Religion/Religious Studies, Other.

Degree Overview

Religion / Religious Studies, Other (CIP 38.0299) is an interdisciplinary humanities field focused on the systematic study of religious traditions, beliefs, practices, texts, and their influence on individuals, cultures, and societies. This classification includes flexible or specialized programs that do not fit neatly into a single religious tradition or standard theology degree. Instead, it emphasizes comparative, historical, cultural, philosophical, and social approaches to understanding religion as a fundamental human phenomenon.

For a degree search site, this CIP code represents depth, cultural literacy, and global understanding. Religion continues to shape politics, ethics, law, art, conflict, cooperation, and identity around the world. Professionals who understand religious systems—and how they intersect with culture and power—are uniquely equipped to navigate complex social environments. This degree appeals to students who want to understand meaning-making systems across cultures and apply that insight to education, service, leadership, and analysis.

What Is a Religion / Religious Studies Degree?

A Religion or Religious Studies degree is an academic program that examines religion from a scholarly, nonsectarian perspective. Programs under the “Other” designation often allow for customized or interdisciplinary approaches, such as:

• Comparative religion
• Religion and culture
• Religion and politics
• Religion and ethics
• Global or non-Western religious traditions
• Religion and social justice

Rather than training clergy (which is typically the role of theology or divinity programs), religious studies focuses on:

• Understanding religious beliefs and practices
• Interpreting sacred texts and traditions
• Analyzing religion’s role in society and history
• Examining ethical systems and worldviews
• Developing cultural and interfaith literacy

Institutions offer this degree to:

• Develop students’ critical, cultural, and ethical understanding
• Prepare graduates for diverse professional paths
• Support interfaith dialogue and global competence
• Provide strong preparation for graduate and professional study

This degree emphasizes inquiry, interpretation, and analysis rather than doctrinal instruction.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how religions function as belief systems, social institutions, and cultural forces. You’ll study how religious ideas shape moral frameworks, community life, political movements, and personal identity across different historical and global contexts.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Critical reading and textual analysis—interpreting sacred and historical texts
• Comparative analysis—examining similarities and differences across traditions
• Cultural literacy—understanding beliefs, rituals, and symbols
• Ethical reasoning—analyzing moral systems and values
• Research and synthesis—integrating historical and contemporary sources
• Clear writing and argumentation—expressing complex ideas precisely
• Intercultural communication—engaging respectfully across belief systems
• Analytical thinking—connecting religion to social, political, and cultural contexts

These skills are broadly applicable in education, policy, service, and leadership roles.

Topics You May Explore

Because this is a flexible “Other” classification, coursework varies widely, but commonly includes:

• World Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and others
• Sacred Texts: interpretation of religious writings and scriptures
• Religion and Culture: rituals, symbols, and social practices
• Religion and Ethics: moral systems and ethical debates
• Religion and Politics: power, law, and social movements
• Religion and History: development of traditions over time
• Indigenous and Folk Religions: local and traditional belief systems
• New Religious Movements: modern and emerging traditions
• Religion and Globalization: belief systems in a connected world

Many programs culminate in a research paper or capstone project.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Religion / Religious Studies degree does not train students for a single occupation. Instead, it provides strong analytical, ethical, and cultural skills that support a wide range of careers. Outcomes often depend on complementary skills or further education.

Common career paths include:

• Education and Teaching: secondary or postsecondary education (with certification)
• Nonprofit or Community Organization Roles: program coordination or advocacy
• Public Policy or Government Work: research, analysis, or administration
• International or Cultural Affairs: diplomacy, NGOs, or global organizations
• Journalism, Writing, or Media: analysis and communication roles
• Human Resources or Diversity Roles: cultural competency and ethics support
• Law or Graduate Study Path: law, theology, religious studies, or public policy
• Clergy or Ministry Path: typically requires additional theological training

Religion majors often succeed in careers that require nuance, empathy, and ethical judgment.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in sectors that value cultural understanding and ethical insight:

• Educational institutions
• Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
• Government agencies and public service
• International organizations and NGOs
• Media, publishing, and communications
• Religious or interfaith organizations
• Corporate roles focused on ethics or diversity

Religious studies graduates often work in roles that bridge cultural or ideological divides.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary widely by industry, role, and additional education.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level education, nonprofit, or analysis roles: often $40,000–$60,000
• Mid-career professionals in policy, education, or communications: commonly $60,000–$90,000
• Law, leadership, or specialized roles: can exceed $100,000+

Lifetime earnings often increase significantly with graduate or professional degrees.

Is This Degree Hard?

Religion / Religious Studies is considered intellectually demanding. It requires careful reading, thoughtful writing, and openness to perspectives that may challenge personal beliefs. Students are evaluated on analysis, interpretation, and argumentation rather than memorization.

The challenge lies in engaging deeply and respectfully with complex belief systems.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Are curious about belief systems and meaning
• Enjoy reading, writing, and discussion
• Want strong cultural and ethical literacy
• Are interested in global or interfaith issues
• Plan to pursue education, law, policy, or service-oriented careers

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for a religious studies program:

• Take history, literature, and social science courses
• Practice analytical reading and writing
• Explore world religions through books or documentaries
• Engage respectfully in discussions about beliefs and values
• Build curiosity about cultures and global perspectives

Religion / Religious Studies, Other (CIP 38.0299) is a degree for students who want to understand how humans search for meaning and organize values. It equips graduates with cultural insight, ethical reasoning, and analytical clarity—skills that remain essential in an interconnected and diverse world.