What Can You Do With a Religious Studies Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What jobs can you get with a religious studies degree in 2025?

A religious studies degree provides access to a variety of career paths, many of which extend well beyond traditional ministry roles. Graduates frequently enter fields such as education, nonprofit leadership, cultural preservation, and community services. 

Primary and secondary school educators often incorporate world religions and cultural literacy into their teaching, while university lecturers and professors focus on research and higher-level instruction. Beyond teaching, roles also exist in areas like nonprofit coordination, museum curation, publishing, and intercultural consulting.

For students who want to complete their studies more quickly, pursuing an accelerated religious studies degree online can be an efficient pathway. These programs allow graduates to enter the workforce sooner, preparing them for careers in schools, religious institutions, or even international organizations. The flexibility of online formats also appeals to working adults and career changers, enabling them to balance study with existing commitments.

Religious studies graduates are also valued in policy-making and government, particularly in areas related to interfaith dialogue, immigration, and global relations. Employers across many sectors recognize the ability of these graduates to analyze cultural trends, interpret ethical issues, and promote cross-cultural understanding—all of which are vital in today’s diverse workforce.

What is the average salary for religious studies majors in 2025?

Salaries for religious studies graduates vary depending on the career path, level of education, and years of experience. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those in the broader field of philosophy and religion earn a median annual wage of about $60,000. Entry-level roles, such as teaching assistants or nonprofit support staff, may fall below this average, while advanced positions like professors, directors of religious programs, or policy analysts often exceed it.

Graduates who pursue leadership roles in ministry or faith-based organizations may consider enrolling in a fast track Christian ministry degree online to strengthen their credentials. This can lead to higher-paying roles, particularly in senior pastoral positions, chaplaincy, or administrative leadership.

It is also important to note that salaries differ by industry. For example, roles in government, healthcare chaplaincy, and nonprofit leadership may offer more competitive wages than those in smaller community organizations. In all cases, adding certifications, professional training, or graduate degrees can enhance earning potential for those with a religious studies background.

What is the employment outlook for religious studies careers?

The employment outlook for graduates with a religious studies degree remains positive, with consistent demand across education, nonprofit, and cultural sectors. One of the strongest areas of growth is in higher education. According to Zippia, demand for religious studies professors is projected to increase by about 12% throughout the current decade, which is higher than average compared to many other fields.

Those considering faith-based leadership roles may also benefit from an accelerated online degree in Christian leadership. Such programs help prepare graduates for positions in community organizations, ministry, or nonprofit management—fields that rely heavily on ethical decision-making and cross-cultural communication.

Employment opportunities also extend into areas such as international relations, cultural preservation, humanitarian work, and chaplaincy in healthcare or the military. The ability to navigate religious diversity is increasingly important in a globalized economy, making religious studies graduates valuable contributors to organizations that prioritize inclusion, ethics, and cultural literacy.

What’s the difference in careers between religious studies, theology, and divinity?

While religious studies, theology, and divinity are related fields, they lead to different types of careers. A religious studies degree is primarily academic and interdisciplinary, focusing on the cultural, historical, and ethical study of religion. Graduates often pursue careers in education, cultural research, nonprofit organizations, and government roles where critical thinking and religious literacy are essential.

Theology, in contrast, is more confessional and typically centers on the beliefs and practices of a particular faith tradition. Careers for theology graduates often include roles within churches, denominational organizations, or seminaries, with a focus on doctrinal study and teaching. Divinity programs, usually structured as professional degrees, prepare individuals for ordained ministry, chaplaincy, and other pastoral roles requiring direct community leadership.

For students looking for a flexible path into ministry or related careers, a fast track Christian studies online degree can provide a balance of religious knowledge, leadership training, and practical application. Choosing between religious studies, theology, and divinity depends on career goals: academic and analytical roles align with religious studies, faith-centered leadership aligns with theology, and pastoral practice aligns with divinity.

What hard and soft skills do religious studies majors bring to the workplace?

Employers consistently value the mix of hard and soft skills that graduates with a religious studies degree bring to the table. For students exploring career paths, it can also be helpful to compare these skills with top health science majors to get into to understand how different fields cultivate complementary competencies. According to Zippia, the most commonly cited skills among professionals in this field include:

• Religious Studies – The ability to critically analyze and interpret diverse belief systems, traditions, and practices.
• Philosophy – Skills in reasoning, logic, and structured argumentation that strengthen decision-making and problem-solving.
• Course Materials Development – Experience creating, adapting, or evaluating educational resources, which is particularly useful in teaching or training roles.
• Social Justice Awareness – A strong understanding of cultural issues, inequality, and advocacy, valuable in nonprofit, policy, and humanitarian careers.
• Ethics – The ability to navigate moral dilemmas and apply ethical frameworks in professional settings such as healthcare, business, or law.

Soft skills such as intercultural communication, empathy, research, and public speaking complement these technical abilities. Students interested in strengthening their career prospects quickly may consider enrolling in one of the shortest online theology programs, which can help build targeted skills while providing a credential that appeals to both academic and professional employers.

What portfolio artifacts should religious studies students showcase?

Building a strong portfolio is an effective way for religious studies graduates to demonstrate their expertise and readiness for the workforce. Beyond traditional resumes, employers increasingly look for evidence of applied skills and real-world projects. Students can showcase:

• Research Papers or Policy Briefs – Evidence of the ability to analyze complex issues and present findings clearly.
• Curriculum Plans or Teaching Materials – For those entering education, examples of lesson plans or course outlines are valuable.
• Community Engagement Projects – Documentation of involvement in service, nonprofit initiatives, or interfaith dialogue.
• Published Articles or Blogs – Writing samples that highlight the graduate’s ability to communicate religious and cultural insights to diverse audiences.
• Digital Presentations or Exhibits – Multimedia work demonstrating creativity and the ability to connect ideas to different audiences.

