by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 202 U.S. colleges awarded 3,775 degrees and certificates in Biblical Studies. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 51% of graduates. College Factual ranks 64 schools in its 2027 Best Biblical Studies Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $35,101 one year after completing, rising to $45,791 after four years.
As the most widely read and best selling book in history, the Bible is an important piece of literature. It is the basis for the faith of many and provides everything from an explanation of how the earth was created to setting up laws to live by. As a Biblical Studies major, you will analyze this text and the role it has played in history and the development of cultures.
Students take classes in biblical archaeology, literature, history, the Christian Bible, Jewish Bible, and Talmud to develop an understanding of the text and learn the many ways it can be interpreted. This religious text has played an immeasurable role in the development of the Western world and this major will allow you to explore the messages it holds for leading a moral and spiritual life.
A degree in Biblical Studies covers Bible/biblical Studies.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., biblical studies is a popular field of study, with 3,775 degrees awarded annually. 202 colleges award biblical studies degrees, an average of 19 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 405.
By level, the 3,775 awards include 198 certificates, 377 associate degrees, 1,941 bachelor’s degrees, 1,129 master’s degrees and 120 doctorates.
Women earned 39% of biblical studies degrees and certificates in the latest year (1,481 of 3,775). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (2,401) and Black or African American (493), and international students earned 118.
College Factual ranks 64 schools in its 2027 Best Biblical Studies Schools ranking, including 11 for associate degrees, 44 for bachelor’s degrees, 17 for master’s degrees and 3 for doctorates. It also ranks biblical studies schools within 21 states. In all, 202 colleges offer biblical studies programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Biblical Studies Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common biblical studies credential is the bachelor’s degree: 1,941 of the 3,775 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to biblical studies call most for Reading Comprehension, Speaking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Philosophy and Theology, English Language and Education and Training, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Oral Expression and Speech Clarity.
Students majoring in Biblical Studies are expected to be able to interpret the text, pull out important messages and analyze based on historical context. Critical thinking and analytical skills are crucial in this process. Since this major generally leads to a career as a religious leader, students should have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Students also typically have a background in history and religious studies.
Biblical Studies majors generally pursue careers in ministry. Those who work in religious fields may have to work weekends and long hours. You will be expected to lead religious groups during the week and on weekends along with counseling church members or performing religious ceremonies.
Students interested in pursuing a Biblical Studies degree should spend time volunteering year round both in school and during the summer. Some students decide to spend time doing missionary work or social services. This can be done in the U.S. or abroad. Many churches require pastors to become ordained before serving. This is also a requirement to perform certain ceremonies such as officiating a marriage.
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How long a biblical studies degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 198 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 377 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,941 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,129 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 120 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to biblical studies, at 59.3%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 59.3% |
| Master’s degree | 12.3% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 10.6% |
| Post-doctoral training | 10.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.8% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.2% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.1% |
| Some college courses | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
2 occupations are related to Biblical Studies, with an average median salary of $68,092; the strongest outlook belongs to Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary, at 3.7% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Philosophy Faculty Member, Philosophy Assistant Professor, Instructor and Professor.
Graduates with a degree in Biblical Studies often go into careers that are based in religion. These include being a religious leader, pastor, theologian, chaplain, counselor, or church director. However, some graduates have pursued careers outside the religious field as professors, writers, and members of non-profit organizations. While this degree provides you with a deep understanding of the Bible, the critical thinking and analytical skills you acquire will allow you to find other jobs not necessarily rooted in religion.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to biblical studies, at 1,031,835.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,031,835 | 3.7% |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | 239,121 | -2.3% |
Biblical Studies graduates earn a median $35,101 one year after completing their program, $45,791 after four years and $41,952 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $35,101 |
| 4 years | $45,791 |
| 5 years | $41,952 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to biblical studies, with a median salary of $71,584.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $71,584 |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $64,599 |
Biblical Studies includes 1 concentration; by graduates, the largest is Bible/Biblical Studies (3,775). It has 7 similar majors in the Theology & Religious Vocations field, which together award 22,205 degrees a year; the largest are Theological and Ministerial Studies (14,884), Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (2,996) and Religious Education (1,274). Browse all Theology & Religious Vocations majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies | 3,775 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | 14,884 |
| 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.
