Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

What is Religious Studies?

Religious studies is the area of study involved with religions, including history, methodology, and development from a secular perspective in order to better fully understand the nature of religion. Individuals in this field will use a variety of disciplines in order to compare and understand the various aspects of religion, and as such individuals will develop a variety of skills that are not limited to employment within a religious or academic context.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$34,300

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

-8.07%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

8,250

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Religious Studies Degree

Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States with over 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Established in 1636, the university offers a global education with 12 degree-granting schools including the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is among the prestigious research universities in the world dedicated to excellence in teaching, learning, and research.

The Religious Studies and Education Certificate at Harvard Divinity School in collaboration with Harvard Extension School is designed to provide a multidisciplinary foundation in the study of religion, specifically in public schools or other educational settings with a focus on learning religion. Students are awarded the certificate upon passing five required courses such as Religion, Democracy, and Education and Methods in Religious Studies and Education. There is also an available Ph.D. program in the Study of Religion that aims to enable students to have a broad and sufficient foundation for teaching and study of and within the field of religion. More details can be found at harvard.edu.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Princeton University is one of the oldest private Ivy League research universities in the country founded as the College of New Jersey in 1746. With almost 150 undergraduate and graduate programs, Princeton aspires to develop productive members and leaders who can make exceptional contributions to society by encouraging students to pursue civic engagement projects in their respective fields.

The undergraduate major in Religion at Princeton Department of Religion provides a systematic approach in studying diverse cultures, peoples, texts, and ideologies which include African-American religions, the literature of Chinese and Japanese Buddhism, Gnostic gospels, and contemporary American religion. The curriculum introduces students to at least four major world religious traditions of the past and present as well as to various approaches to the study of religion. The interdisciplinary nature of the program as well as the faculty members offers diverse backgrounds and research interests in the study of religion such as history, anthropology, philosophy, literature, politics, and ethics. The department also offers a graduate program in Religion where students typically complete the program within five years. Check the program curriculum at religion.princeton.edu.

Acceptance Rate

5.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University is one of the oldest research universities in the United States founded in 1701. The university, with over 13,000 students, is devoted to expanding and sharing knowledge to its local and international students, inspiring innovation, and preserving cultural and scientific information for the next generations.

The undergraduate degree in Religious Studies at Yale Department of Religious Studies gives emphasis on the history and meaning of rituals, canonical texts, and theological categories as well as on how they have been molded by institutions, habits, and hierarchies. The curriculum offers challenging coursework that delves into the analysis of religious traditions and systems of value. Students take courses on several religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, and Judaism as well as general courses such as Fundamentalism, Spirituality, Secularism, Atheism, and Consumerism. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Yale with ties to Yale Divinity School also offers a graduate program in Religious Studies. Access the program curriculum at religiousstudies.yale.edu.

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University in the City of New York or Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. Established in 1754, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. Columbia University is also one of the global leaders in research and distinctive academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students in the fields of art, science, business, social work, journalism, law, medicine, and architecture.

The undergraduate major in Religion at Columbia University Department of Religion engages students to have a critical, comparative, and interdisciplinary exploration of religious traditions. Throughout the program, the understanding that religion is a central and influential part of human life, society, and politics is ingrained in the students to allow them to have a deep analysis and investigation of religious texts, histories, beliefs, bodies, and communities through various disciplinary and methodological approaches. Students are then required to do research studies based on a zone of inquiry which includes Time, Transmission, Space, Body, and Media. The department also offers MA and Ph.D. programs in Religion with dual degree options. For more information, check religion.columbia.edu.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Brown University is a leading private Ivy League research university located in Providence, Rhode Island.  The university was founded in 1764 and currently serves more than 16,000 undergraduate, graduate, medical, and online students. Known for its student-centered programs, Brown embraces a flexible yet rigorous approach to education through the implementation of the Open Curriculum.

