by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 117 U.S. colleges awarded 1,706 degrees and certificates in Other Theological & Ministerial Studies. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 61% of graduates. College Factual ranks 37 schools in its 2027 Best Other Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $48,676 one year after completing, rising to $60,725 after four years.
A major in Other Theological & Ministerial Studies explores Theological And Ministerial Studies, Other. Any Instructional Program In Theological And Ministerial Studies Not Listed Above, Including Preparation For Religious Vocations In Faiths Other Than Christianity And Judaism.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, other theological & ministerial studies is a popular field of study, with 1,706 degrees awarded annually. 117 colleges award other theological & ministerial studies degrees, an average of 15 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 136.
By level, the 1,706 awards include 3 certificates, 41 associate degrees, 434 bachelor’s degrees, 1,039 master’s degrees and 188 doctorates.
Women earned 42% of other theological & ministerial studies degrees and certificates in the latest year (714 of 1,706). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (905) and Black or African American (234), and international students earned 111.
College Factual ranks 37 schools in its 2027 Best Other Theological & Ministerial Studies Schools ranking, including 1 for associate degrees, 9 for bachelor’s degrees, 23 for master’s degrees and 10 for doctorates. It also ranks other theological & ministerial studies schools within 9 states. In all, 117 colleges offer other theological & ministerial studies programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Other Theological & Ministerial Studies Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common other theological & ministerial studies credential is the master’s degree: 1,039 of the 1,706 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to other theological & ministerial studies 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 Speech Clarity, Oral Expression and Written Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long an other theological & ministerial studies degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 3 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 41 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 434 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,039 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 188 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to other theological & ministerial studies, at 71.5%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 71.5% |
| Master’s degree | 14.2% |
| Post-doctoral training | 12.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 0.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.6% |
| Some college courses | 0.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.4% |
Source: O*NET Online.
3 occupations are related to Other Theological & Ministerial Studies, with an average median salary of $60,131; the strongest outlook belongs to Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary, at 3.7% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Religious Educator, Divinity Teacher, Metaphysics Teacher and Religion Professor.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to other theological & ministerial studies, at 1,031,835.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,031,835 | 3.7% |
| Religious Workers, All Other | 258,483 | -1.4% |
| Clergy | 33,072 | -3.3% |
Other Theological & Ministerial Studies graduates earn a median $48,676 one year after completing their program, $60,725 after four years and $59,922 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $48,676 |
| 4 years | $60,725 |
| 5 years | $59,922 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to other theological & ministerial studies, with a median salary of $71,584.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $71,584 |
| Religious Workers, All Other | $58,956 |
| Clergy | $49,854 |
Other Theological & Ministerial Studies has 4 similar majors in the Theology & Religious Vocations field, which together award 13,178 degrees a year; the largest are Divinity/Ministry (6,513), Theology/Theological Studies (6,332) and Pre-Theology/Pre-Ministerial Studies (180). Browse all Theology & Religious Vocations majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Divinity/Ministry | 6,513 |
| Theology/Theological Studies | 6,332 |
| Pre-Theology/Pre-Ministerial Studies | 180 |
| Rabbinical Studies | 153 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
