Detailed information for questions frequently asked about the Tyndale Seminary Internship Program. If you would like additional help, please contact the Coordinator of the Tyndale Seminary Internship Program, Dr. James Watson.
What is that Tyndale Seminary Internship Program?
The program’s objective is to provide students with a vibrant and transformative context for integrating the theological, spiritual, relational, and vocational dimensions of Christian ministry and leadership. As such, the goal is to match students with a placement setting that is consonant with their vocational goals, denominational affiliations, geographic preferences, and ministry interests.
How do I know if I need to complete an internship for my program?
You must complete an internship if you are enrolled in the MDiv program of any kind, except for the following programs, which have separate internship requirements:
How long does the internship take from start to finish?
The internship is a course that runs two full semesters, and can begin in September (Fall), January (Winter), or May (Spring/Summer). Even though it is a two semester course it only counts as one 3 credit course and only requires registering once (at the beginning of the internship).
How many hours per week will I need to commit to my placement?
The internship requires a commitment of the equivalent of 10 hours per week over two semesters for a total of 260 hours.
Do I get paid for my work as an intern?
Some placement sites are able to offer the Intern remuneration or financial assistance; however, such arrangements are entirely at the discretion of the church or organization and are privately arranged. Remuneration is not a determinative factor in placement selection.
When should I start the internship process?
The meeting with the Coordinator of the Tyndale Seminary Internship Program should be held before the end of the student’s second year. Thus, for an internship that runs from September to April, this meeting should be arranged the March prior. The summer will be spent making the necessary preparations for the placement.
What is the first thing I need to do to begin the internship process?
Interns should begin by first filling out the TSIP Student Internship Application Form and then arranging to meet individually with the Coordinator of the Tyndale Seminary Internship Program to discuss their learning objectives, vocational goals, and ministry interests. This form is found on the "MDiv Internship" page in classes.tyndale.ca. If you need any support, contact the internship administrator by email at seminternship2@tyndale.ca to set up an appointment.
Where will my placement be?
The placement can be either initiated by the student (i.e. secured by the student at a ministry site of their choice) or by referral from the Coordinator of the Tyndale Seminary Internship Program. If the student requires a referral, they will need to complete the TSIP Student Internship Application form (found on the "MDiv Internship" page in classes.tyndale.ca) and provide a resume to the Coordinator by email, so that the Coordinator can assist in finding the most appropriate placement site.
How often will I meet with my supervisor?
Internship Supervisors and interns are expected to devote one hour per week to meeting with each other for a scheduled supervision session.
Can Master of Theological Studies (MTS) students register for the internship program?
Yes, the internship program is available for MTS students.
MTS students who are interested in pursuing an internship fall under a different category. The Internship will be considered an elective; thus, it does not require the full set of prerequisites. However, the student should have completed a sufficient number of courses (e.g. around 9 courses, i.e. 50% of the 18 courses required for an MTS degree) to provide a solid foundation for the applied learning at the placement site.
Interested students should email seminternship2@tyndale.ca to schedule a consultation meeting with the Internship Program Coordinator (jwatson@tyndale.ca) to discuss further before submitting any application documents.
Who do I contact?
Contact (or book an appointment with) by email seminternship2@tyndale.ca.
I am interested in taking a CPE unit. How do I do that?
Clinical Psychospiritual Education (CPE), formerly Clinical Pastoral Education, is offered through the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC). Before applying to a CPE/SPE unit or contacting placement sites, consult Dr. James Watson, Tyndale’s Seminary Internship Program Coordinator to confirm your program or study-plan fit, prerequisites, site-agreement status, and timeline. Begin at least three months ahead to allow time for approvals.
- Current Tyndale Seminary students: If your program permits CPE, apply to the site and obtain written acceptance. Submit the acceptance letter through the CPE tab on the TSIP Moodle page and complete the FLOW Registration for a Non-Classroom Course. Wait for Tyndale’s approval before starting.
- Tyndale Seminary alumni: Contact Seminary Admissions about active visiting/occasional-student status, and Dr. James Watson about the site agreement. Both must be confirmed before you proceed with site acceptance and registration.
- Applicants who are not Tyndale Seminary students: Occasional-student status is not available solely to take CPE. If you want to pursue a Seminary program, contact Seminary Admissions; you must meet the program’s admission requirements and all internship prerequisites before pursuing CPE.
- International students: Check current IRCC placement rules and your permit conditions. Contact the Office of the Registrar if your eligibility or authorization is unclear.
Complete all applicable approvals before the placement begins.