Field Education Courses

Each master’s degree at North Park Theological Seminary includes a Field Education component as a companion to your academic coursework. We believe these are essential elements in your preparation for vocational ministry. The requirements vary by degree, but, at minimum, all students will take Vocational Excellence and complete a cultural competency module.

Vocational Excellence

Required for all degree-seeking students, this intensive course focuses on issues of vocational identity and healthy professional patterns. This course should be taken in your first year. Learn more.

Internship

An internship can be one of your most important Seminary experiences as you discern your gifts and call to ministry. Your internship should include a broad range of ministry experiences that align with your vocational aspirations. Degree programs vary in their requirements for this Field Education experience. Learn more.

Cultural Competency Module

Required for all degree-seeking students, the cultural competence module (CCM) is designed to help students develop cross-cultural knowledge, skills, and sensitivity. Learn more.

Clinical Pastoral Education

Clinical pastoral education (CPE) is a supervised experience that typically occurs in a clinical setting where you will encounter individuals in crisis. This may be a hospital, hospice, or urban ministry site, depending on your goals and call to ministry. This valuable educational experience is recommended for anyone that is pursuing a call to congregational ministry or chaplaincy. Learn more.

Theological Reflection Module

The theological reflection module (TRM) provides an important opportunity for processing your Field Education and other ministry experiences. You’ll also receive valuable peer and faculty feedback as you make your final preparations to begin vocational ministry. Learn more.

Education encompasses everything from study of the Bible, theology, history, and ministry to mastery of the tools and understanding vocational and lay ministers need to be competent across cultural, economic, geographic, and gender boundaries.

Our Admissions Office will be glad to work with you personally to complete your application, arrange a campus visit, and estimate your costs. If you think the Seminary might be right for you, we urge you to get in touch. We will be glad to help you every step of the way.

North Park Theological Seminary offers 4 traditional degrees, 6 dual-degree combinations with Business and Nonprofit Management, and 8 graduate certificate programs. We interweave theology, bible, ministry, spiritual formation, and diversity courses into each degree.

Field Education is a companion to classroom work at North Park Theological Seminary, that helps develop: Practical individual preparation for ministry Interpersonal and communication skills in a ministry context.

At North Park Theological Seminary, we prepare you to answer your call to ministry through our academic curriculum and the spiritual and practical formation that comes with participating in the community here.

North Park Theological Seminary offers academic and formational events throughout the year, providing students with access to prominent scholarship, relevant conversations, and a full community experience.

Seminary Academics