What can you do with a Religious Studies degree?

First, some facts. Of the Religious 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 271 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 50%, Religious Studies graduates have a much lower likelihood (-17%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

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

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Also, after graduating, 50% 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 Religious Studies graduate.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a Religious Studies degree?
• What do Religious Studies graduates do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Religious Studies degree? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Religious Studies degree?
• What are the best colleges for Religious Studies?

View a random Religious Studies graduate and our analysis:

Relevance score: 37% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2011 from Liberty University with a Bachelor's Degree in Religious Studies. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Public Health Specialist Life Foundation Mar 2011 - Mar 2012 The role of a Public Health Specialist may involve some understanding of social and community health principles indirectly connected to religious studies, but it is not centered on the core qualifications of the degree. Director/Health Educator Go-Go Fresco Jan 2013 - May 2015 The position of Director/Health Educator may utilize some knowledge related to community health that can be linked to social aspects of religious studies, but it does not require in-depth knowledge from the degree. Development Coordinator Safe Alliance Feb 2015 - Sep 2015 The role of Development Coordinator focuses on fundraising and organizational tasks that do not require knowledge from religious studies as core qualifications. Health Writer Thrillist Sep 2015 - Feb 2017 As a Health Writer, the job requires skills in health communication that are not directly related to religious studies, nor does it utilize the core qualifications from the degree. Client Services Specialist FlexJobs Sep 2015 - Feb 2017 The Client Services Specialist position involves customer service and administrative tasks, which do not demand any specific knowledge from religious studies. Communications Manager Health Care Without Harm May 2017 - Apr 2021 The role of Communications Manager may involve some understanding of organizational communication that can be tangentially related to religious studies, but it is not fundamentally grounded in the core qualifications of the degree. Director Of Communications Arlington Community Foundation Apr 2021 - Present The position of Director of Communications at a community foundation may involve some aspects of communication that intersect with social justice themes found in religious studies, but it is not centered on the degree's core qualifications. FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING Master's Degree Liberty University 2012 - 2015 ABOUT Multi-award winning social entrepreneur and nationally-featured writer with over 10 years in strategic community engagement, audience-tailored education, and innovative, sustainable nonprofit development.

What jobs can you get with a Religious Studies degree?

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

• Administrative Assistant
• Pastor
• Substitute Teacher
• Intern
• Teacher
• Program Coordinator
• Associate Pastor
• Barista
• Customer Service Representative
• Project Manager

When analyzing the career paths of individuals with a degree in Religious Studies, a distinct pattern emerges regarding the types of jobs they have landed and their relevance to the skills acquired during their studies. Many graduates gravitate toward roles that are directly related to ministry and pastoral care, while a significant number find themselves in positions that are less connected to their academic background, such as administrative, sales, and even technical roles. This testament to the versatility of their degree highlights the potential for applying religious studies knowledge in various sectors, yet also raises questions about the alignment between education and career paths.

One of the most common types of jobs held by individuals with a Religious Studies degree is in ministry. Positions like pastors, youth ministers, and campus ministers directly utilize the theological insights and skills gained during their studies. For instance, many graduates serve as children's ministers, youth directors, or professors, roles that inherently require a strong grasp of religious texts and the ability to engage with communities on a spiritual level. These positions affirm the relevance of a Religious Studies degree, as they apply the principles, ethics, and theological knowledge that students have honed throughout their education.

However, a considerable number of graduates also occupy roles that do not directly require religious studies knowledge. Many find work in administrative positions, sales, and even technical fields like web development and customer service. Positions such as administrative assistants or marketing specialists may utilize soft skills like communication and cultural sensitivity, but they do not demand in-depth knowledge of religious concepts or theories. For example, roles in educational institutions as admissions counselors or general teaching positions, while potentially touching upon ethical discussions, often prioritize their broader educational qualifications over specific religious knowledge. This demonstrates a disconnect where skills from the degree aren’t fully utilized, suggesting that graduates might feel underprepared or misaligned with their educational background in such roles.

In conclusion, while a degree in Religious Studies opens doors to fulfilling roles within religious organizations and community outreach, not all graduates find themselves working in roles that align closely with their studies. The diversity of career paths highlights a blend of direct applicability and broader relevance of skills acquired, asserting that while the degree offers distinct advantages in ministry and related fields, many graduates leverage their expertise in a variety of sectors that may not explicitly call for religious studies knowledge. This reinforces the notion of a valuable, yet sometimes indirect, application of their academic journey in their professional lives.

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

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

The career trajectories of graduates with Religious Studies degrees vary significantly, showcasing a mix of direct relevance to the field and a wide array of unrelated roles. At first glance, many of these individuals seem to pursue paths within the ministry, religious education, and social services. For instance, several graduates have started their careers as youth ministers, pastors, or church roles right after graduation, indicating that their education in Religious Studies has directly influenced their early job choices. This trend is particularly noticeable among graduates from institutions like Liberty University, who often take on various roles within church settings shortly after obtaining their degrees.

However, as we expand our view to five or ten years post-graduation, the picture becomes more mixed. While some individuals continue to thrive in religious or quasi-religious positions, others move into a diverse range of roles that appear disconnected from their original studies. For example, many seem to transition into administrative, educational, or supportive roles in churches or educational institutions, while others end up in completely different sectors, such as health care, social work, or business. This indicates that, despite their degree in Religious Studies, graduates often prioritize broader career opportunities as they gain experience and reassess their professional goals.

Overall, while there is a solid representation of Religious Studies graduates finding work in areas related to their education, a considerable number also end up in jobs that are far removed from religious contexts. The versatility of a Religious Studies education certainly provides valuable skills applicable to various fields, but it does not guarantee a linear career path in religious or spiritual professions. In honesty, looking at this list exposes the reality that many graduates may struggle to find fulfilling careers directly tied to their degree, often taking on roles that align more with necessity than passion.

How hard is a Religious Studies degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies can be pretty manageable for most students, but like any degree, it really depends on your interests and the specific courses you take. If you enjoy reading, analyzing texts, and exploring different belief systems, you might find it easier than some other majors that are heavy on math or science. There’s often a lot of writing and critical thinking involved, which can be challenging if that’s not your strong suit. Overall, it’s not the easiest degree out there, but it’s definitely not the hardest either—kind of falls somewhere in the middle, especially if you stay engaged and passionate about the subjects you’re studying.

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 Religious Studies.

Do Religious Studies graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the job paths of these religious studies graduates, it seems like their financial outcomes vary quite a bit. For some, like those working as pastors, administrative roles within universities, or in community outreach, the salaries may not be super high but often come with the added benefits of job security and community fulfillment. Others have landed in roles like development associates or medical positions, where the pay can be more competitive, especially as they advance in their careers. Overall, while some may struggle to find high-paying jobs right out of college, they still seem to find meaningful work related to their studies, potentially leading to more lucrative jobs in the future. However, it's a mixed bag; some may find themselves in positions that don’t offer strong financial rewards, especially in non-profit or religious organizations.

On the flip side, graduates in more corporate or professional settings, like those in tech roles or higher education administration, appear to be charting a more financially stable path. Positions such as "Administrative Director" or "Director of Operations" often come with better salaries compared to others that lean heavily into pastoral roles or community-based work. In total, while some graduates might be earning a decent living right away, many others are likely starting in lower-paying jobs, but they might find better opportunities down the line as they gain experience and credentials.

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

What are the best colleges for Religious Studies?

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

College	Score	Count
Liberty University	59	34