What Can You Do With A Theology Degree?

[beatitude]

My first degree was in literature (with a dissertation on Holocaust literature written with supervision from the theology department, and a couple of papers on crossover topics such as Middle English devotional literature - I suppose the mixing-and-matching I did is equivalent to what you call minoring in theology in the USA). My first job out of college was as a carer for people with profound learning disabilities. I didn't need the degree for the job, but I think it did affect my job in a positive way - it was more valuable for the thinking skills and patience that it taught me than the content. (Although the content mattered too; working with vulnerable people and a love of literature seem to go together in my mind.) I went on to take an MA in Jewish Studies, just because I loved the subject. No other reason. I had a more practical MA lined up (a fully funded MA that would qualify me as a speech and language therapist) and practicality suggested that I should go with that one. It built on my experience working with intellectually disabled people and led to a specific job. But I loved the Jewish Studies MA and I felt so excited when I looked at the syllabus. I leaped in just sensing with my gut that it was the right option for the time and with no idea of what I was going to do next. I was pretty sure I didn't want to do a PhD. Then, one day, as I was putting a tray of pizza into the oven, THE MOST EXCITING IDEA for a PhD thesis hit me and I ran to my computer and found that my university had a perfect department for it that I hadn't even heard of and what's more they were offering full funding. Long story short, I won the funding. I'm still not sure that academia as a career is right for me in the long-term, but right now I'm as happy as several clams. :) Do be pragmatic - you have to be, in this job market - but it doesn't hurt to let your heart have some say too.

[CatherineM]

I found gainful employment with my BA right here on Phatmass working for Dust. I'm expecting a big raise next year when I finally finish my Masters.

[Not The Philosopher]

Seeing as how I did my undergrad in English and Philosophy, and am currently in the Master of Theological Studies program at the local seminary, I suppose I am the Master of dubious educational choices.

[Anastasia13]

Yup! I have a bachelor's of theology and my first job after I didn't like youth ministry was as an accounting clerk.

 

If this is how it works, I majored in the wrong field.

[Anastasia13]

You teach, either in churches or in schools.  But to do that you need experience, because they care more about experience.  So you really need to have some kind of internship along with your BA. 

 

Or you peddle it as a liberal arts degree and get an office job. 

 

Maybe some kind of writing job? Journalism benefits from a liberal arts background as I recall.

 

Missionary work.

 

Peace corp.

[Pliny]

I'm still pondering what to do with my life if I leave nursing and trying to find subject areas that I'm interested in is a difficult task. So suffice it to say, I of course love theology but before I go spending money on courses somewhere, what can a person do with a theology degree?

Why do you want to leave nursing? I know so many people that love it or are trying to be one.

[Poiesis]

Okay, so I created an account on this website specifically to address this question. Which is ironic because right now I'm currently being distracted from writing theology. Whoops. 

 

I'm still pondering what to do with my life if I leave nursing and trying to find subject areas that I'm interested in is a difficult task.  So suffice it to say, I of course love theology but before I go spending money on courses somewhere, what can a person do with a theology degree?

I think what you need to take into consideration first is what you expect from your career and from your life. Are you more interested in having an abundance of job propsects in something that isn't necessarily fulfilling to you but that helps your maintain your lifestyle (you could make theology an avocation that way)? Lifestyle is something else you need to take into consideration. What types of foods do you eat - are they expensive? What is the housing market like in the area you live in? 

 

Also, you should see what you can get in the way of scholarships. If you're going for a master's program, Notre Dame is probably your best option. They pay for master's degrees there. You might also be able to get some scholarships at some smaller institutions. Duke University, though not a Catholic school, has some impressive Catholic faculty. Look into Paul Griffiths and Reinhard Hutter. Great work.

 

That brings up another question - if you really are interested in studying theology as a vocation, what motivates you? Is it your desire to participate in ministry in some sort of DRE or youth ministry position? If so, Notre Dame and Duke probably aren't your best options. Look at a smaller but still somewhat funded liberal arts school like University of Portland or University of Dallas. What types of theological questions are you interested in?

 

 

Things you can do with a theology degree:

 

Become a priest/nun

Youth ministry

Catholic speaker

Ponder life as you live in your cardboard box on the street.

