

Learning is always exciting and much easier when you're connected with excellent teachers.
Our facilitators have many years of Christian service in local church settings. In addition to holding advanced degrees in theology
they are passionate about the courses they lead and bring great enthusiasm to our learning environment.
Appalachian School of Theology is a religious institution exempt from state regulation and oversight in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
These classes are ideal for pastors, youth leaders, teachers, preachers, small group leaders, or anyone with a passionate desire to broaden their understanding of God and his ever-advancing kingdom.
If you sense a call from God to grow in your understanding of Him and live in southwest Virginia, upper east Tennessee, or beyond these classes are ideal because they are local, practical, and affordable. In addition, we are now utilizing Zoom technology and offering hybrid classes both online and in person. This great tool of communication has enabled us to expand our outreach by enrolling international students in India, Kenya, Pakistan and Uganda.
We're pleased to share that the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service has determined that donors can deduct contributions, bequests, devises, transfers and gifts as declared under IRC Section 501 (c) (3) classification.
AST U.S. and AST UG are fully accredited in the U.S. through the American Accrediting Association of Theological Institutions (AAATI) and internationally through the International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary and Higher Education (QAHE).

Do you desire to expand your knowledge of the Bible?
Then study online with the Appalachian School of Theology
We’re excited to announce that enrollment is now open for Spring 2026 online courses through the Appalachian School of Theology!
Beginning January 5, 2026, AST will offer Old Testament 1 and Old Testament 2, taught entirely online.
Do you desire to expand your knowledge of the Bible?
Then study online with the Appalachian School of Theology
We’re excited to announce that enrollment is now open for Spring 2026 online courses through the Appalachian School of Theology!
Beginning January 5, 2026, AST will offer Old Testament 1 and Old Testament 2, taught entirely online. Along with the Bible, students will engage with Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey (4th Edition) by Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. Beyer as the primary textbook.
These foundational courses are designed to:
Strengthen your understanding and application of the Old Testament
Provide historical and theological context for deeper biblical insight
Help you develop a Christian worldview firmly rooted in Scripture
Each course carries 3 credit hours and may be applied toward an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree.
Registration Details
Registration open now through January 2, 2026
Tuition:
Associates or Bachelors: $100 per credit hour ($300 per course)
Masters: $200 per credit hour ($600 per course)
Transcripts must be uploaded with your application
Register for Spring 2026: https://astva.opensis.com/admsn?u=irwbFU0
We look forward to this exciting new chapter in online theological education and invite you to grow with us as we seek to advance God’s Kingdom through sound biblical training.

Our core values and beliefs express the major emphasis of faith and life that define the Appalachian School of Theology, seeking to be within the great biblical traditions of faith.
About God –
God is the One who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are equal and are one God. See Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
About the Bible –
Holy Scripture is the inspired Word of God, revealing God’s divine will for the salvation of the world and is totally truthful in all it intends to affirm. Scripture is the true and authoritative rule of faith for all Christian belief and practice. See: 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
About Humanity –
We are created in God's image and likeness but all persons (except Jesus Christ) come into the world under the curse of sin and need redemption. See Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5.
About Salvation –
Salvation is by God's grace alone through faith and that people cannot save themselves by works of righteousness but that works of righteousness are products of the Holy Spirit who indwells believers by faith. See Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
About Jesus Christ –
Jesus Christ is God Incarnate, Savior and Lord of all creation; he is the perfect revelation of God, the only mediator between God and humanity. See John 1:1-14, 10:25-33, 14:6-11; Colossians 1:15-20, 2:9-10; Philippians 2:5-7
About the Church –
The church was instituted by Jesus Christ to be the people of God and is made up of all true believers in a local congregation regardless of race, gender, age or station in life. We regard evangelism and missions for the salvation of the lost and social transformation to be essential works of the church. See: Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47, 12; Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Ephesians 2:19-22; Colossians 1:17-20
About Servanthood –
We believe that by following the example of Jesus, all true believers are called to servanthood, worship, prayer, the study of Scripture, faithful witness, and obedience to the commandments of the resurrected Christ. See Matthew 28:18-20, 25:35-40 Philippians 2:3-8; Colossians 2:23-24; Galatians 5:13-14; Mark 9:34-45, 10:42-45; Romans 12:6-13
Our Educational Goal –
We exist to provide a quality, bible-based education merging study, practical application, and life experiences so that lives are transformed through our practical Christian service. See Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17; Philippians 4:9
Click on a file to download.
AST Student Honor Code (docx)
DownloadByLaws- Applachian School of Theology (2) (docx)
DownloadAST Domestic & International Students Course of Studies (3) (docx)
DownloadAST School Catalog (docx)
DownloadTHEO 495 and 695 Demonology Syllabus Spring 2026 (docx)
DownloadAST-Student Registration Form (docx)
DownloadAST UG School Catalog (docx)
Download
We're excited about our upcoming Spring Semester that will begin January 19th, 2026 at our Nickelsville campus at 6:30 PM. We're offering "Demonology" which is a class we've never seen offered at a Bible College, Seminary, or School of Theology. Our instructor for the course will be Dr. Sarah Apio who also serves as our AST US African coordinator and also as President of AST UG.

Our Team in Uganda continues to distribute bibles to pastors and coordinators that can be purchased for $10 each. The construction work is nearing completion and we hope to occupy the building by mid February. If you would like to help in these efforts please mail your support to the: Appalachian School of Theology at 11606 Nickelsville Hwy., Nickelsville VA 24271, or you can also give online at

Through AST God is doing great things around the world for which we offer Him our heartfelt praise. At our Spring 2026 Graduation Service our African Coordinator Apio Sarah, who is now President of our AST UG school, will receive her Master's and Doctorate Degrees in Theology. Congratulations Dr. Apio Sarah!

We're happy to announce that, under the leadership of Dr. Sarah Apio, AST UG has now moved to the degree program and are offering all degrees from an Associate's level to the Doctorate level. Updates on our next class in Uganda will be posted soon.

Update on our AST Bible Distribution and Construction Projects. Each week our Team in Uganda is distributing bibles to pastors and coordinators and can be purchased for $10 each. In addition, the construction work is continuing to progress nicely. If you would like to help in these efforts please mail your support to the: Appalachian School of Theology at 11606 Nickelsville Hwy., Nickelsville VA
Sign up to hear about upcoming events, fundraisers, and registration dates.

There's much to see and experience here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us. We hope you enjoy our site and ask you to take a moment and drop us a line. But, better yet - plan a visit and sit in on one or more of our class gatherings before you make a commitment.