This article was submitted by Kate Hubbard of Online Seminary Schools.

Their goal is to help educate those who have been called to spread the gospel. They do this by exposing students in the faith to schools and resources for them to further their spiritual and educational journey. It can be difficult at times for students of the lord to find employment beyond the obvious career path as a member of the clergy. This is why we want to inform them of opportunities to apply their skills elsewhere while still helping those in need.

Kate wants to spread the word about her article throughout the Christian community and we are pleased to share it with you:

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A THEOLOGY MAJOR?

Sometimes people have a desire to go to theology school based on their passion for religion, scripture, spirituality, and philosophy. Yet other than becoming a pastor or minister, they don’t necessarily know what other options are available upon completion of their theology major.

First of all, the best thing is to know what theology is. Often people associate theology with Christianity, but it’s in fact the understanding of any particular religion, whether that is Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, or other popular religions.

Often those pursuing a theology degree are in pursuit of becoming a leader within their religious community, but this is not the only reason why people study theology. Martin Luther King was a graduate of theology, for example, and he used his education to make a huge impact on the civil rights movement in the United States.

The following is a guide to the variety of life-giving options available to a theology major graduate.

Skills Obtained with a Theology Degree

Those who graduate with theology major’s have learned perspectives and philosophies of all major religions, and how those different philosophies have contributed to the world. They’ll also understand how to translate religious texts and garner meanings and understandings from them. Additionally, they learn how to communicate clearly and how to find compelling and interesting research within specific life applicable topics.

Many employers will see these skills in theology students and find them to be good employees, no matter the work involved. Theology majors typically have a firm grasp on debate, and how to give context to viewpoints without offending others. These are great qualities to have in work environments.

What Jobs are Available to Theology Majors?

As stated above, there are many skills theology majors gain in school and therefore almost any job is open to them. But there are specific jobs within theology that a graduate may be interested in pursuing. Some of those career options include:

  • Pastor (Associate, Youth)
  • Relief Worker
  • Social Worker
  • Missionary
  • Community Organizer
  • Church Organizer
  • Religious Teacher
  • Nonprofit Program Administrator
  • Worship or Song Leader
  • Chaplain
  • Counselor
  • Spiritual Empowerment Leader
  • Author/Writer
  • Speaker/Speechwriter
  • Resident Director

No matter what career path you choose to pursue, theology can be a great major for those interested in gaining a broader understanding and definition to religion’s role in our working universe.


A Look at Online Seminary Schools and Related Programs

Finding an online seminary school or even an online program from a seminary school can be challenging. If your end-goal is to enter some form of ministry though, several online schools do offer programs in religion and ministry. The colleges below are accredited schools that are also Christian Universities offering such programs.

Religion: Pastoral Counseling (MA)
Master of Divinity
Doctor of Ministry
Liberty University Liberty University is not only one of the largest Christian schools, with over 70,000 students currently enrolled, it is among the biggest schools in the US overall. Liberty offers a diverse range of theological programs including the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry programs. These programs prepare you for Christian ministry in church and organization settings.
Christian Ministry: Pastoral Ministry (AA)
Leadership & Ministry (BA)
Ohio Christian University Ohio Christian University is an undergraduate school that offers both online and on campus programs. Students can pursue an AA in Christian Ministry or a BA in Leadership & Ministry. Both of these degrees can help you start your career and prepare you to assist in leadership responsibilities. OCU was established in 1948 in Circleville, Ohio.
Christian Ministries (BA)
San Diego Christian College San Diego Christian College was founded in 1970 in El Cajon, California, just northeast of its namesake city. SDCC is a good fit for students who want smaller classrooms and more one-to-one interaction with their teachers. SDCC has a BA in Christian Ministries that can be completed in four years and is entirely online, with no campus visitation required.
Christian Studies: Biblical Studies (BA)
Christian Studies: Youth Ministry (BA)
Christian Studies: Pastoral Ministry (MA)
Christian Studies: Urban Ministry (MA)
Grand Canyon University If you are interested in Christian ministry, Grand Canyon University has several paths you can choose from to get there. If you are starting your education, the school offers a BA in Christian Studies in Biblical Studies or Youth Ministry while those seeking graduate programs have many choices in specialization such as Pastoral Ministry or Urban Ministry.
Biblical Studies (BA)
Colorado Christian University While Colorado Christian University is a smaller school with just over 3,500 students currently enrolled, its programs are ideal for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of theological issues. The BA in Biblical Studies immerses students in scripture and helps ready them to study in seminary school.
Organizational Leadership: Consulting (BA)
Leadership (MS)
Benedictine University Benedictine University is a well-established school, rich with tradition, student engagement, and academic integrity. BU was founded in 1887 as a private Catholic university in Lisle, Illinois. While Benedictine does not offer degrees in ministry or religion online, it does has two programs that can help prepare you for leadership positions: BA of Organization Leadership and MS in Leadership.

 

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What Can I Do with a Theology Major? — 1 Comment

  1. Thank you for your article. I have had a desire to enter seminary for a very long time. I have a masters degree in organizational development and and undergraduate degree in communication. I contemplated becoming a doctorial candidate but would like to find a program to study the Bible while earning that degree. I have looked at Liberty and Grand Canyon

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