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What Jobs Could You Get with a Christian Studies Degree?

by | Aug 23, 2021

If you’re interested in learning more about faith but not sure what career paths might be open to you, you need to understand all you’ll learn in a Christian Studies program. Degrees in theology and Christian studies teach you much more than specific knowledge about the Bible and religion. There are skills you can develop that will easily transfer over into careers you may not have considered at all.

Theology degrees logically prepare you for work in a theological field. Here are some career paths that naturally align with a Christian studies degree:

  • Minister: Lead worship, preside over weddings and funerals, provide spiritual guidance.
  • Youth and Family Ministry: promote discipleship with youth and prepare youth for their transition to adulthood.
  • Theology or religion professor: This would likely require an advanced degree but would be characterized by teaching religion or theological theory and interpretation at a college or university.
  • Teacher at faith-based school: Teach younger students about God, religion, the Bible, and spirituality.
  • Director of religious education: Oversee the operations and curriculum at a faith-based school.
  • Para-Church Ministry: assist faith-based community organizations provide programming for children, youth, families, and other community needs.
  • Missionary: Share the faith and provide aid to communities in need.

What Community Jobs Can I Get with a Christian Studies Degree?

While there are plenty of faith-based jobs available, there are also many non-religious jobs you could get with a theology degree. Gaining transferable skills sets you up to be well-prepared to thrive in some of the following roles you may not have even considered yet. Each one of these fields involve a healthy amount of writing, critical thinking, or service—all of which are central to a degree in Christian studies.

  • Teacher: After additional education and certification, teach students a specific subject in school.
  • Social worker: Help people cope with a variety of issues in settings as diverse as schools, prisons, hospitals, or private practice.
  • Ethicist: Become an expert in the regulations, practices, and procedures of a specific field and ensure others follow them.
  • Nonprofit sector: Work in a variety of roles for a service-related company.
  • Journalist or writer: Apply your communication skills to write for religious or secular print or online publications.
  • Historian or Archivist: Research, curate, and categorize historical and religious artifacts and publications.
  • Community development: Support communities through the management and operation of community assistance programs.
  • Civil service: Work for the federal, state or local government in a variety of capacities.

Whether you choose to pursue a religious career or go to graduate school to further your religious studies, a Christian studies degree can also prepare you well for work in legislation and public policy. Your knowledge can prove invaluable to those making laws and creating policies that can affect us all.

What Will I Learn in a Christian Studies Major?

Studying theology involves a deep dive into many different religions, religious texts, and history—but that’s just the beginning. You’ll also gain knowledge in ethics, morality, philosophy, and literature. By the time you graduate, you will have gained a wide range of practical knowledge, skills, and expertise that are transferable to many different career paths.

  • Analytical skills
  • Applied theory
  • Date analysis, synthesis, and interpretation
  • Written and oral communication
  • Debate
  • Persuasion
  • Presentation skills
  • Problem solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Creativity
  • Organization
  • Independent and interpersonal work skills

 

At Bluefield University, the Christian Studies bachelor’s degree program will equip you with the skills you need to thrive in a faith-based or community field. Located in the picturesque mountains of rural Virginia, Bluefield University is a Christian university that prepares graduates for fulfilling careers of service. We offer more than 70 different undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with a mix of online and in-person delivery. In addition to our faith-based mission and sound academic reputation, we also have a vibrant student culture, with athletic and social activities to help balance out your studies. Request more info now.

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

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