HDS - Ministry Studies - Field Education

Ministry Studies

Field Education at Harvard Divinity School

Field education at Harvard Divinity School is set in the broader context of the Office of Ministry Studies (OMS), which provides a focal point for the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program and its relation to professional ministry. The goal of field education is to offer guided learning experiences under qualified supervision, which will develop professional attitudes and competencies for the work of ministry. Practical experience, reflection upon that experience, and the integration of it with the student's course work are required dimensions of an authentic exploration of the meaning of ministry. Intellectual, ministerial, and personal growth are expected and encouraged in field education.

The online version of the Field Education Handbook provides detailed information on the approximately 200 accredited field education sites available to HDS students—indexed by type of site (parish, education, business, agency, or counseling and clinical), by religious affiliation, and by supervisor name.

The Handbook also delineates the policies and processes for field education at HDS. Master of Divinity (MDiv) students, all other participating students, and supervisors are responsible for knowing and following these policies.

Students should rely upon the Office of Ministry Studies not only for guidance in placement for field education, but also for continuing support regarding preparation for an appropriate field of ministry. Entering students are encouraged to use the section groups of their Introduction to Ministry Studies course as a forum to initiate reflection upon their ministry experiences and goals. Students in field education will continue this reflection with their supervisors and in the required theological reflection course or module (HDS 2933 or HDS 2944) here at the Divinity School.