Theological and Ministerial Studies, 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 Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other.: The DTI for this program is 62.4%, 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 Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $42796) to the average debt ($26726) 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 Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 62.4%, 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 Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($42796) against the typical student debt ($26726), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Wondering if Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $42796, and the average student debt is $26726, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.62—which is typical for many fields.
With an annual graduating class of 14928 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, Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other (CIP 39.0699) is a broad, vocation-centered field focused on preparing individuals for leadership, service, and ministry within religious and faith-based contexts. This classification includes flexible or specialized programs that integrate theology, scripture, pastoral care, leadership, ethics, and practical ministry in ways that do not fall under a single traditional ministry label. Rather than training only for one denominational role, this degree emphasizes holistic preparation for serving people, communities, and institutions shaped by faith.
For a degree search site, this CIP code represents calling, leadership, and service-oriented education. Faith communities continue to play a major role in social support, moral guidance, education, and humanitarian work. Theological and Ministerial Studies appeals to students who feel drawn to ministry or faith-based leadership but want a program that allows customization, interdisciplinary study, and practical preparation for diverse ministry settings.
What Is a Theological and Ministerial Studies Degree?
A Theological and Ministerial Studies degree is an academic and applied program that prepares students for roles in ministry, pastoral leadership, and faith-based service. Programs under the “Other” designation often support customized or interdisciplinary tracks, such as:
- Pastoral ministry
- Church leadership and administration
- Chaplaincy foundations
- Youth or family ministry
- Community or nonprofit ministry
- Bi-vocational or lay ministry preparation
Rather than focusing only on doctrine, this degree blends theory with practice, emphasizing:
- Theological understanding and interpretation
- Practical ministry skills
- Leadership and organizational development
- Pastoral care and counseling foundations
- Ethics, mission, and service
Institutions—often faith-based colleges, universities, and seminaries—offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for ministry and faith-based leadership roles
- Support diverse callings across congregational and community settings
- Provide foundational training for seminary or graduate theological study
- Equip leaders to serve effectively in complex, real-world contexts
This degree is often chosen by students seeking both spiritual formation and professional preparation.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how theology informs practice and how ministry responds to real human needs. You’ll study sacred texts, religious traditions, leadership principles, and pastoral skills, while learning how to apply them in congregations, organizations, and communities.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Theological interpretation—understanding and applying religious texts and traditions
- Pastoral care and support—providing guidance, counseling, and compassion
- Leadership and administration—leading teams, programs, and organizations
- Preaching and teaching—communicating beliefs clearly and thoughtfully
- Ethical reasoning—addressing moral and social issues
- Community engagement—serving congregations and neighborhoods
- Spiritual formation—cultivating personal and communal faith
- Conflict resolution and mediation—navigating interpersonal challenges
These skills are essential for effective ministry and faith-based leadership.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is a flexible “Other” classification, coursework varies by institution and tradition, but commonly includes:
- Biblical or Sacred Text Studies: interpretation and theology
- Systematic or Historical Theology: core beliefs and traditions
- Pastoral Care and Counseling: supporting individuals and families
- Homiletics and Teaching: preaching and instruction
- Church or Ministry Leadership: administration and organization
- Ethics and Social Justice: moral issues and public engagement
- Spiritual Formation: vocation, prayer, and personal growth
- Mission and Community Ministry: service and outreach
- Interfaith or Cultural Ministry: ministry in diverse contexts
Many programs include supervised ministry, internships, or practicum experiences.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Theological and Ministerial Studies degree prepares students for a wide range of faith-based leadership and service roles. Career outcomes depend on denomination, ordination requirements, and additional credentials.
Common career paths include:
- Pastor or Minister: congregational leadership (often with ordination)
- Associate or Assistant Minister: supporting church leadership
- Youth, Family, or Campus Minister: specialized ministry roles
- Chaplain (Foundational Path): healthcare, military, or institutional settings
- Faith-Based Nonprofit Leader: service and outreach organizations
- Church Administrator or Ministry Director: managing programs and staff
- Community or Outreach Minister: neighborhood-based ministry
- Graduate or Seminary Path: advanced theological education
Many roles require further theological training, certification, or denominational endorsement.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in settings centered on faith, service, and leadership:
- Churches and religious congregations
- Faith-based nonprofit organizations
- Hospitals, military, or correctional facilities (chaplaincy)
- Community service and outreach programs
- Religious schools and colleges
- Mission and humanitarian organizations
- Interfaith or community leadership organizations
Theological and ministerial leaders often serve both religious and broader community roles.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary widely based on role, organization, and location.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level ministry or service roles: often $30,000–$45,000
- Pastors, ministry directors, or coordinators: commonly $45,000–$70,000
- Senior leaders or nonprofit executives: can earn $70,000–$100,000+
Many individuals in ministry prioritize mission, calling, and community impact alongside income.
Is This Degree Hard?
Theological and Ministerial Studies is considered intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually demanding. Students must balance academic study with self-reflection, ethical responsibility, and practical ministry work. Success requires discipline, empathy, resilience, and a willingness to serve others.
The challenge lies in integrating belief, knowledge, and action consistently and responsibly.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Feel called to ministry or faith-based leadership
- Enjoy teaching, mentoring, and serving others
- Are interested in theology, ethics, and spiritual formation
- Want a flexible pathway within religious studies
- Prefer meaningful, service-oriented careers
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a theological and ministerial studies program:
- Take English, history, and social science courses
- Develop strong reading, writing, and communication skills
- Participate in church, service, or leadership activities
- Practice reflection, discussion, and ethical reasoning
- Seek mentorship and explore vocational interests
Theological and Ministerial Studies, Other (CIP 39.0699) is a calling-focused degree for students who want to lead, serve, and support others through faith. It provides theological depth, practical ministry skills, and ethical grounding—preparing graduates to guide communities, respond to human need, and live out their vocation with integrity and compassion.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor