Careers in Religion

What can I do with a degree in Religion?

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The study of religion may open many vocational avenues for students. Perhaps, the most important skill developed through courses in Religious Studies is critical thinking. In addition, students will receive a broad introduction to important historical figures and key ideas and will have the opportunity to engage and analyze foundational texts from a variety of cultures.

Collectively, these skills may be helpful to any student planning to attend graduate school or professional programs in the fields of law, government, business or health professions. In addition to these opportunities, the following career paths may be available to the student of religion and religious studies:

Education

With a degree in religion, one might embark upon a career in education. For those completing undergraduate degrees in religion, opportunities may be available at religious-affiliated elementary and secondary schools, preparatory schools, private, public or religious-affiliated colleges and universities. Affiliation and experience with organizations such as Schools of Theology would be beneficial.

Specific positions may include teaching, serving as an administrator, campus ministry, counseling, religious life programming, research, and other possible opportunities.

Teacher	Research	Counselor
Administration	Chaplain	Campus Ministry

With an advanced degree in religion or religious studies, one may be afforded opportunities to teach at a college or university.

Pastoral Ministry

A position within the pastoral ministry demands leadership ability and self-discipline, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the possession of high moral and ethical standards. Local churches, religious organizations, and denominational boards and agencies offer employment positions for clergy.

Senior Pastor	Associate Pastor
Youth Pastor	Sunday School Director

Social Services

Social services in religious settings have positions in administration, advocacy, counseling, programming, public relations, vocational teaching, etc. Careers can be found within churches and religious organizations, administration, vocational training, correctional institutions, nonprofit organizations, nursing homes, shelters, youth organizations and camps, advocacy, crisis services,and more. Employers include Nonprofit organizations, Religious hospitals and hospices, Correctional institutions, Shelters, Nursing homes, Youth organizations and camps, Adoption agencies/Foster care, and Religious organizations.

United Way	Red Cross
Goodwill Industries	Salvation Army
YMCA	YWCA
Young Life	UMCOR
Social services info	Social workers

Health Welfare Ministries

Position areas include administration, social services, residential living, religious activities programming, mental health or pastoral counseling. Employers within this area may be found in hospitals, mental health treatment facilities, nursing homes, retirement homes, assisted living facilities, children and youth facilities, the military, and more.

Community and social service managers

Global and Local Outreach and Mission Organizations

Employment with missions may be found in church and community development, metropolitan ministries, community center, etc. Employers include, but are not limited to the following - Denominational boards or agencies, mission boards, local churches, religious institutions, and evangelical organizations e.g. United Methodist General Board of Global Ministry.

Communications

Potential employment in areas of writing, editing, publishing, television/film, radio, advertising, public relations, etc. Employers may include denominal boards/agencies, interdenominational organizations, local churches, synagogues and mosques; denominational publishing houses, secular publishing houses, secular radio, television, and film industry internships.

Writer	Television/Film	Public Relations
Editor	Radio Broadcast
Publisher	Advertiser

General Guidance

A bachelor's degree provides a broad background for careers in many fields including many religious-affiliated organizations.
An undergraduate degree prepares students for professional and graduate study in business, law, medicine, counseling, higher education and other fields.
Dual majors are required in some specialized areas.
A Master of Divinity degree is required for most clergy positions, plus denominational ordination.
A Ph.D. or D. Min. is generally required to qualify for teaching or administrative posts at universities or seminaries. Some colleges do not require doctoral-level degrees.
You may open many doors by being involved in campus organizations. These can be particularly helpful if one is involved in a leadership capacity within the organization on a campus, state or national level.
Obtain camp experience to improve organization and counseling skills, as well as network within the denominational/organizational structure.