The Department of Religious Studies at Brown offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate major in Religious Studies that bridges the humanities and social sciences.  The program requires nine courses that include a junior seminar in methods in the study of religions. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to identify their primary theoretical, interpretive, or thematic interests with their faculty advisor for their capstone project to be conducted in their final year. Students may also write an Honors Thesis which is an opportunity to conduct extended independent research under the supervision of the faculty in order to receive Honors in Religious Studies. The department also offers a Ph.D. program in Religious Studies with four areas of study. Learn more about the program at brown.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Pennsylvania or Penn is a private Ivy League research university based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, Penn is a proud leader in providing rigorous academic programs in pursuit of innovative knowledge that can improve the lives of communities worldwide. The university currently houses 4 undergraduate and 12 graduate schools grounded in the liberal arts and sciences.

The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at Penn College of Arts & Sciences is a flexible yet comprehensive program where students can tailor their educational background to fit with their personal, professional, and academic goals. Prior to claiming the major, students discuss their desired coursework with the Chair of the Department to create an individualized plan of study. The faculty specializes in the study of material cultures such as art, manuscripts, archaeology, inscriptions, and other primary historical sources. The college also offers an Honors program as well as a combined BA/MA degree for qualified students majoring in Religious Studies. Explore your options at rels.sas.upenn.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Recognized as one of the world’s greatest academic institutions, Dartmouth College is an Ivy League research university located in Hanover, New Hampshire. Since 1769, the university has been educating the brightest and most promising minds across the globe to prepare them for a lifetime of learning and responsible leadership. Dartmouth currently offers programs in the liberal arts and science in its undergraduate School of Arts and Sciences and in the fields of business, medicine, and engineering in its leading graduate schools.

The Department of Religion at Dartmouth offers several programs in the study of religion such as a major, minor, or modified major. The courses of the programs revolve around religions of the ancient and modern world with courses on the nature of religion and religious belief, myth and ritual, ethics, and many other intermediate and advanced topics. The main course series in the programs are Introduction to Religion, Theories in the Study of Religion, and Intermediate Study of Religion. An Honors program for qualified majors is also available in the department as well as a foreign study program at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Read more about the programs at religion.dartmouth.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Founded in 1885, Stanford University is one of the world’s leading private research universities located in Stanford, California. The university, with more than 17,000 students, is officially named the Leland Stanford Junior University. Stanford aims to create a place suitable for learning, discovery, innovation, expression, and discourse.

Students who plan to enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences are highly encouraged to consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. The curriculum of the program begins with laying foundations and building expertise until students are knowledgeable and experienced enough to conduct their capstone project. The foundational courses introduce students to the academic study of religion by exploring a particular religious tradition, issue, or methodology. Through advanced courses that offer an in-depth discussion of topics such as mysticism, gender, and violence/nonviolence in a particular text or historical periods, students are able to build their expertise, knowledge, and skills and apply them in an integrative capstone project. The school also offers a combined degree called Philosophy and Religious Studies Combined Major. 

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Based in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University is a research university that aims to contribute to local communities by providing a superior liberal education. Chartered in 1838 as a small school, the university serves nearly 16,000 students from all over the world. The university, having affiliation with the Methodist Church, has the mission to foster a lively relationship between knowledge and faith.

The Department of Religious Studies at Duke Trinity College of Arts and Sciences offers many undergraduate programs in the study of religion. The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies include introductory courses in all the five major religious traditions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Other courses focus on further study of these religious traditions with an emphasis on specific features such as gender, ethics, mysticism, or historical periods as well as an examination of theoretical or comparative aspects of religious phenomena. Students may also take certain courses at the Divinity School that may count towards the Religious Studies major. The department also offers an Interdepartmental Major in Ancient Religion and Society, a Minor in Religious Studies, a Master of Arts in Religious Studies, and a Ph.D. in Religion. To view the curriculum, go to religiousstudies.duke.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Bowdoin College is a private liberal arts college located in Brunswick, Maine. Since 1794, the college has been engaging and training students through an intense full-time education, exploration of creativity, and development of social and leadership abilities. Bowdoin is grounded in liberal arts education but also embraces several fields such as science, history, human behavior, politics, art, law, and economics.

