St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry is a Catholic graduate theological institution in Rochester, NY, offering master's degrees, graduate certificates, and permanent diaconate formation to lay ministers, deacon candidates, and faith formation seekers across 48 states and 19 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1893
- HeadquartersRochester, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry does
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry is a Catholic graduate theological institution operating as a non-stock not-for-profit 501(c)(3), headquartered at 120 French Road in Rochester, New York, and continuously serving the Catholic community since 1893 across three institutional iterations. The school delivers four master's degree programs (Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Master of Divinity, and Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy) and six graduate certificate programs (Catholic Biblical Studies, Catechetical Leadership, Catholic Philosophy, Sanctity of Life, Catholic Bioethics, and Evangelization), plus Permanent Diaconate Formation. Programs are delivered via on-campus instruction in Rochester and a Zoom-based distance education platform offering live synchronous classes with asynchronous recorded sessions; the institution states reach across 48 states and 19 countries through the distance education channel. The Bishop of Rochester serves as Chancellor, and the school maintains formal training partnerships with the Dioceses of Rochester, Albany, Syracuse, and Allentown for permanent diaconate and lay ministry formation, plus co-development partnerships with the National Catholic Bioethics Center and the Saint John Society.
The underlying technology stack is intentionally lightweight and commodity-grade: Zoom for live synchronous video, recorded sessions for asynchronous access, and a user-friendly online platform supporting online applications and student services. There is no proprietary AI, no app, no API surface, and no documented integrations. The core asset is the human and intellectual capital — approximately 4 full-time faculty, 23 adjunct professors, and 2 program directors — anchored by a faculty publishing in peer-reviewed Catholic theological journals (The Thomist, Nova et Vetera, Harvard Theological Review, Pro Ecclesia) and aligned with the Catholic intellectual tradition associated with St. Bernard of Clairvaux and Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
The business model is tuition-driven and structurally subsidy-dependent. Revenue streams include graduate degree tuition, certificate program tuition, a $75 non-refundable application fee, and course auditing fees, all billed on a per-credit subscription cadence. Ninety-six percent of students receive financial aid and scholarships, the institution is Title IV-eligible (Federal School Code 002815), and it accepts VA Benefits and Yellow Ribbon Program funding. The Diocese of Rochester provides governance oversight and material financial support, while four diocesan partnerships drive institutional revenue through permanent diaconate and lay ministry training pipelines. The customer base is a long tail of approximately 150 individual students across all credit-bearing programs as of Spring 2025, supplemented by a nationwide reach enabled through distance education.
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
- Legal name
- St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
- Website
- https://stbernards.edu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1893
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry is a Catholic graduate theological institution in Rochester, NY, offering master's degrees, graduate certificates, and permanent diaconate formation to lay ministers, deacon candidates, and faith formation seekers across 48 states and 19 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Graduate Theological Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Religious Organizations (8131)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Seminaries (Graduate Theology & Ministry) (EDAHAKAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Ministerial Training Institutes (Clergy Formation) (EDAHAKAE), Denominational Theological Colleges (e.g., Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelical) (EDAHAKAM), Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)
Keywords
Where St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Rochester
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Graduate Degree Tuition: Tuition revenue from four master's degree programs (MATS, MAPS, MDiv, MACP) and graduate certificate programs. Federal student aid, scholarships, and VA benefits accepted.
- Graduate Certificate Programs: Revenue from five graduate certificate programs (Catholic Biblical Studies, Catechetical Leadership, Catholic Philosophy, Sanctity of Life, Catholic Bioethics). Each 15 credits.
- Application Fees: Non-refundable application fee of $75 for graduate programs.
- Course Auditing: Revenue from students auditing courses without receiving credit for personal enrichment.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Graduate Degree Programs |
| Subscription | Annual | Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics |
| Subscription | Annual | Graduate Certificate Programs |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Application Fee |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry product offering
Product offeringCore offering
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry delivers Catholic graduate theological education through four master's degree programs (MATS, MAPS, MDiv, MACP), six graduate certificates (Catholic Biblical Studies, Catechetical Leadership, Catholic Philosophy, Sanctity of Life, Catholic Bioethics, Evangelization), and the multi-year Permanent Diaconate Formation program. Programs are offered on campus in Rochester, NY and synchronously via Zoom distance education, serving roughly 150 students with a faculty of 4 full-time professors and 23 adjuncts.
