Field Education

An integral component of the training that Emmanuel provides is Field Education, which involves practical experience, mentorship, reflection, and evaluation. This form of learning is highly effective and contributes greatly to spiritual development, competency, and employability. The Field Education Department oversees three kinds of experiences: placements, internships, and co-ops.

New Students

Full-time students normally have one Field Education placement each semester unless the pace of the program is reduced, requirements have been met, or a summer experience is substituted. The first Field Education credit students take is FE100AA/AC offered in-class in the Fall Semester and by Distance Education. After students have completed the course, in consultation with the Director, they choose their Field Education Placements, Internship or Co-op assignment based on the specific guidelines of their programs/concentrations as well as the students’ gifting and interests.

Objectives

Apply academic learning in supervised situations, identifying areas of challenge in the application of theory to ministry
Be mentored by others who are experienced in ministry
Develop practical transferable skills such as time management, goal setting, evaluation, reporting, and accountability
Discover and develop character, gifts, abilities, and skills in ministry
Explore possible ministry/career options, network with current workers in the field, and discern God’s call

Do you have previous ministry involvement?

Find out whether you qualify for advanced standing.

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Field Education Placements

Field Education placements are supervised, evaluated experiences in some area of church ministry, ministry-organization work, community service, or college ministry assignment. Each experience involves a commitment of three or more hours per week and the submission of ministry reports and evaluations from the student and supervisor. As students progress through their prescribed number of placements, they are expected to illustrate growth in several fundamental pre-identified learning areas. Students are encouraged to utilize their Field Education credits to broaden their own personal experiences.

Internships and Co-ops

Internships and co-ops are intensive Field Education experiences in the student’s field of study designed to integrate, and encourage the application of, knowledge, attitudes, tasks, and skills learned in the classroom. Not all programs require an internship or co-op, but all students have the option to complete one as an elective. Students must successfully complete all Field Education placements before beginning an internship or co-op.

Field Education FAQ’s

What is Field Education and why is it necessary?

Let’s face it – what works in books doesn’t always work in real life. Field Education is the opportunity to apply what you learn in the classroom in a real-life setting at the same time you are learning it, with a supervisor that can help you navigate the problems that may arise. It’s also an opportunity to develop the administration and paperwork skills necessary for a credible ministry. All completed in the context of helping you fulfill the calling God has on your life and preparing you to serve long-term in your areas of giftedness and passion.

What are the requirements for a FE placement?

There are two core requirements for a Field Education placement: time commitment and regular supervision meetings. First, students usually invest three or more hours per week over a ten-week period. This period usually corresponds with weeks 3 through 12 in a given semester. There are exceptions, such as a short-term missions trips, which can be excellent opportunities. Second, students will meet regularly (usually weekly) with their supervisor. These mentoring meetings range in length from fifteen minutes (common for first-year students) to one hour (common for third- and fourth-year students). A strong supervisor-student relationship can make a tremendous difference in the student’s life and career.

Can I choose whatever I want?

Yes-ish… as long as you also fulfill the 3 areas of detailed requirements within your chosen program. For example, what would you think of our fabulous youth program if you could graduate having never volunteered with youth? Or could you imagine Emmanuel training Christian leaders who have never served in a local church? Each program requires a certain number of credits within the local church, in their program concentration, and in specific areas within their program areas (we call them pre-identified learning areas). For example, if you were in the pastoral program, you would have to have some experience preaching, teaching, with pastoral care, etc. We explain that further in the FE class you take your first semester.

What is the difference between a FE placement, Internship, and Co-op?

FE placements are shorter time commitments and are designed to give you a broad range of activities – you’ll get to try a bunch of things in a variety of different areas. Internships are a larger time commitment specializing in your chosen areas of study. Co-op’s are similar to internships. However, differ in the sense that a summer opportunity or extra semester is needed in order to complete the FE requirements. Another way to say that is that programs with co-ops get more opportunities/hours for hands on training.

What is the Field Education & Ministry Preparation course?

