.
NTC is considered a non-affiliated private college within the post-secondary educational system of Alberta. It has been empowered to confer academic degrees, diplomas and certificates in the field of religious sciences. The charter was granted on April 29, 1969, during the second session of the 16th Legislature (Private Bill #4).
In 1972, NTC became an associate member of the ATS in the United States and Canada. In 1988, NTC was granted the status of candidacy in view of a self-study and ATS visitation. Initial accreditation as a member of ATS was granted in January 1992. Accreditation was extended in 1996 and again in 2007 with approval of the following degrees: