Emory is a fantastic place to go to seminary. While it might not have the same brand recognition among folks outside academia as a Harvard Div or Princeton Seminary (which isn't actually a part of Princeton University, but again, folks outside academia tend not to know that), those within the guilds of theology and biblical studies certainly know and respect the work going on at Candler. Basically, you might have to explain to your mom why Candler is a big deal, but an admissions committee is going to know right away that Candler is a big deal.
An MDiv from Candler will absolutely set you up for PhD work in the future. I want to qualify @exegete's comment above by noting that while Candler saw a few NT retirements recently, Musa Dube is moving into the NT dept this fall, which is a VERY big get for the school. Emory also brought in two new Hebrew Bible faculty this past fall, both of whom are doing great work. (Emory is, by my lights, the best place to be studying Hebrew Bible, fwiw).