Field Practicum

STH CT 800 Field Practicum Policy

STH CT 800—This course encourages theology students to take advantage of opportunities for practical experience in area churches and/or other related organizations as an extension of their theological training in the School of Theology. A credit-bearing course, Field Practicum is established as an elective course that can be taken for one-half credit in any semester. Any student may enroll in CT 800 for a maximum of four semesters, or 2 total credits. A maximum of 2 credits can be applied to degree requirements for a master’s-level degree (MDiv, MTS, MSM) as free electives. These elective credits may not be substituted for major or minor coursework in a STM, DMin, or PhD program but can augment any of these post–master’s degrees.

STH CT 800 may not be taken in the first year of study, and registration for Field Practicum requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. All students enrolled in CT 800 will be graded Pass/Fail. Students will be evaluated based on the following expectations:

• All CT 800 enrollees will meet as a group with a director of contextual education at the beginning and end of each semester for sessions modeled along the lines of ITP.
• At the beginning of each semester, students will record their goals and expectations for the course, especially making note of areas where they hope for/expect integration between academic learning and practical experience.
• Students will meet with their on-site supervisors monthly.
• At the end of each term, students will produce a reflection paper (5–7 pages, double spaced, 12 point font) that reviews their activities in relation to their learning goals and objectives.

International students in F-1 immigration status wishing to participate in Field Practicum will need to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) employment authorization from the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO). An application for CPT will include site information, including supervisor contact information. Compliance with Curricular Practical Training requires that the student register for the course, be recommended by the school to the ISSO, and be approved by the ISSO for CPT prior to beginning Field Practicum. International students in other immigration statuses should consult with the ISSO regarding eligibility to participate in Field Practicum.