by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 86 U.S. colleges awarded 1,266 degrees and certificates in Missionary Studies. Certificates are the most popular award, at 37% of graduates. College Factual ranks 15 schools in its 2027 Best Missionary Studies Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $31,015 one year after completing, rising to $44,362 after four years.
If you are passionate about your faith and would like to spend your time spreading the word and evangelizing, consider majoring in Missionary Studies.
Missionary Studies majors take classes in world religions, cultural anthropology, evangelism, theology, foreign language, and contemporary issues to prepare for a career as a missionary. You will study the Bible and learn the skills to preach your faith and spread it to other cultures.
A major in Missionary Studies involves the study of Missions/missionary Studies And Missiology.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, missionary studies is a popular field of study, with 1,266 degrees awarded annually. 86 colleges award missionary studies degrees, an average of 15 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 462.
By level, the 1,266 awards include 463 certificates, 21 associate degrees, 279 bachelor’s degrees, 411 master’s degrees and 82 doctorates.
Women earned 53% of missionary studies degrees and certificates in the latest year (670 of 1,266). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (799) and Hispanic or Latino (61), and international students earned 183.
College Factual ranks 15 schools in its 2027 Best Missionary Studies Schools ranking, including 4 for bachelor’s degrees and 9 for master’s degrees. It also ranks missionary studies schools within 5 states. In all, 86 colleges offer missionary studies programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Missionary Studies Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common missionary studies credential is the certificate: 463 of the 1,266 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to missionary 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 who decide to pursue Missionary Studies often do so in order to devote their lives to evangelism. This major places a strong emphasis on interpersonal and communications skills; you must be able to explain the word of God to others clearly and expose others to your faith in a non-confrontational manner. Since many missions are done overseas, students should be proficient in a foreign language so they can communicate effectively with other cultures and spread their faith.
A degree in Missionary Studies prepares students to work full time as a missionary as well as other professions in the religious field. This is often a life commitment and much more than a 40-hour workweek job. Students should be passionate about this field and willing to make it their life calling
If you think you may be interested in Missionary Studies, it is recommended that you go on some short-term missionary trips. This will allow you to learn evangelistic skills and get hands-on experience spreading your faith. This experience will also allow you to decide if this is what you would like to devote your life to.
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How long a missionary studies degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 463 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 21 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 279 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 411 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 82 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to missionary 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.
3 occupations are related to Missionary Studies, with an average median salary of $65,046; the strongest outlook belongs to Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary, at 3.7% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Religious Educator, College Faculty Member, Educator and Western Philosophy Professor.
Graduates often become missionaries following graduation. You will lead trips either within the United States or overseas. This degree will prepare you for a position of leadership within your church group.
Missionaries may work either independently or with a church group. Many raise their own funds to take trips or live in areas where they feel a calling. Some graduates may also work for non-profit organizations or churches. Most people choose this job due to a sense of calling, and positions are often not high-paying.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to missionary studies, at 1,031,835.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,031,835 | 3.7% |
| Religious Workers, All Other | 258,483 | -1.4% |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | 239,121 | -2.3% |
Missionary Studies graduates earn a median $31,015 one year after completing their program, $44,362 after four years and $31,974 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $31,015 |
| 4 years | $44,362 |
| 5 years | $31,974 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to missionary 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 |
| Religious Workers, All Other | $58,956 |
Missionary Studies includes 2 concentrations that together award 1,266 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Missions/Missionary Studies (1,251) and Church Planting (15). It has 7 similar majors in the Theology & Religious Vocations field, which together award 24,714 degrees a year; the largest are Theological and Ministerial Studies (14,884), Bible/Biblical Studies (3,775) and Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (2,996). Browse all Theology & Religious Vocations majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Missions/Missionary Studies | 1,251 |
| Church Planting | 15 |
| Related 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 |
| 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.
