What can you do with a Biblical Studies degree?

First, some facts. Of the Biblical Studies graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 213 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 51%, Biblical Studies graduates have a much lower likelihood (-16%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 51%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 47% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Biblical Studies graduate.

See the details:

View a random Biblical Studies graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 47%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2014 from The Master's University with a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Corporate Trainer/ Customer Service
Verizon Wireless
Jun 2014 - Nov 2016
The role of Corporate Trainer/Customer Service at Verizon Wireless may require some communication and interpersonal skills that could be informed by a Biblical Studies background, but it is not directly related to the core content of the degree.

Package Handler
FedEx Ground
May 2017 - Nov 2017
The position of Package Handler at FedEx Ground does not necessitate any knowledge or skills from Biblical Studies, focusing instead on physical tasks unrelated to the degree.

Office Services Manager
Cranfill Sumner LLP
Nov 2017 - Jun 2023
As Office Services Manager at Cranfill Sumner LLP, the job might involve some skills such as organizational management that could loosely relate to principles studied in Biblical Studies, but it does not directly apply the core knowledge from the degree.

Office Services Director
Cranfill Sumner LLP
May 2023 - Present
The role of Office Services Director at Cranfill Sumner LLP may utilize general management skills that can be connected to Biblical Studies indirectly, but it lacks substantial relevance to the degree's specific content.

ABOUT

In all I do, I strive to be Happy, Humble, and Hard-Working.

What jobs can you get with a Biblical Studies degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After analyzing a diverse array of LinkedIn profiles belonging to individuals who have graduated with degrees in Biblical Studies, it’s evident that graduates pursue a wide variety of career paths. The most common roles among this group often relate directly to ministry, teaching, or church leadership positions such as Youth Minister, Associate Pastor, or Bible Teacher, which firmly align with their academic training. Beyond these roles, there are many instances where graduates find jobs in marketing, sales, operations, and administrative support roles that don’t leverage their biblical education as heavily.

When considering the relevance of these professions to their Biblical Studies degrees, there's a clear division. Many theological roles such as Pastors, Youth Ministers, and Bible Teachers directly use the knowledge and skills acquired through their studies, making them highly relevant. However, a notable portion of graduates entered professions such as administrative roles or sales positions that, while possibly benefiting from interpersonal skills tied back to their education, do not require the application of their theological knowledge on a daily basis. Overall, while a significant number of job roles are probable to align closely with the Biblical Studies curriculum, many individuals pursue careers where their degree's relevance is more tangential than direct, ultimately leading to a spectrum of connection from their studies to their professional life.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Biblical Studies graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Biblical Studies graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Biblical Studies, it's apparent that they generally begin their professional journeys in jobs that reflect their educational backgrounds, particularly within religious and non-profit sectors. For many, their first post-graduation roles often include positions such as pastors, student ministers, or interns at churches and ministries. These initial jobs align closely with their studies, allowing graduates to apply their theological training directly in settings where they can contribute to community and faith discussions.

Fast forward five to ten years, and the landscape starts to vary significantly. While some individuals remain in ministry-related roles—like youth pastors or church leaders—many others transition to careers in various fields that may not directly relate to their Biblical Studies training. For instance, we see graduates taking roles in marketing, publishing, education, or management positions across different sectors. This suggests that while the foundational skills gained from a Biblical Studies education can enhance work in traditional ministry, they also provide a flexible skill set applicable in diverse careers. However, it's also essential to note that some graduates' career paths seem somewhat disconnected from the field of Biblical Studies, indicating a potential struggle to find a job that fully utilizes their degree. This can lead to positions where their initial training might not be as relevant, highlighting a challenge within this arena.

The overall impression is a mixed bag. For those deeply invested in ministry, their career trajectories often reflect a commitment to religious life and community service. Yet, for others, the journey may have taken them into unrelated fields, which can lead to a sense of misalignment with their educational goals. Ultimately, while many graduates from Biblical Studies find fulfilling roles within their field, others appear to navigate paths where their degree's relevance seems diminished. This variety exemplifies both the rich potential of a Biblical Studies degree and the complex realities graduates face as they carve out their professional identities in an increasingly diverse job market.

How hard is a Biblical Studies degree?

A Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies can vary in difficulty depending on the program and your personal interests. For some, it might feel a bit easier than average because much of the coursework revolves around reading, analyzing texts, and discussing themes you might find relatable if you have a strong interest in religion or theology. However, don't underestimate the academic rigor; you'll still need to dive deep into historical contexts, critical thinking, and possibly learn some biblical languages like Greek or Hebrew. If you’re passionate about the subject, it can be engaging and fulfilling, but if you’re not really into it, it might be tougher than you expect!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Biblical Studies.

Do Biblical Studies graduates tend to make good money?

So, when you look at the job trajectories of these Biblical Studies graduates, it appears that many of them have taken on roles within faith-based organizations, education, or community service sectors. These kinds of positions, especially in ministry and education, can sometimes be less lucrative compared to corporate roles, which might explain why some of them might not be making top dollar. For example, pastors, youth ministers, and church staff typically earn salaries that can be modest, particularly when starting out or in smaller congregations. While they might find fulfillment in their work, it doesn't always translate into high earnings.

On the flip side, some graduates have managed to step into roles that suggest they are doing reasonably well, especially those who've ventured into corporate sectors or management positions. You see some individuals climbing the ladder in churches or educational institutions, but overall, it looks like many of these grads are not raking in the big bucks. It's a trade-off between passion for their faith-driven work and financial gain, which is something to consider if you're thinking about going down a similar path.

What buzzwords do Biblical Studies graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Biblical Studies. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Biblical Studies?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Biblical Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their Biblical Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Liberty University 39 13