If you are interested in philosophy, the ethics of humanity, various religions, and Christian ministry, then you should pursue the religion degrees and college majors listed in this article.

You can also pursue these degrees if you have doubts regarding the reality of people, God, and the many parallels and discrepancies throughout the world’s religions.

These religious degrees and college majors prepare students to enter the workforce with a strong foundation of knowledge in their profession and a remarkable array of abilities.

Keep on reading this article for a well-researched list of religion degrees and college majors.

Religion Degrees And College Majors: List Of Degrees

Religion degrees train students for careers in religious leadership, teaching, counseling, and research. 

Some religion degrees have ties to a certain religion and are meant to prepare clergy for that religion while an overview of various religions’ relationship to philosophy, politics, world history, the humanities, and the arts are provided by other degree programs.

Students can choose from a variety of academic disciplines, including theology, religion, and religious studies.  

A high school diploma or GED, ACT or SAT scores, a statement of purpose, and adherence to a particular faith are required for admission to the associate and bachelor of religion degree programs. 

For admission to the master’s religion degree program, you will need a bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

A completed master’s degree, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and academic writing samples are requirements for students who desire to enroll in the Ph.D. religion degree programs. 

1. Associate’s Degree in Religion

Institutions with a religious focus, usually Christian ones, offer associate religion degrees with a curriculum that promotes both professional and spiritual growth.

Through in-depth study of texts and principles, associate degree programs in religion aim to equip students with extensive theological knowledge as well as employable skills such as communication and computer literacy. 

Students may learn courses such as

• Religious doctrine
• Public speaking
• World civilization
• Social science
• Interpretation of religious texts

2. Bachelor’s Degree In Religious Studies

Bachelor’s degrees in religious studies programs give students a thorough introduction to a range of religions and philosophical systems. 

Along with offering comprehensive knowledge of several of the most significant religions in the world, this program also looks at how religion and society interact. 

Students learn the beginnings of religion, its historical significance to civilization, and its effects on everything from politics to the arts. 

Courses that may be covered include:

• Theology of Islam
• Politics and religious theory
• The role of women in religious history
• Modern religious philosophy
• Catholicism in the modern world

3. Bachelor’s Degree in Religion

Various religious colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degree programs in religion, which concentrate on the faith that a particular institution is affiliated with. 

Bachelor’s degree in religion programs offers an overview of several religions, and in-depth instruction in the texts, history, origins, and doctrine of a specific faith. 

These programs also provide courses in history, communications, social sciences, and liberal arts.  

Courses usually covered include:

• History of Christianity
• Introduction to the Old Testament
• Religions of the world
• The teachings of Muhammad
• Education and religion
• Modern theological thought

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4. Master of Arts in Theology

Students interested in professions in religious leadership can receive specialized instruction through master’s degrees in theology programs. 

These programs are usually associated with a specific religion and aim to provide students with a thorough understanding of the doctrines and practices of that religion and an overview of other worldviews and civilizations. 

Leadership and organizational abilities, theological contemplation, and the practical implementation of religious values both inside and outside of the ministry are all stressed in the programs.

Students are prepared to work with many cultures through their coursework, and many programs have a foreign language requirement.  

Additional courses covered in the curriculum include:

• Ethics and theology
• Faith and Society
• Theology and feminism
• Spirituality and religious mysticism
• Ministry and leadership
• Comparative religion

5. Master’s Degree in Religious Studies

The master’s degree in religious studies programs is a condensed curriculum that concentrates students’ research on the religious aspects of particular fields. 

Students who enroll in this master’s degree are prepared for careers in academia, research, or ministry. 

The focus of this program is on the historical, comparative, philosophical, social, and scientific issues surrounding the world’s religions to encourage students to conduct their research and engage in critical analysis. 

Course topics covered may include:

• Ethics in religion
• Cultural differences in religion
• Religious law
• Study of modern societies
• Religious doctrines

6. Ph.D. in Theology

The curriculum of a doctorate in theology concentrates on a specific area of religious studies, such as scripture, religious thought, or the examination of religious issues. 

Doctoral degree programs in theology, religious studies, or divinity may be associated with a specific religious organization or faith. 

Through focused study, students might gain knowledge in a particular field that could benefit their future in education or research. 

Students may also need to complete a residency program and a dissertation to earn this degree.

In-depth analysis of topics including texts, history, philosophy, and theory is available through doctoral religion degree programs.  

Courses covered in these programs include:

• Semitic languages and ancient texts
• Theology of the Old Testament
• History of the Islamic faith
• Study of Hinduism and the Vedas
• Religion and literature
• Science and religion

Religion Degrees And College Majors: Popular Careers

Several job opportunities are available for graduates with various religion degrees and college majors.  

Associate religion degree programs can prepare students for a range of leadership and management roles within religious organizations. 

