by our College Data Analytics TeamAs the most widely read and best selling book in history, the Bible is an important piece of literature. It is the basis for the faith of many and provides everything from an explanation of how the earth was created to setting up laws to live by. As a Biblical Studies major, you will analyze this text and the role it has played in history and the development of cultures.
Students take classes in biblical archaeology, literature, history, the Christian Bible, Jewish Bible, and Talmud to develop an understanding of the text and learn the many ways it can be interpreted. This religious text has played an immeasurable role in the development of the Western world and this major will allow you to explore the messages it holds for leading a moral and spiritual life.
A degree in Biblical Studies covers Bible/biblical Studies. Continue reading for the essential details every biblical studies student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering biblical studies programs.
In the U.S., biblical studies is a popular field of study, with 3,603 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Biblical Studies Schools ranking analyzes these 198 schools to determine the best overall colleges for biblical studies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of biblical studies programs later in this article.
Studies in Biblical Studies emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations biblical studies graduates commonly enter.
Students majoring in Biblical Studies are expected to be able to interpret the text, pull out important messages and analyze based on historical context. Critical thinking and analytical skills are crucial in this process. Since this major generally leads to a career as a religious leader, students should have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Students also typically have a background in history and religious studies.
Biblical Studies majors generally pursue careers in ministry. Those who work in religious fields may have to work weekends and long hours. You will be expected to lead religious groups during the week and on weekends along with counseling church members or performing religious ceremonies.
Students interested in pursuing a Biblical Studies degree should spend time volunteering year round both in school and during the summer. Some students decide to spend time doing missionary work or social services. This can be done in the U.S. or abroad. Many churches require pastors to become ordained before serving. This is also a requirement to perform certain ceremonies such as officiating a marriage.
The skill set built by a biblical studies program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a biblical studies major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several biblical studies degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 146 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 335 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1,910 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,097 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 110 |
People currently working in careers related to biblical studies tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 59.3% |
| Master’s degree | 12.3% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 10.6% |
| Post-doctoral training | 10.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 4.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.8% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.5% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.2% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.1% |
| Some college courses | 0.1% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in biblical studies careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Graduates with a degree in Biblical Studies often go into careers that are based in religion. These include being a religious leader, pastor, theologian, chaplain, counselor, or church director. However, some graduates have pursued careers outside the religious field as professors, writers, and members of non-profit organizations. While this degree provides you with a deep understanding of the Bible, the critical thinking and analytical skills you acquire will allow you to find other jobs not necessarily rooted in religion.
A degree in biblical studies can lead to a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to biblical studies.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to biblical studies.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,031,835 | 3.7% |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | 239,121 | -2.3% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of biblical studies graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $35,101 |
| 4 years | $36,432 |
| 5 years | $41,952 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for biblical studies graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers biblical studies grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $71,584 |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $64,599 |
With 198 different biblical studies programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased biblical studies school rankings to help you.
Those considering biblical studies, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Bible/Biblical Studies | 3,603 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | 15,135 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | 3,230 |
| Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology | 1,249 |
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other | 1,235 |
| Religious Education | 1,230 |
| Religious Music and Worship | 477 |
| Religious Institution Administration and Law | 57 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
