by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 70 U.S. colleges awarded 1,274 degrees and certificates in Religious Education. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 46% of graduates. College Factual ranks 26 schools in its 2027 Best Religious Education Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $36,773 one year after completing, rising to $47,110 after four years.
While 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.
A degree in Religious Education explores Religious Education.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, religious education draws strong interest, with 1,274 degrees awarded annually. 70 colleges award religious education degrees, an average of 18 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 362.
By level, the 1,274 awards include 8 associate degrees, 555 bachelor’s degrees, 588 master’s degrees and 123 doctorates.
Women earned 53% of religious education degrees and certificates in the latest year (680 of 1,274). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (791) and Black or African American (180), and international students earned 57.
College Factual ranks 26 schools in its 2027 Best Religious Education Schools ranking, including 8 for bachelor’s degrees, 16 for master’s degrees and 1 for doctorates. It also ranks religious education schools within 7 states. In all, 70 colleges offer religious education programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Religious Education Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common religious education credential is the master’s degree: 588 of the 1,274 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to religious education 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 Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Speech Clarity.
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 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.
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How long a religious education degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 8 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 555 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 588 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 123 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to religious education, 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 Religious Education, 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 Religious Studies Teacher, Adjunct Professor, Western Philosophy Professor and Philosophy Specialist.
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.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to religious education, 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% |
Religious Education graduates earn a median $36,773 one year after completing their program, $47,110 after four years and $46,392 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $36,773 |
| 4 years | $47,110 |
| 5 years | $46,392 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to religious education, 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 Education includes 1 concentration; by graduates, the largest is Religious Education (1,274). It has 7 similar majors in the Theology & Religious Vocations field, which together award 24,706 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 |
|---|---|
| Religious Education | 1,274 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | 14,884 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | 3,775 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | 2,996 |
| Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology | 1,266 |
| 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.