The degree in Religion at Bowdoin encourages students to study the nature and significance of religion from various academic perspectives without sectarian bias. The curriculum offers critical, historical, and multi-disciplinary courses that can help students analyze the patterns of religious practice, interpret art and writings, discover the history of different religious traditions, and identify functions of religion in society. The courses in the program include Religion, Nature, and the Environment, Introduction to the Study of Religion, New Religious Movements in the United States, and Theories about Religion. Students who excel in their coursework are encouraged to partake in the Honors program by conducting an honors project integrating the acquired knowledge and insights on religion. For more information, visit bowdoin.edu.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Amherst College is a private liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts. The college is one of the oldest academic institutions in Massachusetts founded way back in 1821. Through the inquisitive and diverse community of students and faculty, Amherst is deeply committed to addressing issues related to inclusivity, a sense of belonging, diversity, and environmental sustainability and impact.

The Religion Department at Amherst College offers an undergraduate major in Religion that equips students with a high-level degree of mastery in three areas of the study of religion. Students are required to take at least eight courses in the department in order to gain the foundational knowledge in particular religious traditions, both in their ancient and modern forms and their scriptural, ritual, and institutional dimensions. There is also a more flexible option for students who want to create a more focused course of study that emphasizes only one methodological or disciplinary interest across traditions. Examples are comparative philosophy, religious ethics, and religious history. There is also an Honors program for qualified majors that requires an approved Honors thesis. More information can be seen at amherst.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Chartered in 1887, Pomona College is one of the country’s premier private liberal arts colleges based in Claremont, California. The college offers a comprehensive curriculum in all 48 programs in the fields of arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Pomona currently serves around 1,700 students from all 50 states and 59 countries.

The Religious Studies major at Pomona takes students on an academic journey of understanding religious dimensions, traditions, and their significance across historical periods. Students have an option to choose from 126 interdisciplinary courses for their major with three courses required outside the concentration major. The department’s faculty members are experts on contemporary topics such as gender and sexuality studies, modern Jewish philosophy, women and Islam, and Chinese Buddhist art. At the end of the program, students are required to attend a senior seminar and create a senior thesis that focuses on critical inquiries into certain historic religious traditions. Read more about the program at pomona.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Based in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College is an academic institution that offers more than 600 courses and undergraduate research opportunities to local and international students with the freedom to design their majors. Swarthmore, founded by the Religious Society of Friends in 1864, has developed passionate students to study and collaborate with other learners and professionals for the betterment of the communities around the world.

The multifaceted Religion major at Swarthmore Department of Religion is an ideal liberal arts program as it offers a uniquely balanced instruction of religion and liberal arts. The curriculum has a total of 8 credits in Religion including the Religion Café Senior Symposium which is a seminar involving the submission of a term essay assignment. Students can also take various courses outside of the discipline that fit their personal and professional goals. The courses in the curriculum tackle topics involving historical, theological, literary, sociological, and anthropological interests. The department also offers an Honors program for qualified Religion majors. Visit swarthmore.edu to view the programs offered.

Acceptance Rate

8.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Northwestern University is a comprehensive research institution offering various programs across multiple schools and units. The university has a total of three campuses located in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois, and in Doha, Qatar. Northwestern, established in 1851, serves more than 21,000 students with the mission to provide excellent teaching, innovative research, and personal and intellectual growth for its students.

The Department of Religious Studies at Northwestern offers a multidisciplinary undergraduate program in Religion for students who want to pursue the study of religions in the context of historical and cultural phenomena. Students explore different religious traditions and their histories, cultures, beliefs, practices, and sacred texts in their institutional and non-institutional forms. Since the program is multidisciplinary, the curriculum involves courses on anthropology, history, philosophy, ethics, sociology, literary and cultural studies, and other related areas of study. Students also have the option to take a general Religious Studies degree or choose among these three concentrations: Religion, Health and Medicine, Religion, Law and Politics, and Religion, Sexuality and Gender. Towards the end of the program, students conduct independent studies in their chosen focus area of study and qualified majors can apply for the Honors program. Learn more at religious-studies.northwestern.edu.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

With over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Williams College is a private, residential, and liberal arts college based in Williamstown, Massachusetts. The college, established in 1793, has three academic divisions that encompass 25 departments, 36 majors, and several concentrations and specialized programs in the fields of math, science, environmental studies, liberal arts, and international studies.

The major in Religion at Williams College Department of Religion provides an introduction to the methods and issues involved in the study of religion as well as the beliefs, practices, and values of each religious tradition. Students can choose the courses to include in his or her own sequence of study as long as it follows the basic pattern. Some of the required courses are What is Religion, Issues in the Study of Religion, and a 300–level seminar. For students who want to go beyond the prescribed curriculum, their independent studies and thesis projects can focus on a more intensive study of a particular religion or religious phenomenon upon approval of the department. More information is available at religion.williams.edu.