Possible career paths include:

• Sunday school teacher
• Religious program coordinator
• Church administrator
• Ministry Outreach

Bachelor’s religion degree programs can give students a strong liberal arts foundation that they can employ for both secular and religious careers. 

The breadth of potential careers includes nonprofit management and journalism such as:

• Religious writer
• Curator of religious collections
• Educator
• Nonprofit administrator
• Religious program director

Many master’s religion degree holders opt to work in social service or teaching, but many also become ordained clergy within their religions. 

Various careers include:

• Minister
• Teacher
• Counselor
• Religious school administrator
• Historians
• Missionary

Popular career paths for Ph.D. religion degree holders include::

• Researcher
• Professor
• Religious ethicist
• Postsecondary Teachers

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Religion Degrees And College Majors: Employment Outlook and Salary Information

For clergy professionals and other graduates with religion degrees, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected an average of 4% job growth between 2019 and 2029. 

The average yearly pay for clergy professionals was $55,190 according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2019. 

Religious institutions, hospitals, home health care providers, and nursing homes are significant employers of religion degrees and college majors graduate.

Religion Degrees And College Majors: Continuing Education

While ordination requirements differ per faith, they usually include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in addition to completing the required seminary study. 

People interested in professions in education or counseling will also need to complete further postsecondary education and certification requirements. 

Many states require prospective religious educators to earn a teaching certificate, while several universities offer five-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Careers in counseling, education, or ministry are all possible after earning graduate degrees in religion.

Students desiring tenure-track academic posts or careers in research might need a doctorate in religious studies or theology. 

Many theology master’s degree programs are intended to serve as a launching pad for doctoral degrees.

Students looking for religion degrees and college majors have a wide range of choices, many of which can be utilized as training for careers as religious leaders. 

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Religion Degrees And College Majors: List Of College Majors

1. American Public University 

Students who complete this Bachelor of Arts in Religion program have a critical awareness of a wide range of world faiths and religious practices, including those of numerous tribes and nations. 

Students of this program study the cultural, political, and spiritual dimensions of religion while being introduced to the theological pillars of religious thoughts.

To establish the best placement within the university, students must pass assessment exams while transfer students must submit previous transcripts.

Students will be well-suited for professions in human services and pastoral aid after completing this very cost-effective curriculum, which also has a low tuition cost per credit hour and little fees.  

2. College Of William And Mary

Within its Bachelor of Religious Studies degree program, the College of William and Mary provides a wide range of alternatives. 

This gives students the freedom to investigate and discover a branch of religion or a particular faith that speaks to them.

The Secondary School Report form, available from The Common Application, must be submitted with a high school transcript and counselor’s letter of recommendation during the application procedure.  

Courses may include:

• Introductory Studies in Religion
• Biblical Studies
• Studies in Asian Religions
• Judaic Studies
• Studies in Islam
• Studies in Religious Ethics
• Studies in Western History and Thought
• Studies in American Religion

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Students also have the option of creating an Independent Studies program with particular professors within their BA that concentrates on a particular field and the emphasis areas currently accessible to them. 

Students may also choose to do an honors thesis during their final two college semesters.

3. Wayland Baptist University 

At Wayland Baptist University, students interested in the development and expansion of the Christian ministry will have a fulfilling online academic experience. 

Wayland University’s Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry degree program is a wonderful option for students who are curious because it gives them exposure to many different fields.

Application materials for admission include a $35 non-refundable application fee, official high school transcripts, other college transcripts that may be required, and the results of any pertinent standardized tests.

This major at Wayland Baptist University is designed for students who are proficient in and have experience in Christian ministry.

Courses in the curriculum may include:

• Old and New Testament History
• Spiritual Formation
• Biblical Interpretation

4. University Of Dayton

The University of Dayton, which adheres to Catholic theology, offers students the option to study religion in all of its various manifestations, styles, and worldviews with its B.S./B.A. In Department Of Religious Studies. 

The program enables students to combine academic work with experience through practicals, liaison opportunities with campus ministry, and service-learning choices.

The University of Dayton application or the Common Application must be completed and sent, along with an official transcript, SAT and ACT scores, and a counselor recommendation.

The department’s primary goal is to comprehend and clarify the Judeo-Christian religious tradition as it is reflected in the Roman Catholic tradition. 

In this Religious Studies degree, students may select one of five courses, each of which is founded in Catholic traditions and values and they include:

• Ministry
• Catholic Schools
• Graduate School Preparation
• World Religions
• General

5. St. Thomas University

This BA in Religious Studies program lets students investigate the various world religions due to Florida’s rich and diversified culture, population, and religious backgrounds. 

Students who have an Associate’s Degree in Religious Studies or a significant number of transfer credits to use toward this completion program should enroll in this program.

Students must either pass the University Placement Exam or provide official SAT, ACT, and CLAST test scores. 

