Theology & Religious Vocations

Programs preparing students for religious ministry, pastoral counseling, sacred music, and theological scholarship. Covers divinity, biblical studies, and religious education.

Common careers: Pastor, Chaplain, Religious Educator, Youth Minister, Missionary, Theological Scholar

1,841Programs
594Schools
$40,536Median Earnings
$32,227 โ€“ $48,372Middle 50% Earnings
$25,582Avg Debt at Graduation

Specializations

Top Earning Programs

Highest median earnings one year after graduation

1
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, NY
$114,729
2
Theological and Ministerial Studies(professional)Emory University, GA
$102,148
3
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Duke University, NC
$97,602
4
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Concordia Seminary, MO
$95,127
5
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, KY
$92,298
6
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, MO
$91,553
7
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, TX
$84,654
8
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Andrews University, MI
$82,478
9
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Concordia Theological Seminary, IN
$79,744
10
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Evangel University, MO
$78,654
11
Theological and Ministerial Studies(masters)Church Divinity School of the Pacific, CA
$77,641
12
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Baylor University, TX
$75,508
13
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Calvin Theological Seminary, MI
$75,508
14
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Brite Divinity School, TX
$75,508
15
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Anderson University2 campuses
$75,508
16
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Campbell University, NC
$75,508
17
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Claremont School of Theology, CA
$75,508
18
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Clarks Summit University, PA
$75,508
19
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Bakke Graduate University, TX
$75,508
20
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Boston University, MA
$75,508
21
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Asbury Theological Seminary, KY
$75,508
22
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Ave Maria University, FL
$75,508
23
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Aquinas Institute of Theology, MO
$75,508
24
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Ashland University, OH
$75,508
25
Theological and Ministerial Studies(doctoral)Boston College, MA
$75,508

Career Paths

Occupations linked to theology & religious vocations programs

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

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/yrJobs growth:

Music Directors and Composers

Conduct, direct, plan, and lead instrumental or vocal performances by musical artists or groups, such as orchestras, bands, choirs, and glee clubs; or create original works of music.

$63,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Financial Specialists, All Other

All financial specialists not listed separately.

Financial Quantitative Analysts

Develop quantitative techniques to inform securities investing, equities investing, pricing, or valuation of financial instruments. Develop mathematical or statistical models for risk management, asset optimization, pricing, or relative value analysis.

Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts

Obtain evidence, take statements, produce reports, and testify to findings regarding resolution of fraud allegations. May coordinate fraud detection and prevention activities.

Counselors, All Other

All counselors not listed separately.

Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other

All community and social service specialists not listed separately.

Clergy

Conduct religious worship and perform other spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. Provide spiritual and moral guidance and assistance to members.

Directors, Religious Activities and Education

Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.

Religious Workers, All Other

All religious workers not listed separately.

Top States

States with the most theology & religious vocations programs

CA158 programs$44,822 avg
TX141 programs$43,007 avg
PA101 programs$43,901 avg
TN91 programs$39,726 avg
OH89 programs$41,995 avg
IL87 programs$41,584 avg
IN86 programs$41,356 avg
MO82 programs$43,508 avg
FL79 programs$39,276 avg
NC66 programs$43,066 avg
MN61 programs$39,701 avg
MI58 programs$40,867 avg
NY55 programs$47,590 avg
OK51 programs$39,341 avg
SC49 programs$41,991 avg