by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Theology and Religious Vocations, Other allows students to prepare for a career working for the church or religious organization. While students have the option to major in areas such as Biblical Studies, Religious Education, or Specialized Ministries, you may find that those more popular majors are not for you. Perhaps you want to be a religious leader for a lesser-known religion or want to focus on Eastern traditions. A degree in this field will allow you to focus on the career path you are most interested in.
You will take classes in biblical studies, religious studies, theology, philosophy, history, and sociology along with more advanced and specialized classes that will allow you to receive a degree in your narrow field of interest.
In 2020-2021, theology and religious vocations (other) was the 228th most popular major nationwide with 1,166 degrees awarded. This 108 less than the prior year, a decrease of 9.3%.
Our 2023 Best Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) Schools ranking analyzes 32 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for theology and religious vocations (other) students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of religious vocations programs later in this article.
Students who decide to major in Theology and Religious Vocations, Other typically pursue positions working with people. This places a strong emphasis on communication and interpersonal skills. You will be looked on as a religious leader and may need to lead religious counseling sessions or help others in your congregation. This position will be a full time job and may require you to work on weekends and evenings.
Students who are interested in pursuing a career within this field should gain previous experience through a summer job, internship, or volunteering with a church or religious organization. This will give you the opportunity to shadow a professional and decide if this is the career path you wish to follow. It will also give you the chance to learn about more specialized fields within Theology and Religious Vocations.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic theology and religious vocations (other) program qualifications, to serve in some religious vocations careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are various different levels of religious vocations degrees. You can get anything from a in theology and religious vocations (other) to the highest religious vocations degree, a . The time it takes to complete a religious vocations degree varies depending on the program.
| 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 |
Graduates who pursue a degree in the different specialties within Theology and Religious Vocations typically find work with a religious organization. Students may decide to become religious leaders, counselors, or work as church directors. Those with an advanced degree may become scholars and go on to research topics or teach at the collegiate level.
Recently graduated theology and religious vocations (other) students earned an average of $39,580 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $23,785 to as high as $76,225. As you might expect, salaries for religious vocations graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) is one of 7 different types of Theology & Religious Vocations programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Theological & Ministerial Studies | 15,832 |
| Biblical Studies | 4,119 |
| Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries | 3,116 |
| Religious Education | 1,417 |
| Missionary Studies | 1,220 |
