Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+7% projected 2024โ€“2034

What They Do

Philosophy and religion teachers at colleges and universities guide students through fundamental questions about existence, ethics, belief systems, and human values. They prepare and deliver lectures on topics ranging from ancient Greek philosophy to contemporary religious movements, world religions, or theological debates. These professors design course syllabi, create assignments, and lead seminar discussions where students analyze complex texts and arguments. They spend considerable time reading student papers, providing detailed feedback, and meeting with students during office hours to discuss course material or academic progress.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Philosophy(doctoral)Carolina University, NC
$123,153
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, NY
$114,729
Theological and Ministerial Studies(professional)Emory University, GA
$102,148
Religion/Religious Studies(professional)Jewish Theological Seminary of America, NY
$100,702
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Duke University, NC
$97,602
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Concordia Seminary, MO
$95,127
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, KY
$92,298
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, MO
$91,553
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, TX
$84,654
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Andrews University, MI
$82,478
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Concordia Theological Seminary, IN
$79,744
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Evangel University, MO
$78,654
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Church Divinity School of the Pacific, CA
$77,641
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Baylor University, TX
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Boston College, MA
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Brite Divinity School, TX
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Boston University, MA
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Bob Jones University, SC
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Calvin Theological Seminary, MI
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Carolina University, NC
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Anderson University, IN
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Ashland University, OH
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Asbury Theological Seminary, KY
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Amridge University, AL
$75,508
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Ave Maria University, FL
$75,508

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