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  basic unit in a program certified by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). CPE programs are usually held in hospitals, but they also take place in mental health facilities, correctional institutions, nursing homes, and more.

Students are required to complete CPE before they can move on to the Congregational Studies Signature Course. Full-time students should plan on doing their CPE during the summer between their first and second years. 

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.