Religious Studies Online Programs

Religious studies online programs involve degree paths and courses in theology and religious studies, pastoral studies, ministry, Bible studies, Christian studies, theology degrees, religion degree programs, divinity, evangelism and other aspects of faith and religion.

Religious or theological studies degree may be right for you if you are a spiritual person or are interested in helping others find, recover, or strengthen their faith or religion. However, a degree in religious studies is not only for those who wish to enter the ministry as a pastor or priest.

Many organizations and businesses outside of churches, synagogues, mosques and temples require the skills you will learn in a religious studies degree program to help them navigate cultural and religious issues as they affect their organizations.

Earning a Religious Studies Online Degree

Many students pursue their religious studies degree through a religious studies online program. Accredited distance education colleges including online Christian colleges enable learners pursue high-quality religious studies degrees and courses entirely online. You should be careful to make sure that the religious studies online degree program you attend is accredited to ensure that your online degree will be accepted by employers and other colleges and universities, and to protect yourself against fraudulent degree programs and diploma mills.

Religious Studies Online Programs and Degrees Specializations

Religious studies online degrees and related programs are available by distance learning in these and more areas of study:

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Religious Studies Online Degree Options

Associate's Degree in Religious studies

An associate's degree is an undergraduate degree that can open many doors for an aspiring counselor or social worker. Associate's degree training includes introductions to religious studies, sociology, ethics, and theology. Your associate's degree will provide you with some of the entry-level communications and teamwork skills that are so highly prized in the workplace.

Bachelor's Degree in Religious studies

A bachelor of arts in religion degree program is an undergraduate degree that provides greater depth and breadth to your understanding of religious studies. In addition to more coursework in religious studies, you will also receive instruction in psychology, philosophy and ethics, history, biblical studies, Christian studies, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and justice. A bachelor of arts degree in religion prepares you for a career in the world of business, education, social work, communications, or politics and government.

Master's Degree in Religious Studies

Many people choose to continue their religious studies education in a master's degree program. Online masters degree in religious studies programs are designed for busy professionals who want to take their careers to the next level. A masters degree in religious studies provides you with in-depth training in world religions, philosophy, psychology and human behavior, religious history, theology, research methods in religious studies, and much more. A few graduates enter the business world in management or sales positions.

Doctorate in Religious Studies

Most clergy members are required to have a doctor of divinity degree as a condition of their ordination into the pastoral ministry. Completion of a Doctor of Divinity is a major undertaking, requiring additional coursework that analyzes religious studies in great detail. You will also write and defend a dissertation which will include an original piece of research you have conducted.

What can you expect from a Religious Studies degree?

Religious studies degree programs focus on providing you with knowledge of theology, philosophy, comparative religion, world cultures, human behavior and more. Many of the liberal arts and humanities were inspired by or are underpinned by religion, so you can expect to learn about art and art history, literature, music, human and social interactions, psychology, history, law, government, and politics as well. Your writing and speaking skills will be developed and refined through literature and language, rhetoric and oratory, and public speaking classes.

Religious studies degree programs focus on providing you with skills in theology, religious psychology, comparative religion, ethics, and theological writing and research systems. Newer concepts in religious studies degree programs include religious extremism.

Careers, Occupations and Salaries with a Degree in Religious studies

Your religious studies degree will open doors to you in a wide variety of careers. An associate's degree, typically serves as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree, as most entry-level religious studies careers require a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Jobs open to graduates with a bachelor's degree in religious studies include teacher, assistant or associate director of development (fundraising), counselor, non-profit assistant director, mission worker, and more.

Most religious studies jobs offer preference to those who hold a master's degree in religious studies. As a highly trained graduate of theology or divinity, you can expect to work as a teacher, principal of a parochial school, director of development (fundraising), counselor, non-profit director, mission worker, or supervisor of similar workers. A Doctor of Divinity can lead to a career as a professor or priest/pastor/minister. These careers can be found in education, media and entertainment, hospital and medical practices, and social and community services management.

Salaries for graduates vary widely, depending upon the degree you earn, the industry you choose, and where you live. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2008), clergy average just under $42,000. The need for religious studies graduates is expected to rise at about the same rate as average for other jobs over the next 10 years.

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