Program Overview

Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity at Candler integrates challenging academics, in-depth contextual learning, and faculty-led mentoring. Available in residential or hybrid/online format.

Why the Master of Divinity?

• I’m called to ministry: Students motivated by a call to ministry are a great fit for the MDiv.
• I’m seeking academic advancement: Candler’s strong academics coupled with the MDiv’s emphasis on applied theology forms thoughtful scholars.
• I want to promote social change: The MDiv can give you the background and tools to pursue social change guided by Christian theology.

On campus or hybrid/online

• Candler’s Master of Divinity is available in two formats: a residential plan with in-person learning on campus or a hybrid plan with the majority of classes online and the remainder as short, in-person intensives.

Curriculum Overview

• For students beginning in Fall 2023 or after, Candler’s MDiv curriculum comprises 72 hours and is designed to be completed in three or four years.
• MDiv students take courses in biblical studies, historical studies, systematic theology, ethics, religion and society, world religions, and practical theology/arts of ministry.

Contextual Education at Candler

• Classroom, context, critical reflection: Candler’s approach to hands-on learning is distinctive, integrating academic learning from the classroom, applied learning from ministry sites, and critical reflection.

Master of Divinity Degree Requirements

Requirements for Admission

• A bachelor’s or equivalent degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• A well-balanced program of work in the liberal arts.

Credit Hours

• In fulfilling the 72 credit hours required to complete the MDiv degree, students who enter the program in Fall 2023 and later may not exceed certain hours limits in certain course categories.

GPA Requirements

• In courses taken to fulfill requirements, students must earn a letter grade of at least C, i.e., 2.0 on a scale of 4.0.

Curricular Requirements

• Students must complete the following courses and requirements in the MDiv curriculum.
  • First-Year Courses:
    • MDiv 500 Introduction to Theological Formation (3 hours)
    • MDiv 600 First Year Spring Seminar (3 hours)
  • Biblical Studies Courses:
    • OT 500-Level Course (3 hours)
    • OT 600-Level Course (3 hours)
    • NT 500-Level Course (3 hours)
    • NT 600-Level Course (3 hours)
  • History of Christianity:
    • Students will take two courses in History of Christianity (HC), each from a different era and at least one of which must be taken at the 500-level. (6 hours)
  • Systematic Theology:
    • ST 501 Systematic Theology (3 hours)
    • ST 600-Level (3 hours)
  • Christianity and Culture:
    • ES 500-Level Course (3 hours)
  • Religion and Society:
    • Any M, SR, or CC course (3 hours)
  • World Religions:
    • Any WR course (3 hours)
  • Practical Theology/Arts of Ministry:
    • Students will take three courses in Practical Theology/Arts of Ministry, each from a different subject area (CHP, CC, CM, EV, LA, PT, P, RE, or W) and at least two of which must be taken at the 500-level. (9 hours)
  • Contextual Education:
    • Two courses taken at the 500-level (6 hours)
    • Two courses taken at the 600-level (6 hours)
  • Electives:
    • Four courses (12 hours) may be used to complete courses that fulfil denominational requirements, certificates, or be used to take courses of interest that are not needed elsewhere in the plan of study.
  • Race, Ethnicity, Gender and/or Global Contexts (REGG):
    • Students must take at least one course among the required courses above that is designated as REGG.

Advising and Assessment

• In addition to the curricular requirements listed above, students in the MDiv program are required to complete advising each semester and to complete the Final Year Integrative Advising Conversation.

Thesis Option

• The thesis option provides an opportunity for independent study and research geared to the individual student’s ability and interests.

Residence

• Here, “residence” pertains to the number of credit hours that must be completed through Candler and not via transfer or cross-registration.

Hybrid Option

• The curricular and residence requirements for hybrid MDiv students are identical to the curricular and residence requirements for students in the on-campus MDiv.

Tailor your MDiv degree

• Options for a custom fit: MDiv students can customize their learning experience and deepen their engagement with a particular area of study by choosing from five dual degrees and nine certificates.
  • Dual Degrees:
    • Bioethics
    • Business Administration
    • Development Practice
    • Law
    • Public Health
  • Certificates:
    • Baptist Studies
    • Black Church Studies
    • Catholic Studies
    • Chaplaincy
    • Episcopal and Anglican Studies
    • Justice, Peacebuilding, and Conflict Transformation (proposed for Fall 2025)
    • Religious Education Ministries
    • Women’s Studies in Theology and Ministry
    • Religion and Health
    • Human Rights

Affording Seminary

• 100% of MDivs receive scholarships starting at 50% tuition. All certified candidates for ordination in The UMC who apply by the priority deadline receive full tuition. And most scholarships last for the duration of your degree program.