THEO 659 - Clinical Pastoral Education

CPE engages the student in self-awareness, pastoral skill-building, and theological reflection as mediated by the clinical method of learning. CPE units consist of two integrated components: educational and group process hours, and structured clinical hours. The educational and group process hours may be done in-person or online at a CPE center. Structured clinical hours may be completed through the CPE center, or other ministry sites approved by the CPE center. Possible placements include acute care hospitals, recovery and rehabilitation centers, educational institutions, prisons, congregations/parishes, and social service agencies. 

Receiving academic credit for CPE involves registering for THEO 659: Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) before the CPE unit begins. The CPE application is separate from the School of Theology course registration and must follow the admission requirements mandated by the CPE center. 

The School of Theology offers CPE tuition support through a designated reimbursement for students registered in THEO 659. To receive this designated reimbursement, students will pay their tuition to the CPE center, and then forward a receipt to the office of the Associate Dean in Lancaster. For more information on the reimbursement policy, please see the Student Handbook. 

The CPE course is recommended to be taken after at least one year of studies in the School of Theology and after completing the prerequisite course, THEO 650: Spiritual Care in Contemporary Contexts. Summer units meet on a full-time basis (with weekend and overnight on-call duties) for approximately 10 weeks. Summer units should be completed before the final year of studies. Any exceptions must be approved by the MACh degree coordinator, or one of the Deans. CPE may also be taken as a fall, spring, or extended unit. CPE work in January is often required for extended units. 

Students are obligated to meet with the faculty instructor assigned to the CPE course at the beginning of the semester, at the midpoint of the unit, and at the end of the unit. The CPE educator evaluation will be sent to the faculty instructor as part of the summary review of the experience. Course credit will be conferred provided the student fulfills the necessary requirements for the CPE center, in addition to meeting the School of Theology requirements stated above.

 

Prerequisite: THEO650 - Spirit Care Contemp Cont
Credit Type Code: PASS-NO CREDIT