Product overview
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry is a Catholic graduate educational institution offering four Master's degree programs (Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, Master of Divinity, and Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy) and six graduate certificate programs (Catholic Biblical Studies, Catechetical Leadership, Catholic Philosophy, Sanctity of Life, Catholic Bioethics, and Evangelization), plus Permanent Diaconate Formation. The institution delivers these programs through both on-campus instruction at its Rochester, NY location and a distance education platform offering live synchronous Zoom-based classes and asynchronous recorded sessions. All programs draw from Catholic intellectual tradition, theology, philosophy, and Church teachings.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) A 45-credit graduate degree providing foundational theological education for lay ministers, teachers, and students preparing for further graduate work; delivered on campus in Rochester, NY and via Zoom distance education.
- Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) A 45-credit professional master's degree preparing students for pastoral ministry leadership in parishes, dioceses, and Catholic institutions; offered on campus and through Zoom.
- Master of Divinity (MDiv) A 72-credit graduate professional degree, the standard credential for Catholic ordination and advanced ministry; offered on campus and via Zoom distance education.
- Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophy (MACP) A 35-credit graduate degree in Catholic philosophical tradition supporting vocations, teaching, and further graduate study; offered on campus and via Zoom.
- Graduate Certificate in Catholic Biblical Studies A graduate-level certificate providing focused study of Catholic biblical scholarship for ministers, catechists, and lay students; offered on campus and via Zoom.
- Graduate Certificate in Catechetical Leadership A graduate certificate training directors of religious education and parish catechetical leaders in Catholic pedagogy and program administration.
- Graduate Certificate in Catholic Philosophy A graduate certificate offering concentrated coursework in the Catholic philosophical tradition for personal formation or supplementation of degree study.
- Graduate Certificate in the Sanctity of Life A graduate certificate focused on Catholic teaching on the dignity of human life, equipping students for pro-life ministry, advocacy, and pastoral care.
- Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics A graduate certificate in Catholic bioethics, directed by Dr. Jean Baric Parker, D.BE, for healthcare professionals, clergy, and lay ministers engaged with bioethical questions.
- Certificate in Evangelization A certificate program training Catholic laity and ministers in evangelization practice and parish mission leadership.
- Permanent Diaconate Formation Program A five-year diocesan formation program preparing candidates for ordination as permanent deacons, delivered in partnership with the Dioceses of Rochester, Albany, Syracuse, and Allentown.
Quantifiable outcome
- 96% of students receive financial aid and scholarships
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.
- Christ the King SeminaryminorProvided teach-out agreement for students studying at the seminary upon its closure in 2020, accepting transfer students.
- National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC)coreSpecial collaboration offering the Graduate Certificate in Catholic Bioethics (GCCB). Students can earn 9 credits of Advanced Standing for completing NCBC's Certification Program in Health Care Ethics, combined with 6 credits of bioethics courses at St. Bernard's to complete the 15-credit GCCB.
- St. John SocietycorePartnership to offer the Certificate in Evangelization, led by priests of the Saint John Society in partnership with St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry.
- Diocese of RochesterflagshipPrimary diocesan partner. Bishop serves as School's Chancellor. Shared mission and vision, resources, and ex officio memberships on Board of Trustees. Primary service area for permanent diaconate formation and lay ministry.
- Diocese of AlbanycoreExtension of services since Fall 1989. Teaching classes serving Albany Diocese's ministerial, diaconal, and lay educational needs.
- Diocese of SyracusecoreDiocesan partnership for permanent diaconate formation and lay ministry training programs.
- Diocese of Allentown (PA)coreDiocesan partnership serving northeastern Pennsylvania for permanent diaconate formation and lay ministry training.
- Finger Lakes Medical GuildminorCollaboration supporting healthcare professionals with Catholic bioethics education and resources.
