As the headquarters of several prominent Christian denominations, as well as a hub for major industries related to Christian music and publishing, Nashville provides ample opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in a range of organizations, from churches both big and small to the companies and nonprofits that carry out God’s work in the world.
As a student in the College of Theology & Christian Ministry, you’ll gain valuable experience through our Field Education program, which allows you to explore the various ways you can practice a vocation. Throughout the experience, you’ll receive ongoing feedback and guidance from professional practitioners to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses as well as measure your progress toward vocational goals and learning objectives.
Field Education opportunities are available in Nashville and beyond. You’ll work with a Field Education advisor, as well as your academic advisor, to find a placement that best suits your needs and interests. Some tutor and mentor refugee families through World Relief, others assist with art therapy for the homeless and still others serve as youth, children’s ministry and administrative interns with local congregations.
For more information, contact Dr. Andy Watts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the rationale for Field Education?
- What do I need to do to be eligible for Field Education?
- What does the Placement Process look like?
- Do I need a supervisor?
- Can I complete my Field Education Internship where I currently work/volunteer?
- Can I get credit for work I’ve done earlier?
- What are the weekly time requirements for Field Education?
As a place where preparation for vocation takes place, Belmont University seeks to provide students competency-based educational/learning experiences. This experience is referred to by terms such as field education, apprenticeship, practicum, internship, on-the-job training, and contextual education. In this-context these experiences should be considered as the part of the formal education process in which the learner steps into an actual professional role.
The manner in which students engage in experiential learning “is a process through which a learner constructs knowledge, skill, and value from direct experience” (Association of Experiential Education) and provides a rich and comprehensive opportunity to make integrated connections between theory, critical thinking and analysis, and practical knowledge.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all course work
- Successfully complete REL 2410 - Spiritual Formation
- Meet with the Field Education Advisor to discuss opportunities and course requirements
The process of securing a field education placement is interactive and involves the student, his or her academic advisor, various field education site supervisors, and Field Education Advisor. The initial meeting between the Student and Field Education Advisor allows each to meet the other and begin to explore the Student’s gifts for and vocational goals. The Field Education Advisor will also assess the Student’s already developed skills and targeting areas for further development. During the meeting, the Field Education Advisor will provide information to the Student on available organizations as well as course requirements.
Students may select the site placement before meeting with the Field Education Advisor, but final approval of the site is determined by the Advisor. The Student is responsible to secure all contact information for the site and her/his Site Supervisor prior to beginning the Field Education experience.
The Office of Field Education will not recruit sites and placements designed to accommodate one specific Student. Due to geographic constraints during the summer, the Student may propose a new site for a summer placement. In all instances, the Student must demonstrate that a suitable site does not already exist in the pool of approved placements. In the event that a new site needs to be developed, the Field Education Advisor (not the Student) evaluates the site and supervisor to determine their suitability for the program. The Student must provide Field Education Advisor with the contact information of the person responsible for serving as the Field Supervisor of the proposed site in a timely manner so the evaluation can take place. Failure to do so in a timely manner may eliminate the site from consideration.
Yes. Each student will request from the placement site, a specific Field Education Supervisor who will both oversee and evaluate the student’s work, including Mid-Term and Final Evaluations. The Student will meet weekly during the experience with the Site Supervisor for instruction and feedback.
Students are required to discuss this in consultation with the Field Education Advisor prior to the internship beginning. This is determined on a case-by-case basis, and is in no way a guarantee of placement.
No. Academic credit can only be assigned for work completed in the term in which the Student is enrolled for the Field Education course.
Field Work:
During the academic year, students are required to be on site 8-10 hours per week. The summer placement requires a minimum of 15 hours per week on site. Note: Each hour of credit is based on a minimum of 40 hours or 120 hours of supervised work for the 3-credit class.
Field Education Seminar:
A weekly integrative seminar course (fall & spring terms) is conducted by the College of Theology and Christian Ministry Field Education Advisor with all students currently enrolled in Field Education. The Seminar will cover issues and information about the service context, personal & professional development, as well as vocational discernment.
Reflective component:
Written reflections are required as a key component of the Field Education experience.
Weekly 1:1 conferences with the Field Education Advisor are required.
I still have more questions, who may I contact?
Contact Field Education Advisor, Dr. Andy Watts. You may email him here.