Along with a personal essay outlining their academic goals and reasons for applying to St. Thomas University, students must also submit an official transcript or GED scores.

Students have the option to focus on a variety of religious studies, from systematic theology to biblical studies with courses like Religious Dimensions of Nonviolent Action, World Religions, and Reconciliation and Conflict.

6. University Of California, Santa Barbara

Students at the University of California, Santa Barbara study the B.A in Religious Studies under professors that are knowledgeable about all major world religions and indigenous faiths. 

All students should take advantage of the numerous intriguing study-abroad alternatives offered by the department of religious studies.

This program’s coursework is in-depth and challenging, students can choose to double major in a subject that will help their Religious Studies specialization.

Courses in this program include:

• Buddhist Studies
• South Asian traditions
• East Asian traditions
• Jewish, Islamic, and Near Eastern traditions
• Christian, Mediterranean, and European traditions
• America’s traditions 

7. Athens State University

This B.A. in Religious Studies And Ethics provides a curriculum in religious theory, philosophy, and practice. 

Whether students want to concentrate on Christian doctrine and Biblical studies or they want to study world religions, Athens State University has a wide range of courses in many different fields of religious study.

Students must submit official and unofficial transcripts from every previous academic institution as well as pay the non-refundable application fee.  

Students may study courses such as:

• Psalms and Wisdom Literature
• Problems of Evil and Suffering
• Theology of Music

8. Rhodes College

All students at Rhodes College have access to a wide range of internship options with health, social, and religious organizations through the Department of Religious Studies. 

The Department of Religious Studies offers an undergraduate curriculum to increase college graduates’ awareness of various religious traditions in a contemporary pluralistic society.

A writing sample, teacher recommendation, SAT and ACT scores, and a strong record in volunteer and extracurricular activities are requirements for applicants.

Interdisciplinary majors are widely encouraged by the Rhodes University Department of Religious Studies.  

Courses may include:

• Social Issues in Ethical and Religious Perspectives
• Pain, Suffering, and Death
• Religion in America

9. Arizona State University

Students in Arizona State University’s Department of Religious Studies follow a track that conforms to their particular interests without having to thoroughly study a subject that may not be necessary.  

Students must have a 3.0 GPA on the equivalency examinations and often rank in the top 25% of their class.  

Arizona State University provides students with a comprehensive, reasonably priced education that accommodates their unique schedules and conflicts.  

Topics covered may include:

• Global Contexts
• Practice and Representation
• Modernity

10. Sewanee: The University Of The South

At the University of the South, students will develop concentrations and themes within their major in religion under the direction of advisers and instructors. 

Students have the wonderful opportunity to broaden the scope of their major in Christian teachings at this Episcopalian university with a distinguished and excellent School of Theology.

The average cumulative high school GPA of applicants to the University of the South is between 3.6 and 4.0. 

The Common Application, an official transcript, one counselor recommendation, two teacher evaluations, and a mid-year grade report are all requirements for applicants.

The relationship between religion and social power, religion and the environment, the study of religious texts, and philosophical perspectives on religion are some topics covered in this program.

After graduating, students will have a thorough comprehension of numerous branches and subfields of religion.

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11. Saint Leo University

Students who have completed this BA in Religious Studies degree at Saint Leo University have looked into a variety of employment options in the business, social, health, and religious fields, and all are qualified to move on to a doctoral school or a teaching job. 

Although the program has a solid foundation in Christian teachings, students also have the chance to concentrate on their own needs.

To be considered for admission to Saint Leo University, students must submit an online application, a letter of recommendation, official transcripts, and test scores.

This program provides a solid basis, but students can choose a major that lets them delve into a variety of fields within the discipline.

Courses to be covered include:

• Religions of the Old World
• History of Christianity
• History of Philosophy

12. Southeastern University

The B.S. Ministerial Leadership-Christian Teachings are for those who are interested in leading others via the teachings and ideals of Christ but do not wish to become pastors. 

Additionally, students in this program receive a liberal arts education built on Christian principles.

Standardized test results, a biographical essay, a personal reference form, and all official transcripts from all high school and college institutions attended must be submitted by the applicant.

The coursework at Southeastern University is divided into four sections, each of which calls for a specific amount of study time. 

In addition to receiving a strong liberal arts education, students also devote a significant amount of time to bible and church study.

13. Illinois Wesleyan University

Students show a high degree of proficiency with the analytical methodologies employed in studying religion after graduating with a B.S. In Religion-core Biblical Studies at Illinois Wesleyan University. 

Standardized test scores, a GPA of at least a B, a personal essay, official transcripts, and evidence of a broad background in academic study are all requirements for admission.

Illinois Wesleyan University does not offer concentration areas, but the various coursework will provide students with the right combination of subjects to reach a concentration area in a preferred aspect of religious studies.

