
The Candler School of Theology, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the top-ranked graduate schools at Emory University. The school offers a range of master's, doctoral, and dual degrees, providing students with diverse learning opportunities and a rich spiritual life. With a focus on educating ministers, scholars of religion, and other leaders, the school is grounded in the Christian faith and shaped by the Wesleyan tradition. Its history dates back to 1914 when it began instruction at Wesley Memorial Church, later moving to the Druid Hills campus in 1916. The school is named after the Candler brothers, Asa and Warren, with the former being the founder of The Coca-Cola Company.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Parent University | Emory University |
| Type | University-based school of theology |
| Affiliations | United Methodist Church, United States |
| Religious Grounding | Christian faith, Wesleyan tradition |
| Values | Diversity, equity, inclusion, excellence, lived faith |
| Worship | Chapel, Evensong, Eucharist |
| Degrees Offered | Master's, Doctoral, Dual |
| Degree Formats | In-person, hybrid, online |
| Student Population | 416 |
| Full-Time Faculty | 35 |
| Notable Events | First female dean appointed in 2007 |
| Notable Alumni | Kiyoshi Tanimoto (1940) |
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What You'll Learn

Diversity and Inclusion
Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, has a long history of promoting diversity and inclusion. The school was founded in 1914, and in 1922, made the progressive decision to admit female students, despite the Methodist Episcopal Church, South not providing a path to ordination for women at the time.
The school's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its student body, which is diverse in terms of backgrounds, ethnicities, nations, cultures, faith traditions, and beliefs. This diversity is valued as essential to excellence and to the school's lived faith, fostering a community of belonging.
Candler School of Theology offers a range of degrees, including five master's, one doctoral, and nine dual degrees, with various formats such as in-person, hybrid, and online learning. The dual degrees are offered in partnership with top-ranked programs at Emory, including fields like bioethics, business, development practice, law, and public health. The school also provides learning opportunities outside of its degree programs, such as courses and events for individuals and church groups through initiatives like The Candler Foundry and La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies.
The school's faculty is also diverse and world-renowned, with members from various disciplines and faith traditions. The faculty has included notable women, such as Roberta C. Bondi, the first female tenure-track faculty member, and Jan Love, the first female dean.
Candler School of Theology has a strong foundation in the Christian faith and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is committed to educating ministers, scholars of religion, and other leaders through scholarship, teaching, and service. The school's history reflects a commitment to social concern and justice, as seen in the 1958 open letter signed by nearly the entire theology faculty calling for the integration of public schools in Atlanta, despite resistance from the state of Georgia.
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Academic preparation
Candler School of Theology at Emory University offers a range of academic programmes to prepare students for leadership roles in the church and other ministries. The school provides a variety of master's, doctoral, and dual-degree programmes, accommodating different learning styles and interests.
For those seeking advanced degrees, Candler offers five master's programmes, one doctoral programme, and nine dual degrees. The dual degrees are offered in partnership with top-ranked programmes at Emory University and are available within the Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies. These dual-degree programmes allow students to explore fields such as bioethics, business, development practice, law, and public health alongside their theological studies.
The school also recognises the importance of practical, hands-on learning and provides opportunities for ministry preparation outside of its degree programmes. The Candler Foundry, their public theological education initiative, offers courses and events for individuals and church groups. Additionally, the La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies provides a multi-language curriculum leading to a graduate certificate in theological studies.
Candler's academic preparation extends beyond the classroom. The school values diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a community where students from different backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and faith traditions come together. Worship is an integral part of life at Candler, with regular chapel services, Evensong, and Eucharist. The school's spiritual formation opportunities create a well-rounded educational experience.
The school's location within Emory University, a top-ranked research institution, gives students access to unparalleled library resources for theological education. The Pitts Theology Library, for example, boasts over 300,000 volumes. Additionally, Candler's world-renowned faculty members enhance the academic experience, ensuring that students receive a solid academic preparation for their future endeavours in ministry and beyond.
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Military chaplaincy
The military chaplaincy program at Candler prepares students to provide spiritual leadership and care within the distinct culture and challenges of military life. It equips them with the skills needed to offer pastoral counseling, perform religious ceremonies, and provide a supportive presence to those facing the unique stresses of military service, such as deployment, combat exposure, and reintegration.
Students in the military chaplaincy track receive specialized instruction in military policies and procedures, the unique psychological and spiritual needs of service members, and the distinct characteristics of various military branches. They learn to navigate the complex intersection of religion and military culture, fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for service members of diverse faith traditions and spiritual backgrounds.
A key aspect of Candler's military chaplaincy training is field education. Students are placed in military settings, such as bases, hospitals, or veteran organizations, where they gain firsthand experience providing spiritual care under the supervision of experienced chaplains. These placements offer a practical understanding of the challenges faced by military chaplains and help students develop the skills needed to support service members effectively.
Additionally, the program fosters a strong sense of community among those preparing for military chaplaincy. Students benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities with military chaplains and alumni serving in the field. This support network is invaluable as they navigate the unique demands of military life and continue their service to those who serve our country.
