FAQ

Please contact the Office of Admissions: matthew.brown@stbernards.edu, or (585) 271-3657, ext. 289.

All applicants to St. Bernard’s graduate degree programs must hold a four-year baccalaureate degree (or the U.S. equivalent) granted by an accredited college or university. We have many options for students without a bachelor’s degree who wish to pursue a degree or certificate - please contact our Office of Admissions to learn more: matthew.brown@stbernards.edu, or (585) 271-3657, ext. 289.

Our rich Catholic tradition and approach to education as formation prepare students for work, ministry, and service. Many graduates work as catechetical leaders and lay ecclesial ministers in parishes; some share their gifts and expertise as teachers; many work as leaders in non-profit initiatives and social ministries; some go on to pursue further advanced terminal degrees; and others simply allow their formation to impact their relationship with God, their family, and their relationships within society as a whole. Since St. Bernard’s programs provide formation for the whole person, the education we offer bears great fruit throughout the lives of our graduates.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, which means students can be admitted in any of the 3 academic semesters. These 3 semesters, each approximately 15 weeks in length, are as follows: Fall (August–December); Spring (January–May) and Summer (May–August).

The application fee is $75. You can pay by check or credit card directly within the admissions application. Kindly make your payment payable to St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry.

As a student taking advantage of distance learning/online education, you have the opportunity to complete your degree from the comfort of your home. Each of our courses is available via live videoconferencing or through online engagement at your own pace. Learn more about our four-fold approach to distance learning here: https://www.stbernards.edu/distance-learning-and-online-education

Yes! Our campus is in Rochester, NY. To schedule a tour, please contact the Office of Admissions: matthew.brown@stbernards.edu, or (585) 271-3657, ext. 289.

Decisions for admission into graduate programs are made by the Admissions Committee. Applicants will be notified of their admission decision as soon as possible. All components of your application are considered: your transcripts, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

The Director of Admissions and Student Services will contact you to acknowledge receipt of your application and will inform you of your admission decision after the Admissions Committee holds its regular meeting.

First time students may enroll in classes at the beginning of any of our three semesters. You do not need to wait until the fall semester to begin classes!

Yes! Students typically audit courses for personal enrichment, especially if a graduate program is not right for you. Auditors do not receive credit or a grade for the course. The cost to audit can be found on our Tuition & Fees page (https://www.stbernards.edu/tuition-fees-financial-aid), and auditors can register through the auditor application.

Yes, a student who has demonstrated the ability to undertake graduate-level work may enroll as a non-matriculated student. Non-matriculated students are allowed to complete no more than four courses before declaring the intent to pursue a specific degree program.

Yes, transfer credit is gladly accepted. Please consult the Student Handbook (https://www.stbernards.edu/student-handbook) for more information, or contact the Office of Admissions for more information (https://www.stbernards.edu/staff/matthew-brown).

Yes. Please follow this link to request an electronic copy of your transcripts: https://stbernards.populiweb.com/router/request_transcript.