Residential MDiv Program Practical Training Requirements

This article applies to students in the General Track of the Residential MDiv Program.


A biblical understanding of wisdom forbids separating knowing from doing, learning from practice, since wisdom unites knowledge, character, and skill. Wisdom results from academic learning and practical experience when accompanied by supervision and self-examination. The MDiv program contains some practical training elements to prepare candidates for the degree to minister.


Participating in these practical elements, every MDiv candidate will be able to do the following:

  • Apply the knowledge gained through coursework to Christian practice in the Church or parachurch
  • Have a sharpened sense of external call
  • Receive feedback and critique in a godly way
  • Inwardly discern weaknesses and areas that need growth before graduating to a role in the workplace or ordained ministry
  • Exercise leadership and exemplify servanthood

The MDiv's practical training elements also aim to contribute to the overall learning goals at the master’s degree level:

  • To exhibit a deeper love for the Triune God, his word, his truth, his Church
  • To develop an increasingly Christ-like humility in relation to others
  • To understand how the eternal Word applies to the changing world

  • To realize how each of us is called in the setting of the Church and the world

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Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

This program targets key areas of ministry to put into practice the distinctive curriculum from the classroom. MDiv students are not only able to practice ministerial skills. They are also able to gain appropriate feedback to facilitate their improvement in ministry areas and produce a dossier of ministerial work that they can utilize in their steps toward ordination or other careers in ministry.


After the first year of seminary, MDiv students will be automatically registered for the CPT course. An initial step in CPT is identifying a ministry site and finding a mentor where one may complete modules. While doing CPT, a student must be enrolled in at least one seminary course, for more direct application of classroom learning to ministry setting.


Students make submissions towards module completion in Canvas as they complete modules. The final due date for CPT submissions is March 1 of the student’s graduating year. For questions regarding any of the information presented on CPT in Canvas, contact Curricular Practical Training.


Case Study Seminars

MDiv students must register for and participate in two Case Study Seminars during their degree program. These weekly, one-hour, semester-long, non-credit seminars have no more than 12 students who meet with faculty to analyze and discuss students' field experience. Part of Case Study Seminar requirements is attendance at and feedback on weekly semester chapels. Seminars are offered each semester for registration.