Courses to be covered include:

• Pluralism and Religious Tolerance
• God and Postmodernism in American Jewish Thought

14. Regent University

The Bachelor of Biblical and Theological Studies and the Bachelor of Christian Ministry are two Bachelor of religious studies programs offered by Regent University. 

Both degrees will equip graduates for rewarding careers in Christian ministry and make them qualified for positions of leadership.

The online application, a signed Community Life Form, official high school transcripts, and a $50 non-refundable application fee are requirements for students.

Other majors in this program are:

• Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies—Biblical Studies Concentration or Theological Studies Concentration
• Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry 

15. Grinnell College

The skills essential to the liberal arts, such as clear communication, critical thinking, and the attentive and unbiased examination of lifestyles distinct from one’s own, will be learned in these religious studies majors. 

Students will obtain a thorough awareness of how religious practices have influenced the human situation by studying this religious studies program.

There is no application fee, but applicants must submit their Common Application, standardized test results, and recommendations for interviews.

The curriculum for religious studies focuses on both Asian and Western religions in equal measure. 

To develop a more comprehensive grasp of the many different religions of the world, students may decide to focus their studies on one over the other or combine the two.

Topics in this program include Religion in U.S. Public Life, Gods of Bollywood, and The Hebrew Bible.

16. Liberty University

With this B.S. In Biblical And Education Studies, students can channel their passion for the Bible, Christian doctrine, or Christian ministry into an academic path that will widen their horizons in terms of professional options and an understanding of the topic itself.

Students must produce certified transcripts from their high school and any colleges they may have attended when applying.  

Students will be able to finish their homework and classes while simultaneously devoting precious time to the Ministry because this program is online. 

Liberty University offers a variety of options and routes for students pursuing a degree in religion. 

They include:

• Bachelor of Science in Biblical and Educational Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Christian Leadership and Management
• Bachelor of Science in Religion
• Biblical and Theological Studies
• Christian Counseling
• Christian Ministries
• Evangelism

17. University Of Rochester

With the guidance of advisers and faculty mentors who direct students along their academic path, this well-structured curriculum gives students the freedom to develop their religious studies. 

By the time they graduate, students have created original projects, mastered a variety of research methods, and developed critical thinking abilities.

Students must submit the Common Application, official transcripts, and recommendations from teachers and counselors before applying.  

Students at the University of Rochester have the excellent opportunity to enroll in the Honors Program in the Department of Religion, where they will be in charge of a senior thesis project that must be finished in one to two semesters and may include a wide variety of sources, media, and themes.

Courses covered in this program include

• Religion
• Classics
• Arabic
• Greek
• Hebrew
• Latin
• Sanskrit
• Turkish

18. Case Western Reserve University

This curriculum requires students to take what they learn in the classroom and apply that to volunteerism and internships within the greater Cleveland community. 

The study of religion at Case Western Reserve University is multicultural, non-sectarian, and interdisciplinary.

The Common Application must be completed and submitted by the applicant together with an official high school transcript, School Report, test results, and the recommendations of two teachers.

Because this degree will prepare students for a wide range of employment opportunities, the curriculum is quite varied and provides them with a solid understanding of numerous different religions and beliefs.

Coursework in this program includes:

• The Many Faces of Contemporary U.S. Catholicism
• The Holocaust
• Introduction to the Qur’an

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Religion Degrees And College Majors: Associations And Organizations

Some numerous associations and organizations assist professionals with religion degrees, whether it be through research or continuing education.

They include:

1. American Academy of Religion (AAR) 

The American Academy of Religion (AAR) is a professional organization for people who work as teachers, instructors, and professors and who are interested in the ongoing study of religion.

2. North American Association for the Study of Religion 

The North American Association for the Study of Religion focuses on the social scientific, historical, and critical approaches to the study of religion. 

This organization provides membership options as well as clergy and academic gatherings.

3. Association for the Sociology of Religion

The Association for the Sociology of Religion provides information and research on the field of sociology of religion. 

This association also provides memberships, annual gatherings, grants, and awards.

4. Religious Education Association 

A group of academics, practitioners, and researchers in the fields of religious studies and religious education make up the Religious Education Association. 

This organization links professionals with opportunities for networking, ongoing education, and membership.

5. African Association for the Study of Religions 

This African Association for the Study of Religion concentrates on the historical significance of religions in Africa’s history and the study of religion from an African perspective. 

For more information, news, research, or opportunities in this area of religious studies, you can visit their website.

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FAQ 

Conclusion

Religion degrees and college majors are recommended for those who want to work as religious leaders because it prepares students to fill clerical or related responsibilities within their religious traditions. 

These religion degrees also examine various religions from an academic perspective to comprehend how their ideas relate to one another. 

Students who want to pursue religion degrees and college majors are expected to possess excellent analytical and creative thinking abilities as well as the capacity to understand others’ points of view.