Students complete the ≥400-hour contextual education internship degree requirement either over the course of two academic terms (8 months averaging 10–12 hours/week) or in a single term (4 months averaging about 20 hours/week) in a more intensive format. Academic terms (spring, summer, and fall) start in January, May, and September.
Each academic term that students participate in the internship, they are also enrolled in the Contextual Education Internship classroom course. This course allows student interns to meet regularly with fellow interns during the course of the term to share, reflect, and receive feedback about their experience and complete periodic evaluation assignments in relationship with the internship supervisor.
Students may enroll in additional contextual education internship opportunities beyond their degree requirement for elective credit. Each additional internship requires a deeper learning experience and expected outcome.
Types of Contextual Education Settings
There are three types of contextual education internship settings recognized by United. Students can complete their internship at either a Traditional or Enhanced site to meet the Contextual Education requirement for their degree program.
- Traditional Internship sites are nonprofit centers or congregations where a student completes their internship alongside an experienced supervisor and engages with them in conversation and reflection on religious leadership and theological/ethical reflection. The student is usually paid a stipend for their service to the site.
- Enhanced Internship sites are nonprofit organizations and congregations where the student works full or part-time in their context. These sites also offer an on-site or off-site supervisor that acts as a conversation partner with the student. The student negotiates with the site the salary and benefits beyond the standard internship stipend.
- United Student Employment sites include nonprofit organizations and congregations that hire United students to serve their context in part-time and full-time capacities. These sites do not include supervision and therefore do not qualify for contextual education internship credit. They are, however, great ways for students to practice ministry and share the mission and values of United in the world.
Placement Timeline
The process for securing approval for an internship placement site begins several months before the student starts the experience. The student must make arrangements with the placement site and supervisor in conjunction with the Director of Contextual Education before enrolling in the first Contextual Education Internship course. Before the internship, students must also work with the supervisor to complete a Learning Agreement that includes identifying the spiritual, personal, and vocational goals that will move the student toward the next phase of their professional ministry.
Considering a Student Intern?
If you are interested in meeting a student for a possible internship, please contact T. Michael Rock, Director of Contextual Education, at tmichael@unitedseminary.edu