 

Seriously, I wouldn't recommend a theology degree unless you have a major in something else like accounting. Getting a job with a theology degree is hard enough, but getting a job in theology that pays well is even harder.

 

Another commenter mentioned how most theology degrees are passed off as liberal arts degrees. This is true. And this is why that is useful:

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/01/22/see-how-liberal-arts-grads-really-fare-report-examines-long-term-data

 

Insidge Higher Ed is a great source for higher education. In an only tangentially related fare, most people going to college probably shouldn't be going to colleges anyways for the type of work they want. For example, going to school to get a business or accounting degree is really silly - you're just spending money and losing four years of income earnings. Especially since most corporations will teach you what they want you to know anyway and some will even pay for the degree they want you to have if you show promise and loyalty. 

 

After grad school you can cry about your massive debt and lack of job to pay it.

Once again, scholarships. Try to find them. 

 

Unless you are one of those rare souls who can land a tenure track position. Very very difficult to do, especially with theology.

It is very rare but it is significantly easier within the Catholic theological higher-ed world than the Protestant one. There are so many small Catholic liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. that require their students to take introductory theology classes that there are more job openings. 

But, it is true that it is difficult. This is the path I'm on now. Do I regret it? No. Does it make me crazy sometimes? Yes. Do I live in a cardboard box? No. 

Peace,
Poiesis

 

 

[OnlySunshine]

My friend received a Theology degree from a Catholic college (one of the lesser known ones) and, after she left the convent (before re-entry), she became employed by a neighboring parish as a Junior High Youth Minister.  It was a position she was uncomfortable with at first, having little knowledge of the ministry, but she soon came to love it and found it a very worthwhile endeavor.  When she decided to re-enter religious life, the parish tried to get her to delay for at least another year because she was so good at her job.  However, she believed God was calling her sooner rather than later (and I'm glad she re-entered when she did). 

 

If you got a Master's degree in Theology, you could become a Director of Religious Education.

[ToJesusMyHeart]

Okay, so I created an account on this website specifically to address this question. Which is ironic because right now I'm currently being distracted from writing theology. Whoops. 

 

I think what you need to take into consideration first is what you expect from your career and from your life. Are you more interested in having an abundance of job propsects in something that isn't necessarily fulfilling to you but that helps your maintain your lifestyle (you could make theology an avocation that way)? Lifestyle is something else you need to take into consideration. What types of foods do you eat - are they expensive? What is the housing market like in the area you live in? 

 

Also, you should see what you can get in the way of scholarships. If you're going for a master's program, Notre Dame is probably your best option. They pay for master's degrees there. You might also be able to get some scholarships at some smaller institutions. Duke University, though not a Catholic school, has some impressive Catholic faculty. Look into Paul Griffiths and Reinhard Hutter. Great work.

 

That brings up another question - if you really are interested in studying theology as a vocation, what motivates you? Is it your desire to participate in ministry in some sort of DRE or youth ministry position? If so, Notre Dame and Duke probably aren't your best options. Look at a smaller but still somewhat funded liberal arts school like University of Portland or University of Dallas. What types of theological questions are you interested in?

 

 

 

Another commenter mentioned how most theology degrees are passed off as liberal arts degrees. This is true. And this is why that is useful:

http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/01/22/see-how-liberal-arts-grads-really-fare-report-examines-long-term-data

 

Insidge Higher Ed is a great source for higher education. In an only tangentially related fare, most people going to college probably shouldn't be going to colleges anyways for the type of work they want. For example, going to school to get a business or accounting degree is really silly - you're just spending money and losing four years of income earnings. Especially since most corporations will teach you what they want you to know anyway and some will even pay for the degree they want you to have if you show promise and loyalty. 

 

Once again, scholarships. Try to find them. 

 

It is very rare but it is significantly easier within the Catholic theological higher-ed world than the Protestant one. There are so many small Catholic liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. that require their students to take introductory theology classes that there are more job openings. 

But, it is true that it is difficult. This is the path I'm on now. Do I regret it? No. Does it make me crazy sometimes? Yes. Do I live in a cardboard box? No. 

