Biblical Studies Degrees

If you are a spiritual person or if you are interested in history, pursuing biblical studies degrees can be a suitable choice for you. The biblical studies programs enable students in developing an in-depth interpretation of the Christian Bible. Students get to know about its teachings and history in detail. In addition, they may also get a chance to discuss the Old and New Testaments and explore the life of Christ. A degree in this area of study can enable students to pursue several career paths for students. Graduates can improve their prospects of entering into the field of teaching, history or anthropology. They can become historians, church leaders, missionaries, teachers or anthropologists. Employment for historians, teachers and anthropologists is expected to grow about as fast as the average of all occupations from 2010 to 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Being a religious worker can be emotionally and mentally challenging in addition to being physically as well, as these workers tend to spend a lot of time counseling individuals, couples, and families.

Religious teachers instruct students in religious courses in colleges, universities or other settings, while the work of historians is to research, analyze, interpret, and explain the past by studying various historical documents. Anthropologists study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings, past and present and possibly predict the same for future. Missionaries are responsible for providing religious counsel and helping people understand the Christian faith. Clerical work also includes visiting the sick and writing sermons. The clergy are also required to attend to a number of administrative responsibilities related to the running of an organization and supervising its staff.

Biblical Studies Degrees
A variety of degree programs are offered in biblical studies. Students can work towards an undergraduate or graduate degree. Earning these degrees also gives students a chance for spiritual and intellectual growth.

Students in these biblical studies degrees will learn about the history of the Bible, the Gospels and the Old and New Testaments. They will also get to know about the contemporary applications of the Bible's teachings. Some of the courses they can take are Church history, world religions and systematic theology.

Students who want to understand the basics of the Bible and the Christianity can pursue the undergraduate programs while the ones who want to study the Bible more intensively should work towards advanced degrees such as the master's or doctoral ones. These programs can instruct students in courses relating to the Gospel of John, advanced systematic theology as well as the life and letters of Paul.

Admissions Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is required to enroll in a biblical studies degree. Candidates may have to appear for an interview, provide letters of recommendations and a statement of intent as well. Other requirements for admission may vary by school.

Employment Opportunities
Students with biblical studies degrees can work in various settings. They can look for jobs in church, religious organizations, social welfare organizations, colleges and universities. According to O*NET, clergy workers had a median annual salary of $44,060 whereas religious workers were making $26,380 as median annual wage in 2012.

States with the highest employment level in this occupation:

Source: bls.gov