Master of Divinity Scholarships
Scholarships available to students enrolled in the Master of Divinity Program are listed below. Please note that scholarships marked with an asterisk (*) have separate scholarship applications. All MDiv applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents wishing to be considered for scholarships must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
- Robert W. Woodruff Fellowships*
- United Methodist Scholarships
- Baptist Studies Scholarships
- Candler Merit Grants
- Deacon Awards
- Dean's Awards
- Diversity Awards
- Honors Scholarships*
- International MDiv Scholarships
Awards of Full Tuition Plus Stipend
Robert W. Woodruff Fellowships in Theology and Ministry
The Robert W. Woodruff Fellowships in Theology and Ministry bear the name of the renowned businessman and philanthropist who led the Coca-Cola Company for many years and was a peerless benefactor of Emory University. The fellowship is awarded to entering Master of Divinity students through the Leadership Candler process. Candidates for the Fellowship must meet the general qualifications outlined above for Leadership Candler participants and must submit the Leadership Candler application and essay, the application for admission, and all supporting materials no later than January 15. Participation in Leadership Candler and the Leadership Candler scholarship interviews on campus are required for those who wish to be considered for the Woodruff Fellowships.
Each academic year, up to five Woodruff Fellowships are awarded to entering first-year students. Typical candidates will have a 3.50 or higher cumulative grade point average. Recipients of the Woodruff Fellowship are awarded full tuition, fees, and a $10,000 stipend for three academic years. Renewal of the award requires maintenance of at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average..
The Woodruff Fellowship awards are part of the Leadership Candler Program.
Margaret A. Pitts Scholarships
These scholarships for Master of Divinity students seeking ordination as a deacon or elder in The United Methodist Church honor Margaret A. Pitts, a United Methodist laywoman and longtime friend of Candler School of Theology. Pitts Scholarships are conveyed through the Leadership Candler process. Candidates for this scholarship must meet the general qualifications outlined above for Leadership Candler participants and must submit the Leadership Candler application and essay, the application for admission, and all supporting materials no later than January 15. Participation in Leadership Candler and the Leadership Candler scholarship interviews on campus is required for those who wish to be considered for the Pitts Scholarship. Qualified applicants should also have begun the candidacy for ministry process in The United Methodist Church and submit the Candler United Methodist Scholarship Application, essay, and District Superintendent Certification Form no later than March 1.
Each academic year, up to four Pitts Scholarships are awarded to entering first-year students. Typical candidates will have a 3.50 or higher cumulative grade point average. Recipients of the Pitts Scholarship are awarded full tuition, fees, and a $7,000 stipend for three academic years. Renewal of the award requires maintenance of at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average and continued plans for ministry in The United Methodist Church.
The Pitts Scholarships are part of the Leadership Candler Program.
Full Tuition Awards
A limited number of full-tuition Deacon Awards are available on a competitive basis to full-time United Methodist students preparing for ministry as deacons in The United Methodist Church. Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to servant leadership in the local church or other ministry setting. Deacons Award candidates should complete the Candler United Methodist Scholarship Application, including an essay and the District Superintendent Certification Form. Renewal of the award requires maintenance of at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and continued plans to serve as a deacon in The United Methodist Church.
Established in honor of Bishop Eugene M. and Mrs. Wilma A. Frank, this scholarship provides full tuition for United Methodist students preparing for ordained ministry in the Kansas or Missouri Annual Conferences of The United Methodist Church. Applicants should demonstrate promise for ministry, academic excellence, and commitment to the pastorate of local congregations. Frank candidates should complete the Candler United Methodist Scholarship Application, including an essay and the District Superintendent Certification Form. Renewal of the award requires maintenance of at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and continued plans to serve in Kansas or Missouri as an ordained elder.
The Sims Garrett Scholarships were established by Sims Garrett, a 1933 graduate of Emory College, to support full-time students preparing for pulpit ministries. The majority of Garrett Scholarships will be awarded through Leadership Candler, though if funds remain, Garrett Scholarships may be awarded to entering students outside of Leadership Candler who otherwise qualify for this award. Candidates for Leadership Candler must meet the general qualifications outlined above and must submit the Leadership Candler application and essay, the application for admission, and all supporting materials no later than January 15. Renewal of the award requires maintenance of at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average and continued plans to serve in pulpit ministry.
Established through the vision and generosity of Mary Goss Hardin, layperson, friend, and benefactor, the Hardin Scholarship provides support for full-time United Methodist students preparing for ordained ministry as elders in the North Alabama Conference. Candidates for the Hardin Scholarship should be admitted to the MDiv program and submit the Candler United Methodist Scholarship Application, an essay about their call to ministry as an elder in the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church, and the District Superintendent Certification Form (showing status in the candidacy for ministry process) no later than March 1. Awards are renewable upon maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.30 and continued plans to serve as ordained elders in the North Alabama Conference.
