“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
Offered by way of a unique collaboration between the National Catholic Bioethics Center
(NCBC) and St. Bernard’s, the GCCB provides a dynamic introduction to contemporary bioethics from a distinctively Catholic perspective, with a focus given to the theological and philosophical principles underlying Church teaching and their practical application to real-life pastoral, academic, and health care situations.
This 15-credit Graduate Certificate is comprised of earning the NCBC Certificate Program in Health Care Ethics valued at 9 credits, followed by two 3-credit graduate courses earned at St. Bernard’s. The St. Bernard’s courses delve deeper into the bioethical topics presented in the NCBC program, and also introduce new ones, including those making breaking news. Once attained, the Graduate Certificate may be applied towards a Master’s Degree at St. Bernard’s or other accepting institutions.
The GCCB program is designed for leaders and ministers within the Church, health care professionals, pro-life leaders, Catholic school teachers, catechists, and anyone who wishes to become more deeply formed by the Church’s moral teachings and their application to current bioethical, medical, and health care issues. It will be of particular benefit to students considering further graduate studies or those seeking a deeper grounding in Catholic bioethical teaching.
This Graduate Certificate is designed to be accessible to students across the country (and around the world!) through an approach to distance education that features streamlined technology, engaging professors and expert guest lecturers.
Courses and Requirements
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The National Catholic Bioethics Center Certification Program in Health Care Ethics
The NCBC Certification Program (https://www.ncbcenter.org/certification-program) offers a systematic formation and certification in bioethics so that dioceses, hospitals, and ethics committees will have advisors better qualified to apply the Catholic moral tradition to challenging contemporary issues in health care. St. Bernard’s extends this opportunity by offering 9 graduate credits to those completing the NCBC Certification Program and 6 credits for bioethics coursework done through St. Bernard’s. The completed 15 units comprise the Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics. (9 Credits Advanced Standing). -
C/D333 – Catholic Bioethics at the Beginning of Life
This course commences with a biological study of the beginnings of human life, leading to discussions of abortion, artificial contraception, natural family planning, NaPRO Technology, in vitro fertilization, gamete donation, surrogate pregnancy, fetal research, and other related topics. Topics are grounded in a broader discussion of the history of Catholic health care and fundamental Church teaching on human dignity, moral status, the human act, conscience, theology of the body, and the common good. 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, Fall Semester) -
C/D334 – Catholic Bioethics at the End of Life
This course examines a range of issues and controversies, from the determination of death itself, to 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 Church views on suffering and death. Additional cutting-edge bioethical issues such as gender dysphoria, artificial wombs, CRISPR gene editing, 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)
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 from 6:30-8:30pm EST. We strongly recommend live participation in lectures if at all possible; an important component of the Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics (GCCB) experience involves live discussion amongst students, instructors and guest lecturers. Asynchronous participation is also possible for those whose schedule and/or time zone require greater flexibility of delivery; the recording of the lecture will be made available for viewing 24-48 hours after the live class was held. Contact Dr. Baric Parker, GCCB Program Director (https://www.stbernards.edu/faculty/jean-baric-parker-d-be) to discuss which participation method is best for your circumstances. -
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 Certificate 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 Certificate applicants, see Q. 7 below. -
3. Must I earn the NCBC Certificate prior to taking the two St. Bernard’s bioethics courses?
We strongly recommend that students earn the NCBC Certificate prior to taking the two St. Bernard’s bioethics courses. However, exceptions may be made when warranted. Contact Dr. Baric Parker, GCCB Program Director (https://www.stbernards.edu/faculty/jean-baric-parker-d-be) to discuss your circumstances, if you wish this consideration. -
4. Must I take the two St. Bernard’s bioethics courses in order?
We recommend that students first take the “Catholic Bioethics at the Beginning of Life” course offered in the fall semester, as it lays the foundation for topics discussed in both the Beginning of Life and End of Life courses. However, exceptions may be made. Contact Dr. Baric Parker, GCCB Program Director (https://www.stbernards.edu/faculty/jean-baric-parker-d-be) to learn more. -
5. May I be enrolled in the NCBC Certificate concurrently while taking the two St. Bernard’s Catholic Bioethics courses?
Yes. However, this course of action must be pre-approved, as it will place significant time demands on students. Contact Dr. Baric-Parker, GCCB Program Director (https://www.stbernards.edu/faculty/jean-baric-parker-d-be) if this is an option that you’d like to consider. -
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 (https://www.stbernards.edu/staff/matthew-brown). -
7. May I earn the GCCB without completing the NCBC Certification?
Yes, with advanced permission. Students opting for this pathway must successfully complete five courses at St. Bernard’s (15 credits total) consisting of two Catholic Bioethics courses (Beginning-of-Life & End-of-Life), and three additional courses: Fundamental Moral Theology and two electives. Students are eligible for financial assistance under this GCCB pathway. Contact Dr. Baric-Parker, GCCB Program Director (https://www.stbernards.edu/faculty/jean-baric-parker-d-be) if this is an option that you’d like to consider. -
8. Where do I go to begin the application process for the Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics?
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
