Academics
Ministry Practicums
Integrating classroom learning with real-world ministry.
Ministry Practicums are a core component of the educational experience at The King’s University, providing students with the opportunity to integrate what they learn in the classroom with meaningful ministry experience.
Through supervised service in local churches, para-church organizations, nonprofits, and other ministry contexts, students develop practical ministry skills while growing personally, professionally, and spiritually.
Whether you are preparing for vocational ministry or seeking to faithfully live out your calling in another profession, the practicum experience is designed to help you apply biblical, theological, and ministerial training in real-world settings under the guidance of experienced ministry leaders.
The Department of Ministry Practicums
Facilitates experiential learning opportunities
Approves ministry sites
Provides guidance throughout the placement process
Supports students and ministry supervisors from beginning to end
Where can I complete my practicum?
Practicum sites
Students may complete their practicum in a ministry setting that aligns with their degree program, interests, and personal circumstances.
Whether you are an on-campus student in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex or an online student studying from another location, practicum experiences are completed within your immediate ministry context whenever possible.
Approved practicum sites may include
Local churches
Para-church ministries
Christian nonprofit organizations
Community service ministries
Missions organizations
Chaplaincy settings
Where applicable
Students are responsible for identifying a potential ministry site. The Department of Ministry Practicums maintains relationships with a variety of ministry partners, approves all practicum sites, and is available to provide guidance throughout the selection process.
Getting started
Five steps
The practicum process is designed to help students find a ministry placement that supports both their academic program and vocational goals.
Students should
01
Meet with their academic advisor to understand practicum requirements.
02
Explore potential ministry sites that fit their interests and location.
03
Identify site for ministry practicum experience.
04
Register for the appropriate practicum course.
05
Complete the practicum under the supervision of an approved Ministry Site Supervisor.
Specific degree requirements, required hours, and course sequencing can be found in the current Academic Catalog.
Ministry Site Supervisors
Mentorship
Every practicum student serves under the guidance of a qualified Ministry Site Supervisor.
Supervisors provide mentoring, encouragement, accountability, and regular feedback throughout the semester while helping students connect classroom learning with ministry practice.
Qualified supervisors typically
Have significant ministry or professional experience.
Demonstrate competence, wisdom, and a commitment to developing emerging leaders.
Meet regularly with students throughout the semester.
Provide guidance, evaluation, and encouragement throughout the practicum experience.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Don’t see your question? Email Practicums@tku.edu.
What’s the difference between a practicum and an internship?
Practicums provide broad ministry exposure through supervised experiential learning in a variety of ministry settings.
Internships are typically degree-specific experiences administered by individual academic programs and focus more directly on discipline-specific learning outcomes.
Can my practicum be related to my degree?
Yes! Students are encouraged to choose practicum opportunities that align with their academic studies, ministry interests, and vocational goals. Practicums are designed to help you apply what you’re learning in the classroom through hands-on ministry experience in a church, nonprofit, or other approved ministry setting.
When should I begin planning my practicum?
We recommend beginning the planning process at least one semester before you intend to complete your practicum. Finding a ministry site, identifying a supervisor, and coordinating your responsibilities can take time. Talk with your academic advisor early and contact the Department of Ministry Practicums if you need assistance.
Can online students complete a practicum?
Yes! Online students can complete their practicum at an approved ministry site in their local community. You do not need to live near TKU’s campus to fulfill your practicum requirements. You will still need an approved ministry site supervisor and must complete all required documentation, ministry hours, and coursework.
Who approves my practicum site?
The Department of Ministry Practicums oversees the practicum approval process. Students are responsible for identifying a potential ministry site and qualified supervisor. Your placement is formalized through a Practicum Agreement signed by you, your Ministry Site Supervisor, and a representative of the Department of Ministry Practicums. If you’re unsure whether a site qualifies, contact practicums@tku.edu before beginning your practicum.
Need help finding a practicum?
The Department of Ministry Practicums is available to help you identify ministry opportunities that fit your degree program, ministry interests, geographic location, and vocational goals.