Master of Divinity
This is what a minister looks like.
Designed for individuals preparing for many forms of ministry, Candler’s Master of Divinity (MDiv) integrates real life and real study, combining challenging academics, in-depth contextual learning, and faculty-led mentoring like no other seminary. Where others require only a short field education placement in a church setting, Candler offers two-plus years of practical experience in both a social ministry and a church or campus ministry setting. The result? You get the hands-on experience and mentoring you need to more clearly discern and follow your call.
Online or On Campus
Beginning in Fall 2023, Candler’s MDiv will be available in two formats: a residential plan with in-person learning on campus or a hybrid plan with the majority of classes online and the remainder as short, in-person intensives. The 72-credit-hour curriculum is structured to be completed in three or four years of study, with a maximum of six years to completion.
Whether you take classes on campus or online, you’ll be following the same carefully designed curriculum taught by the same exceptional faculty, supported by the world-class Pitts Theology Library, have access to the same resources for student success and spiritual formation, and be welcomed fully into the Candler community. Choose what’s right for you!
Dual Degree Opportunities
MDiv students may pursue dual degrees in bioethics, business, development practice, law, public health, and social work.
Contextual Education
It’s comprehensive. It’s intentional. It’s the hallmark of Candler’s MDiv curriculum and a national model for blending academics and service learning. We even wrote the book on it! After visiting numerous peer seminaries, our Con Ed directors published Equipping the Saints: Best Practices in Contextual Theological Education. At Candler, first-year MDiv students spend four hours a week serving in clinical or social ministry settings, and second-year students practice ministry in ecclesial settings for eight hours a week. Regular faculty-led reflection groups bring the learning full circle.
Our Teaching Parish program allows eligible students to meet the Contextual Education requirement by serving as church pastors while pursuing their degree. An experienced pastor leads the reflection groups, providing solid guidance gleaned from years of parish ministry.
Classroom, context, critical reflection: Your preparation for ministry isn’t complete without all three.
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor's or equivalent degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Well-balanced program of work in the liberal arts.
Concentration and Certificates
Focus on what fascinates you. MDiv students have the option of deepening their engagement with a particular area of study by choosing from 12 concentrations and 7 certificates.
Concentrations
- Catholic Studies
- Chaplaincy
- Formation and Witness
- Justice, Peacebuilding, and Conflict Transformation
- Leadership in Church and Community
- Religion and Race
- Scripture and Interpretation
- Society and Personality
- Theology and the Arts
- Theology and Ethics
- Traditions of the Church
- World Christianity
Certificates
- Baptist Studies
- Black Church Studies
- Episcopal Studies
- Religious Education Ministries
- Women's Studies in Theology and Ministry
- Religion and Health
- Emory Graduate Certificate in Human Rights
Candler Firsthand
–Karen SlappeyMDiv '15
“The biggest thing I've gained at Candler is the ability to connect all the dots, to make sense of how all the things I'm learning fit together. Whether it's the Old and New Testaments, or different traditions and theologians, it's like filling in the missing parts of a treasure map.”
–The Rt. Rev. Robert C. WrightEpiscopal Bishop of Atlanta
“Candler has a great model of gathering people for conversations in a gracious, non-judgmental, non-condemning space. The men and women that we send to this seminary are in good hands.”
Want to Know More?
Connect with us! Request more information or apply today, and we’ll make sure you have everything you need to take the next step on your journey.
