Certificate in Supervisory Education

What is Supervisory Education?

Supervisory Pastoral Education trains individuals in the theory and practice of supervision and experience by supervising students under the guidance and consultation of a certified CPEI Training supervisor-educator. Individuals who have completed a minimum of four courses of clinical pastoral education and the requisite formal education may apply. Students enter the supervisory education program as a Supervisory Candidate I and are required to complete SEC 600-900, which involves the observation and practice of supervision as well as the completion of learning modules and develop a theory of human development, theory of adult learning and group dynamics and a theology of pastoral supervision. Upon approval of SEC 600-900, the supervisory student will become a Supervisory Candidate II and will be required to demonstrate their competency as a supervisor. The journey toward eventually becoming certified as an Associate or CPE Supervisor begins with applying for the Certificate in CPE Supervisory Education.

Certificate in CPE Supervisory Education

The certificate in CPE Supervisory Education assists students interested in becoming CPE Supervisors-Educators. The process involves gaining the knowledge and skills needed to make a lasting difference in the lives of others through the advancement of one’s supervisory practice. In the supervisory education program, students learn to develop critical thinking, supervisory, and leadership skills. Each course consists of 400 hours of observation and practice of supervision and the development of one’s supervisory theory.

The Certificate in CPE Supervisory Education requires the completion of courses (SEC 600-1000) or 2000 hours of education. Supervisory students will be engaged in the practice of observation and supervision in small groups, individual sessions, and the completion of Moodle Modules

Admission to the Certificate in CPE Supervisory Education

Students desiring to apply to enter the Certificate in Supervisory Education will be required to have a minimum of 36 hours of graduate education from an accredited institution for the CPE Associate Supervisor-Educator and a graduate degree of 72 hours for the CPE Supervisor-Educator in theology or a related discipline; the completion of 1600 hours of clinical pastoral education (CPE), and certification as a Chaplain by a recognized certifying organization or completion of Board Certification within the first year of supervisory education.

Click on the Tab “Education” and then “Application and Forms.”

The application includes the following (as applicable):

  • Previous Academic Education
  • Previous CPE
  • Identification of three references
  • A current resume or career vitae (CV)
  • Three Essays
    • Personal History: A description of one’s life story, including a description of one’s family of origin and current family relationships, important events, relationships with significant people, and the impact these events and relationships have had on one’s development.
    • Religious/Spiritual Development: A description of one’s religious/spiritual development, including events and relationships that influenced your faith and belief system.
    • Understanding of Supervisory CPE: Identify your understanding of Supervisory Education and what you hope to gain personally and professionally from CPE.

Application Process

  • Submit a CPEI CPE Application.
    Students applying for the supervisory education program must meet the following requirements:
    • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of thirty-six (36) hours of graduate education in theology or a related discipline; and a minimum of four courses of CPE. Upon completion of the program and successful committee review the candidate would be certified as a CPE Associate Supervisor.
    • Master’s degree with a minimum of seventy-two (72) hours of graduate education in theology or a related discipline; and a minimum of four courses of CPE. Upon completion of the program and successful committee review the candidate would be certified as a CPE Supervisor
  • Interview with a CPEI Training Supervisor
  • Review, sign and return the acceptance letter
  • Enroll in CPEI

Certificate in CPE Supervisory Education Course Descriptions

SEC 600 (400 hours): The initial supervisory education course provides the supervisory student the opportunity to observe and practice the art of supervision while developing an awareness of the supervisory process and basic supervisory skills, to research a variety of human development theorists and group dynamics, to write an integrative autobiography, a final evaluation, and initiate a self-care plan. 

SEC 700 (400 hours): The second supervisory education course provides the student the opportunity to integrate the art of supervision while supervising and evaluating students, increasing one’s knowledge and skills in supervision, multiculturalism, adult learning theories, to develop a theory of human development in pastoral supervision, and to increasingly demonstrate the ability to manage a CPE Course and practice healthy self-care.

SEC 800 (400 hours): The is an initial supervisory education course provides the supervisory student the opportunity to practice the art of supervision while supervising and evaluating students, increasing one’s knowledge and skills in supervision, multiculturalism, adult learning theories, to develop a theory of adult learning, multiculturalism, and group dynamics in pastoral supervision, and to increasingly demonstrate the ability to manage a CPE Course and practice healthy self-care.

SEC 900 (400 hours): The is an initial supervisory education course provides the supervisory student the opportunity to apply the art of supervision while supervising and evaluating students using one’s increased knowledge and skills in supervision, multiculturalism, adult learning theories, to develop a theology of pastoral supervision, to complete one’s Model of Pastoral Supervision, and to increasingly demonstrate the ability to manage a CPE Course and practice healthy self-care.

SEC 1000 (400 hours): Students having completed the Certificate of Supervision Education and had their Model of Pastoral Supervision approved are now Supervisory Candidate II. As such, they have six months to establish a group of students, supervise them, and meet all the requirements before submitting the required documents to the Certification Committee to be reviewed for status as a CPE Supervisor.