Theology Degrees
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Salaries For Degrees in Theology
Those who majored in Theology can work in a variety of occupations. It is impossible to say what you personally will do with a degree in Theology, our survey panel picked the following occupations as likely options:
- Clergy (Best salary!)
- Directors, religious activities and education
Salaries are highly dependent on individual negotiating skill, experience, policies at your employer, region, and a host of other factors. The estimates we show on these pages are just that: estimates. Your individual experience will likely vary.
Where does this come from?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a unit of the US government, classifies all workers into some 800-odd occupational categories. We paid a army of freelancers to solicit their opinion on what type of degree a holder of each type of job would likely have majored in. For pairs which had a high degree of consensus, we created a link between the degree and the job.
From this, we calculated the average salary for Theology degrees and converted it into a lifetime value. We then compared it against other degrees at the same level of schooling (such as associate's, bachelor's, or master's), so that you can make informed educational and employment decisions.
What Can a Theology Student Expect to Learn?
Theology is the study of religious faith and practice, and is arguably one of the world's oldest courses of study. Systematic theology addresses theological topics one by one, and attempts to answer questions, in a rational and orderly fashion. Theology also describes the study of specific schools of thought such as progressive, or liberation theology.
Most people think of theology as it relates to modern religious concepts, however, it was actually utilized centuries ago in ancient Greece, by philosophers such as Plato and Socrates, and reference was made to theology by legendary writers such as Homer, author of the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Theology is a neighbor of both religion and philosophy, and sometimes must reach into the realm of one or the other to arrive at an acceptable answer to a particular question. Some questions prompted throughout the course of theological studies have been answered in a satisfactory way, while other questions are left to be taken up by future generations who will continue to search for answers and truth.
Those seeking a degree in theology will find it a rewarding and enriching experience, regardless of the goal in mind for the education.
Students of theology can expect to learn a variety of subjects throughout the course of their education. A sample curriculum for the student pursuing a theology degree may be as follows:
- Writings Systematic Theology Greek And Hebrew I New Testament I Biblical Hermeneutics and Counseling
- Fundamental Theology Revelation And Faith Moral and Spiritual Theology Religious Leadership Synoptic Gospels and Acts
- Salvation History Old Testament Topics New Testament Topics Themes of Biblical Studies Greek and Hebrew II New Testament II
Studying Theology
The study of theology is usually completed in a religious institution, as the promotion of particular religious beliefs are generally part of the objective. A major in theology involves gaining a better understanding of the tenets of one particular religion. Achieving a foundation of knowledge concerning the practices and beliefs of the denominations within that religion is also an objective.
Many mainstream colleges offer theology both as a major course of study, or an elective that may compliment a similar major. In addition, there are a variety of courses available in theology such as the aforementioned progression, or liberation theology, as well as feminist, or moral theology. However, religious theology is by far the most common type of theology for which a degree is sought.
Religious systems including Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam, have shaped the belief systems of many countries of the world. Wars have been fought and individuals martyred for their religious beliefs. Judaism has four main denominations, while Christianity is even more diversified with over 65 denominations. There are also numerous groupings within each branch that offer customs and beliefs unique to themselves.
Factoring in Career Choice
Which school a student chooses depends on the objective of the degree. For instance, a student may have a goal of becoming a licensed clergy-person, in which case he or she would be looked upon as a spiritual leader or advisor, generally in a church or similar setting.
Another degree objective may be strictly academic purposes, where the goal is a teaching career at a religious institution. Some schools specialize in religious theology degrees, and a prospective student of theology should consider these schools as a starting point, although it is beneficial to consider any school which a student feels may be a good choice for him or her.
Online Schools Offering Accredited Theology Degree Programs
Some individuals wish to pursue a degree in theology but find they are unable to attend a traditional bricks and mortar college or university. For students who fit this category, an online school may be the ideal venue. Distance learning has made degrees possible for people who would otherwise have to forfeit further education due to personal circumstances or obstacles.
Online schools offer students a non-traditional avenue in which to achieve their goal of a college degree from their home. Along with flexible schedules, students may find that many online schools have much to offer the non-traditional student, such as tutoring, assistance with loan applications, and career counseling. In addition, a student pursuing a degree through distance education will find that many of the course materials are accessed online, which means decreasing or eliminating the cost of expensive textbooks.
Access to instructors can be even more beneficial than a traditional college or university, as they can be contacted via message boards, fax, e-mail, and text messaging. When choosing a school, students should make sure they research the school's qualifications to make sure it is accredited by a reliable higher education agency such as the Distance Education and Training Council, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, or the Accrediting Commission.
Some of these online schools are:
- Liberty University
- Grand Canyon University Online
- Sterling College
- Trinity Seminary
- Regent University
Top Colleges & Universities Offering Campus-based Theology Degrees
- Duke Divinity of Durham, North Carolina, offers an academically rigorous course of study in this discipline, including the option of a Doctor of Theology.
- Emory University's Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia, offers a degree of theology in pastoral counseling. Candler School of Theology is an Ivy League caliber school.
- Boston University School of Theology in Boston, Massachusetts, offers degrees up to and including a ThD with a variety of theology majors to choose from.
- Master's College and Seminary in Santa Clarita, California offers theology bachelor's degrees in many different areas of theology.
- Loyola University located in Chicago, Illinois offers theology degrees up to and including a ThD and offers several majors to choose from.
- Faith Theological Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland is a non-denominational religious school which offers degrees in theology with several majors to choose from.
Famous Theology Students
The list of well known people who have studied theology is both interesting and surprising. Gene Simmons (pictured right) of the Rock band "Kiss," studied theology at Richmond College on Staten Island.
Phil Donahue earned a B.A. in theology from Notre Dame University, and other well known people who hold degrees in theology include television host Carson Daly, and Gerald Levin, the CEO of Time Warner.
Very influential figures of our time who held theology degrees include Billy Graham, famous television evangelist, and civil rights leader and minister, the late Dr. Martin Luther King.
As the aforementioned examples prove, theology degrees are pursued by people of diverse cultures, lifestyles, and backgrounds. No matter what a student's objective, or individual goal, he or she will find the pursuit of a theology degree, a life-enriching and worthwhile experience.
