by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 83 U.S. colleges awarded 1,247 degrees and certificates in Theology & Religious Vocations (Other). Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 63% of graduates. College Factual ranks 24 schools in its 2027 Best Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $44,504 one year after completing, rising to $51,616 after four years.
A 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.
A major in Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) covers Theology And Religious Vocations, Other.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., theology & religious vocations (other) is a widely-pursued major, with 1,247 degrees awarded annually. 83 colleges award theology & religious vocations (other) degrees, an average of 15 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 135.
By level, the 1,247 awards include 5 certificates, 27 associate degrees, 247 bachelor’s degrees, 781 master’s degrees and 187 doctorates.
Women earned 46% of theology & religious vocations (other) degrees and certificates in the latest year (576 of 1,247). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (665) and Black or African American (176), and international students earned 109.
College Factual ranks 24 schools in its 2027 Best Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) Schools ranking, including 4 for bachelor’s degrees, 13 for master’s degrees and 7 for doctorates. It also ranks theology & religious vocations (other) schools within 9 states. In all, 83 colleges offer theology & religious vocations (other) programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common theology & religious vocations (other) credential is the master’s degree: 781 of the 1,247 awarded in the latest year.
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.
How long a theology & religious vocations (other) degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 5 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 27 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 247 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 781 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 187 |
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.
Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) graduates earn a median $44,504 one year after completing their program, $51,616 after four years and $55,018 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $44,504 |
| 4 years | $51,616 |
| 5 years | $55,018 |
Source: College Scorecard.
Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) includes 1 concentration; by graduates, the largest is Theology and Religious Vocations, Other (1,247). It has 7 similar majors in the Theology & Religious Vocations field, which together award 24,733 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 |
|---|---|
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other | 1,247 |
| 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 |
| Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology | 1,266 |
| Religious Music and Worship | 477 |
| Religious Institution Administration and Law | 61 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
