Certificate in Pro-Life Advocacy and Engagement

The graduate certificate in Pro-Life Advocacy and Engagement is designed with various groups of students in mind, including those who are presently—or aspire to be—engaged in the various professions and career opportunities involved in pro-life advocacy and non-profit organizations, as well as in relevant careers in pregnancy care support. The certificate is well-suited for those with professional or other responsibilities who need a flexible 12-semester hour certificate. Additionally, this certificate is stackable as part of the MA Bioethics allowing all 12 credit hours to be included as part of the full master’s degree. By enrolling in online courses, remote learning, in-person modular courses, and mentored and independent study work the certificate can be completed online, remotely, and/or in-person without relocating near the Bannockburn, Illinois campus. Alternatively, nearly all courses can be completed as part of an on-campus option.

Mission Statement:  The graduate certificate in Pro-Life Advocacy and Engagement equips students to critically analyze and engage ethical issues at the beginning and end of life from a distinctly Christian perspective.

Program Objectives & Outcomes

Students graduating from the Graduate Certificate in Pro-Life Advocacy and Engagement will be able to:

1. Understand current & emerging bioethical and legal issues in pro-life advocacy and engagement.
2. Discern the differences among competing contemporary approaches to ethics & bioethics.
3. Employ biblical and theological foundations for addressing issues in bioethics.
4. Engage bioethical challenges specific to pro-life advocacy and engagement in relevant professional contexts.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Prolife Advocacy and Engagement Certificate Program of Study
BE 5000	Introduction to Bioethics: Matters of Life and Dignity	3
or BE 5100	Intensive Bioethics Institute
BE 5002	Foundations for Cultural Engagement in Bioethics	3
BE 5499	The Public Policy Context	1
BE 5500	Bioethics and Public Policy	2
BE 5700	The Right to Life & the Law	2-3
Total Hours		11-12

Course sequencing: While courses in this certificate may be taken in a number of different sequences, students are strongly encouraged to either start with BE 5000, BE 5100, BE 5002, or BE 5499, and BE 5500. These course should be taken prior to taking BE 5700. 

1	Students may consider taking BE 5001 for supplemental background in the Bible, a biblical worldview, and biblical theology as additional coursework beyond the requirements of this certificate.
2	Students with extensive legislative and/or judicial experience and/or legal training may substitute this course with a 1-credit guided research elective.