After completing degree programs in religion or philosophy, many students choose to go into careers as professors, writers, journalists, and many more fields of study. These careers draw on students' school experience in critical thinking, analysis, and research. Some career options require only a bachelor's degree, while others call for graduate study. This article will discuss several of the available careers with religious studies degree credentials.
Why Should One Study Religion from a Philosophical Perspective?
Degree programs in religious studies or philosophy instruct students in research, communications and critical thinking skills, as well as knowledge of religious and philosophical systems. Religious studies students generally approach the study of religion from an academic standpoint rather than from the perspective of a specific religious tradition, meaning that careers in philosophy and religion are available to all students regardless of personal religious belief. Philosophy students are interested in questions of knowledge and understanding and may focus on fields such as analytics or the philosophy of religion.
In order to pursue careers in philosophy or the study of religion, students often need to complete a master's or doctoral degree.
Religious Studies Job Fields
If you are worried about finding philosophy bachelor's degree jobs, keep in mind that there are numerous religious studies jobs and philosophy jobs that may be of interest to students. Graduates of these programs might work in education, writing, journalism, law, religion, social work, or anthropology. What job field a student chooses to pursue will depend heavily on the aspects of religious studies and philosophy that interest an individual. As with many humanities degrees, religious studies and philosophy students may find that their careers are more tangentially related to their field of study. This is normal and does not make the study of philosophy or religion a waste of time by any means. Philosophy and religion majors can work in the following fields:
- Postsecondary educators
- Writers
- Journalists
- Members of religious orders
- Anthropologists
- Lawyers
- Social workers
Careers with Religious Studies Degree: Descriptions
What can you do with a philosophy of religion degree? Let's look at the following jobs related to religious studies in more detail.
Postsecondary Educators
A majority of students who complete doctoral degrees in philosophy or religious studies plan to pursue careers in academic research and teaching. Postsecondary teachers work for colleges and universities, teaching courses, advising students and, in most cases, publishing research.
Writers
Writers use the written word to communicate ideas, stories and concepts to readers, who may be laypersons, experts in a specific area, hobbyists or recreational readers. Writers who have training in religious studies or philosophy might write freelance pieces for magazines that focus on religious topics or related issues, or they may research and write books for specialty or general audiences.
Journalists
Journalists use printed or other media to inform readers, listeners and viewers about important issues and newsworthy stories. They may write stories for newspapers, magazines or online journals, or they might report stories for television or radio news broadcasts. Journalists who focus on religious topics might begin as freelance writers, pitching story ideas to magazines and newspapers, before establishing stable careers. Some journalists work as columnists, writing regular opinion and commentary pieces for a specific publication.
Religious Workers
While being a member of a specific religion is by no means a prerequisite for religious studies, some students who pursue this kind of education do end up joining religious orders or working in religious careers. They might be pastors or preachers, monks or nuns, rabbis, or other religious leaders or workers in their religion. Their academic background may help to make them more thoughtful and engaged with a given spiritual community.
Anthropologists
If you want a career in philosophy, anthropology may be a good field to explore. Anthropologists study human cultures around the world. A strong understanding of religion and philosophy can give an anthropologist an excellent basis in understanding the systems of belief that govern and shape human life. Keep in mind that anthropologists typically need specific education to pursue this field, in addition to a religious or philosophical education if applicable.
Lawyers
Becoming a lawyer does not necessitate a specific undergraduate degree, meaning that those who pursue religious studies or philosophy may be well suited to go on to pursue law degrees. These undergraduate programs teach skills like critical thinking and writing skills that are invaluable for those who practice law.
Social Workers
Social workers need to be prepared to work with people who are experiencing many kinds of challenging situations. An understanding of the role of religion in people's lives, as well as a detailed understanding of the doctrines of different religions, can allow social workers to approach clients through a compassionate perspective that works for each individual based on their own world view.
There are a few popular options available for students holding degrees in religion and philosophy. A career as a university professor can offer graduates of doctoral programs a chance to teach and continue their research. This philosophy careers list with jobs for religious studies students may give you an idea of where to start.
