Careers in Theology
Many people enter the field of theology because they feel spiritually called to work in ministry or theology. Use the chart below to learn about the common positions in this field, including clergy member, postsecondary teacher and religious program director.
| Clergy Member | Postsecondary Philosophy and Religion Teacher | Religious Program Director | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career Overview | Clergy members provide religious instruction and spiritual guidance to congregations. | Postsecondary teachers instruct students at colleges and universities. | Religious program directors promote activities and religious education for schools, churches and community organizations. |
| Education Requirements | Bachelor's degree | Doctoral degree | Bachelor's Degree |
| Program Length | Four years, full-time | Ten years, including the bachelor's degree | Four years, full-time |
| Certification and Licensing | State license or ordination may be required. | N/A | Teaching license may be required. |
| Experience Requirement | N/A | Some schools prefer to hire candidates with teaching or professional experience | 1-5 years of relevant work experience |
| Job Outlook (2014-2024) | Fast as average growth (6%) compared to all occupations* | Above-average growth (12%) compared to all occupations* | Slower than average growth (4%) compared to all occupations* |
| Median Salary (2014) | Roughly $49,911** | Roughly $63,630* | Roughly $38,480* |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com
Clergy Member
Clergy members are religious leaders that interpret and teach the beliefs of their denomination. In this career, you will lead religious meetings and ceremonies, counsel congregation members and study religious texts. You may perform administrative tasks and participate in community functions. Most clergy members work long and unusual hours to attend to members and prepare for religious services. This career requires a lifestyle commitment to your faith and congregation.
Requirements
Educational requirements vary for clergy members. Some faiths and employers do not require formal education; however, many require a bachelor's degree or advanced education. You might study divinity or theology at the undergraduate level, which include coursework in religious texts and teachings. You may also need to become ordained or licensed by your state to perform religious ceremonies, including weddings.
In December 2012, some employers published the following job postings online:
- In Virginia, a pastor was needed to preach, teach bible study and visit congregation members. Applicants needed a master's degree and at least five years of experience.
- An Ohio hospital sought a chaplain to counsel patients with emotional and spiritual needs and assist the director of spiritual care. A bachelor's degree was required, but a master's degree was preferred.
- A Virginia Baptist church sought a pastor with a master's degree and six years of experience to replace a retiring pastor.
Standing out
Since educational requirements for clergy members vary, you can stand out by earning an advanced degree. In fact, O*Net OnLine reveals that about one-quarter of clergy members hold master's degrees. Many master's programs are available in divinity and theology. A master's program in divinity, for example, may take three years to complete and may allow you to gear your studies toward a specialization, like Baptist studies or Christian education.
Postsecondary Teacher
Postsecondary teachers provide instruction in a variety of subjects at colleges and universities. As an instructor of religion, you might teach courses in theology, perform research and publish your findings in scholarly journals. You'll also evaluate students, plan lessons, stay informed about changes in your field and oversee graduate students. You may work at a community college, vocational school or university. Postsecondary teachers generally have flexible schedules; classes are usually held during the day, although you may need to be available during evenings or weekends to accommodate students.
Requirements
Requirements for postsecondary teachers vary. If you plan to teach at a university or 4-year college, you'll generally need a doctorate. A PhD generally takes six years after undergraduate school and requires a dissertation. To teach at a 2-year college or technical school, you may only need a master's degree. Your coursework and dissertation should cover the subjects you intend to teach.
Look at this sampling of December 2012 job listings to get an idea of what employers look for in religion professors:
- At a college in Connecticut, an assistant professor was needed to teach the history of Christian thought. Applicants needed a PhD, teaching experience, the ability to teach four courses per semester and expertise in religious subject matters.
- In Ohio, a university needed a biblical and ministry studies professor with a PhD, demonstrated research abilities, the ability to teach students in large and small groups and a commitment to the university's beliefs. Job duties included teaching undergraduate foundation courses and some upper-level classes as well as providing spiritual and educational guidance to students.
- A university in Philadelphia sought a religious studies professor to teach three courses per semester, work with department committees, advise students and perform research.
Standing out
You might stand out as a postsecondary teacher by gaining practical experience as a graduate assistant during college. In fact, many employers seek candidates with previous teaching experience. Another way to gain an edge over the competition is to continually publish your work in scholarly journals. This can help you demonstrate expertise in your subject area and show employers your research and writing capabilities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that teachers who get published often and make significant contributions to their fields are more likely to obtain tenure.
Religious Program Director
Religious program directors work in schools, churches and non-profit organizations. They organize activities, recruit volunteers and provide religious guidance to members and students. In this career, you may specialize in a certain area, such as women's or children's ministries. You will work with religious leaders and perform administrative tasks related to program planning.
Requirements
A bachelor's degree is generally the minimum requirement for becoming a religious program director. You might, for example, earn a 4-year degree in religious and theological studies. Coursework may include Christianity and Catholicism, world religions, the Hebrew bible and contemporary world issues. This profession also requires demonstrated commitment to your denomination and faith and between one and five years of experience relative to religion. This experience might be in the form of a clergy member or similar position. To work in a school or educational facility, you may need state teaching certification or license.
Here is a selection of job listings for religious program directors available in December 2012:
- A private school in Texas sought a preschool director to communicate with staff, students and parents, oversee daily operations, market the school and uphold educational standards. Applicants needed a bachelor's degree, state license and a strong understanding of school nutritional standards.
- In Indiana, a church sought a nursery school director to promote spiritual development in students and families, direct training and maintain budgets. Candidates needed a bachelor's degree, administrative experience and a demonstrated commitment to the church's mission.
- A non-profit organization in San Francisco sought a director of social enterprise, employment and education to work with staff members, enhance training and further business developments. A bachelor's degree was required for the job, but a master's degree was preferred.
Standing out
While you might enter this career with a bachelor's degree, O*Net OnLine reveals that about half of all religious program directors held master's degrees in 2010. As such, you might increase your chances of employment by earning a master's degree, such as a Master of Arts in Christian Education. Coursework covers teaching techniques, biblical studies and philosophy.
