“A particularly crucial battleground in today's cultural struggle between the supremacy of technology and human moral responsibility is the field of bioethics, where the very possibility of integral human development is radically called into question.”
- Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, 74
The Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics (GCCB) is a robust 15-credit program designed for professionals, scholars, and life-long learners seeking a deeper understanding of contemporary bioethical challenges as viewed through the lens of Catholic moral teaching.
The distinctive curriculum explores the theological and philosophical foundations of Church teaching as related to contemporary life issues such as abortion, reproductive technologies, gender-related issues, physician-assisted suicide, artificial intelligence, genetic enhancements, organ donation, end of life treatments, and other topics. Common arguments against Church teachings are also analyzed in order to prepare students for rational discussion with persons holding divergent views.
Weekly live class sessions, led by accomplished faculty and enriched by renowned guest lecturers, foster critical reflection and meaningful dialogue. Students are invited and encouraged to contribute their diverse professional experiences, enhancing peer learning.
Meaningful course assignments focus on applying Church teaching to real-life ethical dilemmas, equipping students with the ability to critically assess ethical situations they encounter both professionally and personally.
Graduates of the program will not only have a clear understanding of the underlying tenets of Catholic teaching on contemporary life issues, but will also develop practical skills in applying such knowledge to their unique pastoral, academic, and clinical environments. Past students consistently emphasize the supportive and live online learning environment, making it ideal for busy professionals balancing career and personal responsibilities.
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Is This Program Right for You?
The GCCB is designed for Church leaders, ministers, healthcare professionals, pro-life advocates, Catholic school teachers, catechists, and anyone seeking a deeper formation in the Church’s moral teachings applied to today’s bioethical, medical, and healthcare challenges. It is ideal for students considering further graduate studies or those desiring a robust grounding in Catholic bioethics. Credits earned may be applied toward a Master's Degree at St. Bernard’s or other accepting institutions. -
Is This Program Accessible for Distance Learners?
Yes! The program is accessible to students worldwide through St. Bernard’s streamlined distance education platform. Courses are taught live once weekly, and feature engaging professors, expert guest lecturers, and opportunities for faculty/student discussion and interaction, all supported by user-friendly technology.
Two Pathways to the Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics (GCCB)
The GCCB can be pursued either exclusively through St. Bernard’s, or through a combination of St. Bernard’s coursework done in conjunction with The National Catholic Bioethics Center’s (NCBC) Certification Program in Health Care Ethics. Both pathways earn students 15 graduate level academic credits and the Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics (GCCB). These credits may be applied to a Master’s Degree at St. Bernard’s or another accepting institution. Details for each of these pathways are recounted below.
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The St. Bernard’s Pathway
This pathway consists of five 3-credit graduate courses taken at St. Bernard’s, providing a comprehensive exploration of Catholic bioethics and its foundation in the Church's vision of the human person. Two core bioethics courses — "Catholic Bioethics at the Beginning of Life" and "Catholic Bioethics at the Middle & End of Life" — introduce Church teachings on contemporary bioethical issues, analyzing their historical context, current developments, and future trends from both secular and Catholic perspectives. Three additional courses — "Fundamental Moral Theology" and two electives — are drawn from St. Bernard’s rich course offerings, deepening students' understanding of the theological and philosophical foundations of Church teaching, equipping them to apply this knowledge to real-world pastoral, academic, and healthcare settings. -
The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) Pathway
Offered through a special collaboration with The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), this pathway awards 9 Credits of Advanced Standing to students who complete the NCBC’s Certification Program in Health Care Ethics, and 6 credits (two 3-credit courses) for bioethics courses completed at St. Bernard’s. The completed 15 academic credits comprise the Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics (GCCB). The two St. Bernard’s core bioethics courses build upon the NCBC curriculum, deepening understanding of bioethical issues, introducing new topics, including those making breaking news, and providing more anthropological and theological engagement from the heart of the Church. The NCBC program and St. Bernard’s courses can be completed in any order, or simultaneously, with prior approval. More information can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions tab below.
