--- title: What Can You Do With a Religious Studies Degree? description: Discover the diverse religious studies jobs that are available to graduates of a Master of Arts in Religious Studies program. image: https://learn.msmu.edu/hubfs/AdobeStock_252261065.png --- [![Logo MSMU](https://learn.msmu.edu/hubfs/MSMU%20Brand/Logos/Logo%20MSMU.svg "Logo MSMU")](https://www.msmu.edu/) - [Support the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/give-to-the-mount/) - [myMSMU](https://mountsaintmarysuniversi.sharepoint.com/sites/MYMSMU) - [Meet the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/program-finder/) - [Admission & Aid](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27) [Request Info](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/request-info/?utm_source=ddexplore) Menu - [Support the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/give-to-the-mount/) - [myMSMU](https://mountsaintmarysuniversi.sharepoint.com/sites/MYMSMU) - [Meet the Mount](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.msmu.edu/program-finder/) - [Admission & Aid](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/15c2d276-f9a9-4b7d-aa24-d2e06223cd27) [![Request Info](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/303c726c-442b-4c71-8e6f-4ba68f8cffdb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/303c726c-442b-4c71-8e6f-4ba68f8cffdb) Search [Home](https://www.google.com/) / [Home](https://www.google.com/) / [Home](https://www.google.com/) #### Resources for professionals exploring their education options. Unstoppable Stories WHAT **2 Hour Online Sessions** null [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/5ab1e461-5b50-4458-9af7-a90fb2cee609.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/5ab1e461-5b50-4458-9af7-a90fb2cee609) [![Apply Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/19602555/5ab1e461-5b50-4458-9af7-a90fb2cee609.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/19602555/5ab1e461-5b50-4458-9af7-a90fb2cee609) # What Can You Do With a Religious Studies Degree? ![](https://learn.msmu.edu/hubfs/AdobeStock_252261065.png) Are you passionate about enhancing your career with a graduate degree in religious studies and furthering your understanding of the impact that religion has in the world? If so, you are in the right place.  Embarking on a master’s degree in religious studies opens up a diverse range of career paths that combine a deep understanding of religious traditions with a passion for making a positive impact on individuals and communities. ## Religious Studies Jobs and Industries As you explore the rich complexities of religious studies, you will develop valuable skills and insights that can be applied in various professional settings. Whether you aspire to educate, serve, inspire or lead, the field of religious studies offers numerous opportunities where graduates with a master’s degree in religious studies can make a meaningful difference. Here are just a few of the fields that employ graduates of a respected master’s degree in religious studies. ### Education With a master’s degree in religious studies, you can pursue a career as a teacher or professor and use the degree as a stepping stone to a PhD program. You can inspire students with your knowledge of religious diversity, ethics and cultural understanding.  The salary range for teachers varies based on location, experience and subject matter. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the [mean annual wage for all teachers and instructors was over $66,000](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes253099.htm) in 2022. ### Social Services Graduates with a master’s degree in religious studies make excellent social workers. As a social worker, you’ll advocate for marginalized populations by addressing social challenges, providing counseling and helping clients gain access to resources.  Salaries in social services vary based on location and position. According to BLS, the [mean annual wage for all social workers was approximately $64,000](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211029.htm) in 2022. ### Chaplaincy A master's in religious studies prepares individuals for chaplaincy by providing a deep understanding of diverse religious traditions, developing critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills and fostering empathy and intercultural competence. Through practical experiences, graduates gain the necessary tools to offer spiritual support and guidance to individuals in need. ### Health Organizations A master’s degree in religious studies can prepare you to become a hospital chaplain, providing spiritual care and support to patients and their families.  ### Hospice The role of a hospice chaplain involves providing spiritual care and emotional support to individuals nearing the end of life and their families. With a master’s degree in religious studies, you can serve as a hospice chaplain, bringing comfort and solace during challenging times.  