by our College Data Analytics TeamWhile religion plays an important role in many people's lives, someone must teach those people about the texts, traditions, and beliefs. As a Religious Education major, you will learn the skills to teach others the important aspects of your faith.
Students take classes in biblical studies, religious studies, world religions, literature, history, and education to learn how to teach others and develop a deeper understanding of their religion and sacred texts. This degree will prepare you for a rewarding career informing others the various aspects of your religion.
In 2020-2021, religious education was the 216th most popular major nationwide with 1,417 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 81 over the prior year, a growth of 5.7%.
Our 2023 Best Religious Education Schools ranking analyzes 37 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for religious education students. Explore this or one of our many other custom religious ed rankings further below.
Religious Education professionals spend their time teaching both children and adults everything they want to know about religion from its history to the role it plays in modern society. This means professionals should have strong interpersonal and communication skills so they can connect with their students and provide a welcoming classroom. Since professionals are required to teach classes and develop lessons, it is important to be organized. Students who pursue a career in Religious Education often have a background in religious and biblical studies.
A degree in Religious Education often leads to a fulltime career teaching at a Christian school, or with an advanced education, at the collegiate level. Some also may have a ministry job with a local church. Those who work in a church or for a religious organization may teach classes at night or on the weekends, while professors hold a more typical workweek.
Students who are interested in pursuing a [Religious Education degree](https://colleges.collegefactual.com/classes?provider_id=10179&sub_id=dmsSubId&campaign=degree-in-religious-education&sidebar=aos_religious-education&study_area_id=187&root_study_area_id=40&creative=cofa&referring_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.collegefactual.com%2Fmajors%2Ftheology-and-religious-vocations%2Freligious-education%2Findex2.html) should work a summer job or internship as a counselor or tutor at a camp, in a church, or within a religious organization. Students will be able to assist Religious Education teachers and gain more experience in the field.
religious education degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic religious education program qualifications, to serve in some religious ed careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Religious Ed degree levels vary. Religious Education programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest religious ed degree you can get. Depending on the religious education 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 religious ed, with approximately 41.1% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to religious ed tend obtained the following education levels.
| 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% |
55.5% of religious ed workers have at least a master's. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in religious education careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the religious ed career you are seeking.
Religious Education graduates often pursue a career as teachers either at private schools, within churches or religious organization, or at the collegiate level. Some of these positions may require additional schooling or certification. You may also be prepared for roles in the church as youth pastors, educators or ministry leaders. Religion plays a large role in many people's lives, making this a very gratifying career for many.
Want a job when you graduate with your religious ed degree? Religious Education careers are expected to grow 8.0% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to religious education.
| 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 religious education students earned an average of $30,162 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $11,811 to as high as $42,008. As you might expect, salaries for religious ed graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for religious education graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers religious ed grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Professors | $82,420 |
| Religious Activities and Education Directors | $46,980 |
With over 221 different religious ed 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 religious ed school rankings to help you with this.
One of 7 majors within the Theology & Religious Vocations area of study, Religious Education has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Theological & Ministerial Studies | 15,832 |
| Biblical Studies | 4,119 |
| Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries | 3,116 |
| Missionary Studies | 1,220 |
| Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) | 1,166 |
