Religious Studies
Although the majority of students focusing on religious studies degrees are most interested in the skills and responsibilities of clergy, an education in religious studies is not just reserved for those pursuing a career in ministry or other leadership roles in a church or temple. Religious studies is a secular, comparative examination of diverse religious traditions across many cultures, and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in this field can set the foundation for further studies in theology, education, business, and even law.
Concentrations
While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Religion there are many alternatives that will allow you to focus on certain specific areas of religion. An online religious studies program will offer you the flexibility you need to reach your ambition.
- Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Certificate
- Associate of Arts in Christian Ministry
- Associate of Arts in Church Ministry
- Associate of Arts in Religion
- Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Ministry
- Bachelor of Arts in Transformational Christian Ministry
- Bachelor of Science in Bible Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Church Administration and Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Religion
- Master of Arts in Christian Leadership
- Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation
- Master of Arts in Evangelism and Church Planting
- Master of Arts in Marketplace Chaplaincy
- Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
- Master of Arts in Religion
- Master of Arts in Theological Studies
- Master of Arts in Worship Studies
- Master of Divinity
- Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction (faith-based)
- Master of Education in Leadership of Learning (faith-based)
- Master of Religious Education
- Master of Sacred Theology
- Master of Science in Organizational and Human Resource Development (faith-based)
- Doctor of Education in Pastoral Community Counseling
- Doctor of Ministry
Qualities and Skills
Usually, those who focus their education on religious studies have had informal training or study in the field. It is important to understand that coursework in religious studies often covers many different religions. An open mind and a willingness to explore alternatives to your own beliefs are essential.
Occupations
You may choose to use your religious studies education for a conventional ministry role, such as pastor, youth pastor, worship leader, education minister, or children’s minister. However, people graduating in religious studies may also want to explore careers in counseling and social work, life ministries, education, non-profit organizations and government work, publishing, or business marketing and management.
Earnings
The salary for an occupation in ministry will vary by title and years of experience. A youth pastor, though, earns less for the same years of experience. Salaries for occupations in non-clergy positions will depend on the industry.
Online Colleges Offering Degrees in Religious Studies
Champlain College
As a division of Continuing Professional Studies, online learning at Champlain College provides a flexible option for those students interested in education but find themselves hindered by logistics, time constraints, or other factors. The Champlain difference is that these online programs are developed to be relevant to professional life.
Benedictine University
Along with 17 other institutions, Benedictine University is part of the Association of Benedictine Colleges and Universities, and its mission and vision reflect Catholic and Benedictine traditions.
Kaplan University
Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education Corporation (KHE); a division of Kaplan, Inc. Since 1938, Kaplan has developed an extensive and renowned tradition as both a pioneer in academics and career- producer.
Liberty University
Liberty University is the world’s largest evangelical university. With over 20,000 students both on and off-campus from all fifty states and over seventy countries around the world, Liberty provides the highest quality education in a devout Christian environment.
