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CIP 38.0203 Philosophy and Religious Studies

Christian Studies

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

750

2025 · 61 schools

International share

1.2%

9 international students

Bachelor's degrees

329

1.2% international

Master's degrees

230

1.7% international

Overview

Christian Studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the historical, theological, cultural, and social dimensions of Christianity. This program typically encompasses a wide range of topics, including the study of the Bible, church history, Christian doctrine, ethics, and the role of Christianity in contemporary society.

Students in Christian Studies engage with various texts, traditions, and practices of Christianity, analyzing how these elements have shaped and influenced individuals and communities throughout history. The curriculum often includes courses on biblical languages, systematic theology, world religions, and the relationship between faith and culture, providing a comprehensive understanding of Christianity's development and its impact on the world.

Moreover, Christian Studies encourages critical thinking and reflection on personal beliefs, fostering a deeper understanding of one's faith and its implications for moral and ethical living. Many programs also emphasize practical ministry skills, preparing students for various vocations in church leadership, counseling, education, and social work.

Graduates of Christian Studies programs may pursue careers in ministry, academia, non-profit organizations, or counseling, and they often find roles that allow them to integrate their faith with their professional lives. This field is ideal for individuals seeking to explore the complexities of Christianity and its relevance in a diverse and rapidly changing world. Overall, Christian Studies provides a rich and nuanced understanding of one of the world's major religions, equipping students to engage thoughtfully and compassionately with both their faith and the broader cultural context.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 582% and the international share went from 0.0% to 1.2%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
65.2%
Asian
2.7%
Hispanic
12.4%
Black
11.2%
Other
7.3%
Intl.
1.2%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 61 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#4 Yale University Connecticut 5 2
#8 Duke University North Carolina 16 0
#20 University of Notre Dame Indiana 2 0
#55 Santa Clara University California 13 0
#276 California Baptist University California 16 0
#299 Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Minnesota 7 0
#317 University of Mary North Dakota 7 0
#342 Mississippi College Mississippi 11 0
#342 Campbell University North Carolina 6 0
#365 William Carey University Mississippi 9 0
#365 Liberty University Virginia 115 1
#382 Palm Beach Atlantic University Florida 3 1
#382 Houston Christian University Texas 3 0
#382 Regent University Virginia 16 0
LAC #111 Whitworth University Washington 4 0
LAC #146 Gordon College Massachusetts 8 1
— Nelson University Texas 85 1
— Judson College at Southeastern North Carolina 57 0
— Wayland Baptist University Texas 39 0
— Anderson University South Carolina 30 0
— Friends University Kansas 29 0
— Crown College Minnesota 21 0
— Hannibal-LaGrange University Missouri 14 0
— Ohio Christian University Ohio 14 0
— Pacific Rim Christian University Hawaii 14 0
— Saint Joseph Seminary College Louisiana 11 1
— Charleston Southern University South Carolina 11 0
— Northwest Nazarene University Idaho 10 0
— Wesley Biblical Seminary Mississippi 9 0
— Lee University Tennessee 9 0
— Point Loma Nazarene University California 8 0
— Amridge University Alabama 7 0
— Union University Tennessee 6 0
— Shorter College Arkansas 5 0
— The Master's University and Seminary California 5 0
— Ouachita Baptist University Arkansas 4 0
— Denver Seminary Colorado 4 0
— New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Louisiana 4 0
— Carroll College Montana 4 0
— Carson-Newman University Tennessee 4 0
— Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Indiana 3 0
— Grace Christian University Michigan 3 0
— Spring Arbor University Michigan 3 0
— Missouri Baptist University Missouri 3 0
— Oral Roberts University Oklahoma 3 1
— Howard Payne University Texas 3 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 20,460 — $92,040

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.