by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 85 U.S. colleges awarded 1,251 degrees and certificates in Missions/Missionary Studies & Missiology. Certificates are the most popular award, at 37% of graduates. College Factual ranks 15 schools in its 2027 Best Missions/Missionary Studies & Missiology 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.
A major in Missions/Missionary Studies & Missiology explores Missions/missionary Studies. A Program That Focuses On The Theory And Practice Of Religious Outreach, Social Service And Proselytization, And That Prepares Individuals For Mission Vocations. Includes Instruction In Theology, Evangelism, Preaching, Medical And Social Mission Work, Missionary Education, Missionary Aviation, Emergency Services, Legal And Political Aspects Of Working In Other Countries, And Preparation For Ordination As Missionaries.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, missions/missionary studies & missiology is a popular field of study, with 1,251 degrees awarded annually. 85 colleges award missions/missionary studies & missiology degrees, an average of 15 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 462.
By level, the 1,251 awards include 463 certificates, 21 associate degrees, 279 bachelor’s degrees, 396 master’s degrees and 82 doctorates.
Women earned 53% of missions/missionary studies & missiology degrees and certificates in the latest year (668 of 1,251). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (787) and Hispanic or Latino (60), and international students earned 183.
College Factual ranks 15 schools in its 2027 Best Missions/Missionary Studies & Missiology Schools ranking, including 4 for bachelor’s degrees and 9 for master’s degrees. It also ranks missions/missionary studies & missiology schools within 5 states. In all, 85 colleges offer missions/missionary studies & missiology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Missions/Missionary Studies & Missiology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common missions/missionary studies & missiology credential is the certificate: 463 of the 1,251 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to missions/missionary studies & missiology 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.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a missions/missionary studies & missiology 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 | 396 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 82 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to missions/missionary studies & missiology, 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 Missions/Missionary Studies & Missiology, 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 Lecturer, Philosophy Adjunct Professor, Philosophy Adjunct Instructor and Ethics Professor.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to missions/missionary studies & missiology, 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% |
Missions/Missionary Studies & Missiology 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 missions/missionary studies & missiology, 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 |
Missions/Missionary Studies & Missiology has 1 similar major in the Theology & Religious Vocations field; the largest is Church Planting (15). Browse all Theology & Religious Vocations majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Church Planting | 15 |
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