Regulations Relating to the M.Div. Program
Mid-Program Review
Field Education
Course Load
Waivers and Substitutions
Alterations to the M.Div. Curriculum
Alternative UUA M.Div. Curriculum
Mid-Program Review
After completing at least 40 and not more than 55 credits, each M.Div. student is required to complete a Mid-Program Review (MPR) to assess her or his preparation for ministry. The student will meet with the MPR committee to discern areas of strength and weakness and set goals for the remainder of his or her studies. Guidelines for the MPR are available in the Academic Dean's office.
The MPR committee chair will supply a report of the meeting for the student's permanent file. The report may suggest or mandate certain binding actions that must be fulfilled before graduation. The student's academic advisor will monitor the fulfillment of all such requirements. If there is disagreement among the parties, the student may offer a written response.
A student who, without approval from the M.Div. Director, fails to complete the Mid-Program Review within the required time will not be allowed to take classes. The student will be permitted only to register "on leave" (if "on leave" registration would otherwise be allowed) until the review is satisfactorily completed.
Field Education
The Field Education experience helps students integrate their academic experience with skills for the practice of ministry. M.Div. students must begin this requirement in the first 45 credit hours of their program; M.A.R.E. students must begin it in the first 30 credit hours.
Students' Field Education is supervised through weekly on-campus practica with experienced church leaders and weekly sessions in the field with trained supervisors. Written reflections form the basis for supervision. Each setting establishes a teaching parish or agency committee that meets regularly with the student. The Director of Field Education and others involved in the program also are available for advice, consultation, and on-site visits. The Director and students work closely in a consultative and advisory relationship.
About 65 settings, mostly local congregations, serve as Teaching Parishes and approved field placements with one to three students in each setting. Students also have access to other field experiences through the Boston Theological Institute.
Course Load
Students may not register for more than 15 credits per semester without approval from their academic advisors or the M.Div. Director.
Waivers/Substitutions
Students are responsible for meeting all M.Div. degree requirements, unless waivers and substitutions are approved on a Waiver and Substitution Form before taking an alternative course. Students must see the appropriate department chair when seeking
- waivers for requirements
- substitution of BTI courses (or courses to be taken elsewhere) for ANTS required courses
- substitutions for departmental distribution requirements.
Alterations to the M.Div. Curriculum
A student wishing to fulfill the Renewal Area requirement by completing a BTI Certificate should consult with her or his advisor.
Alternative UUA M.Div. Curriculum
An alternative M.Div. curriculum is available for Unitarian Universalist students. Students desiring to be under that special curriculum may pick up copies in the Registrar's office and must indicate their intent to follow the UUA curriculum to the Registrar in writing.
Updated May 11, 2007