Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers. If you have questions not answered here, contact CSLR Executive Director Whittney Barth at whittney.barth@emory.edu.

Q) As a JD candidate, when can I apply to concentrate in law and religion?

JD candidates may apply to concentrate in law and religion as early as the spring of their first year in the program. Click here to read more about the law and religion concentration at Emory Law School.

Q) As a joint degree candidate, can I take classes in both schools at the same time?

Yes. With the exception of the first year of the JD program and the first year of the MDiv program, you can mix courses from both schools each semester. Students are encouraged to take a majority of their hours from the school where they are in residence. For more information, see question below regarding residency.

Q) Can I apply to the joint-degree program during my first year in the law school or theology school?

Yes. First-year law and theology students can apply to the other school during their first year of coursework and, if admitted, will join the joint- degree program. Students are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline to maximize opportunities for financial aid. For more information on applying, go here for the law school and here for the theology school.

Q) How does financial aid work for the joint degree?

Each school awards financial aid separately, so you will receive a financial-aid package from each school. Because joint-degree students spend one less semester in residence at each school, your financial-aid package will be reduced by one semester once you are jointly matriculated. You will receive financial aid only from the school where you are in residence during a given semester. For more information on tuition and financial aid, including cost of attendance, go here for the law school and here for the theology school.

Q) How do I register for classes as a joint-degree student?

You register through the school where you will be in residence. For instance, if you are registering for fall semester, and you will be in residence at the law school for that semester, you will register using the law school's procedures, even if you are registering for law and theology classes. All registration is done through the school where you will be in residence. Joint degree registration may differ from registration for other students, so you should reach out to the respective registrar ahead of pre-registration if you are unsure about how to register for courses.

Q) What does it mean to be “in residence” at a school? Is this different from taking classes?

Being in residence at a school means that you are counted as a current student there. You cannot be in residence at more than one school simultaneously, so each semester you must choose a school of residence. Being in residence determines which school's tuition you pay and which school's financial aid you receive. When in residence at the law school, you pay law school tuition and receive law school financial aid. While in residence at the theology school, you pay theology school tuition and receive theology school financial aid.

Being in residence at one school does not prevent you from taking classes in another school. You can, for example, be in residence at the law school while carrying 9 hours of law credit and 6 hours of theology credit. Note, however, that the first year of the JD and the first year of the MDiv program are preset and do not allow for variation.