Acceptance Rate

12.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

With nearly 24,000 students, Cornell University is a privately endowed Ivy League research university based in Ithaca, New York. The university, founded in 1865, intends to make contributions in all fields of knowledge from the humanities to the sciences. With 80 undergraduate majors and 102 graduate programs, Cornell values free and open inquiry, purposeful discovery, and exploration across boundaries reflected in its academic programs.

Cornell College of Arts and Sciences offers an top ranked degree in Religion that aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze and interpret history, texts, and rituals of a particular religious tradition. Students take several courses in different approaches, methods, and theories of the study of religion as well as in-depth instruction on religious traditions in order to develop strong analytical skills in conducting comparative research of at least two religious traditions. Students are also encouraged to include a language elective in their program to enhance and deepen their knowledge on their focus area of study. For more details, go to religious-studies.cornell.edu.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Located in the heart of Houston, Texas, Rice University is one of the top research universities in the United States. The university, originally called William Marsh Rice University in 1891, consistently ranks for the best quality of life among private institutions because of its strong campus tradition of keeping close-knit, diverse communities across its 11 residential colleges.

The undergraduate major in Religion at Rice School of Humanities features a distinguished faculty and their distinctive lines of research that can help students create their individualized programs of study. Various training in the study of religion is incorporated in the program to help majors think about the critical, creative, and comparative aspects of religious practices, beliefs, and traditions. Graduates of the program pursue a career in the fields of medicine, journalism, education, law, politics, public policy, and academia. Visit reli.rice.edu for further information.

Acceptance Rate

8.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Vanderbilt University is a globally renowned private research university in Nashville, Tennessee. The university was built in 1873 to provide transformative education and research across all sectors. Vanderbilt offers robust undergraduate and graduate programs through its internationally recognized schools of law, education, business, medicine, nursing, and divinity.

The Religious Studies concentration at Vanderbilt College of Arts and Sciences introduces the diversity of religious traditions in the world in order to develop the curiosity of students in a specific area of study. The curriculum involves a lot of theories and methods that can be used by students in approaching religious traditions academically. As students develop highly portable analytical skills, they can now choose electives to cater to their personal and professional interests. This program is ideal for students who plan to take graduate studies in religion or other related disciplines as well as those who want to pursue a career in the fields of law, medicine, diplomacy, and business. To inquire about the program, go to as.vanderbilt.edu.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Georgetown University, chartered in 1789, is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education in the country located in Washington, District of Columbia. As a research university, Georgetown has a forward-looking, diverse community with a strong commitment to social justice and the common good. 

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Georgetown offers a core curriculum with two required courses: Problem of God and Introduction to Biblical Literature. The major in Theology has four options for concentration namely religion ethics, biblical studies, Christian theology, and religious studies. The Religious Studies concentration is perfect for students with interests in the critical study of various religious traditions and views, philosophical theology, and the relation of religious ideals to social and historical context, culture, and structures of government. Explore the program at theology.georgetown.edu.

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

With several campuses around Missouri, Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) is a private research university based in St. Louis, Missouri. The university is committed to teaching, research, patient care, and service to society through incorporating knowledge, skills, and habits of lifelong learning and leadership. WUSTL has been developing productive members of the global society since 1853 through its 10 schools and divisions in various areas of study.

Since religious studies cover a wide range of subjects, the major in Religious Studies at WUSTL School of Arts and Sciences offers a comprehensive curriculum that studies the relationship of religion with international politics, music, literature, racial issues, and climate change. Throughout the program, students understand and appreciate how religious traditions were formed as well as their implications to human thought and behavior. The courses in the program touch many areas such as anthropology, East Asian languages and cultures, Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern studies, and political science. Access the program curriculum at religiousstudies.wustl.edu.

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Tufts University is a moderately-sized private research university on the border of Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts. It is considered as one of the leaders in the higher education system in the United States. Known for providing students with personal experience, the university serves nearly 12,000 students across campuses in Boston and Grafton Massachusetts, and Talloires, France.

