Accredited Online Ministry Degrees | Catholic Master Programs – St. Bernard’s - St. Bernard's Home

Reuniting Theology, Prayer, & Sanctity

What is the Lord calling you to? Is He calling you to know Him better, to study the teachings of His Church at a deeper level? Audit a course, sit in virtually or in-person on a single class session, attend an event, or speak with one of our esteemed staff who will help you in answering this call.

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About Us

Why St. Bernard's?

Once a renowned seminary, now a dynamic graduate school of theology and ministry, our students come from all walks of life with a love for truth, faith, and ministry. Following our patron, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, our graduate degrees in theology, pastoral studies, master of divinity, and Catholic philosophy, as well as our certificate programs, seek to develop a living theology and philosophy wherein our students are not only informed but transformed by Christ. This follows from the four dimensions of formation - the human, spiritual, pastoral, and intellectual - in which we appeal both to the mind and heart in incarnating the truths of our faith.

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History

Opened as a Roman Catholic Seminary in 1893 and restructured into an Institute for Theological and Ministerial studies in 1981, St. Bernard’s has steadily pursued a course of dedication and service to the Church as it meets the challenges and changes within our world. Our founder, Bishop Bernard J. McQuaid, an educational pioneer, was bold and innovative in his vision of theological education.

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Online Education

While we know that attending a course physically offers the most holistic experience, we recognize that not all can do so due to distance and busy schedules. That's why St. Bernard's now offers all its degrees and programs online.

Distance Learning and Online Education
  • “At St. Bernard's, the classroom is both practical and passionate, and the professors are colleagues and friends. Each student is taken seriously, honored, and nurtured in their unique backgrounds, whether they are a full-time, part-time, or an auditor. Likewise the professors live out their vocation like observant and loving keepers of the vineyard, allowing each student's vintage to be harvested in season and matured to full flavor.”

    Evan Collins, MATS Student
  • “[Studying at St. Bernard’s] isn't a journey just to a degree or career, but one that transforms you as a whole. It's so wonderful to share this experience of growth with others who are experiencing their own at the same time.”

    Anna Flaitz, MATS Student
  • "As a student from Los Angeles, CA, St. Bernard's curriculum, online instruction, and use of technology are exemplary. I find myself immersed in a community of learning that has allowed me to see my vocation more clearly and pursue it.”

    Thomas Spence, MACP/MATS Student
  • “Having entered into my third year of studies at St. Bernard’s, my academic experience has been one of beautiful, spiritual formation, edifying hope, and transforming encounters. The content of my courses, guided by faithful professors and deeply rooted in Catholic Church teaching, has enriched my relationship with Christ. Having been both an in-person and virtual student, I have felt a sense of community, despite the nature of virtual academics. What I have learned in the classroom bears fruit in my work and in my personal life, and this has much to do with the professors who teach from a place of knowledge rooted in love.”

    Grace Fallon, MATS Student
  • “Attending St. Bernard’s has been one of many gifts I have received in my vocation journey. I have found the academic studies to be both rigorous and outstanding. What I love most is the fact that the professors are faithful to the Church and encourage me, through their example, in the Christian life.”

    Jack Cairns, Pre-Theology Student, MACP, Class of 2023
  • “I have found that St. Bernard’s Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy degree was not only enriching in my relationship with Jesus, but also gave me valuable tools to help answer the challenging questions asked in today’s society. In my years of study, I have experienced an intellectual conversion and healing as I went deeper into the truth of reality and our faith. In the Society of Mary, we live an active missionary life, therefore my time in the distant education program at St. Bernard’s accommodated this while providing me with an educational community of mission-oriented students.”

    Sr. Magdalene, Society of Mary, MACP Class of 2023
  • "I had the privilege of attending St. Bernard's, where I earned a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies in preparation for ordination to the permanent diaconate. St. Bernard's offers an amazing curriculum firmly grounded in the Roman Catholic intellectual tradition. I highly recommend studying at St. Bernard's to enhance your faith, knowledge, and ministry."

    Deacon James Agnew, MAPS, Class of 2022
  • “Thanks largely to my studies at St. Bernard’s (and particularly my thesis writing process), I learned a lot about how theology can work with other disciplines to bring about a more integrated understanding of faith and life. Additionally, I am now more confident in leading discussions and giving talks to groups on various topics in spirituality and theology.”

    Maria Chomicka, MATS, Class of 2022
  • “The Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy at St. Bernard’s is in a class of its own in its ability to provide rigorous, personalized, and faith-centered education. This is due to the phenomenal faculty who are dedicated to drawing out the light of God’s creation for students to see — faculty who truly live out the joy of discipleship. St. Bernard’s provided me with the opportunity to engage with the rich intellectual tradition of our Faith and become far more aware of my identity as a beloved son of the living God, and for that great gift I will be forever grateful.”

    Alexander Turpin, Pre-Theology, MACP, Class of 2022
  • “When I retired from Nazareth College, I gifted myself the opportunity to earn a Master's degree at St. Bernard's in Theological Studies. It was even more fulfilling than I expected. The enlightening courses, the accomplished and dedicated professors, and the atmosphere of sincere fellowship served to bring more depth to my Catholicity, as well as my faith experience.”

    MaryAnn Lovelock, MATS, Class of 2021
  • "I thoroughly enjoyed my learning experience at St. Bernard's. The faculty and staff provided an intimate setting, in person and online, that fostered understanding and growth in my Catholic faith."

    Jeremiah Deep, MAPS, Class of 2021
  • “My time at St. Bernard’s gave me an unquenchable thirst to know Christ in any possible way I can. The ministerial and spiritual formation experiences offered in any of the classes re-defined me not only as a minister, but also as a person, wife, and mother. Having the ability to dive into the teachings of Christ and His Church in such an intimate way has provided me the ability to trust completely in Him and His ways.”

    Amy Wojcikowski, MAPS, Class of 2018