Students planning to enter ministry, chaplaincy, or pastoral leadership may also benefit from advanced credentials such as fastest online master of divinity degrees. Such programs allow graduates to strengthen both their academic and professional portfolios with field-based projects, supervised ministry, and theological research.

Which language skills and certificates help religious studies majors work abroad?

For graduates aiming to build international careers, language proficiency is often a key differentiator. Knowledge of Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish, or French can open doors to humanitarian, diplomatic, or academic work in global settings. Similarly, learning languages connected to specific religious texts, such as Hebrew, Greek, or Sanskrit, is valuable for those pursuing research or teaching positions in higher education.

Certificates also enhance employability abroad. Intercultural communication certifications, training in conflict resolution, and credentials in nonprofit or humanitarian management can strengthen a graduate’s profile. Combined with the analytical and cultural expertise gained through a degree in religious studies online, these skills position graduates for careers in NGOs, global education, refugee support services, and international policy.

What are the best double majors with religious studies?

Pairing a religious studies degree with a second major can significantly expand career options. Common combinations include:

• Psychology or Counseling – Useful for those pursuing chaplaincy, social services, or community mental health roles.
• Political Science or International Relations – Ideal for students interested in diplomacy, law, or global humanitarian work.
• History or Anthropology – Strong for academic and research careers in cultural studies or museums.
• Business or Communications – Valuable for nonprofit management, fundraising, or public relations roles. Students seeking creative or hands-on skills might also consider online woodworking courses to develop craftsmanship alongside their academic studies.

According to Zippia, many in this field go on to earn advanced degrees: roughly 49% hold a bachelor’s, 30% a master’s, and 11% a doctorate, with smaller percentages holding associate or diploma-level qualifications. This data highlights that religious studies often serves as a foundation for graduate study, making it an excellent pairing with majors that lead to professional school or specialized training.

What should you look for in an accredited online religious studies program?

Accreditation is one of the most important factors when choosing an online religious studies program. An accredited degree ensures that coursework meets recognized academic standards and that graduates are eligible for further study or professional certification. Students should evaluate programs based on faculty qualifications, available concentrations, and opportunities for internships or applied research.

Cost is also a key factor. Data from Zippia shows that the median in-state tuition at public institutions is about $9,000 annually, while private out-of-state tuition averages over $35,000 per year. Comparing program structures, financial aid opportunities, and transfer credit policies can help students find a program that fits their goals and budget.

Flexibility is another consideration. Many accredited programs now offer part-time, accelerated, or fully online options, allowing students to tailor their studies around work or family commitments. When exploring career pathways, it can also be useful to compare with best occupational therapy majors to pursue to see how different programs prepare students for in-demand healthcare roles. Choosing the right program ultimately depends on aligning personal career goals with affordability and program quality.

Are there remote or hybrid jobs suited to religious studies?

Yes, graduates with a religious studies degree can pursue a range of remote or hybrid positions. Careers in writing, editing, digital content creation, and curriculum development often allow flexible work arrangements. Similarly, research roles with think tanks, nonprofits, or educational publishers increasingly offer remote options.

Hybrid opportunities also exist in education and nonprofit work, where professionals may combine on-site community engagement with online program coordination. Chaplaincy services, for example, are expanding into telehealth platforms, allowing spiritual care to be delivered remotely to patients or clients.

In a globalized and digitally connected workforce, the ability to work across cultures and communicate effectively online makes religious studies graduates well-suited for flexible careers. Whether in education, advocacy, or research, remote and hybrid roles continue to grow as viable paths for those entering the field.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Religious Studies Degree

Other Things You Should Know About What You Can Do With a Religious Studies Degree

Is religious studies a good major for law school?

Yes, a religious studies degree is considered a strong foundation for law school. Students gain critical thinking skills, expertise in ethics, and the ability to analyze complex texts, all of which align with legal training. Many graduates use this degree to prepare for careers in constitutional law, civil rights, or nonprofit advocacy. Admissions committees value applicants who demonstrate an understanding of cultural and ethical perspectives, which religious studies provides. This makes it a competitive choice for pre-law preparation.

Can you work in healthcare with a religious studies degree?

Graduates with a religious studies degree often pursue careers in healthcare chaplaincy, counseling, or ethics committees. Hospitals and long-term care facilities employ chaplains to provide spiritual support to patients and families. Training in ethics is also valuable for roles on medical review boards and in policy development. Some students pair the degree with social work, psychology, or nursing to expand their scope of practice. With additional certifications, healthcare is a significant career avenue for graduates.

Do employers hire religious studies majors outside of faith-based organizations?

Yes, many employers in secular industries hire religious studies majors. Skills in communication, cultural literacy, and ethical reasoning are relevant in corporate, government, and nonprofit environments. Graduates may work in areas such as public relations, human resources, publishing, or policy analysis. Their ability to navigate diverse perspectives is increasingly important in globalized workplaces. This versatility ensures that the degree applies well beyond strictly religious institutions.

How can religious studies graduates build international careers?

Graduates can build international careers by combining their degree with language proficiency and global certifications. Opportunities exist with NGOs, international development agencies, humanitarian groups, and diplomatic services. Skills in intercultural communication and conflict resolution are particularly valuable in regions where religion plays a central role in society. Adding credentials such as nonprofit management or international relations enhances employability abroad. Ultimately, religious studies provides a strong platform for graduates seeking careers that cross national and cultural boundaries.