by our College Data Analytics TeamReligion, beliefs, and traditions have played a major role in the development of cultures. Groups of people bond over a similar faiths and enjoy committing their life to living a certain way. If you are passionate about your religion and would like to help others learn about it, considering a major in the field of Theology and Religious Vocations.
Students in this field of study take classes in areas such as biblical studies, world religions, theology, philosophy, history, sociology, and literature along with specialized classes to learn how to become everything from missionaries to religious leaders to music directors.
Along with the option to major in General Theology and Religious Vocations, students are able to specialize in areas that interest them. Those interested in taking a deep dive into the Bible can major in Biblical Studies. Students more interested in evangelism and missionary work can major in Missionary Studies. Other options include Religious Education for those interested in teaching, and Sacred Music for those interested in leading worship or being a musical director. Theological and Ministerial Studies will prepare students to become ordained as a minister, while a major in Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries teaches students how to provide spiritual guidance and counseling.
Theology & Religious Vocations was the 26th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 27,459 degrees in this year alone. This is a difference of 587 over the prior year, a growth of 2.1%.
This year's Best Theology & Religious Vocations Schools ranking compares 142 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of theology and religious vocations programs later in this article.
Often, students who receive a degree in Theology and Religious Vocations pursue a career in religious organizations. This places a strong emphasis on interpersonal and communication skills. You will be working closely with other religious leaders as well as members of your congregation. Students who decide to pursue careers as missionaries will communicate daily with the general public as they spread information about their religion. Students in this field have a strong faith and a background in religious studies.
Internships, summer jobs, or volunteer work within religious organizations will prepare students for a degree in this field. You will be able to work closely with religious leaders and decide if this is a career path you would like to follow.
theology and religious vocations degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional theology and religious vocations certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Theology & Religious Vocations degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in theology and religious vocations to the highest theology and religious vocations degree, a . Depending on the theology and religious vocations degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to theology and religious vocations, with approximately 34.3% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for theology and religious vocations workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 35.0% |
| Master’s Degree | 28.2% |
| Doctoral Degree | 27.0% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 3.1% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 2.2% |
59.6% of theology and religious vocations workers have at least a master's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in theology and religious vocations have received.
This of course varies depending on which theology and religious vocations career you choose.
A degree in the many specializations within Theology and Religious Vocations can lead to a variety of careers. While many students decide to pursue a career within a church or religious organization as a counselor, minister, church or music director, or religious educator, other students have decided to go in professions such as religious historians, professors, or as employees at non-profit organizations. This degree will equip you with a deep understanding and appreciation for different world religions, preparing you for a variety of careers.
Religion plays a large role in the lives of many people both in the United States and around the world. This is allowing the field to grow at an average rate. Graduates willing to relocate will have a better chance of finding work.
Want a job when you graduate with your theology and religious vocations degree? Theology & Religious Vocations careers are expected to grow 7.7% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to theology and religious vocations.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Clergy | 263,800 | 8.2% |
| Religious Activities and Education Directors | 157,500 | 7.1% |
| Music Directors and Composers | 79,100 | 5.7% |
| Religious Workers | 57,300 | 7.7% |
| Philosophy and Religion Professors | 35,700 | 12.3% |
Theology & Religious Vocations graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $36,071 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $9,237 to as high as $101,525. As you might expect, salaries for theology and religious vocations graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for theology and religious vocations graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers theology and religious vocations grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Professors | $82,420 |
| Music Directors and Composers | $59,790 |
| Clergy | $53,290 |
| Religious Activities and Education Directors | $46,980 |
| Religious Workers | $35,860 |
With over 3,441 different theology and religious vocations degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased theology and religious vocations school rankings to help you with this.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Theological & Ministerial Studies | 15,832 |
| Biblical Studies | 4,119 |
| Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries | 3,116 |
| Religious Education | 1,417 |
| Missionary Studies | 1,220 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities | 556,813 |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 149,215 |
| English Language & Literature | 54,635 |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | 33,333 |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | 19,993 |