Salaries for hospital chaplains can vary, but the [mean annual wage for clergy](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes212011.htm), including chaplains, was about $60,000 in 2022, according to BLS. ![man holding a bible](https://learn.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Local%20church%20involvement%20(7).png?width=800&height=300&name=Local%20church%20involvement%20(7).png) ### Ministries A religious studies master’s degree can be helpful in the pursuit of ministry careers, like serving as a pastor or religious leader within specific faith communities. Pastors provide spiritual guidance, lead worship services and support the spiritual growth of congregations.  Salaries for hospital chaplains can vary, but the mean annual wage for clergy, including pastors and other religious ministers, [was about $60,000](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes212011.htm) in 2022, according to BLS. ### Missions Graduates with a master’s degree in religious studies can engage in missions, working globally in community development, education, healthcare and other forms of assistance.  Salaries for mission workers can vary significantly based on the organization and location. ### Nonprofit organizations A master’s degree in religious studies can lead to roles in nonprofit organizations focused on social justice, interfaith dialogue, humanitarian efforts or community development. Possible positions include nonprofit leadership, program coordination or fundraising.   Salaries in the nonprofit sector vary depending on the organization and position.  ![woman standing in front of donation boxes](https://learn.msmu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Local%20church%20involvement%20(8).png?width=800&height=300&name=Local%20church%20involvement%20(8).png) *\*Please note that salary ranges and job growth statistics may vary based on factors such as location, experience and specific organization or institution. We always recommend you research and consult reliable sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding salaries and job prospects.*  ## The Mount: Offering a Transformative Master of Arts in Religious Studies At Mount St. Mary’s University Los Angeles, we understand the transformative power of religious studies and its impact on our world. The [Master of Arts in Religious Studies](https://www.msmu.edu/departments/religious-studies/graduate-program/#:~:text=The%20Master%20of%20Arts%20in%20Religious%20Studies%20is%20now%20composed,completed%20in%202%2D3%20years.) is deeply rooted in the values and traditions of the Mount, drawing inspiration from the [broader university mission](https://www.msmu.edu/about-the-mount/#:~:text=Mission%20Statement&text=As%20a%20Catholic%20university%20primarily,a%20spirit%20to%20serve%20others.) and the spirit of our founders,the [Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet](https://www.msmu.edu/learning-and-research-communities/the-csj-institute/).  The Master of Arts in Religious Studies program offers an impactful educational experience that combines rigorous academic study with a focus on praxis. We believe in the power of integrating theory with real-world application, empowering our students to become agents of positive change in their communities. Note: The Master of Arts in Religious Studies is composed of two distinct, though mutually informative, concentrations. The first concentration is in Theology and the second is The Study of Religions. Each concentration has a 36-unit requirement to degree which can be completed in 2-3 years. The Mount also offers a 3-year, online [Spiritual Direction Certificate](https://www.msmu.edu/departments/religious-studies/graduate-program/spiritual-direction-certificate/), offering students the opportunity to build a stronger practice in holistic spirituality and spiritual direction.  ## Make an Impact on the World — Connect with the Mount's Religious Studies Community Today The [Master of Arts in Religious Studies](https://www.msmu.edu/departments/religious-studies/graduate-program/#:~:text=The%20Master%20of%20Arts%20in%20Religious%20Studies%20is%20now%20composed,completed%20in%202%2D3%20years.) at Mount Saint Mary’s empowers students to become agents of positive change in their communities. We invite you to join our diverse and inclusive community, where you can explore the theological and interdisciplinary dimensions of religious studies while making a tangible impact in the world.  Please take this opportunity to [request more information](https://explore.msmu.edu/religious-studies-ma), [attend an online information session](https://admissions.msmu.edu/portal/rst-info-session) or [start your online application](https://www.msmu.edu/admission--aid/graduate-admission/the-application-process/)! ## Jumpstart your future with a Master of Arts in Religious Studies; download our guide today. 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