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Christian faith and Wesleyan tradition
Candler School of Theology's A-Term courses offer an immersive exploration of Christian faith and the Wesleyan tradition, providing a strong foundation for students' theological studies. The Wesleyan tradition, with its rich history and distinctive tenets, is a key area of focus within the school's theological curriculum.
The Christian faith, as interpreted through the Wesleyan lens, emphasizes a transformative personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, promoted a faith characterized by warmth of heart and social engagement. This tradition emphasizes grace, both as a gift from God and as a means of responding to God's call to serve others. Wesley's theology is deeply rooted in Scripture, tradition, and reason, offering a holistic approach to faith that engages the mind and the heart.
The Wesleyan tradition emphasizes several key principles that shape the theological understanding and practice of faith. One of the central tenets is grace, which is understood as a transformative force that justifies and sanctifies believers. Wesley believed in "salvation by faith working through love," highlighting the interplay between faith and action. This grace is accessible to all and is a fundamental aspect of God's love and mercy. It is this grace that forms the basis of a personal relationship with God and fuels a desire to actively demonstrate that love through service and social justice.
Another key aspect of the Wesleyan tradition is the emphasis on Scripture as a living text that speaks to the present moment. Wesley encouraged a thoughtful, engaged reading of the Bible, interpreting it through the lens of tradition and personal experience. This approach allows for a dynamic understanding of Scripture that is both rooted in history and relevant to contemporary contexts. It also values reason, creating a balance between faith and rational inquiry, and encourages a thoughtful, reflective approach to theological understanding.
The Wesleyan tradition also places a strong emphasis on social holiness and a commitment to justice. This stems from the belief that faith is not just an individual affair but should manifest in tangible actions that benefit the wider community. Wesley was concerned with the spiritual and physical needs of people, advocating for social reform and actively engaging in acts of charity and mercy. This tradition translates into a call for social justice, a commitment to peace, and a desire to address systemic inequalities, inspiring Christians to actively work towards a more equitable and compassionate world.
Finally, the Wesleyan tradition values spiritual practices that nurture the soul and deepen one's relationship with God. These practices might include prayer, meditation, fasting, and participation in sacraments such as baptism and Holy Communion. Through these practices, individuals find spiritual growth, a deeper understanding of God, and a strengthening of their faith. The Wesleyan tradition encourages a holistic approach to faith, recognizing the importance of both personal devotion and community engagement.
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Graduate programs and degrees
Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, offers a range of graduate programs and degrees. It is one of seven graduate schools at Emory University and is dedicated to educating ministers, scholars of religion, and other leaders through a combination of scholarship, teaching, and service. The school offers a diverse and inclusive community, valuing backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and faith traditions and beliefs.
The school provides five master's, one doctoral, and nine dual degrees. The master's programs include the Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies, with dual degree options in partnership with other Emory programs in fields like bioethics, business, law, and public health. The Master of Divinity program prepares students for a variety of ministries, while the Master of Theological Studies equips students for teaching, research, or further graduate study.
The doctoral program, the Doctor of Ministry (DMin), is designed for those seeking advanced studies in theology and ministry. It focuses on applied theology and prepares individuals for leadership roles in their ministries or faith communities.
Additionally, Candler offers a unique opportunity with the La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies. This program provides a multi-language curriculum leading to a graduate certificate in theological studies. It caters to those who wish to pursue theological education in a multilingual context.
The school also emphasizes hands-on learning and effective ministry preparation. Students can choose from on-campus, hybrid, or online learning formats, allowing for flexibility to suit individual needs and preferences.
Candler School of Theology has a rich history, founded with a significant endowment from Asa Candler, the founder of The Coca-Cola Company. It has contributed significantly to theological education and played a role in advocating for racial integration and social justice. The school's library, the Pitts Theology Library, boasts an extensive collection of over 300,000 volumes, providing invaluable resources for theological research and study.
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Frequently asked questions
The Candler School of Theology is one of seven graduate schools at Emory University, located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is one of 13 seminaries affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is grounded in the Christian faith and the Wesleyan tradition. The school offers a broad array of learning opportunities outside of degree programs, including courses and events for individuals and church groups through The Candler Foundry, its public theological education initiative.
The school offers five master's, one doctoral, and nine dual degrees. Several degrees are available in multiple formats, including in-person, hybrid, and online. Dual degrees are offered in partnership with top-ranked programs at Emory and are available within the Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies programs in fields like bioethics, business, development practice, law, and public health.
The Candler School of Theology was founded in 1914 when the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and Vanderbilt University severed ties. The school began instruction at Wesley Memorial Church and moved to the Druid Hills campus in 1916. In 1915, the theology school was named Candler after the founder of The Coca-Cola Company, Asa Candler, who promised one million dollars for the endowment of the university.
The Candler community is diverse, with members from different backgrounds, ethnicities, nations, cultures, faith traditions, and beliefs. Worship is an integral part of life at Candler, with regular chapel services, Evensong, and Eucharist. The school also offers a rich array of spiritual formation opportunities throughout the week.











































