Field Education

Field education is that area of theological education in which the classroom experience is tested and applied in the life and ministry of the church. The purposes are: 1) to help Master of Divinity (M.Div.) students to test, exercise and improve their gifts and skills; 2) to equip them with diversified backgrounds of firsthand experiences in the service to which God has called them; and 3) to encourage their theological reflection on the tasks of the ministry.

All M.Div. students at RTS are required to have 400 hours of Field Education during their time in seminary. Many students have had very valuable ministry experience before beginning their studies; nevertheless, the seminary expects students to have ministry internships under the oversight of both faculty and trained supervisors as a part of the seminary curriculum. This experiential education in the ministry context is an essential component of the seminarian’s personal growth and preparation for ministry. The requirements may be met through a part-time internship, a summer intensive, or other possible arrangements negotiated with the Director of Field Education.

See Field Education Overview for further details about requirements.