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CIP 39.9999 Theology and Religious Vocations

Theology and Religious Vocations, Other

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

1,050

2025 · 72 schools

International share

10.0%

105 international students

Bachelor's degrees

247

3.6% international

Master's degrees

558

13.1% international

Overview

Theology and Religious Vocations, Other is a unique and interdisciplinary field that explores the study of religious beliefs, practices, and institutions, as well as the preparation for various religious vocations. This program typically encompasses a broad range of topics, including comparative religion, ethics, spirituality, and pastoral care, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of diverse religious traditions and their societal impacts.

Students in this major may engage with texts from various faiths, explore theological debates, and study the role of religion in contemporary issues such as social justice, conflict resolution, and community building. The curriculum often emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and effective communication skills, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in ministry, counseling, education, or community service.

Moreover, this field allows for a significant amount of personal reflection, as students are encouraged to examine their own beliefs while respecting and understanding the beliefs of others. Internships and fieldwork are often included, offering hands-on experience in religious settings, which is invaluable for those pursuing careers in this area.

Graduates may find opportunities in churches, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or even in roles that require a deep understanding of cultural and religious dynamics. Overall, Theology and Religious Vocations, Other fosters not only an academic understanding of religion but also the practical skills needed to engage meaningfully in diverse communities. This program is ideal for those passionate about spiritual leadership and committed to making a positive impact through their understanding of various faith traditions.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2002 to 2025, graduates grew 3% and the international share went from 5.5% to 10.0%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
49.7%
Asian
4.5%
Hispanic
11.0%
Black
15.4%
Other
9.3%
Intl.
10.0%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 72 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
#3 Harvard University Massachusetts 1 0
#23 Emory University Georgia 4 0
#90 Baylor University Texas 9 0
#148 Catholic University of America D.C. 63 8
#202 University of St. Thomas (TX) Texas 6 1
#208 Belmont University Tennessee 7 0
#236 Bethel University Minnesota 3 0
#250 Lipscomb University Tennessee 9 0
#262 George Fox University Oregon 20 0
#288 Biola University California 20 4
#299 Azusa Pacific University California 9 0
#308 Abilene Christian University Texas 7 0
#342 Campbell University North Carolina 16 0
#353 Trevecca Nazarene University Tennessee 30 0
#365 Liberty University Virginia 11 0
#382 Regent University Virginia 9 0
LAC #74 St. John's University (MN) Minnesota 12 3
LAC #85 Drew University New Jersey 5 1
— Dallas Theological Seminary Texas 124 29
— Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global Indiana 96 5
— Moody Bible Institute Illinois 90 15
— Wesley Theological Seminary D.C. 54 11
— United Theological Seminary Ohio 49 1
— Columbia International University South Carolina 38 5
— Evangel University Missouri 37 1
— Valor Christian College Ohio 37 0
— Concordia Theological Seminary Indiana 24 5
— Western Theological Seminary Michigan 24 2
— Life Pacific University California 21 0
— Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary Texas 20 0
— Covenant Theological Seminary Missouri 13 0
— United Lutheran Seminary Pennsylvania 12 3
— Heritage Bible College North Carolina 11 0
— The King's University Texas 11 0
— Interdenominational Theological Center Georgia 10 0
— New Hope Christian College-Eugene Oregon 10 0
— Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York New York 9 0
— Mission University Missouri 8 0
— Central Christian College of the Bible Missouri 8 0
— Southwestern Christian University Oklahoma 8 3
— Westminster Theological Seminary Pennsylvania 8 2
— Kentucky Christian University Kentucky 7 2
— Missouri Baptist University Missouri 6 0
— Oklahoma Baptist University Oklahoma 5 0
— Pillar College New Jersey 5 0
— Hobe Sound Bible College Florida 4 1
— Newman University Kansas 4 0
— Methodist Theological School in Ohio Ohio 4 2

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

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.