In the late 1940s, the United Baptist Convention (known today as Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches) became concerned about the young people who were leaving Atlantic Canada for a Bible College education. In spite of the fact that the denomination had a University in Wolfville, N.S., there was an area of Christian education which was not being covered. In 1949, the United Baptist Bible Training School was founded in Moncton as both a Bible College and a High School. For the next two decades, young people came from all over Atlantic Canada to study in a Christian context and to live in a Christian community.

Academic excellence very quickly became a hallmark of the new school and many people gave sacrificially to expand the facilities and the programs. Dr. Myron Brinton left a successful pastorate to guide the fledgling institution for most of its first decade. His sense of family and Christian commitment set the stage for much of its tradition.

By 1968, the School was in transition as the emphasis changed to a post high school program. It became a Bible College and a Christian Junior Liberal Arts College. In 1970 the name was changed to Atlantic Baptist College to reflect the new programs. Throughout this period, the President, Dr. Stuart E. Murray, sought to build a strong faculty and to provide a broadened selection of courses. This set the scene for offering Bachelor of Arts degrees in the early 1980s.

In 1996, the Act of the Legislature was amended to change the name to Atlantic Baptist University. This was done to reflect the continued growth and development of the university as evidenced by the granting of degrees in a variety of disciplines.

Atlantic Baptist University has become known for its academic excellence and the integrity of its graduates. With the increasing number of degree programs and the abilities of its faculty members, the reputation of the University continues to grow.