Theology Degrees

Theology is the study of religious faith. Students in the theology degree programs learn about the role religion plays in society and how it is practiced. Theology degrees also instruct students about religious behavior and belief. With a degree in this area, students can pursue various career paths. They can choose to work for the church or look for jobs in the field of education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the employment of postsecondary teachers is expected to grow by 17% from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The ones who want to develop a deeper understanding of various religions and their implications in the course of human history and current world events can consider working towards theology degrees.

Job Responsibilities
Religious teachers instruct students in church-supported secondary schools. They may also teach religious courses at public colleges or universities. A degree in theology can also help students become a priest or a minister. The job of these religious workers is to provide knowledge on religious faith to people and provide spiritual counseling and educate others on religious ideologies.

Theology Degrees
The theology schools offer a wide variety of degree programs. Students can work towards the associate, bachelor or master’s degrees. Some of the programs they can pursue are those related personal ministries, divinity, biblical studies, ministerial leadership and pastoral counseling.

The theology degree programs provide students with the knowledge on methodological approaches to the study of religion, and present issues within a particular religious tradition.  The curriculum in these programs may include topics such as medieval religion and culture, modern religion and culture, Japanese religions and issues in American Catholicism. Students can also pick an area of specialty such as Christian, Buddhist or Islamic traditions.

In addition to covering the coursework, students in the theology schools may get a chance to get involved in religious or relief organizations such as the Red Cross International or World Relief.

Online Theology Degree
Some distance learning schools also offer programs in theology. This online degree program can be useful for the ones who want to study alongside their work or are stay-at-home parents. The ones with physical disabilities or international students can also benefit from an online learning format as this mode of education does not require learners to be physically present in the classes. Students in the online programs can study from any location and earn a degree at their own convenience.

Admissions Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is required to get admission in a theology degree program. They may also be required to provide letters of recommendations and statement of intent. Other admissions factors may vary by school.

Employment Opportunities
A degree in theory can help students become teachers or ministers. Students can also pursue research positions. They can also get involved in social services, law, communications and business. O*NET reports that religious teachers who teach at postsecondary level earned a median wage of  $64,990 a year, whereas the clergy was drawing median annual salary of $44,060 in 2012.