Learn Where You Lead with Candler’s Doctor of Ministry

Candler’s Doctor of Ministry is 90% online so you can stay connected to your place of ministry while you earn your degree. Scholarships are available. Apply by July 1 for a Fall 2026 start!

Take the next step in your ministry journey.

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The DMin is for experienced ministry professionals who want to strengthen the connection between theology and practice.

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Fit a doctorate into your busy life

Join us for a digital info session: 8pm on Tuesday, February 3

Earn your doctorate in three years with a curriculum that builds on your experience and knowledge.

Stay rooted in your place of ministry while you complete your degree, taking online classes with your cohort and gathering on campus for short visits four times during the program.

Finish strong with Candler’s remarkably high DMin completion rate of 94%—nearly twice the average DMin completion rate.

 

white male preaching in front of a congregation

Elevate your real-world ministry

Choose from four tracks:

  • Biblical Interpretation and Proclamation
  • Chaplaincy
  • Church Leadership and Community Witness
  • Womanist Discourse

Amplify your ministry impact. Apply what you learn in class to your ministry context and develop a final project that focuses on solutions to current issues in church and society.

Build a supportive community with ministry colleagues across the country and across denominations.

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The resources of Emory University

Ranked in the top 25 national research universities by U.S. News & World Report.

World-class faculty dedicated to exceptional online teaching and relevant, effective ministry.

Advanced educational technology and all the resources of the third largest theology library in North America.

Scholarships available with no separate application required.

A low student/faculty ratio gives you the personal attention you need for success.

 

What our students and alumni have to say...

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Raushanah Butler

“I had no immediate plans to return to school, let alone get a doctorate, but the Candler community and culture reinvigorated me. I knew Candler was the place to equip and empower me to continue to do the work I was called and created to do.”

Raushanah Butler

DMin '26

Raushanah Butler
Raushanah Butler

“I had no immediate plans to return to school, let alone get a doctorate, but the Candler community and culture reinvigorated me. I knew Candler was the place to equip and empower me to continue to do the work I was called and created to do.”

Raushanah Butler

DMin '26

Candler School of Theology | Jonathan Trapp
Candler School of Theology | Jonathan Trapp

“Our cohort started during the height of the pandemic and only got to meet in person twice during our time in the program. Candler faculty and staff were amazing in ensuring that we became such a tight-knit community using solely online resources. My time at Candler has left me with a community that exists throughout the country and I know that we will always be there for each other.”

Jonathan Trapp

DMin '23

Elizabeth Abel
Elizabeth Abel

“This program was essential to my career and theological presence in the Church. How I approach this next season of work and life will be based on the education and instruction I gained throughout this program.”

Elizabeth Abel

DMin '24

Tiffania Willetts standing outside on the Emory Quad
Tiffania Willetts standing outside on the Emory Quad

“At Candler, I’ve been able to integrate my faith and my theological education in ways I had never imagined. It is life-giving to be in a place where real conversations to challenge and refine Christian theology are taking place, all within an understanding of God’s grace.”

Tiffania Willetts

MDiv '18, DMin '25

Frederick Robinson
Frederick Robinson

“The DMin program has helped me shape my ideas into a practical but scholarly program to impact a congregation in tangible and meaningful ways.”

Frederick Robinson

DMin '24

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