Program Overview

Introduction to Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Howard University School of Divinity

The Howard University School of Divinity (HUSD) offers a unique and comprehensive Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program, designed to provide students with a rich and immersive experience in pastoral care. As one of the fourteen schools and colleges within Howard University, HUSD is committed to excellence in learning and service, with a strong focus on intellectual rigor, justice, and freedom.

Why CPE at HUSD?

The CPE program at HUSD is built on a consortium model, which allows students to participate in a variety of clinical site offerings. This approach enables students to engage with people from diverse faith traditions, cultural backgrounds, and belief systems, while working alongside medical professionals, students, caregivers, and families. The program is guided by an ACPE Certified Educator, who provides support and mentorship throughout the journey.

Program Design and Curriculum

The CPE program at HUSD is designed as an action-reflection approach to learning, where students engage in ministry or program activities, reflect on their experiences, and implement new insights and awareness. The curriculum is student-centered, acknowledging that learning goals differ for each individual. Students are invited to contribute to the design of the curriculum, ensuring that the program meets their unique needs and objectives.

Written Requirements

The written requirements for the CPE program at HUSD are designed to ground students in their own hopes and goals for CPE. The program acknowledges that CPE is a continually growing and developing field, and educators and students learn together in a collegial, clinical, and inclusive environment. Students can expect to engage in regular combinations of action and reflection, service and consideration, with the aim of integrating what they know with who they are and who they are becoming as ministers.

Application Requirements, Important Dates, and Fees

To apply for the CPE program at HUSD, students must submit an application fee of $100.00, which is non-refundable. The tuition fee for the program is $3000.00 per CPE unit, due on the first day of class. The program offers two units: a 15-week unit from January 21 to April 29, and a 10-week unit from May 20 to July 29.

• Level I & Level II CPE Application
• Level I & Level II CPE Unit Requirements:
  • 100 Classroom Hours (Online)
  • 300 Clinical Hours (Local area)
• Upcoming Level I & Level II CPE Units:
  • 15 Weeks: Wednesday, January 21 Wednesday, April 29, 5pm 9pm Central Time
  • 10 Weeks: Wednesday, May 20 - Wednesday, July 29, 3pm 9pm Central Time
• Level I & Level II Costs:
  • Application Fee: $100.00 (Non-refundable)
  • Tuition: $3000.00 per CPE Unit (Due by first day of class)

Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE): A Brief History

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) was conceived in the 1920s by Dr. Richard C. Cabot as a method of learning pastoral practice in a clinical setting under supervision. The approach was expanded by Rev. Anton T. Boisen, who included the case study method of theological inquiry. Over the years, CPE has developed to integrate knowledge from medicine, psychology, and other behavioral sciences, with leaders such as Helen Flanders Dunbar, Carl Rogers, and Wayne Oates contributing to its evolution. The ACPE was formed in 1967, resulting from the merger of several organizations, and is now the standard-setting, accrediting, certifying, and resource agency in the field of CPE.

HUSD CPE Program Administrator

The CPE program at HUSD is administered by Rev. Barbara A. Fears, MDiv, MTS, PhD, Associate Professor of Religious Education and Director of Clinical Pastoral Education.