The Department of Religion at Tufts University gives students the necessary tools to examine the field of religion in both its functional and theoretical aspects. The undergraduate Religious Studies degree gives a broad cultural appreciation of religion while incorporating the principles of a liberal arts education. There are ten courses required in the program which are Theory and Method in Study of Religion, at least four courses focused on a particular religious tradition, at least three courses in the doctrinal aspects of religion and one specific religious tradition and its context, and two additional courses listed in the curriculum. For more information, visit ase.tufts.edu.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Founded in 1889 as a liberal arts college for women, Barnard College is a world-class academic institution in New York City that has a close affiliation with Columbia University. Today, the college continues to empower smart, ambitious women by providing the same rigorous education available to men. With over 50 majors, students are able to make their mark in the world by contributing in the fields of social sciences, arts, humanities, and many more.

The Department of Religion at Barnard College offers a major and minor in Religion that provides intensive coursework in textual and social analysis, comparative study, philosophy, and cultural history of religion. Through consultations with the program adviser, majors are required to construct a cluster of 5 courses where they can concentrate their studies and support their senior thesis as well as 3 courses that give breadth to their concentration. To give students a background, they must also take courses like Theory which provides major theoretical issues in religion, as well as Religion Lab which introduces students to the tools, methods, and strategies needed in studying religion. Finally, a two-semester Senior Research Seminar which prepares students for the senior thesis is also a requirement to finish the program. Access the entire program curriculum at religion.barnard.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

As one of the leading private universities in the world, the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, California is a global center for arts, technology, and international business. It first opened its doors as a private research university in 1880 offering education and learning opportunities for interdisciplinary study to over 46,000 students and collaboration with researchers around the world.

Students in the undergraduate Religion major at USC School of Religion receive a comprehensive study of religion as well as other disciplines embedded in the subject like history, archaeology, religious law and theology, anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and literary and textual studies. The regular curriculum consists of 32 upper-division religion units such as Introduction to Religious Studies and Seminar in Religious Studies. For students interested in the Honors program, a minimum of 36 upper-division religion units must be completed while maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or better. To know more about the program, visit dornsife.usc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

With a broadly diverse student community on its campus in Claremont, California, Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. The college emphasizes the importance of leadership and innovation within the institute as it produces responsible leaders and accomplished scholars to make a difference beyond the classroom.

The Religious Studies degree at CMC is a cooperative program offered in collaboration with Pitzer, Pomona, and Scripps Colleges. The program has over 50 courses led by exceptional professors who specialize in various historical religious traditions, geographical and cultural areas as well as philosophical and critical approaches to the study of religion. With a lot of possible concentration options like Christian Origins, South Asian Religions and Culture, Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Gender Studies, and American Religions, Politics, and Culture, students may choose a concentration that meets their academic and professional interests. Qualified students may also enroll in graduate-level courses in their area of specialization offered at The Claremont Graduate University. Read more about the program at cmc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

10.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Founded as a small school called Augusta Academy in 1749, Washington and Lee University (W&L) is a nationally recognized private liberal arts university in Lexington, Virginia. It is the 9th oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, offering undergraduate programs in business, social sciences, computer science, humanities, and journalism, as well as graduate programs in law to nearly 2,000 students.

The Bachelor of Arts in Religion at W&L The College aims to provide a comprehensive education in studying the interdisciplinary field of religion through textual, visual, sociological, philosophical, and historical methods and aspects. Students in the program become informed and independent learners that demonstrate strong research and analytical skills through courses that broaden their perspective. Some of the courses in the program curriculum are Jesus in Fact, Fiction, and Film, God and Goddess in Hinduism, Nature, and Place, Religion and Existentialism, Law and Religion, and Visions and Beliefs of W. Ireland. The program prepares students for advanced study in religious studies, social sciences, or humanities as well as careers in journalism, law, business, politics, medicine, writing, teaching, counseling, and many more. To inquire about the program, go to wlu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

18.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Top Religious Studies Degrees

Students seeking information on religious studies have several options to wade through.  From undergraduate degree programs to graduate degrees, the choices are expansive.  In addition, many accredited colleges and universities also offer online learning options in addition to classroom-based programs effectively doubling your degree options.  Online degree programs have unique benefits in terms of flexibility, access, quality curriculum, convenience, and potential cost savings from top accredited schools.  To learn more about colleges offering online degrees, simply visit our matching portal or request information from top schools listed on this resource page.

