At a Glance
The mission of Candler School of Theology is to educate faithful and creative leaders for the church's ministries in the world. We are dedicated to expanding knowledge of religion and theology, deepening spiritual life, strengthening the public witness of the churches, and building upon the breadth of Christian traditions, particularly the Wesleyan heritage, for the positive transformation of church and world. We are one of 13 United Methodist seminaries, with an enrollment of nearly 500 students representing 44 denominations and more than 7,000 alumni worldwide.
The REAL Story
Candler prepares real people to make a real difference in the real world. “Cookie-cutter” sameness is not a Candler characteristic. We are people of every stripe–reflecting and embracing our own ethnic origins, theological perspectives, denominations, political viewpoints, age, and personal stories of faith. What we share is our commitment to Christ and the church. Learn more about what makes Candler REAL.
Fast Facts
- Number of students: 479
- Student/faculty ratio: 10:1
- Number of denominations: 44
- Countries represented: 13
- Candler’s total financial aid awards, 2011-12: $4,448,166
- Percentage of tuition covered by average scholarship: 68%
- Percentage of alumni serving as pastors: 70%
- Number of living alumni: 7,443
- Percentage of Master of Divinity students who are United Methodist: 52%
Degree Choices
- Master of Divinity (MDiv)
- Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
- Master of Theology (ThM)
- Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Counseling (ThD)
Joint Degrees
- Bioethics and Theology: MTS/MA
- Business and Theology: MDiv/MBA, MTS/MBA
- Development Practice and Theology: MDIV/MDP
- Law and Theology: MDiv/JD, MTS/JD, LLM, SJD
- Public Health and Theology: MDiv/MPH, MTS/MPH
Certificate and Denominational Programs
- Baptist Studies
- Black Church Studies
- Episcopal Studies
- Faith and Health
- Human Rights (Emory Graduate Certificate)
- Methodist Studies
- Religious Education Ministries
- Women, Theology, and Ministry
Master of Divinity (MDiv) Concentrations
- Formation and Witness
- Justice, Peacebuilding, and Conflict Transformation
- Leadership in Church and Community
- Religion, Health, and Science
- Religion and Race
- Scripture and Interpretation
- Society and Personality
- Theology and the Arts
- Theology and Ethics
- Traditions of the Church
- Women and Religion
Contextual Education
Candler’s Contextual Education Program for Master of Divinity (MDiv) students sets the standard. We marry thought and action by integrating rigorous coursework, supervised field experience, and pastor-led reflection groups. Many seminaries require a placement in either social ministry settings or church settings. Candler requires both.
The Emory Advantage
Candler is at the heart of Emory University, geographically and philosophically. This central vantage point opens opportunities for cross-disciplinary discourse and study. Candler students, faculty, and staff connect with other schools, research centers, and internships in ways that aren’t typical of most seminaries.
The Atlanta Advantage
Our vibrant hometown is a big city (five professional sports teams, packed calendar of cultural events, the headquarters of leading Fortune 500 companies) made up of the most welcoming small communities anywhere (walkable neighborhoods, farmers markets, local festivals). There are about 3,000 churches in the metro area and a rich variety of nearby spiritual retreat options. Popular getaways include mountain and beach destinations–both an easy drive away.