What can I do with a Religious Studies Degree?

What can I do with a Religious Studies Degree?

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In addition to the wide variety of ministries in faith communities, a degree in Religious Studies provides excellent preparation for careers in justice advocacy, political activism, law, journalism, social work, government, education, business, and public policy. A second major or minor in religious studies will provide students of history, peace and conflict studies, political science, or religion and public life with a better understanding of religious communities and the many longstanding ideological conflicts that have shaped the contemporary world. Students in the natural sciences who intend to enter the fields of medicine and health sciences will find that religious studies courses equip them to evaluate the moral complexity of current scientific advances and to appreciate the spiritual dimensions of health. Students in the humanities will find that the study of the religious texts and traditions will afford them greater insight into literature, philosophy, music, and visual art.

Download What Can I do with a Religious Studies Degree? Document (Microsoft Excel File)

AREAS	EMPLOYERS	STRATEGIES
BUSINESS
Administration/ Management Human Resources Building Management Research Ethics Office / Environmental Ethics International Corporations	Local churches, synagogues and mosques Religious bookstores Religious publishers Denominational boards/ agencies Seminaries/ schools of theology Religiously affiliated schools Denominational hospitals, homes, schools, boards and agencies	Double major or minor in Business. Take electives in Management, Psychology, and Accounting, as appropriate. Get related experience. Dual degree in engineering helpful. Develop research and writing skills. World Religious + Specific Language