- Abbey of the GeneseeminorCollaboration offering retreat courses during summer semester at the Trappist Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard, NY.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights5 records
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Catholic University of America: Catholic University of America's School of Theology and Religious Studies offers accredited graduate theology degrees (MA, MDiv, STL, PhD) and is the national flagship Catholic graduate theology school. Comparable in mission (Catholic formation) and degree mix but operates at much greater scale and with broader secular institutional footprint.
- Boston College School of Theology and Ministry: Jesuit-run graduate school offering M.A. in Theology and Ministry, M.Div., and lay ministry programs. Comparable in mission (Catholic graduate formation) but operates at significantly larger scale within a major research university context, creating competitive overlap for the same lay-learner pool.
Direct peers
- Catholic Distance University: Online-first Catholic graduate university offering MA in Theology, MA in Catholic Studies, and certificates for distance learners. Closest direct peer in delivery model (fully online Catholic graduate theology) competing for the same nationwide synchronous/async Catholic learner.
- Mundelein Seminary (University of Saint Mary of the Lake): Major U.S. Catholic seminary in Illinois operated by the Archdiocese of Chicago, offering MDiv and pre-theology programs. Comparable in Catholic seminary/graduate formation mission, though larger and archdiocesan-affiliated rather than diocesan-affiliated.
- Mount St. Mary's University (Maryland): Mount St. Mary's Seminary and School of Theology offers Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology programs for lay and clerical formation. Direct competitor in Catholic seminary/graduate theology space with similar degree offerings and lay formation programs.
- Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology: Wisconsin-based Catholic seminary and graduate school of theology accredited by ATS, offering Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theology, and lay formation programs. Closely comparable in size, mission, and graduate theology/ministry degree mix to St. Bernard's.
- Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary: Massachusetts-based national seminary specifically focused on delayed-vocation priestly formation (typically older candidates). Comparable in Catholic seminary/graduate formation mission and ATS-accredited degree programs, with similar small enrollment scale.
- St. Mary's Seminary and University (Baltimore): Oldest Catholic seminary in the U.S. offering MDiv, M.A. in Theology, and lay formation programs with ATS accreditation. Comparable in mission (Catholic priestly and lay formation) and degree mix; longer history and larger scale.
Others
- National Catholic Bioethics Center: Partner organization (not a competing school) that delivers the certification program granting 9 credits of Advanced Standing in St. Bernard's Catholic Bioethics certificate. Adjacent ecosystem player in Catholic bioethics education; relevant for partnership ecosystem mapping rather than direct student competition.
Emerging players
- Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family: Washington, D.C.-based pontifical institute offering graduate theology degrees focused on marriage and family from a Catholic perspective. Comparable in Catholic graduate theological formation mission but specialized in family/marriage niche; St. Bernard's VP/Academic Dean holds a degree from this institute, signaling faculty movement between these institutions.
Market position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry social profiles
Digital presenceSt. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
What does St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry do?
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry delivers Catholic graduate theological education through four master's degree programs (MATS, MAPS, MDiv, MACP), six graduate certificates (Catholic Biblical Studies, Catechetical Leadership, Catholic Philosophy, Sanctity of Life, Catholic Bioethics, Evangelization), and the multi-year Permanent Diaconate Formation program. Programs are offered on campus in Rochester, NY and synchronously via Zoom distance education, serving roughly 150 students with a faculty of 4 full-time professors and 23 adjuncts.
Is St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry a public or private company?
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry founded?
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry was founded in 1893.
Where is St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry based?
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry is headquartered in Rochester, United States, in the North America region.
How does St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Graduate Degree Tuition is the primary driver. The others are graduate Certificate Programs, application Fees and course Auditing.
Who are St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Catholic University of America and Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. Direct peers are Catholic Distance University, Mundelein Seminary (University of Saint Mary of the Lake), Mount St. Mary's University (Maryland), Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary and St. Mary's Seminary and University (Baltimore). National Catholic Bioethics Center is listed as an others. Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family is listed as an emerging player.
Does St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry have an API?
No public API is recorded for St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry.
What industry is St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry in?
St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry's product category is Graduate Theological Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAKAA, Seminaries (Graduate Theology & Ministry), with a secondary code of EDAHAKAE, Ministerial Training Institutes (Clergy Formation). Its NAICS code is 6113 and its SIC code is 8200.