by our College Data Analytics TeamWhile religion plays an important role in many people's lives, someone must teach those people about the texts, traditions, and beliefs. As a Religious Education major, you will learn the skills to teach others the important aspects of your faith.
Students take classes in biblical studies, religious studies, world religions, literature, history, and education to learn how to teach others and develop a deeper understanding of their religion and sacred texts. This degree will prepare you for a rewarding career informing others the various aspects of your religion.
A degree in Religious Education explores Religious Education. Read on to learn the important information every religious education student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering religious education programs.
Nationwide, religious education draws strong interest, with 1,230 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Religious Education Schools ranking analyzes these 78 schools to determine the best overall colleges for religious education students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of religious education programs later in this article.
Programs in Religious Education develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations religious education graduates commonly enter.
Religious Education professionals spend their time teaching both children and adults everything they want to know about religion from its history to the role it plays in modern society. This means professionals should have strong interpersonal and communication skills so they can connect with their students and provide a welcoming classroom. Since professionals are required to teach classes and develop lessons, it is important to be organized. Students who pursue a career in Religious Education often have a background in religious and biblical studies.
A degree in Religious Education often leads to a fulltime career teaching at a Christian school, or with an advanced education, at the collegiate level. Some also may have a ministry job with a local church. Those who work in a church or for a religious organization may teach classes at night or on the weekends, while professors hold a more typical workweek.
Students who are interested in pursuing a Religious Education degree should work a summer job or internship as a counselor or tutor at a camp, in a church, or within a religious organization. Students will be able to assist Religious Education teachers and gain more experience in the field.
The skill set emphasized by a religious education program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a religious education major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several religious education 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 21 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 617 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 462 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 130 |
People currently working in careers related to religious education 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% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in religious education careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Religious Education graduates often pursue a career as teachers either at private schools, within churches or religious organization, or at the collegiate level. Some of these positions may require additional schooling or certification. You may also be prepared for roles in the church as youth pastors, educators or ministry leaders. Religion plays a large role in many people's lives, making this a very gratifying career for many.
Studying religious education prepares you for numerous career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to religious education.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to religious education.
| 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 religious education graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $36,773 |
| 4 years | $40,371 |
| 5 years | $45,701 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for religious education graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers religious education grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $71,584 |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | $64,599 |
With 78 different religious education programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased religious education school rankings to help you.
Students interested in religious education, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Religious Education | 1,230 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | 15,135 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies | 3,603 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries | 3,230 |
| Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology | 1,249 |
| Theology and Religious Vocations, Other | 1,235 |
| Religious Music and Worship | 477 |
| Religious Institution Administration and Law | 57 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
