What Can I Do with a Doctorate of Theology?
Students with a doctorate in theology are academic experts who have published and contributed information about religious topics and organized religions, like Catholicism or Judaism. A doctorate can prepare graduates for several types of faith-based, research and academic careers. Find out more about career options below.
Career Options for Graduates with Doctorates in Theology
Upon completion of a theology doctoral program, you will be trained to work in a variety of positions in the religious field. This includes but is not limited to religious activities and education director, member of the clergy and professor.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThesePrograms">Important Facts About These Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Concentrations </td><td> New Testament, Old Testament, practical Theology, Theology and Culture</td></tr>
<tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> Preaching in contemporary contexts, spiritual formation, forming communities of faith, worship</td></tr>
<tr><td> Programs </td><td> PhD in Theology and Apologetics, PhD in Religion</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$46,980 <i>(Directors, religious activities and education)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>4% <i>(Directors, religious activities and education)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---ReligiousActivitiesAndEducationDirector">Religious Activities and Education Director</h3><p>As a religious activities and education director, you will likely work for a church or religious organization. Your job will mainly involve coordinating religious activities and Sunday school programs. Activities may include camping trips, athletic events or cookouts. You'll regularly remain in contact with other members of the religious organization and develop goals and plans in order to encourage more group participation among churchgoers.
</p><p>In addition to education director, potential job titles for this position include:
</p><ul><li>Youth director
</li><li>Religious education director
</li><li>Associate pastor
</li><li>Youth ministry director
</li></ul><h3 id="section---ClergyMember">Clergy Member</h3><p>With your degree, you can serve their community by becoming a member of the clergy within an organized religion's church. Job duties and titles may vary depending on the religion, but you will serve many of the same functions regardless of the specific religion. Your job duties will involve promoting spirituality and delivering religious sermons to audiences in order to inspire and guide them towards a morally good life. In many cases, you'll also serve as a counselor, helping people with their spiritual and emotional needs.
</p><p>Here is a list of different job titles for clergy members:
</p><ul><li>Priest
</li><li>Minister
</li><li>Pastor
</li></ul><h3 id="section---TheologyProfessor">Theology Professor</h3><p>Teaching at the college and university level is another option you have. As a professor, you'll teach several classes to both undergraduates and graduates on theological topics. Job duties will include preparing lectures and group discussions for students and regularly holding office hours to help them outside of the classroom. You'll need to keep up on any developments within your field of study through attending professional conferences and reading scholarly journals. Additionally, you may regularly conduct your own research and prepare your findings to present at conferences.
</p><h3 id="section---DoctorateOfTheologyRequirements">Doctorate of Theology Requirements</h3><p>To be accepted into a theology doctorate degree program, you will generally need to have or be working towards obtaining a master's degree in a religious area, such as divinity or theology. Schools may also require GRE scores, an admissions essay and letters of reference.</p>