Degree Programs

Candler offers five master’s, one doctoral and ten dual degrees to match your interests and your call. Several are available in multiple formats, including in-person, hybrid, and fully online. Dual degrees from bioethics to social work expand the possibilities. In short, no matter your destination, we’ve got a degree to help you get there.

Candler Degrees

Master of Divinity

For those called to ministry, social advocacy, spiritual growth, and academic advancement

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Designed for individuals preparing for ministry, Candler’s MDiv integrates challenging academics and in-depth contextual learning to prepare you for a range of careers—from pastoral work in churches to chaplaincy, nonprofit leadership, social justice advocacy, teaching, and more.

72

Credit Hours

12

Concentrations

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hybrid option available

Master of Religion & Public Life

For those who want to explore the dynamics of faith in the public sphere

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Designed for professionals in fields whose work requires them to navigate issues of faith on a regular basis, such as law, healthcare, and public service. Through the MRPL, you’ll increase your impact by gaining a better understanding of the role of religion in the lives of the people you serve. A wide range of course offerings lets you tailor your learning to your specific context.

36

Credit Hours

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customized curriculum

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hybrid & online options

Master of Religious Leadership

For those interested in developing leadership skills for Christian service

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Designed to enhance the leadership potential of those interested in Christian service in areas such as youth ministry, worship and music, conflict transformation, missions, and pastoral care, the MRL is a two-year program that provides a biblical, historical, and practical foundation for ministry work that may not require ordination.

48

Credit Hours

6

Areas of Specialization

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hybrid option available

Master of Theological Studies

For those who wish to explore theology and religion from an academic perspective

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The MTS is designed for individuals interested in pursuing some aspect of teaching and research, whether in an academic context, the nonprofit world, or in public policy and social engagement. It provides excellent preparation for doctoral-level studies in religion and theology.

48

Credit Hours

3

Areas of focus

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customized curriculum

Master of Theology

For those who wish to deepen their knowledge in a particular area of study in order to enhance their vocation or ministry

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The Master of Theology is a one-year program of study beyond the Master of Divinity or other first-level theological master’s degree. ThM students may focus on one of four areas: Biblical Studies, History and Interpretation of Christianity, Christianity and Culture, or Church and Ministry.

24

Credit Hours

1

year of study

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Customized Curriculum

Doctor of Ministry

For experienced ministers who want to strengthen the connection between theology and ministry practice

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The Doctor of Ministry program provides ministry professionals with advanced training and the skills necessary to analyze ministry practices through sustained biblical, ecclesiological and theological reflection, and to discern, shape and disseminate new practices in the service of the gospel.

32

Credit Hours

4

tracks

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Hybrid | Online

Dual Degrees

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Candler offers dual degrees with either the Master of Divinity or the Master of Theological Studies and a Master of Arts in Bioethics (MA-Bioethics) in conjunction with the Laney Graduate School. Both programs prepare students for careers in faith-based organizations, patient advocacy or pastoral care in healthcare environments, public healthcare policy, or to pursue advanced studies in bioethics and moral theology. MTS/MA-Bioethics students take courses at Candler and Laney at the same time, however they are typically enrolled at Laney in the first year, and at Candler in the second. Students must register for and pay tuition for two semesters at Laney and two semesters at Candler but may take courses in either school.

 

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Candler offers dual degrees with either the Master of Divinity or the Master of Theological Studies and a Master of Business Administration in conjunction with Emory’s Goizueta Business School. This program allows the MDiv/MBA or MTS/MBA degrees to be earned in four or three years, respectively, both one year shorter than if the theology and business degrees were pursued separately.

 

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Candler offers a dual Master of Divinity and Master’s in Development Practice (MDiv/MDP) in conjunction with Emory’s Laney Graduate School. This program allows students to combine training and experience in international development with theological studies and formation for ministry and may be completed in four years instead of the five required to attain the degrees separately.

 

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Candler offers dual degrees with either the Master of Divinity or the Master of Theological Studies and a Juris Doctor degree in conjunction with Emory’s School of Law. The MDiv/JD is a five-year degree, while the MTS/JD is a four-year degree, both one year shorter than if the theology and law degrees were pursued separately.

 

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Candler offers dual degrees with either the Master of Divinity or the Master of Theological Studies and a Master of Public Health in conjunction with Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health. This program allows the MDiv/MPH or MTS/MPH degrees to be earned in four or three years, respectively, both one year shorter than if the theology and public health degrees were pursued separately.

 

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A dual Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work (MDiv/MSW) allows students to combine training and experience in social work with theological studies and formation for ministry. The MSW, offered through the University of Georgia, offers an enhanced awareness and engagement of public resources for community development and empowerment; skills for advocacy and social policy analysis; program design, methods, and administration of community-based agencies and programs; organizational analysis; and knowledge and experience of clinical practices in fields such as gerontology, and individual and family therapy.

 

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Certificates

Focus on what fascinates you. MDiv and MTS students have the option of deepening their engagement with a particular area of study by pursuing an academic certificate alongside their degrees.

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CertificateOpen to
Baptist StudiesMDiv only
Black Church StudiesMDiv, MTS
Episcopal and Anglican StudiesMDiv only
Faith and HealthMDiv, MTS
Human RightsMDiv, MTS
Religious Education MinistriesMDiv, MTS
Women’s Studies in Theology and MinistryMDiv, MTS

Not looking for a degree? Check out the many other learning opportunities Candler offers.

Non-Degree Programs