by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 573 U.S. colleges awarded 10,644 degrees and certificates in Religious Studies. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 58% of graduates. College Factual ranks 84 schools in its 2027 Best Religious Studies Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $28,813 one year after completing, rising to $41,075 after four years.
Are you interested in the different beliefs that have shaped cultures throughout history? A degree in Religious Studies will introduce you to world religions while improving critical thinking and writing skills.
Religious Studies majors have the ability to prepare for a variety of professions by taking classes in philosophy, literature, history, world religions, sociology, theology, and more. This liberal arts education gives students knowledge in a wide array of areas while concentrating on world beliefs, ethics, and traditions.
Along with the option to major in general Religious Studies, students are able to specialize in areas such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, or Jewish Studies. Additional opportunities to specialize may be available at select universities. Any one of these major will provide you will a strong background in the beliefs and values of different cultures around the world.
Studying Religious Studies covers Religion/religious Studies.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, religious studies draws strong interest, with 10,644 degrees awarded annually. 573 colleges award religious studies degrees, an average of 19 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 2,119.
By level, the 10,644 awards include 48 certificates, 1,836 associate degrees, 6,127 bachelor’s degrees, 2,438 master’s degrees and 193 doctorates.
Women earned 25% of religious studies degrees and certificates in the latest year (2,649 of 10,644). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (8,696) and Hispanic or Latino (407), and international students earned 362.
College Factual ranks 84 schools in its 2027 Best Religious Studies Schools ranking, including 11 for associate degrees, 58 for bachelor’s degrees, 21 for master’s degrees and 3 for doctorates. It also ranks religious studies schools within 15 states. In all, 573 colleges offer religious studies programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Religious Studies Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common religious studies credential is the bachelor’s degree: 6,127 of the 10,644 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to religious studies call most for Reading Comprehension, Speaking and Instructing, and for knowledge of English Language, Education and Training and Philosophy and Theology, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Speech Clarity and Written Comprehension.
Classes in Religious Studies helps students improve critical thinking skills. Students should be able to analyze different texts, provide logical reasoning to arguments, and give sound explanations to their viewpoints. This major will also help improve your writing skills allowing you to communicate more effectively. Since many graduates pursue a degree working with others, strong interpersonal skills are often required for a career in this field.
Religious Studies graduates pursue jobs in a variety of fields meaning there is no standard work environment. Typically, graduates work full time jobs in an office setting, but this can vary. Advanced education and certification also varies for Religious Studies graduates. It is best to look into the career you intend to pursue to ensure you are fulfilling necessary requirements for that field.
A summer job or internship is not always necessary but will be beneficial. This will allow you to get real world experience and decide what type of job you would like to go into following graduation.
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How long a religious studies degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 48 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,836 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 6,127 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 2,438 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 193 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to religious studies, at 69.2%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 69.2% |
| Master’s degree | 19.4% |
| Post-doctoral training | 9.5% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.5% |
| First professional degree | 0.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
2 occupations are related to Religious Studies, with an average median salary of $59,550; the strongest outlook belongs to Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary, at 6.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Associate Professor, Adjunct Professor, Humanities Professor and Assistant Professor.
A degree in Religious Studies prepares students for a career in numerous fields. In addition to work as a minister or religious teacher, graduates have gone on to be lawyers, politicians, professors, and writers. Since this degree equips students with strong critical thinking and writing skills, graduates are an asset to companies in a variety of industries.
The job outlook for Religious Studies graduates depends on the career path they choose to follow. Generally, most jobs graduates pursue are growing at an average rate causing some competition for graduates after graduation.
The occupation related to religious studies with the most projected jobs is Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,031,835.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,031,835 | 3.7% |
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | 718,152 | 6.5% |
Religious Studies graduates earn a median $28,813 one year after completing their program, $41,075 after four years and $41,903 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $28,813 |
| 4 years | $41,075 |
| 5 years | $41,903 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to religious studies, with a median salary of $71,584.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $71,584 |
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | $47,517 |
Religious Studies includes 8 concentrations that together award 10,644 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Talmudic Studies (5,664), Religion/Religious Studies (2,796) and Jewish/Judaic Studies (1,207). It has 3 similar majors in the Philosophy & Religious Studies field, which together award 9,790 degrees a year; the largest are Philosophy (9,408), PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES (204) and Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other (178). Browse all Philosophy & Religious Studies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Talmudic Studies | 5,664 |
| Religion/Religious Studies | 2,796 |
| Jewish/Judaic Studies | 1,207 |
| Christian Studies | 825 |
| Religion/Religious Studies, Other | 69 |
| Catholic Studies | 45 |
| Islamic Studies | 32 |
| Buddhist Studies | 6 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Philosophy | 9,408 |
| PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES | 204 |
| Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other | 178 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