A limited number of full-tuition Honors Scholarships are available on a competitive basis to full-time students entering the MDiv program with a minimum grade point average of 3.50. The majority of Honors Scholarships will be awarded through Leadership Candler, though if funds remain, Honors Scholarships may be awarded to entering students outside of the Leadership Candler process who otherwise qualify for this award. Candidates for Leadership Candler must meet the general qualifications outlined above and must submit the Leadership Candler application and essay, the application for admission, and all supporting materials no later than January 15. Renewal of the award requires maintenance of at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average.
Established by W.I. and Emma Jean McDonald of Tylertown, Mississippi, the McDonald scholarship provides full tuition for United Methodist students preparing for ordained ministry in the Mississippi Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Applicants should demonstrate promise for ministry, academic excellence, and commitment to the pastorate of local congregations. McDonald candidates should complete the United Methodist Scholarship application, including an essay and the District Superintendent Certification Form. Renewal of the award requires maintenance of at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and continued plans to serve in ordained ministry in the Mississippi Conference.
The Quenelle Scholarships for United Methodist students preparing for pastoral ministry in the Holston Annual Conference were established by Olive Quenelle of Johnson City, Tennessee. Applicants should demonstrate promise for ministry, academic excellence, and commitment to the pastorate of local congregations. Quenelle candidates should complete the Candler United Methodist Scholarship Application, including an essay and the District Superintendent Certification Form. Renewal of the award requires maintenance of at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average and continued plans to serve in the Holston Conference as an ordained elder.
The Sherman Scholarship Fund was established by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sherman of Jacksonville, Florida. This fund provides assistance to United Methodist students who demonstrate academic ability and commitment to a biblically-based, evangelical ministry and who are preparing for ministry as pastors of local congregations. Preference will be given to full-time students, though student pastors may request support for part-time study over an extended period of enrollment in consultation with the Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. Applicants who have begun the candidacy for ministry process and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 are encouraged to apply.
Sherman Scholars will receive a full-tuition award (70 percent from the Sherman Endowment and 30 percent from other Candler scholarship funds) and are encouraged to seek support from their local church and annual conference as well. Qualified students from the Florida Conference will be given preference, although all qualified United Methodist students should apply. Candidates for the Sherman Scholarship should be admitted to the MDiv program and submit the Candler United Methodist Scholarship Application, an essay detailing a call to ministry as an ordained elder serving in local church settings, the District Superintendent Certification Form, and the Sherman Scholarship cover sheet by March 1. Sherman awards are renewable upon maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0, continuation of plans for ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church, and achievement of certified candidacy status as outlined in the scholarship award letter sent to recipients.
The Wesley Scholarship was established by James and Mary Wesley to support a full-time Master of Divinity student preparing for pastoral ministry in The United Methodist Church. Applicants should demonstrate promise for ministry, academic excellence, and commitment to the pastorate of local congregations. Wesley candidates should complete the Candler United Methodist Scholarship Application, including an essay and the District Superintendent Certification Form. Renewal of the award requires maintenance of at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average and continued plans for ordination as an elder in The United Methodist Church.
Other Awards
A limited number of scholarships providing $12,000 per academic year are available to full-time Baptist students studying in the MDiv program. Based on potential excellence in ministry, these awards are made possible by donations from Baptist individuals, churches, and organizations, as well as by matching funds from Candler. Most recipients of these scholarships are considered to be Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Leadership Scholars. Participation in this program is expected of scholarship recipients. Renewal of the award for the second and third years requires maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00. A separate application is not required. Review is based on materials submitted for admission to the MDiv program and begins in late February.
A limited number of Candler Merit Grants are awarded to incoming MDiv students on a competitive basis. These awards are given as primary merit scholarship awards and are not available to those already awarded a different Candler merit scholarship. Awards typically range from $3,000 per year to $7,500 per year. Renewal of the award for the second and third years requires maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00. A separate application is not required. Review is based on materials submitted for admission to the MDiv program and begins in late February.
Christian Education Scholarship
The Christian Education Scholarship provides $12,000 per academic year to full-time United Methodist students enrolled in the MDiv program and preparing for the vocation of Christian education. Renewal of the award for the second and third years requires maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00. A separate application is not required. Review is based on materials submitted for admission to the MDiv program and begins in late February.
Dean’s Awards providing $12,000 per academic year are available on a competitive basis for full-time students entering the Master of Divinity program with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.50. Renewal of the award for the second and third years at Candler requires maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.30. A separate application is not required. Review is based on materials submitted for admission to the MDiv program. Review begins in late February.
Diversity Awards providing $12,000 per academic year are available on a competitive basis for full-time students entering the MDiv program whose presence in the school will promote diversity in the student body and in the ministry. Past community contributions and potential for ministerial leadership, as well as academic capabilities, will be considered when reviewing applicants for awards. Renewal of the award for the second and third years at Candler requires maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00. A separate application is not required. Review is based on materials submitted for admission to the MDiv program and begins in late February.
International MDiv Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships covering a portion of tuition are available to MDiv students who are citizens of countries outside the United States. A separate application is not required. Review is based on materials submitted for admission to the MDiv program. Review begins in mid-March.