how should I take this

[countrigal]

And if/when you do go to speak to him... like MsMarieh said, be prepared for a negative response.  But also be prepared with some questions for him regarding that.  If he says he can't support you in this endeavor, ask him why?  Is there something more you could do to prove yourself for this opportunity?  Does he see an area you need to improve in your current position prior to moving into this educational opportunity?  And would it be possible that sometime in the future he would be more willing to support you in this?  What would it take to make that possible?

This way you might be able to learn if there are other issues going on here, perhaps even performance-based issues, that are on his mind that he is not sharing with you. Will give you a way to improve yourself.  If none of this is true... and you still don't get support... then I'd definitely be looking elsewhere for a position and boss that will support your career growth.

CountriGal
Peer Moderator