Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Other.: The DTI for this program is 68.3%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $25058) to the average debt ($17126) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 68.3%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($25058) against the typical student debt ($17126), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Wondering if Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $25058, and the average student debt is $17126, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.68—which is typical for many fields.
With an annual graduating class of 1490 students, you’ll be part of a dynamic student body. Whether you’re looking for upward mobility, a chance to innovate, or a degree that’s respected in the job market, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Missions / Missionary Studies and Missiology, Other (CIP 39.0399) is a faith-centered interdisciplinary field focused on cross-cultural ministry, global service, and the study of how religious beliefs are shared, lived, and practiced across cultures. This classification includes flexible or specialized programs that prepare individuals for mission work, humanitarian service, intercultural leadership, and global religious engagement. Rather than focusing solely on theology, missiology examines how faith interacts with culture, language, history, and social systems around the world.
For a degree search site, this CIP code represents purpose-driven education with a global outlook. In an increasingly interconnected world, effective mission and service work requires deep cultural understanding, ethical sensitivity, and practical skills. Missions and Missiology appeals to students who feel called to serve beyond their own cultural context and who want to combine faith, service, and cross-cultural understanding in meaningful, sustainable ways. This degree supports those who want to engage communities respectfully, address human needs holistically, and communicate beliefs with cultural humility.
What Is a Missions / Missiology Degree?
A Missions or Missiology degree is an academic and applied program that studies the theory and practice of religious mission work, particularly within Christianity. Programs under the “Other” designation often allow for customized or interdisciplinary tracks that integrate theology, anthropology, sociology, linguistics, and global studies.
Rather than focusing only on preaching or conversion, missiology examines:
- The history and theology of missions
- Cultural contexts and worldviews
- Cross-cultural communication and language
- Social justice, development, and humanitarian service
- Ethics of mission work and global engagement
Institutions—often faith-based colleges, universities, and seminaries—offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for cross-cultural ministry and mission service
- Train leaders for global faith-based organizations
- Support humanitarian and development-focused missions
- Provide a foundation for advanced theological or intercultural studies
Programs often emphasize both academic study and practical field experience.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how religious beliefs are communicated and lived out across different cultures and contexts. You’ll study how history, culture, language, and power shape mission efforts and how service can be conducted ethically, effectively, and respectfully.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Cross-cultural communication—engaging respectfully across cultures
- Cultural analysis and sensitivity—understanding worldviews and traditions
- Theological reflection—connecting faith with practice
- Interpersonal and relational skills—building trust in diverse settings
- Community engagement and service—working alongside local populations
- Ethical decision-making—navigating power, consent, and responsibility
- Language learning foundations—preparing for multilingual contexts
- Leadership and teamwork—serving in mission teams and organizations
These skills are essential for sustainable and respectful global service.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by denomination and institution, but commonly includes:
- Foundations of Missiology: theology and purpose of missions
- History of Christian Missions: global expansion and historical impact
- Cross-Cultural Ministry: cultural adaptation and contextualization
- Anthropology and World Religions: understanding belief systems
- Intercultural Communication: language, symbols, and meaning
- Mission Ethics and Social Justice: responsible service and advocacy
- Global Christianity: faith expressions around the world
- Community Development and Relief: holistic mission approaches
- Spiritual Formation and Calling: vocation and personal growth
Many programs include fieldwork, internships, or overseas mission experiences.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Missions / Missiology degree prepares students for faith-based, service-oriented, and cross-cultural roles. Career outcomes often depend on organizational affiliation, additional training, and calling.
Common career paths include:
- Missionary or Cross-Cultural Worker: serving domestically or internationally
- Faith-Based Humanitarian Worker: supporting relief and development efforts
- Church Missions Coordinator: organizing outreach and partnerships
- Intercultural Ministry Leader: working in multicultural communities
- Nonprofit or NGO Program Associate: supporting global service initiatives
- Chaplain or Pastoral Support Roles: often with additional training
- Community Development or Outreach Worker: service-focused engagement
- Graduate or Seminary Path: advanced theological or intercultural study
Many roles emphasize service, adaptability, and long-term relationship-building over formal titles.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in organizations focused on faith, service, and global engagement:
- Mission agencies and faith-based organizations
- Churches and denominational offices
- Humanitarian and relief organizations
- International NGOs and nonprofits
- Community development programs
- Educational and training institutions
- Multicultural or immigrant service organizations
Mission-focused graduates often work in both international and local cross-cultural contexts.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary widely depending on organization, location, and funding model.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level mission or service roles: often $30,000–$45,000
- Program coordinators or ministry leaders: commonly $40,000–$65,000
- Senior leadership or NGO roles: can earn $60,000–$90,000+
Many mission roles are supported through fundraising, grants, or nonprofit funding structures.
Is This Degree Hard?
Missions and Missiology is considered emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually demanding. Academic coursework involves theology, cultural studies, and ethics, while practical training requires adaptability, resilience, and humility. Field experiences may involve challenging living conditions and complex cultural dynamics.
The difficulty lies in balancing conviction with cultural sensitivity and long-term service sustainability.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Feel called to cross-cultural or global service
- Are interested in faith-based humanitarian work
- Enjoy learning about cultures and belief systems
- Value service, humility, and long-term relationship-building
- Are comfortable adapting to new environments and challenges
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a missions or missiology program:
- Take history, geography, and social science courses
- Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Participate in service projects or mission trips
- Learn about world cultures and global issues
- Practice empathy, adaptability, and reflective thinking
Missions / Missionary Studies and Missiology, Other (CIP 39.0399) is a calling-centered degree for students who want to serve across cultural boundaries with wisdom and compassion. It prepares graduates to engage the world thoughtfully—combining faith, cultural understanding, and ethical service to support communities and share beliefs in ways that honor dignity, context, and long-term impact.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor