Advanced Standing (Field Education)
Students accepted into the MDIV or MACF degree programs may apply for advanced standing for prior field education experience during their first year of study. Advanced standing will only be considered for prior field experience equivalent to internship residency and is reserved for exceptional situations. Because Field Education is the liminal space between the classroom and ministry context, it is strongly encouraged to receive field education credits while enrolled as a student. Students can contact the Department of Contextual and Lifelong Learning to discuss whether they would be considered for advanced standing credits. Students applying for advanced standing should do so in the first year of their program. The Contextual and Lifelong Learning Committee makes decisions as to whether or not a student is awarded credit, and if so how much. Credit hours granted will not typically exceed half of the credit hours required for each degree program. Requests must be based on experiences gained within five years of seminary matriculation. Experience older than five years will not be considered.
When assessing applications, the Contextual and Lifelong Learning Committee takes into consideration the following:
- Intentional supervision, reflection, and evaluation by a ministry mentor.
- Ministry experience that aligns with the goals of student’s degree program.
- Documented evidence of evaluation by those with whom or for whom the student’s ministry has been practiced.
- Documented reflection by the student regarding what he/she has learned about his/herself and about ministry in general during the experience.