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 Degree (ThM) is a one-year program of study beyond the master of divinity. The ThM is designed for students who wish to specialize in one of the curricular disciplines of the school of theology. The ThM is intended primarily for international students who wish to study at Candler School of Theology
- the Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling (ThD) prepares persons for the ministry of pastoral counseling at the doctoral level by combining rigorous academic and theological work with supervised clinical practice. The degree is an equivalent of the PhD, designed for those whose interest in pastoral counseling is primarily professional
Candler also offers three joint degrees:
- MDiv/MBA
- 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.
- MDiv/JD
- Candler offers a joint Master of Divinity and Juris Doctor degree in conjunction with Emory’s School of Law. The MDiv/JD is a five-year degree, one year shorter than if the degrees were pursued seperately. 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.
- MTS/JD
- Candler offers a joint Master of Theological Studies and Juris Doctor degree in conjunction with Emory’s School of Law. The MTS/JD is a four-year degree, one year shorter than if the degrees were pursued seperately. Applicants apply to Candler and Emory Law School separately, and if accepted to both schools, can enroll in the joint degree program. As with the MDiv/JD, applicants must take the LSAT and register with LSDAS, and financing is coordinated between schools.
Special students status is a designation for nondegree students, and is utilized by ministers in active service, missionaries on furlough, persons seeking Basic Graduate Theological Studies (BGTS), and other qualified persons.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the programs vary, but most require a bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, or equivalent degree from a regionally accredited college or university; a well-balanced program of work in the liberal arts; and, an overall grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Other strong candidates, including those who have been out of college for a number of years, are encouraged to apply. All completed applications, regardless of the GPA of the applicant, will be fully reviewed by the admissions committee.
Liberal Arts education a good start
A broad liberal arts education is recommended to prepare students for the Christian ministry. 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.
Students enrolled as MTS or as special students may transfer to the MDiv program upon acceptance by the admissions committee. Course work completed satisfactorily by a special or MTS student will be considered for transfer to the MDiv program. The registrar will determine which credits may be transferred from one program to another.
Coming from another seminary or school of divinity
Students in good standing at other seminaries accredited by the Association of Theological Schools may be admitted as transfer students.