Careers in Christian studies may appeal to individuals who want to combine their faith and professional lives. The Christian studies career area includes many specialized occupations, such as being a minister or priest, religious activities director, religious educator, or Christian counselor. Members of the clergy act as leaders in churches and other religious organizations; they help determine the spiritual tone of the organization, write sermons, and offer spiritual guidance to members of their congregation. Religious activities directors and educators also direct aspects of the church, such as religious classes, outreach activities, or administrative functions. Christian counselors provide guidance and advice to individuals facing personal issues; however, their advice comes from a shared spiritual perspective rather than a secular one.

The education you will need to begin a career in Christian studies will depend on exactly what occupation you're interested in. Some careers, such as working as a Christian counselor or clergy member, require at least a graduate degree in Christian studies. Other jobs, such as religious teaching or activities directing, require a bachelor's or associate degree. Christian counselors will also likely need a state-issued counseling license.

Members of the clergy and religious activities directors and educators can expect about average job growth in the next few years. As the general population grows, individuals will also be attending more community and religious activities. Christian marriage counselors should experience above-average job prospects, as more people become aware of the benefits of these services. Members of the clergy earn around $44,000 a year; the average wage for religious activities directors and educators is $36,000.

Career Specializations

• Minister/Priest: Those who feel the calling to religious leadership can use a degree in Christian studies to begin this career. These members of the clergy act as figureheads for their congregation, offering religious guidance and advice and overseeing the other activities of the church.
• Religious Activities Director: These religious workers maintain the other services and activities that occur in a church. They may organize and plan events, direct activities like children's church and outreach, or perform administrative tasks.
• Religious Educator: Religious educators run classes on spiritual topics for varying age groups. They may work within the church or in parochial schools.
• Christian Counselor: These professionals give life advice to clients who are facing mental, emotional, or relationship issues. Their counseling comes from a religious or spiritual perspective.

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Degree Levels

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: 3-5 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

The educational requirements for a career in Christian studies will depend on the job responsibilities you are interested in. An associate or bachelor's degree in Christian studies may qualify graduates for a position as a religious activities director or religious educator in some religious organizations. Christian studies degrees come in a number of specializations, and students should select a focus that fits their career ambitions. For example, a student interested in a career as a children's ministry director could take coursework in child development, lesson planning, and instructional techniques, as well as classes in Biblical studies, Christian history, theology, and ministry. Most degrees at the associate or bachelor's degree level also require students to complete a significant number of general education requirements in liberal arts topics, such as math, natural science, and humanities.

Members of the clergy and Christian counselors will usually need a master's or doctoral degree in Christian studies. The curriculum in master's programs in these areas will also depend on the student's focus. For example, a future member of the clergy is more likely to take extensive course work in theology and leadership, while a Christian counseling student will focus on interviewing and advising techniques. Doctoral degrees in theology, Christian studies or a related area are commonly required by some religious organizations, for priests and ministers.

Some Christian studies graduates will need additional certification, before they can find employment. Certain churches and religious organizations require that applicants pass a test in the church catechism or beliefs, before applicants can become affiliated with the church. In some states, Christian counselors will need to earn a state-issued counselor's license; these usually require a master's degree, a few years of supervised clinical experience, and a passing score on an exam. Some parochial schools require religious teachers to earn a state-issued teaching credential, before they can be hired. 

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Salary Information

New members of the clergy with a master's or doctoral degree in Christian studies can expect earnings of around $32,000 a year. Those with professional experience have salaries of $44,000-58,000. The sectors employing the most clergy are religious organizations, home healthcare services, and hospitals. (BLS)

New religious activities directors and educators with a bachelor's degree can expect offers of around $25,000; those with experience generally earn $36,000-50,000. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

The job outlook will vary by career specialty. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about average job growth for members of the clergy. As the general U.S. population grows, so will the number and size of churches and other religious organizations. Religious activities directors and educators are also predicted to experience about average job opportunities. Those with a relevant degree, such as a bachelor's or master's degree in Christian studies, will experience better job prospects. (O*Net; O*Net)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth will be above average, for family and marriage counselors. As talk of marital issues becomes less taboo and the utilization of marriage counseling becomes more mainstream, more couples will utilize their services. (BLS)

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Related Careers 

Christian counseling is a career area closely related to Christian studies. In these degree programs, students also learn about theology, Christian history, and ministry. These religious courses are supplemented with courses in counseling techniques and human psychology.

Individuals interested in a career as a religious educator or religious activities director can also look into degrees in ministry. Careers in ministry focus on leading others and spreading an appreciation for a religious and spiritual way of life. Ministry degrees also discuss religious theory and history, as well as outreach skills and techniques.

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