Core Courses and Requirements
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C/D333 – Catholic Bioethics at the Beginning of Life
This course commences with an overview of the history and tradition of Catholic health care, a biological study of the beginnings of human life, and a broader discussion of fundamental theological and anthropological concepts which provide the framework for Catholic bioethical teaching, including human dignity, the human person, moral status, human acts, conscience, and the principles of Pope St. John Paul II's theology of the body. Based upon this foundation, individual bioethical issues are explored, including abortion, artificial contraception, natural family planning, restorative reproduction medicine, in vitro fertilization, gamete donation, surrogate pregnancy, fetal research, and related topics. (3 credits, Fall Semester) -
C/D334 – Catholic Bioethics at the Middle & End of Life
This course examines a range of bioethical issues and controversies, including the determination of death, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, advance directives, hospice and palliative care options, organ donation, extra/ordinary care, and artificial nutrition and hydration. Topics are grounded in a broader discussion of the Church's views on suffering, death, and the human person. Additional cutting-edge bioethical issues such as gender dysphoria, genetic enhancement, artificial intelligence, and COVID-related ethics are considered, alongside classic landmark ethical cases and helpful narratives from the rich history of Catholic health care. Secular bioethical frameworks and arguments are examined. Issues are considered in a highly practical light, with emphasis given to real-world applications in pastoral, academic, and health care settings. (3 credits, Spring Semester) -
Other Courses
Students who choose to complete the GCCB entirely through St. Bernard's Pathway, are required to complete the two core Bioethics courses noted above, as well as the “Fundamental Moral Theology” (C217) course, generally offered in the fall semester. Additionally, students will select two 3-credit elective courses approved by their faculty advisor, which will best enable them to achieve their particular academic objectives. -
Other Requirements
For the St. Bernard's GCCB Pathway:
Prospective Students will be asked to provide the following items as part of their application:
1) A completed and signed GCCB online application.
2) A personal statement (part of the online application).
3) A completed and signed Immunization Form for in-person students. Waivers are available for online students.
4) A $75.00 Application Fee
5) Official transcripts of all post-secondary institutions attended.
6) A preliminary meeting with Dr. Jean Baric-Parker, GCCB Director (either in person or virtual).
For the NCBC Ethics Certificate Pathway:
In addition to the items listed above, students who have completed or intend to complete the NCBC Health Care Ethics Certificate must provide a copy of their NCBC certificate of completion. For students who choose to complete the NCBC Certification during or after their St. Bernard's GCCB coursework, a copy of their NCBC certificate of completion must be submitted to St. Bernard's Director of Admissions prior to being awarded the 9 academic credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. How am I able to participate in the bioethics course lectures?
Bioethics course lectures are presented live via Zoom on Tuesdays, generally from 6:00-8:30pm EST. We strongly recommend live participation in course lectures, as an important component of the GCCB experience involves discussion amongst students, instructors and guest lecturers. However, lectures are recorded and available for viewing 24-48 hours after each class, in order to accommodate those times when a student is unable to attend the lecture live. In such cases, an additional written assignment summarizing the missed lecture will be required in order to fulfill the 'Participation' aspect of the course. -
2. Is financial assistance available for the GCCB program?
The GCCB generously awards 9 graduate credits at no charge to students who have successfully completed the NCBC Certification in Health Care Ethics. For this reason, no additional financial assistance from St. Bernard’s is available. Students are free to independently recover GCCB tuition costs from their employer or outside scholarship sources. For non-NCBC Certification applicants, see Q. 7 below. -
3. What is the order of coursework for students pursuing the NCBC Certification pathway?
For the best possible flow of academic content, we recommend that students on the NCBC Pathway earn the NCBC Certification prior to taking the two St. Bernard’s bioethics courses. However, exceptions may be made when circumstances warrant otherwise. Contact Dr. Baric-Parker, D.Be, GCCB Program Director to discuss this option if it makes sense for you. -
4. Must I take the two St. Bernard’s bioethics courses in a particular order?
The “Catholic Bioethics at the Beginning of Life” (C/D333) course is offered in the Fall semester and the “Catholic Bioethics at the Middle & End of Life” (C/D334) course is offered in the Spring semester. We recommend that whenever possible, students first complete the “Catholic Bioethics at the Beginning of Life” course, as it lays the foundation for topics discussed in both of the core bioethics courses. -
5. May I enroll in the NCBC Certification while taking the two St. Bernard’s bioethics courses?
Yes. However, it is suggested that prospective students discuss this option with the GCCB Program Director prior to enrolling. -
6. May I take the two Catholic bioethics courses without earning the GCCB?
Yes! All St. Bernard’s classes are open to properly matriculated credit-earning students and auditors. We invite you to take either or both bioethics courses, even if you do not intend to obtain the GCCB. To register, contact St. Bernard’s Director of Admissions and Student Services -
7. May I earn the GCCB without completing the NCBC Certification?
Yes. Students opting for this pathway must successfully complete five courses at St. Bernard’s (15 credits total) consisting of the two core Catholic Bioethics courses (C/D333 and C/D334) and three additional courses: (C217) "Fundamental Moral Theology" and two electives. Students are eligible for financial assistance under this GCCB pathway. Contact St. Bernard’s Director of Admissions and Student Services to learn more. -
8. Where do I go to begin the application process for St. Bernard's GCCB program?
The online application for our Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics program can be found here: https://www.stbernards.edu/graduate-certificate-in-catholic-bioethics-application. We look forward to welcoming you! -
9. Once I earn the GCCB, can it be applied to a Master's Degree?
Yes! The GCCB may be applied towards a Master's Degree at St. Bernard's or other accepting educational institutions.
