Best colleges for Religious Education
A program that focuses on the theory and practice of providing educational services to members of faith communities, within the context of a particular religion, and that prepares individuals to serve as religious educators.
70 U.S. institutions graduated 1,234 Religious Education students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 39.0401, a specialization of Religious Education (CIP 39.04), and leads most directly to the Directors, Religious Activities and Education occupation (BLS SOC 21-2021).
About Religious Education programs
A program that focuses on the theory and practice of providing educational services to members of faith communities, within the context of a particular religion, and that prepares individuals to serve as religious educators. Includes instruction in planning and teaching lessons, organizing and supervising instructional activities, designing and developing instructional materials, and administering religious education programs and facilities.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Religious Education program focuses on the theory and practice of providing educational services to members of faith communities. It prepares individuals to serve as religious educators within a specific religious context, equipping them with the skills necessary to teach and guide others in their faith journeys. This program is ideal for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities through education and spiritual development.
Students in this program will develop essential skills such as speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and writing. They will also gain knowledge in philosophy, theology, education, and psychology, which are crucial for effectively planning and delivering religious education.
Credentials awarded
What Religious Education graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree515 graduates / yr · 39 institutions42%
- Master's degree459 graduates / yr · 36 institutions37%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship112 graduates / yr · 11 institutions9.1%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate108 graduates / yr · 10 institutions8.8%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year18 graduates / yr · 3 institutions1.5%
- Doctor's degree - professional practice11 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.9%
- Associate's degree8 graduates / yr · 5 institutions0.6%
- Post-master's certificate3 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
Graduates over time
Religious Education completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,720 |
| 2013 | 1,519 |
| 2014 | 1,728 |
| 2015 | 1,868 |
| 2016 | 1,672 |
| 2017 | 1,502 |
| 2018 | 1,486 |
| 2019 | 1,431 |
| 2020 | 1,298 |
| 2021 | 1,365 |
| 2022 | 1,256 |
| 2023 | 1,155 |
| 2024 | 1,200 |
| 2025 | 1,234 |
Top 50 institutions for Religious Education, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field starting salary* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 362 | 43% | $21,535 | $37,273 |
| 2 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 118 | 65% | $28,911 | — |
| 3 | Duke University Durham, NCPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 62 | 97% | $16,260 | $35,553 |
| 4 | Yeshiva Gedolah Imrei Yosef D'spinka Brooklyn, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 41 | 22% | $13,283 | — |
| 5 | Wheaton College Wheaton, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 38 | 85% | $23,461 | $31,892 |
| 6 | New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoralAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 37 | 74% | — | — |
| 7 | Franciscan University of Steubenville Steubenville, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 35 | 75% | $21,122 | $35,803 |
| 8 | University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, KYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 34 | 50% | $11,672 | — |
| 9 | The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, KYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 24 | 40% | — | — |
| 10 | Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 22 | — | — | — |
| 11 | Wesley Theological Seminary Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 20 | — | — | — |
| 12 | Azusa Pacific University Azusa, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral (prof.)Bachelor's | 19 | 62% | $20,686 | — |
| 13 | Trinity International University - Illinois Deerfield, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 19 | 46% | $20,539 | $31,903 |
| 14 | Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Kansas City, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral (prof.)Bachelor's | 19 | 48% | $26,572 | — |
| 15 | Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 19 | 57% | $29,227 | $32,426 |
| 16 | Union Presbyterian Seminary Richmond, VAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 19 | — | — | — |
| 17 | Concordia University - Nebraska Seward, NEPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Bachelor's | 18 | 65% | $22,390 | $55,023 |
| 18 | Moody Bible Institute Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 17 | 62% | $24,848 | $30,671 |
| 19 | Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wake Forest, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 16 | 58% | $6,608 | — |
| 20 | Bethel University Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 15 | 71% | $25,225 | — |
| 21 | Crown College Saint Bonifacius, MNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAssociate's | 15 | 45% | $26,706 | $32,276 |
| 22 | Toccoa Falls College Toccoa Falls, GAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 14 | 44% | $20,410 | — |
| 23 | North Park University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 14 | 58% | $18,494 | — |
| 24 | University of St Thomas Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 14 | 76% | $28,888 | — |
| 25 | Fordham University Bronx, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 14 | 82% | $38,931 | — |
| 26 | Biola University La Mirada, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralBachelor's | 13 | 68% | $26,727 | $30,887 |
| 27 | Jewish Theological Seminary of America New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 12 | 90% | $27,383 | — |
| 28 | Mount Vernon Nazarene University Mount Vernon, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 68% | $20,657 | — |
| 29 | Veritas Baptist College Lawrenceburg, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAssociate'sPost-degree cert. | 11 | 43% | $13,539 | — |
