Leadership is a central component of organized religion, whether you hope to lead a congregation, organize public service efforts within your community, or teach theology at the post-secondary level. Earning a master’s degree in religious studies could qualify you to serve in a spiritual leadership capacity while strengthening your own connection to your faith.
Master’s degrees in religious studies come in a wide variety, from secular studies of theology or word religion to degrees aimed at training for future clergy, such as a Master of Divinity or a Master of Rabbinic Studies. Whether your goal is a life in service to your faith and community, or you are just fascinated by world religions, a master in religious studies can propel you to a leadership role and a personally rewarding career.
Or read on to find out what you can expect as a religious studies master.
Featured Programs
Why get a master’s degree in religious studies?
While some religious studies majors will work directly in religious settings such as the Christian or rabbinical ministry, religious masters may find employment in a wide range of areas. Earning an advanced degree in religious studies could qualify you for leadership roles in various professional settings, including social services, education, public relations, media, politics, and more.
Whether serving as clergy, leading service organizations, or educating others within a given faith, religious studies masters influence our understanding of theology, spirituality, and the practical concerns of organized religion. Today, top influencers in religious studies are bringing light to topics like New Testament analysis, Christian apologetics, Science and Christianity, and much more.
How can I qualify to get a master’s degree in religious studies?
Some programs may require you to complete a Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This will test your basic reading comprehension, verbal, and mathematical competencies. Some programs may require you to meet a certain scoring threshold while others may merely require that you complete the exam. These requirements will vary from one religious studies master’s program to the next.
If no GRE is required, the primary requirement for gaining eligibility into a religious studies master’s program is completion of a bachelor’s degree from a properly accredited undergraduate school. While programmatic accreditation is not specifically required in this field, most regionally-accredited graduate schools will require that your bachelor’s degree be granted by a regionally-accredited college or university.
That said, a great many religious degrees are nationally accredited at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, rather than regionally accredited. Where this is the case, be sure to do your due diligence in researching the reputation and history of your master’s degree program. Be sure that any nationally-accredited masters in religious studies degree programs are reputable and of a high quality.
For any additional questions about eligibility, refer to your intended program and learn more about application requirements and any additional requirements such as work experience, academic performance thresholds, and referrals.
What kinds of religious studies degrees are there?
Advanced religious studies degrees come in a variety of forms, and depend both on your practical goals and your religious affiliation. Advanced religious studies degrees are available at every level of study. Some are secular and view religion through a historical or critical lens. Others may focus on specific religions (such as Islam or Hinduism), and others offer preparatory study for roles as ministers, rabbis, or other clergy.
Master of Religious Studies (MA): A master’s in religious studies typically takes two years and requires 30-45 credits to complete. With a liberal arts focus, this degree provides students with advanced knowledge of various aspects of religion. These programs are offered by secular and religious schools, with concentrations including Islamic studies, ancient biblical languages, eastern religions, and religion and gender. A master of religious studies prepares a student for education, counseling, or social services roles in religious organizations. Students will typically have to complete a thesis.
Master of Theology or Divinity (MTh or MDiv): For students who want to take a deep dive into Christianity, a MTh or MDiv develops advanced knowledge and understanding of the religion. These programs typically take two or three years and require 30-45 credits. A master of theology is more appropriate for those who wish to study Christianity academically, while a master of divinity is suited for those who intend to work as clergy. Both programs include advanced coursework in topics such as Christian apologetics, modern issues in Christianity, biblical interpretation, history of the church, and ancient languages. Concentrations include topics such as pastoral counseling, youth ministry, sports ministry, and biblical languages. These programs typically require a thesis project, and may require a missionary trip.
Master of Rabbinic Studies (MRb): For students of the Jewish faith who wish to become rabbis, a master of rabbinic studies is the path to take. These programs take three to five years, with requirements similar to a doctoral degree, including advanced coursework (in areas like Hebrew, textual interpretation, and the Jewish diaspora), as well as residential and professional components, and comprehensive exams.
PhD in Religious Studies: A terminal degree, the PhD in religious studies is suited for students who intend to work as college professors of religion. Offered at secular and religious schools, these programs typically take three to five years and allow students to focus on highly-specialized studies in their particular area of interest. Students must complete advanced coursework, comprehensive exams, instructional work, and a dissertation.
Doctor of Theology (DTh): A DTh is a terminal degree for students who intend to take their study of Christianity to its highest level, with career prospects as college professors, college administrators, and theologians. These programs include a mix of advanced coursework, comprehensive exams, instructional work, and a dissertation.
What are some popular religious studies specializations?
Your specialization will depend both on your career goals and your religious affiliation. Your personal spiritual beliefs may determine the advanced degree you pursue, or you may focus your studies on a particular dimension of religious practice such as its history or scriptures. You may also choose a specialization based on a specific area where you believe you can apply your faith, such as in education, athletics, community organization, and more. The following are notable religious studies specializations:
Ancient Biblical Languages
Bible/Biblical Studies
Buddhist Studies
Christian Ministry
Eastern Religions
Hindu Studies
Islam/Islamic Studies
Judaism/Judaic Studies
Missions/Missionary Studies
Sports Ministry
Youth Ministry
What courses will I take as a religious studies master?
Your specialization will determine many of the courses you’ll take as a religious studies major. Likewise, you will be required to take a number of requisite courses on foundational topics such as The New Testament and World Religions. However, your degree in religious studies will also be very specific to your career goals and area of faith.
Common religious studies courses include:
Theological Anthropology
Biblical Interpretation Methods and Theories
Comparative Mysticism
Approaching Religion
Interfaith Leadership
Faith and Politics
Community And Congregation Leadership
Religion and Contemporary Culture
Is a master’s degree in religious studies worth it?
Leadership is a central part of organized religion. A master’s degree in religious studies will provide you with both the qualifications and the credentials to serve in a leadership role. Religious organizations are often central to the way communities come together, social services are distributed, education is accessed, and so much more. Earning a master’s degree will help you build organizational skills even as you channel these practical abilities through a spiritual perspective. A master’s degree in religious studies is a worthwhile pursuit if you hope to assume an administrative role in a faith-based organization, whether as part of a chaplaincy or otherwise.
Career Outlook for Students with Religious Studies Degree
What are the top jobs with a master’s in religious studies degree?
A master in religious studies prepares you for diverse professions in academia, public service, and places of worship. Your religious studies master can lead to a wide range of leadership opportunities, including these top jobs: