SPLURGE Explores: Candler School of Theology

Nestled next to the Pitts Theology Library on Emory’s lush green quad, the Candler School of Theology stands prominently across from Bowden Hall and the Michael C. Carlos Museum. Despite its prime location on campus, many Emory students often do not consider theology as a possible career option.

Hundreds of students walk past the imposing presence of the Candler School of Theology daily without even contemplating life as a theologian or minister.

Why? Theology and other ecclesiastical occupational fields are overshadowed by more status oriented professions such as business, law, and medicine. In order to gain insight and understanding about Emory’s best-kept secret, the Candler School of Theology, SPLURGE recently sat down with Dr. Richey, Dean of Theology, to discuss the program’s vast offerings. Dean Richey also highlights the feasibility of practicing theology in today’s lukewarm labor market.

SPLURGE: Can you speak about the offerings of the theology school?
Dean Richey: Our entire program is centeredon providing high-quality graduate professional, postbaccalaureate theological education. One degree that we offer, the Master of Divinity, is for those hoping to become professional religious leaders – clergy, educators, social workers, and chaplains. Also, students will pursue a Master of Divinity degree for a number of disparate fields. Basically, the Master of Divinity is appropriate for someone who seeks to be credentialed in a religious community. Those hoping to attain ordination should pursue a Master of Divinity degree. The second degree that we offer is the Master of Theological Studies. This degree is appropriate for those interested in undertaking research and teaching in religious studies.

SPLURGE: Most students, when they think about professional careers, often think of 3 general areas: business, law, and medicine. Why is the theology program less well known than its professional counterparts?
Dean Richey: Theology is an ancient university profession – theology, law and medicine once constituting the university specialties. The scope of business has risen dramatically in recent years. Medicine has grown significantly with recent science and technological developments. Also, the rise of popularity in practicing law can be attributed to developments in both business and the government. Theology has been less affected by technological and economic advances.

SPLURGE: Many students pursue careers in law or medicine because of material benefits: salary and job security. What motivation does the typical theology student have?
Dean Richey: For the vast preponderance of people, a sense of calling is the reason that they are here. Many hope to be able to provide a voice to human problems. Specifically, they are interested in addressing issues of justice and homelessness.

SPLURGE: What do you perceive as the greatest challenge for students once they graduate from theology school?
Dean Richey: I would say that living into the profession is the greatest challenge. Essentially, going out into the ‘real world’ is the toughest obstacle that our students face. The nature of the ministerial profession often contributes to this challenge. Oftentimes, there are divisions in the religious community that make students’ adjustments to the career more difficult.

SPLURGE: With the current economic situation, what advice would you give to Emory undergraduates considering theology school in the near future?
Dean Richey: Students must be mindful that the ministry is not typically a high paying profession. Moreover, they should recognize the financial requirements of the program. Students need to consider closely how they will garner the resources necessary to finance a graduate education in the theology school.

SPLURGE: Do nationwide reports of high consumer and loan debt among college students concern the theology school administration? And if so, what steps are being taken to minimize this problem?
Dean Richey: Yes, it concerns us. We are attempting to raise scholarship money in response to that problem. By raising scholarship amounts, the effects will be felt for a long time.

SPLURGE: How would you describe the job security for those graduating from theology school?
Dean Richey: Persons accepted into the religious system often stand a good chance of sustaining the long haul. However, in some religious systems, women often experience more difficulty in getting accepted. For example, Southern Baptists are not very open to ordination by women.

SPLURGE: What steps, if any, are the administration and faculty taking to ensure that their graduates are successful in the workplace?
Dean Richey: We have in place a contextual education program that encompasses class work and agency / church placement. During the first two years, faculty and students form small groups in which they work on issues of vocation.

SPLURGE: What kind of quality of life can students expect after graduation?
Dean Richey: The typical theology graduate will work primarily for the United Methodist parish ministry. Many graduates serve as pastors of small churches. Other students will serve as staff members in large churches. The ministry provides graduates with the thrills and challenges of leading a community. Ministry is a profession which provides students with a considerable amount of freedom. Ministers often have to create a support group and constituency for his or her programs or goals.

SPLURGE: What do you perceive as the greatest financial problem among student at theology school?
Dean Richey: I think paying for the tuition plus the miscellaneous costs of attendance is a tall order.

SPLURGE: If there was one thing you= could do to alleviate the financial burden of attending grad school, what would it be?
Dean Richey: I think that universities need to return to more need-based allocation of resources. For example, the HOPE scholarship awards merit instead of need. Since financial resources are finite, they should be given to someone who really needs assistance.

Thank you to Dean Richey for his significant contribution to this article