Generally, a degree in theological studies will be a bachelors degree, 4 year degree, masters degree (postgraduate degree), or even a doctorate degree. There are a few different types of emphasis one may study when pursuing a degree in the field of theological studies, especially in the graduate area. You could gain a degree Masters degree in specific areas of theological studies like Divinity, Intercultural Studies, Marketplace Chaplaincy, Religion, Religious Education, Pastoral Counseling, Evangelism & Missionary Work, and much more. As you can guess, courses in theological studies programs gear towards church history, theology, Christian leadership, missionary work, foreign languages, church administrative work, and more.
Serving Others Through Theological Studies has Strong Career Outlook
What is a Degree in Christian Studies?
Degrees in Christian Studies are typically offered by liberal arts colleges and universities affiliated with certain Christian denominations, such as the Catholic or Lutheran churches, and prepare students for careers in religious service by teaching them about the scriptures, theology, history and development of their faith. A broad grounding in the humanities and sciences is also usually included in this degree, which may be used to pursue employment directly after school or to continue graduate or seminary education after graduation. Possible career fields for graduates of Christian Studies degree programs include the clergy, church administration or missionary work.
Clergy Member
Clergy members act as the spiritual and religious leaders of their congregation, whether they serve at a Catholic basilica or a small Methodist chapel. Depending on their denomination, they might carry titles such as priest, pastor or minister. In most circumstances, clergy members are expected to serve as community as well as spiritual leaders, providing advice and guidance in matters both religious and secular. Priests, pastors and other religious leaders are also ultimately in charge of the other employees and programs in their church. This career field is growing at a steady pace as population increases, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most workers with the title 'pastor' make between $66,000 and $92,000 per year.
Church Administrators
Church administrators are in charge of their church's finances, employees, payroll, taxes and programs. They report to the priest, pastor or other clergy member who presides over their church, but generally supervise all other workers, from secretaries to soup kitchen volunteers. Church administrators are responsible for ensuring the success of church-run programs and may be entrusted with advertising for or otherwise finding new parishioners or creating programs to boost church attendance. The BLS predicts average job growth for the clergy and better-than-average growth for religious activities and education directors, suggesting an overall healthy market for church workers such as administrators. Church administrators can earn from between $24,000 to $38,000 per year, depending on experience.
Missionaries
Missionaries work in other communities to educate the local population about their religion and seek converts to the faith. Most missionaries are assigned to developing nations, often in Africa or Asia, but some are sent to developed countries, including parts of the U.S., to disseminate information about their beliefs within the industrialized world. Many of these workers also perform non-religious work, including assisting in infrastructure development, teaching English or educating people about disease prevention. According to the Baptist General Council, missionaries are generally paid salaries collated with the cost of living in the country to which they are assigned. They are also often given allowances for local income taxes, housing and transportation.
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Have you always had deep faith and wanted to share and uplift others with that faith? Do you love to teach others and better their lives through spirituality? Then a degree in theological studies can allow you to make this deep found religious faith and conviction into a full-time career. With a degree in theological studies, you can work as a member of the clergy of different faiths, as a teacher at a theologically based school, as a church administrator, or even a missionary for given faiths.
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