Theology and Religious Vocations, 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 Theology and Religious Vocations, Other.: The DTI for this program is 75.2%, 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 Theology and Religious Vocations, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $39580) to the average debt ($29757) 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 Theology and Religious Vocations, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 75.2%, 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 Theology and Religious Vocations, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($39580) against the typical student debt ($29757), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
Wondering if Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. is right for you? This degree is designed for students who want both knowledge and practical experience. Most graduates see starting salaries near $39580, and the average student debt is $29757, with a debt-to-income ratio of 0.75—which is typical for many fields.
With an annual graduating class of 1237 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, Theology and Religious Vocations, Other. delivers. Take advantage of every resource your school offers to maximize your success!
Degree Overview
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other (CIP 39.9999) is a broad, vocation-focused field dedicated to preparing individuals for diverse roles in faith-based leadership, service, and religious professions. This classification includes flexible or specialized programs that do not fall under a single traditional theology or ministry category, allowing institutions to design curricula tailored to specific religious traditions, community needs, or emerging forms of religious service. Rather than focusing solely on academic theology, this degree emphasizes integrating belief, practice, leadership, and vocation.
For a degree search site, this CIP code represents purpose-driven education centered on calling, service, and leadership. Faith communities continue to play a critical role in education, social services, humanitarian aid, and moral guidance. Theology and Religious Vocations appeals to students who feel drawn to religious service but want a program that offers adaptability, interdisciplinary study, and preparation for a wide range of ministry and service pathways.
What Is a Theology and Religious Vocations Degree?
A Theology and Religious Vocations degree is an academic and applied program designed to prepare students for professional roles within religious and faith-based contexts. Programs under the “Other” designation often support customized or interdisciplinary tracks such as:
- Congregational ministry or leadership
- Faith-based service and nonprofit work
- Religious education or formation
- Chaplaincy foundations
- Mission, outreach, or community ministry
- Bi-vocational or lay leadership preparation
Rather than focusing exclusively on doctrine, this degree blends:
- Theological study and interpretation
- Practical ministry and service skills
- Leadership and organizational development
- Ethical reflection and vocational discernment
- Spiritual formation and personal growth
Institutions—often faith-based colleges, universities, and seminaries—offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for religious vocations and leadership roles
- Support a variety of callings across faith communities
- Provide foundational training for advanced theological or ministry study
- Equip graduates to serve effectively in changing social and cultural contexts
This degree is often chosen by students seeking both spiritual depth and professional readiness.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how religious beliefs shape practice, leadership, and service. You’ll study sacred texts, theological traditions, ethics, and ministry skills while developing the ability to apply them responsibly in real-world settings.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Theological understanding—interpreting religious texts and traditions
- Vocational discernment—clarifying calling and purpose
- Leadership and organization—guiding communities and programs
- Ethical reasoning—addressing moral and social issues
- Pastoral care foundations—supporting individuals and groups
- Teaching and communication—sharing beliefs clearly and effectively
- Community engagement and service—responding to human needs
- Interpersonal and relational skills—building trust and collaboration
These skills support both formal ministry and broader faith-based service roles.
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: theology and interpretation
- Systematic and Historical Theology: beliefs and traditions
- Ministry and Leadership Practice: organizational and pastoral skills
- Ethics and Social Responsibility: moral decision-making
- Spiritual Formation: prayer, reflection, and growth
- Religious Education or Formation: teaching and mentoring
- Mission, Outreach, and Service: community engagement
- Chaplaincy or Care Foundations: support and presence
- Interfaith or Cultural Ministry: diverse contexts
Many programs include internships, practicums, or supervised ministry experiences.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Theology and Religious Vocations degree prepares students for a wide range of faith-based leadership and service roles. Career outcomes depend on religious tradition, certification, and additional training.
Common career paths include:
- Pastor, Minister, or Religious Leader: congregational leadership (often with ordination)
- Associate or Assistant Minister: supporting ministry teams
- Chaplain (Foundational Path): healthcare, military, or institutional settings
- Religious Educator or Formation Leader: teaching and mentoring
- Faith-Based Nonprofit Director or Staff: service and outreach organizations
- Mission or Outreach Worker: local or global service roles
- Community or Interfaith Leader: bridging faith and society
- Graduate or Seminary Path: advanced theological or professional study
Many roles require further education, ordination, or denominational endorsement.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in settings centered on faith, service, and leadership:
- Churches, synagogues, mosques, and congregations
- Faith-based nonprofit and humanitarian organizations
- Hospitals, military, or correctional institutions (chaplaincy)
- Religious schools, colleges, and seminaries
- Community service and outreach programs
- Interfaith and civic organizations
- International mission and service organizations
Graduates often serve both religious institutions and broader communities.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary widely by role, organization, and location.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level ministry or service roles: often $30,000–$45,000
- Ministry leaders, educators, or nonprofit coordinators: commonly $45,000–$70,000
- Senior clergy or nonprofit executives: can earn $70,000–$100,000+
Many graduates prioritize vocation, service, and community impact alongside income.
Is This Degree Hard?
Theology and Religious Vocations is considered intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually demanding. Students must engage deeply with complex texts, ethical questions, and personal reflection while developing leadership and service skills. The work requires discipline, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility toward others.
The challenge lies in integrating belief, knowledge, and practice consistently and thoughtfully.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Feel called to religious service or leadership
- Are interested in theology, ethics, and spiritual formation
- Enjoy teaching, mentoring, and community engagement
- Want a flexible path within religious vocations
- Prefer mission-driven, service-oriented careers
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a theology or religious vocations program:
- Take English, history, and social science courses
- Develop strong reading, writing, and communication skills
- Participate in faith-based service or leadership activities
- Practice reflection, ethical reasoning, and discussion
- Seek mentorship and explore vocational interests
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other (CIP 39.9999) is a vocation-centered degree for students who want to serve, lead, and support others through faith. It provides theological depth, ethical grounding, and practical ministry skills—preparing graduates to live out their calling with integrity, compassion, and purpose in religious and service-oriented communities.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor