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Academic Field / Theology

Biblical Studies

Students study the texts, languages, historical contexts, and theological interpretations of the Bible, including both Old and New Testament scholarship. Graduates typically pursue careers in pastoral ministry, religious education, nonprofit leadership, chaplaincy, and biblical archaeology, or continue to seminary. This major provides deep textual and historical knowledge for those called to religious vocations or scholarly study of sacred texts.

Schools
37
Programs analyzed
Earnings
$33,741
Avg 1-yr grad earnings
Range $11,491–$48,073
AI Risk
High
55% task exposure
Field Overview

What Biblical Studies graduates do

Your deep understanding of scripture and theology prepares you for careers centered on community, education, and spiritual guidance. Many graduates become directors of religious activities and education. In this role, your days are a blend of management and ministry: you’ll develop curricula for youth programs, organize community outreach events, manage volunteers, and oversee budgets for a church or non-profit. You might start by leading a specific ministry, like youth or outreach, before progressing to oversee all educational programs for a large congregation.

A different path leads to academia as a postsecondary religion teacher, a highly competitive field requiring a graduate degree. This involves intensive research, writing scholarly articles, and lecturing college students. While job growth in academia is nearly flat, opportunities in religious administration are more stable. AI will have a moderate impact, automating significant chunks of routine work like drafting announcements or organizing research notes. This won’t replace you, but it will change your daily tasks, freeing you to focus on the uniquely human elements of your job: mentoring, building community, and providing spiritual counsel. Adaptability is key.

If Biblical Studies isn't the right fit, programs like Religious Education, Missionary Studies, and Sacred Music draw from adjacent disciplines.

Career Trajectories

Where Biblical Studies graduates work

Common career paths for Biblical Studies graduates, with median salaries, projected growth, and AI exposure per role. Roughly 15,800 combined openings per year across these roles.

Role Median Pay Annual Openings 10-yr Growth AI Exposure
Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary
$78,050
$61K–$102K
2,000 +0.7% High · 51%
Directors, religious activities and education
$54,840
$42K–$75K
13,800 +2.1% Moderate · 44%
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. Salary range shows 25th–median–75th percentile (national).
Top Institutions

Best schools for Biblical Studies

Schools ranked by DegreeOutlook Score (earnings × AI resilience × ROI × job-market size). Top 10 of 37.

Rank #1 · DegreeOutlook Score 48
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, IN · Private nonprofit
$46,674 1-yr earnings
14.5x ROI multiple
High AI risk
# School DW Score 1-yr Earnings ROI
5 Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
Marion, IN · Private nonprofit
34 $46,674 3.1x
6 Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, CO · Private nonprofit
34 $39,272 3.1x
7 Luther Rice College & Seminary
Lithonia, GA · Private nonprofit
34 $37,863 9.7x
8 Freed-Hardeman University
Henderson, TN · Private nonprofit
33 $44,142 3.6x
9 Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH · Private nonprofit
32 $42,572 1.9x
10 Lancaster Bible College
Lancaster, PA · Private nonprofit
30 $44,601 2.5x
11 Central Baptist College
Conway, AR · Private nonprofit
29 $36,109 3.6x
12 Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
29 $35,114 6.6x
13 Carolina University
Winston-Salem, NC · Private nonprofit
28 $39,834 3.9x
14 Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Waxahachie, TX · Private nonprofit
27 $33,918 5.4x
15 University of Northwestern-St Paul
Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit
26 $41,123 1.8x
16 Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, TX · Private nonprofit
25 $37,958 2.2x
17 Manhattan Christian College
Manhattan, KS · Private nonprofit
24 $36,357 3.1x
18 Grace Christian University
Wyoming, MI · Private nonprofit
24 $30,263 4.0x
19 Biola University
La Mirada, CA · Private nonprofit
23 $37,518 1.7x
20 Belhaven University
Jackson, MS · Private nonprofit
23 $35,275 2.7x
How do Biblical Studies programs stack up? See 37 schools ranked by earnings and value →

Related majors

Similar fields of study often offered alongside Biblical Studies.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Biblical Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Biblical Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Biblical Studies

How much do Biblical Studies graduates earn?

The median first-year salary across 37 Biblical Studies programs is $33,741. School selection matters — the gap between the lowest ($11,491) and highest ($48,073) earning programs is significant.

What is the AI automation risk for Biblical Studies?

Biblical Studies is rated "High" for AI automation risk, with 55% of job tasks exposed to large language models and AI tools. This means most career tasks in this field could be augmented or replaced by AI over the next decade.

Where should I study Biblical Studies?

Our data ranks Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global first among 37 Biblical Studies programs. Its score of 48/100 reflects strong outcomes across earnings ($46,674/yr), return on investment, and career durability.

What's the outlook for a Biblical Studies degree?

The average 10-year earnings multiple is 4.2x tuition. ROI varies significantly by school — choose carefully. The spread between the best and worst programs is wide, so individual school selection has a major impact.