Peace,
Poiesis

 

 

  :kiss:

[CrossCuT]

I havent read the previous posts but I have a couple friends as well as my brother who have graduated with bachelors in Theology and none of them currently have jobs related to their major at all.

 

Maybe you need more than a bachelors in order to get a job? Im not sure. I wouldnt encourage anyone to get that degree if they're worried about income unless you have a CLEAR idea of exactly what you want to do with it.

[CatholicsAreKewl]

A saint! Or you could convert to atheism and write a book about it. Books make money.

On the serious, I tend to think that learning theology would get you a head start if you decide to go to law school.

[Kateri89]

Why do you want to leave nursing? I know so many people that love it or are trying to be one.

 

Well there are some people that love it and I marvel at them.  It should be a very rewarding career but instead I struggle with crazy shifts, insomnia, little respect from other staff, and continual piling on of job duties.  I think in general nurses are seen as very caring people but they put up with a lot.  I'm sure there's some of this in any job but I can't stand it.  I always have to bite my tongue when I have nursing students shadowing me because all I want to do is tell them to run in the opposite direction lol.

 

After all this complaining I sure sound ungrateful.  I know there are a lot of people my age who can't find good employment and wish they could have my job.  I am blessed to have a comfortable income and I recognize that.  But that has definitely shown me that money doesn't buy happiness.  And so my search for a new career continues :)

[mortify ii]

I can't emphasize how important a practical major is. You want to be able to get out of school and get a job. Finding happiness in work is overrated, most people don't like what they do, but do it to put bread on the table. You like theology? Read theology books on the side. If it's not beyond your capacity I would suggest you stick with medicine. You can work a few long days as an RN and still have time for your family and make a decent salary.

Just my two cents

[OnlySunshine]

Well there are some people that love it and I marvel at them.  It should be a very rewarding career but instead I struggle with crazy shifts, insomnia, little respect from other staff, and continual piling on of job duties.  I think in general nurses are seen as very caring people but they put up with a lot.  I'm sure there's some of this in any job but I can't stand it.  I always have to bite my tongue when I have nursing students shadowing me because all I want to do is tell them to run in the opposite direction lol.

 

After all this complaining I sure sound ungrateful.  I know there are a lot of people my age who can't find good employment and wish they could have my job.  I am blessed to have a comfortable income and I recognize that.  But that has definitely shown me that money doesn't buy happiness.  And so my search for a new career continues :)

 

I certainly understand.  I was on the lower end of the nursing totem pole as a CNA and when I first started, I wanted to start from the bottom up and become a registered nurse.  I realized that, although I loved the residents in the nursing facility, nursing was DEFINITELY not for me.  It was way too stressful dealing with the care of the residents.  I researched an alternative way to care for patients and decided to become a Physician Assistant in a doctor's office rather than a nurse in a hospital ward or nursing facility.  Maybe you could consider a degree in Health Administration like I'm doing now?  It's mainly geared for those with a background in healthcare who want to move up the ladder.  It pays well and offers more advances in the workplace.  You don't have to work in one setting, either.  While I'm getting a Master's degree, I'm planning to work in either a hospice care facility or assisted living within the office setting.  :)

[CrossCuT]

I can't emphasize how important a practical major is. You want to be able to get out of school and get a job. Finding happiness in work is overrated, most people don't like what they do, but do it to put bread on the table. You like theology? Read theology books on the side. If it's not beyond your capacity I would suggest you stick with medicine. You can work a few long days as an RN and still have time for your family and make a decent salary.

Just my two cents

 

It is a very depressing thought but I think that is the reality of the situation. The way the economy is right now, getting jobs with "good" degrees is already difficult. Paying for a private education for a degree that will literally get you no where is going to be very hard. 

 

I like a lot of things...theology, literature, politics, art blah blah...but I didnt choose them as a career.

 

I frequently attend theology related seminars with my brother. We have taken multiple classes with Jeff Cavins and it was awesome! I dont have a theology background but I can still satisfy that curiosity without spending $100k and 4 years of my life.

 

But its entirely up to you. If you love that subject and want to work in a related field, then its probably best to work towards a Theology major.

A good friend of mine (who is a Theology major) currently works as a receptionist for a clinic that doesnt even require a degree. :(