What are some of the specializations within this degree program?

• Intelligence Analysis: There is a need for individuals who are knowledgeable in areas of religion, especially in government. Intelligence analysts use their comprehension of religion to gather information about other cultures and analyze the data collected.
• Curator: The preservation of important artifacts and records is conducted by curators. They also collect and oversee exhibitions as well as describe, catalog, and analyze objects for the public and researchers.
• Counseling: Whether in group sessions or on a one-on-one basis, counselors listen to and uncover underlying issues and then provide techniques to alter unwanted behavior and encourage positive actions.
• Clergy: There are many aspects that the the clergy can be involved in. This includes conducting prayer services, counseling parishioners, managing religious activities, and offering a helpful hand when there is a need found in the community that is not currently being addressed.
• Teaching: Teachers at religious schools instruct students on mathematics, reading, and writing while also incorporating religious content to teaching material. Teachers of religious studies or philosophy will instruct students on religion, philosophy, and theology while also researching these topics outside of class time.

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What degree levels are available?

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 1.5 to 3 years to complete
• Doctorate Degree: 3 to 5 years to complete

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What are the educational and certification requirements?

Depending on the career, the education level required will vary from one religious studies specialization to another. There is a career in religious studies for almost any educational endeavor. Because religious studies can incorporate a variety of fields, a degree can be as broad or as concentrated as desired for the career path being pursued. Classes can range from Islamic texts to Buddhist studies to present-day Christianity to evolution and creationism.

An associate degree takes two years to complete and can be obtained at community colleges, junior colleges, and traditional colleges. Students learn the basic knowledge of theology, philosophy, critical thinking, active listening, and problem solving. A bachelor's degree is completed in four years and is offered at conventional universities. Students begin to refine their skills in religious studies as extensive examination of theology and philosophy are undertaken. Skills will also be sharpened in psychology, customer service, and the area of the student's focus. For students who want to advance their career or teach post-graduate religious studies courses, a master's or doctorate degree can assist. These programs will enhance a student's skills in business, management, administration, and research studies.

All educational programs should be accredited whether it is an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. If a student desires to begin working in a career in clergy, there may be additional requirements that must be met before working in a specific religious organization. Those interested in counseling or a career in psychology will need to be certified as required by the state they plan to work in. The National Association of School Psychologists provides certification for psychologists. Counselors are certified through the National Board for Certified Counselors.  People who are looking to become employed with a religious affiliation can be certified for the specific group they plan to work for once they have completed their collegiate studies. The General Board of Higher Education & Ministry provides certification in for the United Methodist organization. Individuals can receive certification from any state's diocese for a career in the Catholic faith.

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What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?

Undergraduate religious studies programs are designed to give students an introduction to the history and practice of religion worldwide. These degrees usually approach religion from a philosophical, anthropological, and academic perspective; some may include practical classes, such as ministry development. Degrees in religious studies are offered by secular colleges and universities, as well as religiously-affiliated institutions. Along with the core of religion courses, students in these programs are also expected to take a number of general education classes.

Courses in the history and practice of religion make up the major core of these degrees. The broad Introduction to Religious Study course discusses the religious experience, the role of religion in society, and the relationship between religion and ethics. Another common first-year class, Comparative Religion, looks at the major world religions, and how each differs in their common beliefs and practices. This course also discusses the impact religion continues to have, in an increasingly modern world. Some classes, such as History of the Bible or History of the Koran, discuss the meaning of the most important texts in world religions.

Religious studies degrees offered by Bible colleges or religiously affiliated universities may include practical classes as well. For example, a class in Church Growth discusses the tools that church leaders can use to expand their ministry and garner more followers. Other classes, such as Worship Leadership, teach students how to create church programming that is inspiring and uplifting.

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If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?

Usually not. The coursework in religious studies programs is usually information-based, meaning that students learn the course content through reading texts and watching lectures; this type of curriculum is easily transferred to the online format. Written papers and other homework help reinforce the course lessons; these can also be submitted online.

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What are some other degrees that are related to this program?

A few other degree programs include courses that are similar to those in the religious studies degree. Students more interested in a historical perspective could pursue a degree in history. Similarly, students who would like to study the philosophical and metaphysical questions of religion could look into degree programs in philosophy. Degrees in ethnic studies often discuss the practice of religion within particular cultures.

Religiously affiliated colleges offer degrees that are more specialized in one type of religious leadership. Degrees in religious education would focus on the skills involved in teaching classes in theology or religion. Students interested in becoming clergy or ministers could look into degree programs in theology, which can be transferred to four-year colleges as the beginning of a bachelor's degree.

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