Certificate in Religious Studies

About Religious Studies
Religion plays a central role in our daily lives and remains a powerful force in modern society. Its effects on politics and culture are undeniable, and religion acts as an important guide on how we should live our lives. A certificate of religious studies covers a number of subjects to give students a strong, broad-based background that can be applied in a number of fields. To employers, religious studies majors are attractive due to the fact that they bring a deep understanding of foreign cultures and have the ability to empathize with others and build strong, constructive relationships with people from all walks of life.

Featured Programs

About the Degree
A number of colleges offer online and on-campus certification programs in religious studies with various specializations. The minimum requirement to enroll in such a course is a high school diploma, however most applicants are enrolled in or have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as theology. Courses include History, World Religions, Anthropology, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology and foreign languages in addition to a comparative and interdisciplinary study of religion. A Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) is based on Christian Theology and focuses on the various historical and cultural aspects of Christianity.

Career Prospects
A certificate of religious studies opens up similar career opportunities as a liberal arts degree, with most graduates being employed in the education sector. Others go into government service, international aid and welfare agencies, publishing agencies and social work organizations. Due to the wide number of career choices available, wages greatly vary depending on the field of work, but normally range between $24,000 for field workers in charities to more than $95,000 for theology professors.