| 30 | Evangel University - College of Online Learning Springfield, MOPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 50% | $18,874 | — |
| 31 | Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 10 | 59% | $22,906 | — |
| 32 | Rabbinical College of America Morristown, NJPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 9 | 22% | $14,471 | — |
| 33 | Brigham Young University Provo, UTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 9 | 81% | $13,712 | — |
| 34 | Asbury University Wilmore, KYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 65% | $19,816 | — |
| 35 | Lipscomb University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 7 | 72% | $24,309 | — |
| 36 | Dallas Theological Seminary Dallas, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 7 | — | — | — |
| 37 | Grace Mission University Fullerton, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 7 | 100% | — | — |
| 38 | Bryan College - Dayton Dayton, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 6 | 50% | $16,130 | — |
| 39 | Concordia University Texas Austin, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 45% | $22,534 | — |
| 40 | Faith International University Tacoma, WAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 6 | 25% | $18,744 | — |
| 41 | Hebrew College Newton, MAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Master's | 5 | — | — | — |
| 42 | Randall University Moore, OKPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 26% | $16,491 | — |
| 43 | Columbia International University Columbia, SCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 5 | 47% | $21,361 | — |
| 44 | Erskine College Due West, SCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 45% | $21,534 | — |
| 45 | The Catholic University of America Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 4 | 79% | $27,724 | — |
| 46 | Campbellsville University Campbellsville, KYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 42% | $18,824 | — |
| 47 | Boston College Chestnut Hill, MAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 4 | 91% | $21,126 | — |
| 48 | Andrews University Berrien Springs, MIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 4 | 72% | $17,800 | — |
| 49 | Messiah University Mechanicsburg, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 75% | $25,675 | $28,885 |
| 50 | Boise Bible College Boise, IDPrivate not-for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 3 | 32% | $17,344 | — |
* Field starting salary (1 yr): median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Religious Education field (CIP 39.04) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 32 states & territories
Where Religious Education graduates come from. Each state links to all Religious Education programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 21-2021, Directors, Religious Activities and Education, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Religious Education program can pursue careers such as Directors of Religious Activities and Education or Philosophy and Religion Teachers at the postsecondary level. The job outlook for this field is about as fast as average, with an annual growth rate of 2.1% and approximately 13,800 annual openings. The median wage for these roles is $54,840, typically requiring at least a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 39.0401
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Directors, Religious Activities and Educationprimary SOC 21-2021 | $52,100 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~13,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1126 | $80,260 | +0.7% Little or no change | ~2,000 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Religious Education programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Develop or direct study courses or religious education programs within congregations.
- Identify and recruit potential volunteer workers.
- Select appropriate curricula or class structures for educational programs.
- Schedule special events, such as camps, conferences, meetings, seminars, or retreats.
- Counsel individuals regarding interpersonal, health, financial, or religious problems.
- Collaborate with other ministry members to establish goals and objectives for religious education programs or to develop ways to encourage program participation.
Tools and technology used
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Religious Education?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Doctor's degree, or a Postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and writing.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
You can work as a Director of Religious Activities or as a Philosophy and Religion Teacher.
What is the job outlook for careers in Religious Education?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 2.1% and 13,800 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Religious Education?+
Religious Education is CIP 39.0401 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Religious Education (CIP 39.04). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the theory and practice of providing educational services to members of faith communities, within the context of a particular religion, and that prepares individuals to serve as religious educators. Includes instruction in planning and teaching lessons, organizing and supervising instructional activities, designing and developing instructional materials, and administering religious education programs and facilities.
How many institutions offer Religious Education programs?+
70 U.S. institutions reported Religious Education graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 32 states & territories, awarding 1,234 credentials in the year. That is 100.0% of all Religious Education graduates.
How much do Religious Education graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Directors, Religious Activities and Education occupation, which Religious Education most directly leads to, pays a median of $52,100 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Religious Education field report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $32,426, College Scorecard.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. This specialization accounts for nearly all Religious Education graduates, so its figures match the Religious Education program page.
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