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Juris Doctor and Master of Divinity (JD/MDiv); Theological Studies (JD/MTS)

JD-Divinity

Emory Law and the Candler School of Theology offer two joint degree programs for students who wish to pursue a concentrated course in law and religion.

The Juris Doctor/Master of Divinity (JD/MDiv) program allows students to combine training in law with training in ministry. A candidate in this program matriculates concurrently at the law school and the school of theology, completing the requirements for both degrees in five years (instead of the six years required to attain the degrees separately). One year is spent in the law school and another year is spent in the school of theology. During the remaining three years, a candidate is required to register and pay tuition for three semesters in each school, but may enroll in courses in either school. To receive both the JD and the MDiv degrees, a candidate must satisfactorily complete the following:

  1. Not fewer than 79 semester hours in the law school with a cumulative grade point average of 2.25 or better
  2. 70 semester hours in the school of theology with a cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) or better
  3. All prescribed courses in each school

The joint Juris Doctor/Master of Theological Studies (JD/MTS) program allows students to combine training in law with training in religious studies. This program emphasizes scholarly (rather than ministerial) aspects of law and religion. A candidate in this program matriculates concurrently at the law school and the school of theology, completing the requirements for both degrees in four years (instead of five). One year is spent in the law school and another year is spent in the school of theology. For the remaining two years, a candidate is required to register and pay tuition for three semesters in the law school and one semester in the school of theology. To receive both the JD and the MTS degrees, a candidate must satisfactorily complete the following: 

  1. Not fewer than 79 semester hours in the law school with a cumulative point average of 2.25 or better
  2. Not fewer than 39 semester hours in the school of theology with a cumulative grade point average of C (2.00) or better
  3. All prescribed courses in each school
  4. A major research paper or thesis written under the director of the law and religion program

Candidates for either joint-degree program must apply to and be admitted by both the law school and the school of theology. The two schools maintain independent admissions procedures and separately determine scholarships and financial aid. Prospective joint-degree candidates are encouraged to confer with the director of the law and religion program and with faculty advisers in the law school and the school of theology prior to matriculating. For information on these joint degree programs, please contact:

Whittney Barth
Executive Director, Center for the Study of Law and Religion
380 Gambrell Hall
Emory University School of Law