Application FAQ's

How do I apply?
Applicants may apply online or download the application for admission and recommendation forms from our website at our application link. Please print out the downloaded application and mail forms and other materials to:

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
Candler School of Theology
Emory University
Bishops Hall 216
Atlanta, Georgia 30322

For help with application questions, please visit our website or contact our office at candleradmissions@emory.edu or 404.727.6326.

Do I need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
In order to be eligible for Candler scholarships or federal student loans, you must file the FAFSA between January 1 and March 1. The Emory University school code for the FAFSA is 001564. For more information or to fill out the FAFSA online, please go to the FAFSA website. International students are not required to complete the FAFSA. All international students will be fully considered for relevant scholarships without the FAFSA.

Do I need to file the CSS Profile?
In order to be eligible for Candler scholarships or federal student loans, you must file the CSS Profile between January 1 and March 1. For more information or to fill out the CSS Profile online, please go to the CSS Profile website. International students are not required to complete the CSS Profile. All international students will be fully considered for relevant scholarships without the CSS Profile.

When do I apply?
The deadlines for MDiv and MTS applicants are February 1 for fall admission (early consideration) and July 1 (final deadline). In order to be considered for the maximum number of scholarship opportunities, MDiv and MTS students must complete their application by the February 1 deadline and complete their FAFSA by March 1.

The final deadline for ThM and ThD applications is February 15 for admission the following fall, with the FAFSA also due by March 1.

When will my application be considered?
Once we receive all application materials, including all forms, fees, transcripts, resume, letters of reference, and writings, the Admissions Committee will typically make a determination within two weeks.

May I request letters of reference or transcripts before I submit my application?
Yes. We will officially open an Admissions file for you once we receive any piece of your application. We recommend having letters of reference and transcripts sent in well before any deadlines to make sure their tardiness does not hold up your application and scholarship review.

What does the admissions committee look at when reading an application?
The Admissions Committee looks at several areas when evaluating an application. These areas include academic ability, writing skills, theological literacy, church/community affirmation, and vocational intent. The committee looks for those who have potential to serve the church and the world in religious leadership and who will succeed in graduate theological studies at Candler.

I wasn’t a religion major in my undergraduate studies. Can I still apply to Candler?
Yes. Most Candler students were not religion majors in their undergraduate work, though we do recommend a strong liberal arts education as a foundation. Students applying to Candler should have a working knowledge of past and present culture from undergraduate studies in the humanities and the natural and social sciences.

Is the MDiv degree only for students who wish to be ordained?
While many MDiv graduates go on to ordination in various denominations, others go on to doctoral studies or to lay vocations in non-profit agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and other community ministries.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
For the MDiv degree, a BA or BS from a regionally accredited college or university is required, usually with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. For MTS students, the GPA minimum is generally 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. For Special Students, a GPA of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale is expected. Low grades should be addressed in writing somewhere in the application. All completed applications, regardless of the GPA of the applicant, will be fully reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

Do I need to take the GRE to be admitted to Candler?
No. Candler does not require the Graduate Record Examination.

I have been out of school for a while and don’t have contact with my former professors. Do I still need to get academic references?
For those who have been out of school for more than five years, we allow substitution of additional professional and/or character references for the academic references.

My relative is my pastor; can I use she/he as a pastoral reference?
No. None of your references can be relatives of yours. Associate pastors or campus ministers can be used if a relative is your primary pastor.

I am still in undergrad and do not have a professional reference. What should I do?
A professional reference can be obtained from people such as an internship supervisor, a work-study supervisor, or a summer employment supervisor. If you have not had supervisors in any of the above capacities, you may submit a personal reference from someone who has known you for at least three years.

What if I no longer have an academic writing sample?
For those applicants who do not have a recent academic writing sample from the past five years, or those whose academic work falls outside the humanities/liberal arts course work (e.g., BS in Mathematics or PhD in Physics) the admissions office will provide a scholarly article to read and reflect on. The article and writing instructions are available upon request. Please email candleradmissions@emory.edu or call 404.727.6326.

Can I apply for degree admission for the spring semester?
No. Candler only admits degree-seeking students for the fall semester of each year. One may apply for status as a Special Student, a status for those seeking academic credit, but not enrolled in a degree program. For more information, see the Special Student status link on our website.