by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Missions/Missionary Studies & Missiology explores Missions/missionary Studies. A Program That Focuses On The Theory And Practice Of Religious Outreach, Social Service And Proselytization, And That Prepares Individuals For Mission Vocations. Includes Instruction In Theology, Evangelism, Preaching, Medical And Social Mission Work, Missionary Education, Missionary Aviation, Emergency Services, Legal And Political Aspects Of Working In Other Countries, And Preparation For Ordination As Missionaries. Read on to learn the essential details every missions/missionary studies & missiology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering missions/missionary studies & missiology programs.
Across the country, missions/missionary studies & missiology is a popular field of study, with 1,235 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Missions/Missionary Studies & Missiology Schools ranking analyzes these 85 schools to determine the best overall colleges for missions/missionary studies & missiology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of missions/missionary studies & missiology programs later in this article.
Studies in Missions/Missionary Studies & Missiology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations missions/missionary studies & missiology graduates commonly enter.
Skills developed in a missions/missionary studies & missiology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a missions/missionary studies & missiology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several missions/missionary studies & missiology 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 | 416 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 23 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 319 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 388 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 83 |
People currently working in careers related to missions/missionary studies & missiology 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 missions/missionary studies & missiology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in missions/missionary studies & missiology can lead to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to missions/missionary studies & missiology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to missions/missionary studies & missiology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,031,835 | 3.7% |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | 239,121 | -2.3% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of missions/missionary studies & missiology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $31,015 |
| 4 years | $29,516 |
| 5 years | $31,974 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for missions/missionary studies & missiology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers missions/missionary studies & missiology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $71,584 |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $64,599 |
With 85 different missions/missionary studies & missiology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased missions/missionary studies & missiology school rankings to help you.
Students interested in missions/missionary studies & missiology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Church Planting | 10 |
| Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Other | 4 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
