by our College Data Analytics TeamAs 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.
Biblical Studies was the 146th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 4,119 degrees in this year alone. This 131 less than the prior year, a decrease of 3.2%.
This year's Best Biblical Studies Schools ranking compares 70 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom Bible rankings further below.
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](https://colleges.collegefactual.com/classes?provider_id=10179&sub_id=dmsSubId&campaign=degree-in-biblical-studies&sidebar=aos_biblical-studies&study_area_id=187&root_study_area_id=40&creative=cofa&referring_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.collegefactual.com%2Fmajors%2Ftheology-and-religious-vocations%2Fbiblical-studies%2Findex2.html) 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.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most Bible degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional Bible certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are various different levels of Bible degrees. You can get anything from a in Biblical studies to the highest Bible degree, a . Depending on the Biblical studies degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to Bible, with approximately 41.1% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for Bible workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 42.1% |
| Doctoral Degree | 35.6% |
| Master’s Degree | 11.5% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 6.0% |
| High School Diploma | 3.1% |
Most workers in Bible have at least a master's degree. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in Biblical studies have received.
This of course varies depending on which Bible career you choose.
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.
Want a job when you graduate with your Bible degree? Biblical Studies careers are expected to grow 8.0% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to Biblical studies.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Activities and Education Directors | 157,500 | 7.1% |
| Philosophy and Religion Professors | 35,700 | 12.3% |
Recently graduated Biblical studies students earned an average of $28,790 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $13,104 to as high as $60,141. As you might expect, salaries for Bible graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for Biblical studies graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers Bible grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Professors | $82,420 |
| Religious Activities and Education Directors | $46,980 |
With over 534 different Bible degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased Bible school rankings to help you with this.
Biblical Studies is one of 7 different types of Theology & Religious Vocations programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Theological & Ministerial Studies | 15,832 |
| Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries | 3,116 |
| Religious Education | 1,417 |
| Missionary Studies | 1,220 |
| Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) | 1,166 |
