by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 526 U.S. colleges awarded 25,980 degrees and certificates in Theology & Religious Vocations. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 59% of graduates. College Factual ranks 223 schools in its 2027 Best Theology & Religious Vocations Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $43,324 one year after completing, rising to $54,314 after four years.
Religion, 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.
A major in Theology & Religious Vocations explores Theology And Religious Vocations. Instructional Programs That Focus On The Intramural Study Of Theology And That Prepare Individuals For The Professional Practice Of Religious Vocations.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, theology & religious vocations is a popular field of study, with 25,980 degrees awarded annually. 526 colleges award theology & religious vocations degrees, an average of 49 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 2,644.
By level, the 25,980 awards include 788 certificates, 813 associate degrees, 6,609 bachelor’s degrees, 15,361 master’s degrees and 2,327 doctorates.
Women earned 40% of theology & religious vocations degrees and certificates in the latest year (10,275 of 25,980). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (15,140) and Black or African American (3,153), and international students earned 1,810.
College Factual ranks 223 schools in its 2027 Best Theology & Religious Vocations Schools ranking, including 18 for associate degrees, 96 for bachelor’s degrees, 161 for master’s degrees and 44 for doctorates. It also ranks theology & religious vocations schools within 25 states. In all, 526 colleges offer theology & religious vocations programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Theology & Religious Vocations Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common theology & religious vocations credential is the master’s degree: 15,361 of the 25,980 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to theology & religious vocations call most for Reading Comprehension, Speaking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of English Language, Philosophy and Theology and Education and Training, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Speech Clarity.
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.
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How long a theology & religious vocations degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 788 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 813 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 6,609 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 15,361 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2,327 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to theology & religious vocations, at 52.9%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 52.9% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 13.8% |
| Master’s degree | 13.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 8.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.9% |
| First professional degree | 2.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.6% |
| Some college courses | 0.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.5% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
18 occupations are related to Theology & Religious Vocations, with an average median salary of $95,072; the strongest outlook belongs to Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other, at 13.1% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Religious Educator, Instructor, Adjunct Instructor and College Professor.
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.
The occupation related to theology & religious vocations 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% |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,017,747 | -2.9% |
| Financial Specialists, All Other | 691,110 | 6.5% |
| Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts | 471,150 | -1.2% |
| Managers, All Other | 468,025 | 6.2% |
| Financial Quantitative Analysts | 337,391 | 10.7% |
| Compliance Managers | 310,203 | 13.0% |
| Loss Prevention Managers | 265,210 | 2.2% |
Theology & Religious Vocations graduates earn a median $43,324 one year after completing their program, $54,314 after four years and $53,081 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $43,324 |
| 4 years | $54,314 |
| 5 years | $53,081 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to theology & religious vocations is Wind Energy Development Managers, with a median salary of $169,952.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wind Energy Development Managers | $169,952 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | $165,723 |
| Financial Quantitative Analysts | $126,371 |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | $122,567 |
| Compliance Managers | $117,178 |
| Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | $99,321 |
| Managers, All Other | $95,684 |
| Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts | $92,240 |
Theology & Religious Vocations includes 8 concentrations that together award 25,980 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Theological and Ministerial Studies (14,884), Bible/Biblical Studies (3,775) and Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (2,996). Browse the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | 14,884 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | 3,775 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | 2,996 |
| Religious Education | 1,274 |
| Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology | 1,266 |
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other | 1,247 |
| Religious Music and Worship | 477 |
| Religious Institution Administration and Law | 61 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
