Internships and Practicums

Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree (B.S. or B.Min.) are required to gain practical expertise in a supervised setting by enrolling in the internship course in their chosen vocational ministry major. In addition, several majors list practicums under the courses required for the major. Students must be of at least junior standing to enroll in an internship or practicum course. In an internship or practicum, the student serves in a ministry or is involved in an observation-based learning experience related to the student's vocational ministry major under the guidance of a church or Christian ministry leader approved by the College. Here are the usual expectations according to the student's chosen major:
 

 
An internship or practicum provides the student with the field experience to implement principles learned in the classroom under the supervision of a mentor. This mentor, who is already an experienced leader in that vocational ministry, acts as the student's field supervisor and, in conjunction with the faculty instructor, provides an evaluation of the student's work.

The responsibility for setting up the internship or practicum and recruiting a mentor is the student's, who does so under the guidance and with the approval of the faculty instructor. The choice of mentor is the most critical factor affecting the quality of the internship experience. The mentor should:

1. Be a good model of ministry in the student's chosen field.
2. Know the philosophy and goals of the internship program.
3. Willingly cooperate with the College and assume leadership to help and to train the student intern.
4. Be willing to grant the intern many opportunities to participate in practical areas of ministry.
5. Return assessment materials at required times.
6. Possess at least a baccalaureate degree in the vocational ministry covered by the internship.

Time scales for the internship and practicum courses need not correspond with the College semester schedule. However, the general guideline for such courses requires 180 hours of in-the-field work and evaluation over a time period of no less than six weeks. Although students must obtain approval for the details of the internship or practicum from the chair of the ministry major prior to its onset, he or she should register for the course in the semester in which it will be completed.