What can you do with a Christian Studies degree?

First, some facts. Of the Christian 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 68 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 57%, Christian Studies graduates have a lower likelihood (-10%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 57%
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, only 30% 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 a Bachelors degree is enough for most Christian Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Christian Studies graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 19%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2011 from Clear Creek Baptist Bible College with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Christian Studies. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Project Coordinator/Technician
Paul Davis Restoration of North Florida
Aug 2020 - Oct 2020
The role of Project Coordinator/Technician at Paul Davis Restoration does not require specific knowledge from a degree in Christian Studies, as it focuses on project management and technical skills unrelated to theology.

Technician
Paul Davis Restoration of North Florida
Dec 2018 - Jan 2022
The position of Technician at Paul Davis Restoration similarly lacks relevance to Christian Studies, as it primarily involves technical work rather than any theological knowledge or skills.

Contents Supervisor
Paul Davis Restoration of North Florida
Nov 2021 - Jan 2022
As a Contents Supervisor at Paul Davis Restoration, the job focuses on managing contents and logistics, which does not require any core qualifications from a Christian Studies background.

Proofreader
Freelance
Nov 2020 - Present
The freelance proofreading position may utilize some communication and writing skills that could be relevant to a Christian Studies program, but it is not explicitly tied to the core content of the degree.

Estimate Reviewer
Contractor Connection
Feb 2022 - Present
The role of Estimate Reviewer at Contractor Connection involves assessment and technical appraisal skills, which are not connected to the knowledge and skills acquired through a Bachelor's degree in Christian Studies.

ABOUT

I love learning and being in any part of the restoration industry, from a hands-on technician, to writing estimates, to reviewing estimates for program work. This industry is a journey with many aspects: thermodynamics, construction, skilled work, cleaning, advertising, entrepreneurship... Becoming a better restorer, no matter what part I play, is something I continually seek to do.

What jobs can you get with a Christian Studies degree?

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


When looking at the job paths of people who graduated with degrees in Christian Studies, there's a pretty clear trend that emerges. Many graduates tend to find employment within church settings, focusing on roles that allow them to apply their knowledge of theology and ministry. Common job titles include Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, and various ministry coordinators, which are all highly relevant to what they studied. These roles not only require an understanding of Christian principles but also allow graduates to engage directly with communities, guiding individuals in their spiritual journeys.

However, it's also quite noticeable that a significant number of graduates venture into jobs that don't directly connect with their degree. Many individuals take on roles as teachers, administrators, and in customer service or logistical positions. A few examples include working as lifeguards or even handling tasks at coffee shops, which, while beneficial for developing general skills, don’t leverage the theological insights learned in school. While these jobs can build valuable interpersonal skills and work experience, they often lack the depth and focus on spiritual matters that a degree in Christian Studies aims to promote.

Overall, it seems like the degree in Christian Studies sets up graduates well for careers that align with ministry and faith-based roles. Nonetheless, a noticeable portion drifts into fields that do not require the same level of theological expertise, which raises questions about the direct applicability of their studies. Whether these choices are based on personal interests, job market pressures, or other factors remains to be seen. Ultimately, while there are plenty of meaningful jobs tied directly to their education, the pathway is broader than one might expect, leading to a mix of related and unrelated job roles.

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

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

When you look at the career paths of graduates with degrees in Christian Studies, it’s pretty interesting to see where they end up. A lot of first jobs right after graduation are in ministry-related fields, with many taking on roles like youth ministers, interns at churches, or teaching positions in Christian education settings. For instance, some recent graduates started as youth ministry interns or special education paraprofessionals. This makes sense because many of them are driven by a desire to serve in church-related capacities, embracing roles that allow them to engage with their communities directly. It’s evident that for many, the first step on the career ladder often involves some sort of work that links closely to their Christian faith, helping them gain practical experience in ministry or education.

But looking at the next five to ten years, the picture starts to diversify. Yes, some stay within the ministry realm and take on more significant roles, like becoming pastors, directors, or even starting their own ministries. However, a noticeable number of graduates seem to drift away from the church-related jobs they initially sought. You’ll find folks who end up in positions like administrative roles, teaching at secular schools, or even jobs completely unrelated to Christian Studies, like working as marketing executives or project coordinators. It's evident that a Christian Studies degree can lead to many career paths, but not all graduates continue directly in ministry or faith-based jobs. Some even seem to have successful careers in fields that might appear unrelated, and others take on roles that leverage skills picked up during their studies but don’t necessarily connect back to their faith. So while there are clear examples of successful and relevant careers right after graduation, there’s also a significant portion who find themselves in jobs that stray from their original intent, suggesting that while passion drives many into Christian-related fields, necessity and opportunity sometimes steer them elsewhere.

How hard is a Christian Studies degree?

A Bachelor degree in Christian Studies can vary in difficulty depending on the specific program and your own interests, but generally, it tends to be a bit easier than many traditional liberal arts or science degrees. You'll dive into topics like theology, church history, and biblical literature, which can be really engaging if you're into that stuff. Some courses might challenge you with critical thinking and interpretation, but overall, if you have a genuine interest in Christianity and are willing to put in some effort, you’ll likely find it manageable. Plus, compared to subjects like engineering or pre-med, you might have fewer heavy math or science classes, which can make it feel less intense for a lot of students.

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 Christian Studies.

Do Christian Studies graduates tend to make good money?

When looking at these graduates, it seems like most of them have been making a pretty decent living, especially those who have found stable roles in larger organizations or who have moved into positions within church leadership. For instance, graduates from schools like Grand Canyon University and Anderson University have taken on various roles in ministry and education, which can be modestly rewarding, depending on the church or school. However, some earlier career stages seem to show more part-time or entry-level positions, like internships or temporary work, which likely don’t offer high salaries. Overall, there’s a mix, but those sticking with church and educational roles might find more financial stability as they climb the ladder over time.

On the flip side, some individuals seem to be bouncing around different roles and companies, which could indicate they haven’t settled into a financially sound position yet. Graduates from more hands-on fields, like teaching or ministry, often start with lower salaries but can grow into more lucrative positions as they gain experience. It’s a mixed bag, really; some are on solid financial paths while others might need to find their niche or a more lucrative opportunity moving forward. So, while some are likely doing well, others might still be in the grind trying to make ends meet.

What buzzwords do Christian 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 Christian Studies. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Christian Studies?

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

College Score Count
Grand Canyon University 63 14