Associate Degrees in Religious Studies

Online associate degrees in religious studies are typically conferred as Associate of Arts (AA).  Associate degrees are 2-year programs for full-time students with part-time students taking longer to complete.  AA programs in religious studies will have classes in liberal arts plus core classes to provide a set of holistic thinking skills.  General education courses may include classes such as communications, history, art, creative writing, philosophy, and psychology.   Core classes will depend on the school’s programs and curricular emphasis.  Examples may include classes such as cultural studies, Old Testament, New Testament, Evangelism, Theology Surveys, Apologetics, history of life, global studies, scripture, research, and writing for religious disciplines.

Bachelor Degrees in Religious Studies

An online bachelor degree in religious studies is a 4-year program for full-time students.  Degrees at this level can be conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA).  Students will have the opportunity to take a number of liberal arts classes coupled with core studies in religion.  Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree will have the opportunity to choose a general education or specialization in theology, Old Testament, New Testament, apologetics, biblical languages, or global studies.  Coursework you will be exposed to will be a function of the area of specialization plus your electives in the field.

Master Degrees in Religious Studies

Religious studies at the graduate degree level become expansive.  In other words, the graduate degree choices for qualified students is quite large.  To illustrate, a student can elect to matriculate in divinity studies with specializations in one of the following: worship, theology, biblical studies, apologetics, pastoral ministries, church history, church ministry, pastoral counseling, leadership, homiletics, church planting, global studies, or evangelism.  Likewise, a student can elect to pursue a pastoral counseling Master of Arts (MA) degree with the option to pursue a concentration in addictions, theology, counseling, crisis response, leadership, church ministry, life coaching, marriage and family, military, life coaching, or discipleship.   To learn more about additional degree programs and associated specializations, simply connect with schools below today.

Doctorate Degrees in Religious Studies

Doctorate degrees in religious studies can be conferred as a PhD, DWS, DMin, EdD, or DBA.  Colleges will determine the curricular design of the program which will lead to the type of degree attained upon completion.  The EdD degree is a Doctor of Education which is conferred to students looking to teach.  Specializations within the EdD degree can include elementary education, middle-grades education, high school education, post-secondary education, Christian ministry, law, and/or leadership.  On the other hand, the DMin is a Doctor in Ministry with specialties that can include worship, pastoral counseling, pastoral leadership, preaching, evangelism, discipleship, and church planting.

Educational Requirements for Religion Majors

Individuals are able to pursue religious studies from the associate to the doctoral level, and higher levels of education are recommended for individuals seeking employment within the field of religious studies. Bachelor degree holders are common and are able to pursue graduate studies outside of their major. Students in this field will become familiar with a variety of religions, comparing their developments with one another, utilizing historic sources and texts to validate ideas, and to objectively approach the growth and development of a given religion within a defined context.

A curriculum may include:

  • Anthropology
  • Sociology
  • Philosophy
  • History of Religion
  • Psychology
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities for Religion Majors

Many individuals who pursue an education in religious studies do so through seminary with the intent of becoming a religious leader, such as a minister or pastor, within a given community. Some may choose an academic tract, utilizing their education in order to study and research religions as part of a career in higher education. Others will have earned a specific degree, such as a bachelor's, and seek education or opportunities outside of these areas through the utilization of skills developed during their studies. This includes jobs in business, marketing, social work, or any other area that requires strong written and verbal skills, the ability to communicate, or competency in research skills.

Job Growth, Salary and Related Religious Fields

Individuals with a degree in religious studies will experience growth or shrinkage in areas of employment based on the type of work pursued. Because there is no direct career linked to religious studies, the options available are varied and so is the resulting demand. As such, salary is also relative, for example ministers make $44,0000 per year on average, as opposed to a professor who makes $86,000 per year on average. The differences are based on type of work and education.

Individuals interested in religious studies may also be interested in history, anthropology or sociology. A list of religious associations and organizations can be found here to learn more about regional and national chapters for you. Associations may benefit new and experienced college graduates get connected and learn more about specific trade groups in your geographic location.

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com