Exposure to religious traditions from throughout history and around the world, as well as practice engaging in discourse, analysis, and writing, provides students who major in Religious Studies with strong career foundations. Graduates might work in religious leadership, education, human services, outreach, or cultural preservation. This major is also excellent preparation for continued study in a seminary or other theological training program, or for graduate studies in religious studies, literature, anthropology, or nonprofit or public administration. Some of the job titles below require an advanced certification, ordination, or degree.
Potential Career Areas:
- Religious leadership
- Scholarship/research
- Outreach
- Advocacy
- Cultural/historical preservation
- Educational program direction
- Teaching
- Social services
- Communications
Sample Employers:
- Places of worship
- Schools and universities
- Campus/student religious organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Museum and libraries
- Hospitals and hospices
- Government agencies
- Camps and summer programs
- Shelters
- Counseling services
- Correctional facilities
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Religious Activities/Education Director
|
$18,500 - $36,200
|
|
Protestant Minister
|
$21,450 - $41,730
|
|
Rabbi
|
$30,000 - $41,730
|
|
Medical Ethicist
|
$37,737 - $61,732
|
|
Chaplain
|
$38,925 - $42,074
|
|
Camp Director
|
$30,000 - $80,000
|
|
Nonprofit Social Service Director
|
$70,429 - $97,381
|
|
Fundraiser
|
$35,000 - $90,000
|
|
Victim Services Specialist
|
$20,000 - $54,000
|
|
Grief Therapist
|
$23,580 - $36,810
|
|
Communications Specialist
|
$23,000 - $40,000
|
|
Archivist
|
$26,600 - $45,020
|
|
Religion Instructor, Postsecondary
|
$33,400 - $62,300
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011); Salary.com (2011)