Under our current educational model, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is required of all Master of Divinity students preparing for Unitarian Universalist ministry.  CPE programs offer interfaith professional education for ministry. There are three main components in CPE:

• pastoral encounters with persons in need or crisis
• structured educational (didactic) sessions
• theological and ministerial reflection with supervisors and peers

CPE is a rigorous, challenging learning experience that most students find especially rewarding. 

Ministry students are required to complete one full academic quarter of clinical pastoral education (known as a basic unit), certified by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) program. CPE programs are usually held in hospitals, but they also take place in mental health facilities, correctional institutions, nursing homes, and more.

It is recommended that students fulfill their CPE requirement early in their theological education. The theological and professional insights that result from Clinical Pastoral Education serve students well through the remainder of their ministerial education. Residential students typically take CPE in the summer following their first year of studies. 

Meadville Lombard and the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee accept programs certified by the ACPE. The Director of Contextual Ministry at Meadville Lombard can help you decide which is the best program for you.