COMMUNICATIONS
Advertising Public Relations Sales Television/ Film Radio Publishing Commercial Art Writing Editing	Denominational boards/ agencies Interdenominational organizations Local churches, synagogues and mosques Denominational publishing houses of books and magazines Secular publishing house Secular radio, television and film industry	Courses in English, journalism, social sciences. Develop excellent writing skills. Submit articles for publication for religious and nonreligious papers and journals. Learn desktop publishing techniques. Obtain specialized technical training such as a second major or minor in Broadcasting. Develop artistic talent. Electives or second major in Graphic Design/ Illustration. Obtain related experience through internships.
RELIGION AND PUBLIC LIFE
Public Life Lobbying Advocacy Peace and Justice		Political Science ENV Studies minor Philosophy of Peace Liberation Theology
EDUCATION
Teaching Research Counseling Administration/ Staff Chaplaincy Religious Life Programming Campus Ministry Educational Administration	Private / Public schools Preparatory schools Private, public or religiously affiliated colleges and universities Schools of theology/ seminaries Youth Campus and Organizations such as Young Life, YMCA / YWCA, Islamic Studet Associations Hillel (Jewish Campus Ministry), Buddhist Monasteries (e.g., DEER PARK in Oregon, WI) Peace Corp	May require certification/ licensure to teach. Ph.D. usually required for teaching, research and administration in colleges and universities. Complete Master of Divinity plus additional training for campus ministry. Master of Divinity or Ph.D., D.Min. or Th.D. usually required for teaching, research and administration in seminaries and schools of theology. May require multiple skills such as providing ministerial services as well as administration, teaching, coaching, etc. Become involved in specific campus ministry organizations. Seek leadership positions and internships or summer employment opportunities.
HEALTH AND WELFARE
Administration Social Services Residential Living Religious Activities Programming Chaplaincy Counseling: Mental Health or Pastoral	Hospitals Mental health treatment facilities Nursing homes Retirement homes Assisted living homes Children/ youth homes Social Services	Second major or minor in Business, Social Work, Human Services, Health Care Ministry or interest area. Take courses related to special populations. Volunteer time in related organizations. Obtain advanced degrees and certification for counseling and chaplaincy. Complete Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at regional hospitals. May need ordination for pastoral counseling.
NON-PROFIT
Administration Vocational Training Retail Public Relations Programming Counseling Advocacy Crisis Services (pregnancy, housing, etc.) Financial/Debt Counseling Camp Administration Lobbying	Nonprofit organizations including: United Way, Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc. Churches, synagogues and mosques Religious hospitals and hospices Correctional institutions Shelters Nursing homes Youth organizations and camps including: YMCA, YWCA, Young Life, etc. Adoption agencies/ Foster Care Religious political organizations e.g. NETWORK and Wisconsin Catholic Conference NETWORK, Sojourners, TIKKUN, Wisconsin Catholic Conference Wisconsin Council of Churches	Volunteer with local organizations for experience. May need specialized training/ certification for some areas. Obtain excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Seek summer campus experience and leadership roles, such as director or assistant director. Legal experience and law degree may be required.
CLERGY
Buddhist Catholic Jewish Protestant	Local churches, synagogues, mosques Religious organizations Denominational boards and agencies Monasteries	Become involved in related campus activities. Protestant clergy positions require denominational ordination and usually a Master of Divinity. Possess high moral and ethical standards. Develop leadership ability and self discipline. Obtain excellent written and verbal communication skills.
CHAPLAINCY
Military Institutional Hospital Conventional Institutions	All branches of military service Hospitals, hospices Homes for children, youth, senior citizens Correctional institutions Police and fire departments	Obtain ordination and two years' service in local church. After acceptance into branch of service, attend chaplaincy school. Enroll in Clinic Pastoral Education (CPE) programs at regional hospitals.
MISSIONS
Church and Community Development Education Medical Metropolitan Ministries Community Centers Evangelism	Denominational boards or agencies Missions boards Local Churches Religious Institutions Evangelical organizations, e.g. Cultural Ministries, CHRISTLIFE, National Evangelical Team Social Missions - World Vision	Obtain any needed advanced degrees, certification, or licensing for area of interest. Seek related volunteer or work experience with group of Interest. Foreign language skills are a plus. Develop fundraising skills and contacts.
LOCAL MINISTRIES
Youth Ministries Adult Ministries Leisure Ministries Counseling/ Recovery Religious Education Day Care, Children and Adult Missionary Outreach Food bank/ Emergency Ministries Family Life Center Management Journalism Public Relations Television, Radio and Films Publishing Music	Local churches, synagogues and mosques Religious organizations Denominational boards	Get additional training or double major in specialized areas. Obtain certification for specialized areas. Obtain Master's degree in Divinity or counseling. Gain experience by volunteering in local church and campus religious organizations. Obtain an internship at denominational headquarters. Build relationships with local church and denominational leaders. Get experience in communications areas and develop a portfolio. Double major in music; take additional courses in religious music. Get performance experience through campus groups.
RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES
	Denominational groups including: Roman Catholic (Order of Sisters, Brothers, Priests) Episcopal, and Greek Orthodox Buddhist	Desire to combine career with life/ living arrangements. Apply to religious order for admittance. Requires self-discipline.

General Information

1. Many RS majors are persons who possess deep faith, want to serve others and want to make a difference in the world.

2. RS Advisors will help you choose the appropriate 2nd major, minor and/or specialized courses according to your goals.

3. In addition to general and specific knowledge of the beliefs, teachings, practices, and traditions of your own faith, the Edgewood RS major enables you
to become familiar with and appreciate the beliefs and spiritualities of others.

4. In most religious traditions in the USA, professional ministry requires a Master's Degree or Certification: the M.Div is normally required for ordination.

5. Ph.D., Th.D., or D.Min. is required for college/ university/ seminary teaching, research and administration. .

6. Networking with people already engaged in your area of interest is essential: a practicum or internship can usually be arranged.

7. Obtain part-time, summer, internship, volunteer experience in religious or other institutions, or other activities related to your goals.

8. Develop listening, speaking, writing and "people" skills appropriate to your vocation/career/goals.

9. Use all your experiences on campus to improve organization and counseling skills and create networks within denominational/organizational structures.

10. Create contacts through extensive involvement in campus organizations. Leadership on the local, state and regional level is crucial.

For use at Edgewood College , Madison, WI (2006)

Faculty Undergraduate Program Graduate Program Religious Studies Curriculum Course Syllabi Religious Studies Advising Center

Back to Religious Studies Home Page Religious Studies Events Calendar Religious Studies Conferences Religious Studies Summer Courses