Introduction

Claremont School of Theology supports a wide variety of supervised ministry and other internship opportunities. Through these programs students develop skills for service and leadership, make connections between theory and practice, and grow in self-knowledge and vocational clarity.

Students in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program take two semesters of Field Education, which includes an internship and concurrent seminar.  M.Div. students may also take one or two semesters of Advanced Field Education, as elective credit. Students preparing for chaplaincy may substitute Clinical Pastoral Education for the required Field Education internship.

While most Master of Arts programs do not require an internship, students in the M.A. (Religion) and program may take one or more semesters of elective internship, with an accompanying seminar or directed study.

CST depends on strong partners to make our internship programs possible. CST requires placement sites that offer opportunities for students to learn and contribute, and where a supervisor in the setting provides regular reflective conversation. Our desire is for students to find placement sites in settings where they can contribute and learn and where a supportive supervisor provides regular reflective conversation. Because of the diversity of our student body, the internship placements are different every year. Congregations and other organizations interested in working with interns should contact, Interim Director of Field Education, Rev. Alecia Curtis Glaize, aglaize@cst.edu, 909-447-2581.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: International students on an F-1 visa should contact their DSO in order to receive approval for any internship or fieldwork opportunity. DO NOT start any hours until your internship/fieldwork is approved and you have received a new I-20 (that includes an approved CPT on it).

Students in the M.Div. program take two semesters of Field Education, which includes a supervised ministry internship and concurrent seminar. This is usually during the second year of full-time study. Students are responsible for arranging their placements with consultation and support from the Director of Field Education. Internships are possible in congregations and in many other settings. They begin in September and conclude in May. In their placements students work 8-10 hours a week and are entrusted with a full range of responsibilities. Each student meets weekly with a trained supervising mentor in the placement and participates in the reflective seminar.

M.Div. students may also take one or two semesters of Advanced Field Education, as elective credit. Students preparing for chaplaincy may substitute Clinical Pastoral Education for the required Field Education internship.

Some Master of Arts degree programs require one or two semesters of internship, and elective internships are available to students in all M.A. programs. Placements can be arranged in a variety of settings including social service, justice and advocacy, non-profit management, health services, and campus ministry.

Religious, interreligious, and secular organizations can be considered as placement sites.  Students are responsible for arranging their internship placements, with consultation and support from the Director of Field Education. Placement arrangements should be completed at least three months before the planned internship start date.

Students may earn academic credit for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programs offered by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education. CPE is required in some degree programs and may be taken as an elective in most. One unit of CPE is usually 10 weeks full time, and the CPE program schedules do not coincide with the school’s academic calendar.

M.Div. students who are preparing for chaplaincy as a vocation may substitute CPE for the required 6 units of Field Education.

M.Div. students may take up to 6 units of Advanced Field Education with permission from the Director of Field Education and in consultation with their advisors. Students are responsible for arranging their internship placements, with consultation and support from the Director of Field Education.

Internship placements may be arranged in a variety of settings including social service, justice and advocacy, non-profit management, health services, and campus ministry. Religious, interreligious, and secular organizations can be considered as placement sites. Placements will be arranged as appropriate to students’ interests and levels of experience. Placement arrangements should be completed at least three months before the planned internship start date.

For Potential Field Education and Internship Sites

Interested in being a field education and internship site for CST students? Please click below to find out more and fill out the form.

Important Documents

Engaged and educated Internship and Field Education supervisors are fundamental to the success of contextual education. This page is designed to provide materials to support supervisors in their efforts to support the learning and growth of CST students at their Internship and Field Education sites.

Below are materials for information and support, offered with our great appreciation for the time and wisdom field supervisors provide to our students: