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First, some facts. Of the Theology and Theological 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 160 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 47%, Theology and Theological Studies graduates have a much lower likelihood (-20%) 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.
Also, after graduating, 35% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), which is right in line with the average across all fields.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from Universidad de Montemorelos with a Bachelor's degree in Theology and Theological Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONHead Pastor Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Feb 2022 - Present ABOUTI am a young Pastor working in the Los Angeles area. I studied in Mexico and got my bachelors in Theology in 2021. I have been working for the SDA Southern California Conference ever since. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career paths of individuals with a degree in Theology and Theological Studies, a significant trend emerges regarding the types of jobs they occupy. Many graduates have gravitated towards roles that are directly linked to their theological background, particularly in educational and religious contexts. For instance, positions such as Theology Teacher, Campus Minister, and Pastoral roles are not only prevalent but also highly relevant, as they inherently require the application of theological principles and teachings. In fact, teaching at various levels—be it in schools or churches—seems to form a considerable portion of their post-graduation employment.
However, this clear connection to theology quickly diminishes in a large number of other positions held by these graduates. A substantial portion of individuals have ventured into jobs that have little to no relevance to their theological studies. These roles often focus on customer service, management, or technical skills, with examples including insurance agents, retail workers, and administrative assistants. Such positions, while they may engage soft skills learned during theological training, do not significantly draw upon the specific knowledge and training associated with a theology degree.
The disparity between the types of jobs directly relevant to Theology and those that are not raises questions about the employability of theology graduates in specialized fields. It suggests that while having a degree in this area can lead to fulfilling roles that align perfectly with one’s academic background, it often does not equate with high demand in the job market. Instead, many graduates find themselves in general roles that do not utilize the theological concepts they spent years studying, thus reflecting a broader issue within the employment landscape for those trained in theology. Ultimately, while there are some clear pathways in education and ministry, the overall job market appears less accommodating for theology graduates, leading many to take on unrelated positions just to make use of their degree.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Theology and Theological Studies graduates:
Alright, so we've taken a deep dive into the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Theology and Theological Studies, and let me tell you, it's a mixed bag. For many of these folks, their first jobs right after graduation tend to lean heavily into areas that are related to education or ministry, like teaching religious studies or working as campus pastors. This makes sense because a Theology degree often prepares you to deal with faith-based environments and educational institutions. For instance, a graduate from the University of Portland began teaching theology almost immediately after earning their degree. That's a promising start that indicates a direct application of their studies to their careers.
However, as we look five to ten years down the line, the patterns start to blend a little more. While some graduates continue on a trajectory that stays true to their theological roots—taking on roles as spiritual leaders, educators, or counselors—many others seem to drift into jobs that are more tangentially related or even completely unrelated to their degree. For instance, several graduates end up in sales, management, or various support roles that don’t quite harness the knowledge or skills gained during their studies. Some might find success in fields like counseling or community service, which can sometimes overlap with theological training, but others end up in jobs that could easily belong to someone with a different degree altogether. It appears that while a Theology degree can open certain doors, it also leaves a lot of room for individuals to find themselves in roles that might not reflect their academic background.
Overall, it seems like there's a significant number of graduates working in fields aligned with their degree in the early years, but as time goes on, there’s a drift into other professions. This isn't to say that any of these careers are inherently "bad"; it just highlights that a Theology degree can lead to a variety of paths, some more relevant than others. So, for anyone considering a degree in this field, it's worth thinking about what you really want to do with that knowledge after graduation. The potential for meaningful work is there, but like many degrees, it may take some time and exploration to find the right fit.
A Bachelor’s degree in Theology and Theological Studies can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty—it really depends on your personal interests and how much you enjoy the subject matter. If you’re passionate about exploring topics like religious texts, ethics, and philosophy, you might find it engaging and, dare I say, easier than some other majors. However, there’s also a fair amount of reading, writing, and critical thinking involved, so if you're not into that stuff, it can feel challenging. Overall, it's not considered one of the hardest degrees out there, but it still requires commitment and a willingness to dive deep into complex ideas. Just be prepared for some heavy discussions and lots of reflections on big questions!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Theology and Theological Studies.
Looking at these graduates, it’s pretty clear that making decent money in Theology and Theological Studies varies a lot depending on the specific career paths chosen. For example, those who went into teaching and administrative roles, like theology teachers or campus ministers, might not have the highest salaries right out of the gate. On the other hand, graduates who shifted into fields such as property management, sales, or even running their own businesses seem to be in positions that could earn a decent income, especially those working in real estate or owning services.
Overall, while there are some financially solid careers, many of the roles directly within theology and education may not pay the best initially. It’s a career more about passion than paycheck, which can be a tough pill to swallow if you’re hoping for a big salary right away. Realistically, graduates should be prepared for a range of incomes, with some going on to make good money, especially if they leverage their skills in more mainstream business areas or leadership roles in their communities.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Theology and Theological Studies. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Theology and Theological Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their Theology and Theological Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Franciscan University of Steubenville
|
77 | 10 |