The first FE credit every students takes is a course called Field Education and Ministry Preparation. There are two main parts to this course. First, we identify where each student currently is (what are the gifts and skills God has given you, what previous experience do you have, etc). Then we look at where God is (or might be) calling you. From there, we discuss the details of our Field Education program and how it can help you live the calling God has placed on your life.

I have a lot of Ministry experience. Can I opt out of Field Education?

No, or at least not completely. Our accrediting agency requires that students complete at least one year of Field Education credits at Emmanuel in order to grant a degree. So, if you want a degree, you have to complete FE credits. However, with that said, there are two ways that some of your previous ministry experience may apply (at least in part). This is also dependent upon the detailed requirements of your chosen program. More details about Transfer Credits and Advanced Standing are below.

Transfer Credits: Students may be eligible to transfer Field Education credits from another institution. Students with Field Education credits on their transcript can obtain a “Form for Field Education Transfer Credits” from the Registrar’s office. A student is to complete one form for each Field Education (or equivalent) credit they hope to transfer. Upon receiving the completed form, the Field Education Director in consultation with the Registrar will evaluate qualifying students. Even if a student transfers Field Education credits, they must complete the equivalent of one year of Field Education placements or the Internship/Co-op at Emmanuel. Contact the Registrar for more information.

Advanced Standing: Students who have been engaged in significant non-graded ministry experience prior to coming to Emmanuel but after high school graduation may be eligible for Advanced Standing in Field Education. Student will first complete FE100AA/AC, where further details about the qualifications and application process are explained. Applications are accepted after the student has completed (or almost completed) their first placement, but before beginning the second. They must meet the following requirements:

The student must have graduated from high school and not yet have been a student enrolled in a program at Emmanuel when the ministry took place.
The student must be currently involved in ministry that builds upon this experience.
The Field Education Committee must affirm the reputation of the organization.
The student ensures they can obtain an Evaluation Letter from their previous supervisor.
The student submits an application during second semester of their first year at Emmanuel (after the students first placement has commenced).
Note: Some students may be granted up to half of their remaining Field Education Placements through Advanced Standing. The Field Education Committee determines the exact number of credits allowed. These credits can be applied to a program when Year One has been completed. The current Field Education tuition rate applies to each Advanced Standing credit.

Current Students

Field Education Guide

Download Field Education Guide

Field Education Application

Download Field Education Application

FE Job Description Template

Download FE Job Description Template

FE Extension Request Form

Download FE Extension Request Form

Please note: If a program student has not yet fulfilled all the Field Education requirements and completes fifteen academic courses without completing a Field Education credit, that student will not be permitted to register for further courses unless he or she registers for or completes a Field Education unit. The Field Education coordinator and the assistant academic dean & registrar together are empowered, after careful consultation, to refuse or limit registration for further academic courses for students who are seriously behind in their Field Education credits until requirements are up to date.

Supervisors

Field supervision is an important element of all these experiences. Supervisors meet with their student workers weekly to discuss performance and give advice, and they provide a graded evaluation at the end of the experience. Organizations wishing to advertise a Field Education placement, internship, or co-op opportunity may submit a posting to our Job Board and participate in our Field Education Fair, which is usually held in September. Those interested in registering for the Fair or discussing other avenues of connecting with students are encouraged to contact the Field Education Department.

Supervisors for internships and co-ops receive access to a password-protected webpage that explains what is expected of them and gives important downloadable documents.

Internship & Co-op Supervisors

Internships and co-ops are a real commitment to practical ministry and application. That's why we've created a special area just for you to learn more about the process.

Enter Here

Find the Right Student

Reach out to students by posting an opportunity on our Job Board.

Job Board

Contact Us

For more information on our Field Education program, please review our Field Education Guide. Still have questions? Connect with us at fe@emmanuelbiblecollege.ca.

Field Education

New Students

Current Students

Supervisors

Current Opportunities

New Students

Objectives

Do you have previous ministry involvement?

Field Education Placements

Internships and Co-ops

Field Education FAQ’s

Current Students

Field Education Guide

Field Education Application

FE Job Description Template

FE Extension Request Form

Supervisors

Internship & Co-op Supervisors

Find the Right Student

Contact Us