Religion Degrees: Online and Campus-Based Programs
Find answers to your questions about religious degree programs, including those offered on-campus or online. Learn about levels of study and course topics, as well as career options and salaries for graduates.
What Levels of Study Are Available for Religion Students?
As a religious student, you can choose from bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. In bachelor's degree programs, your studies provide a broad overview of religion history and belief systems. In master's programs you can choose to specialize in topics such as U.S. religion, comparative studies, or ancient religions. Ph.D. programs offer in-depth focus on religious theories and practices.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Availability</b></td><td>Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in religious studies are available.</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Distance Learning Opportunities</b></td><td>Online programs tend to focus on divinity, education, or administration; other programs are rarely available online and typically require on-campus courses.</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Undergraduate: world religion, old testament studies<br/>Graduate: western religion, foreign language</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>Work within a church or as a collegiate professor</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 7% growth (<i>for all postsecondary philosophy and religion teachers</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnMyDegreeOnline">Can I Earn My Degree Online?</h3><p>While online religion programs are available, the programs are generally for ministers who want further education in divinity, church administration, or Christian education. A bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. in religion is more likely to be offered on campus. You may, however, be able to complete general education requirements for bachelor's degree programs via online study.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanILearn">What Can I Learn?</h3><p>Undergraduate programs cover topics in world religion, Old Testament studies, and the role of women in religion. You can take courses that explore the Bible, religious history and the prophets. You can also study types of religion, including Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity. You may choose to take courses in Chinese religions or explore classical religious reading. Religious philosophy, Islam and religious traditions are other classes available in bachelor's degree programs.
</p><p>As a master's or Ph.D. student, you may specialize in specific areas of religion such as history, world religions or western religion. You can expect to complete a thesis focused on your specialization area to fulfill master's degree requirements. Some Ph.D. programs may require that you fulfill a language requirement, with courses in Arabic, Chinese or another language related to your specialization area.
</p><h3 id="section---WhereCanIUseTheseDegrees">Where Can I Use These Degrees?</h3><p>A religion degree can be used in a variety of ways. You can apply it within the structure of your own religion by pursuing some type of ministry, but other directions are very possible. Like most humanities or liberal <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Arts_in_Religion_Online_Bachelors_Degree.html">arts</a> degrees, graduates of a religion program are adept at research and critical thinking, and are well-versed in social and global issues. Many use this foundation to pursue careers that are seemingly unrelated to religion, such as business or the law.
</p><p>A religion degree can also lead to work in the educational field, conducting research or teaching. Ph.D. graduates may pursue postsecondary teaching positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary philosophy and religion teachers earned a median salary of $76,160 in May 2020 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>).</p>