Career Opportunities in Religious Studies

Religious Studies emphasizes excellence in written, oral and visual interpretation and communication, critical thinking, informed dialogue, cross-cultural understanding, the ability to see the world from diverse perspectives, and global citizenship. In so doing, the program provides students with an abundance of knowledge and skills that are highly appreciated and sought by businesses, government institutions and agencies, and non-profit organizations that are comprised of and engage with diverse individuals and communities.

A degree in Religious Studies strengthens students’ capacity to empathize with others and to facilitate meaningful dialogue to build stronger, more cohesive communities. Students will find opportunities for work in social justice organizational management, leadership, and advocacy; humanitarian relief; refugee assistance; research analyst for organizations and institutions that focus on barriers to and support for development, democracy, human rights, and environmental restoration, preservation, and protection; international cultural ambassadorship and cultural affairs; international journalism, reporting, communications; global business affairs; civil rights and legal aid/advocacy.

We encourage students to double-major in Religious Studies and one of the other majors degrees in the School of World Studies: Anthropology, Foreign Languages or International Studies, as doing so strengthens their cumulative knowledge, experience, academic record and resume for success in whatever path they choose after graduation.

Bachelor-level Job Titles

• Blogger/Vlogger
• Community and Social Service Specialist
• Community Health Worker
• Director of Youth Ministry
• Director, Religious Activities and Education
• Funeral Director
• Market Research Analyst or Marketing Specialist
• Paralegal and Legal Assistant
• Regional Planning Aide
• Religion Teacher, Postsecondary
• RELS Professional Organization Staff
• Social and Human Service Assistant

Graduate and Professional Level Job Titles

• College Professor
• Higher Education Administrator
• Nonprofit Director
• Religious Leader, Clergy or Chaplain

Professional Associations and Resources

• American Academy of Religion
• North American Association for the Study of Religion
• Religious Education Association
• Religious Research Association
• Society for the Scientific Study of Religion

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