Careers
Why Study Religion?
The Religious Studies major builds skills in critical thinking and writing, critical historical analysis, socio-cultural analysis and comparative analysis of the “other”. These skills equipment students for many other areas in the academic, business, and professional spheres.
The program effectively prepares students for advanced study in the discipline or related fields on the graduate level, and for professional seminary and divinity school study. The degree is well suited for those students seeking a broad based liberal arts degree. The interdisciplinary background in the liberal arts will also prepare students for careers in business, government, education, communications, human services, and law.
Our majors have gone on to purse degrees in law, education, business, Peace Corps, English, journalism, sociology, psychology, teaching, theater, counseling, and the ministry. Corporate business in the United States, as well as international business firms, are increasingly looking for strong liberal arts majors who have analytical skills and communicate well for management and marketing positions. Current world markets and political dynamics require employees and citizens to think globally and act responsibility.
The Religious Studies program both familiarizes students with the diversity of the world’s cultures and sensitizes them to respect the differences. Understand another’s culture is the first step in genuine dialogue.
Double Major
Many students double major in religious studies in preparation for application to law school or medical school. Medical and law schools look favorably on religious studies as a second major. College and university teaching are possible with further graduate work. A career in psychology or counseling is a common option for religious studies majors and usually requires an advanced degree.
Minor
Anthropology, biology, comparative literature, English, folklore, history, philosophy, political science, sociology, African-American Studies, gender studies, and psychology.
Career Outlook
Varies depending on the career field, but generally the job outlook is good in many of the careers related to religious studies, employment is expected to increase for all occupations through the year 2014 according to the Department of Labor.
Students who graduate with a major in Religious Studies go on to a wide variety of careers, ranging from academia, medicine, law, business, nonprofit work, and work in the private sector. The broad scope of career alternatives makes our graduates competitive in the job market. Salaries will vary depending on the specific career field. The average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level is $31,774 (average, from NACE - Fall 2006). Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.
Business/Communications Administration/Management |
Education Teaching |
Social Services Administration |
Government/Law Local and State Agencies |
Religious Youth Ministries |
Health and Welfare Counselor |
