What you'll do in college
Religion and theology majors take a comparative approach to the world's religious traditions, sacred texts, and spiritual practices. Coursework spans biblical studies, world religions, theology, religious history, and the intersection of religion with culture, politics, and ethics. Ministry and pastoral tracks add practical training in counseling, worship leadership, and community outreach.
The major is reading- and discussion-intensive, with small seminars and research papers that demand careful interpretation of complex texts. Many students pair it with study abroad or service-learning experiences.
What you'll do after college
Grads pursue careers in ministry, chaplaincy, religious education, nonprofit leadership, social work, counseling, journalism, and academia. Many continue to divinity school (M.Div.) or seminary for ordination, or to graduate programs in religious studies, theology, or ethics.
The analytical and interpersonal skills the major builds transfer well to law, education, healthcare, and community organizing. Pay varies widely—ministry and nonprofit roles tend to be modest, while those who move into law, consulting, or institutional leadership earn more.
Famous graduates
- Phil Jackson — Legendary NBA coach; B.A. in Philosophy, Religion, and Psychology from University of North Dakota
Selectivity vs. earnings
By acceptance rate
By SAT median
Earnings vs. selectivity rank
Majors in this category
| Major | Colleges | Degrees ▼ | Male/Female | Intl | Earnings | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 526 | 4,327 | 55% / 45% | 1% | $48,663 | 94% |
| 193 | 934 | 55% / 45% | 1% | $51,212 | 94% | |
| 26 | 410 | 48% / 52% | 1% | $48,094 | 94% | |
| 70 | 405 | 55% / 45% | 3% | $50,761 | 94% | |
| 44 | 370 | 67% / 33% | 1% | $47,127 | 91% | |
| 40 | 239 | 61% / 39% | 1% | $45,455 | 94% | |
| 96 | 212 | 50% / 50% | 1% | $50,266 | 94% | |
| 42 | 210 | 58% / 42% | 0% | $44,364 | 96% | |
| 51 | 181 | 46% / 54% | 3% | $54,468 | 93% | |
| 37 | 165 | 66% / 34% | 1% | $45,188 | 94% | |
| 12 | 130 | 64% / 36% | 2% | $47,356 | 96% | |
| 19 | 126 | 49% / 51% | 0% | $44,353 | 98% | |
| 24 | 102 | 44% / 56% | 4% | $47,601 | 89% | |
| 10 | 97 | 70% / 30% | 1% | $43,285 | 96% | |
| 11 | 93 | 59% / 41% | 5% | $43,853 | 94% | |
| 11 | 53 | 51% / 49% | 2% | $43,756 | 95% | |
| 14 | 52 | 40% / 60% | 0% | $44,919 | 95% | |
| 3 | 48 | 98% / 2% | 6% | $61,682 | 94% | |
| 21 | 46 | 17% / 83% | 0% | $55,553 | 92% | |
| 12 | 45 | 40% / 60% | 0% | $49,397 | 100% | |
| 1 | 42 | 57% / 43% | 5% | $51,063 | 100% | |
| 10 | 34 | 62% / 38% | 0% | $48,948 | ||
| 25 | 32 | 16% / 84% | 0% | $45,108 | 92% | |
| 25 | 31 | 39% / 61% | 0% | $45,616 | 93% | |
| 10 | 26 | 50% / 50% | 0% | $44,949 | 100% | |
| 1 | 24 | 58% / 42% | 0% | $32,738 | 82% | |
| 5 | 21 | 57% / 43% | 5% | $50,489 | 89% | |
| 3 | 21 | 86% / 14% | 0% | $56,757 | 84% | |
| 2 | 19 | 68% / 32% | 0% | $49,229 | 93% | |
| 2 | 15 | 53% / 47% | 0% | $44,010 | 94% | |
| 5 | 13 | 69% / 31% | 0% | $43,781 | 85% | |
| 1 | 13 | 46% / 54% | 0% | $56,596 | ||
| 3 | 12 | 50% / 50% | 8% | $51,896 | 96% | |
| 1 | 12 | 42% / 58% | 0% | $48,228 | ||
| 3 | 11 | 73% / 27% | 0% | $45,470 | 85% | |
| 1 | 8 | 75% / 25% | 0% | $39,975 | 86% | |
| 1 | 8 | 50% / 50% | 0% | $50,609 | ||
| 1 | 7 | 71% / 29% | 0% | $53,400 | ||
| 4 | 6 | 50% / 50% | 0% | $43,438 | ||
| 1 | 6 | 17% / 83% | 0% | $76,689 | ||
| 1 | 5 | 100% / 0% | 0% | $44,697 | 96% | |
| 1 | 5 | 40% / 60% | 0% | $42,046 | ||
| 2 | 4 | 50% / 50% | 0% | $45,564 | ||
| 1 | 4 | 50% / 50% | 0% | $41,538 | ||
| 1 | 4 | 0% / 100% | 0% | $42,975 | ||
| 1 | 4 | 25% / 75% | 0% | $59,469 | ||
| 4 | 3 | 67% / 33% | 0% | $56,180 | ||
| 2 | 3 | 33% / 67% | 0% | $51,718 | 96% | |
| 1 | 3 | 67% / 33% | 0% | $41,261 | ||
| 1 | 2 | 50% / 50% | 0% | $42,678 | ||
| 1 | 2 | 100% / 0% | 0% | $42,853 | ||
| 1 | 2 | 100% / 0% | 0% | $43,063 | ||
| 1 | 2 | 100% / 0% | 0% | $77,501 | ||
| 3 | 1 | 100% / 0% | 0% | $45,923 | ||
| 2 | 1 | 0% / 100% | 0% | $47,356 | ||
| 1 | 1 | 0% / 100% | 0% | $54,991 | ||
| 1 | 1 | 0% / 100% | 0% | $47,072 | ||
| 1 | 1 | 100% / 0% | 0% | $56,969 |