Greetings from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, where for more than 100 years we have educated faithful and creative leaders for the church’s ministries throughout the world. One of 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church and one of five United Methodist university-based theology schools, Candler strives to be authentic in our discipleship and relevant in our work, applying heart, soul, mind, and strength to love God and neighbor.
This authenticity starts with our people. Like the people of the first-century church, we embody a wealth of diversity—our students represent 42 denominations, 12 countries, numerous ethnicities, and a wide age range. What unites us is our commitment to Jesus Christ, the church, and to joining God’s work of positive transformation in the world.
Transforming the world in the name of Christ requires deep engagement in serious theological exploration and spiritual growth. At Candler, we believe that students who are challenged in seminary will be well prepared to navigate the differences they encounter in the real world of church and society, and we are fortunate to have many of the world’s greatest minds in theological education guiding our students along this journey.
Our faculty are great teachers who are passionate about engaging students—and our 9:1 student/faculty ratio makes them highly accessible. They are great thinkers, challenging and reframing theological and social thought with their groundbreaking scholarship, research, and writing. They are great leaders who are committed to the church, serving parishes, denominational bodies, and communities locally and around the world.
We are equally fortunate to undertake our mission within Emory University, a top-tier research institution that enthusiastically supports the study of religion and invites cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration. This environment gives Candler students access to deep and broad resources that enrich their education.
Our website offers a glimpse of the Candler experience. It includes a look at the variety of people and theological interests present here, an introduction to our highly regarded faculty and degree programs, descriptions of our international study opportunities and our student groups, an overview of resources at Emory, and much more. Even so, this is still just a glimpse. To get the full picture, we hope you’ll take part in a digital information session, come to campus for a visit, or chat with an admissions representative to learn how Candler can prepare you to make the change God is calling you to make in the world.
Grace and Peace,
Jan Love
Mary Lee Hardin Willard Dean
Professor of Christianity and World Politics