Degree Programs
Candler School of Theology offers four degrees:
- The Master of Divinity (MDiv) is a professional degree for persons preparing for service in the parish or for other forms of ministry.
- The Master of Theological Studies (MTS) curriculum serves persons who wish to explore disciplines within theology and religion, without the objective of preparing for the ordained ministry.
- The Master of Theology (ThM) degree is a one year program of study beyond the Master of Divinity degree. It is designed for students who wish to specialize in one of the curricular disciplines of the School of Theology. It is primarily intended for international students.
- The Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling (ThD) prepares persons for the ministry of pastoral counseling at the doctoral level. This degree is an equivalent of the PhD, designed for those whose interest in pastoral counseling is primarily professional. Emory University also offers a PhD program through its Graduate Division of Religion.
- Learn more about Emory's Master of Sacred Music Program.
Candler also offers three joint degrees:
- In collaboration with Emory’s Goizueta Business School, Candler offers a joint Master of Divinity and Master of Business Administration degree. The MDiv/MBA program is a four-year program, or one year shorter than if the degrees were pursued separately. Applicants apply to Candler and Goizueta separately, and if accepted to both schools, can enroll in the joint degree program. Goizueta Business School requires that all applicants take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Students typically start their first year at Candler, spend their second year at Goizueta, and then alternate between the schools for years three and four. Financing is coordinated between the two schools.
- Candler also offers a joint Master of Divinity and Juris Doctor degree and a Master of Theological Studies and Juris Doctor degree with Emory’s School of Law. The MDiv/JD is a five-year degree and the MTS/JD is a four-year degree, both of which are one year shorter than if the respective degrees were pursued separately. Applicants apply to Candler and Emory Law School separately, and if accepted to both schools, can enroll in the joint degree program. The School of Law requires that all applicants take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and register with the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). Students typically begin their studies with their first year at Candler, spend their second year at the Law School, and then alternate between the schools for their remaining time. Financing is coordinated between the two schools.