MBA in Religious Studies

An MBA in Religious Studies focuses on a variety of topics that integrate business with religion. This program prepares students to take up careers in the nonprofit sector or in church administration. An MBA in Religious Studies is ideal for those who seek to use their business skills in faith-based activities and not-for-profit social agencies.

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An MBA in Religious Studies would cover topics like Christian theology, Old and New Testament, leadership and business skills etc. If you are passionate about your religion and want to make an impact with it, you ought to go through the following guide on MBA in Religious Studies. This guide contains information about the admission requirements, course structure and potential career paths for Religious Studies majors.

What Are Religious Studies?

Religion is one of the most powerful and prevalent forces in the world. Studying this subject can help students understand the complex matters ingrained in the fine prints of religions, along with making sense of the volatile and controversial aspects involved. In addition to that, religious studies involves a look into how scholars develop ideas about human rights, gender relations and law and order with help from religious texts.

Religious is an academic field dedicated to the study and research into religious beliefs, institutions and behaviors. It contains courses on the sources, nature, history and relevance of religious texts and belief systems, and their impact on other parts of the human life.

What Can You Do with an MBA in Religious Studies?

An MBA in Religious Studies is a Dual Degree that can lead to many career paths. Let’s take a look at some of these careers.

Directors, Religious Activities and Education

These professionals are responsible for planning and coordinating programs meant to promote religious education of a denominational group. They may also provide counseling and advice related to health, marital, religious and financial problems.

Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary

These professionals are in-charge of teaching courses in religion, theology and philosophy. This category includes both, teachers engaged in instruction only, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Clergy

These religious professionals conduct worship and other forms of spiritual functions associated with the beliefs and practices of a religion. Clergymen also provide moral advice and assistance to members of the faith.

How to Choose an MBA in Religious Studies?

When choosing an MBA in Religious Studies program, students should consider a variety of factors, such as the admission requirements, cost structure, length of the program, job placement options, notable alumni, student-faculty ratio and curriculum. In addition to these, one of the most important factors is the accreditation of the program. MBA in Religious Studies programs should ideally be accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in US and Canada.

What to Expect from an MBA in Religious Studies?

An MBA in Religious Studies would expose students to foundational business coursework, with topics such as Managerial Finance, Operations Management, Business Ethics, Statistics for Business Decisions and Managerial Marketing etc. In addition to these, the core courses would include the likes of Introduction to the Old Testament, Global Christian Heritage, Theology and Ethics, Interpreting Christian Scriptures, Moral Leadership, Christian Faith, Values and Ethics etc.

MBA in Religious Studies Admission Requirements

MBA programs typically require students to complete at least a 4-year long undergraduate program, along with several years of experience in a related business field. In addition to that, most MBA programs would require students to clear an admission test and provide transcripts from previous educational qualifications. A minimum GPA requirement and a minimum GMAT score may also be placed as a criteria for admissions, along with two professional letters of recommendation, current resume and a personal statement.

How long does an MBA in religious studies take?

It takes two years to complete an MBA in religious studies. You must complete all the coursework in the given time duration and earn a minimum number of credits. You can also opt for an accelerated MBA program which takes less than two years to complete. On the other hand, a part-time MBA can take more than two years to complete. The duration depends on which program track you opt for and which institute you enroll in.

What can you do with an MBA in religious studies?

An MBA in religious studies is designed to equip you with a thorough understanding of business and religious concepts. You may qualify for a variety of jobs with this qualification. Some of the common job positions that you can consider are:

• Social worker
• Teacher or lecturer
• Clergy
• Counselor
• Charity worker
• Missionary

How much can you make with this degree?

The income level will vary from job to job and will also depend on other factors such as location. For instance, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual income for clergy professionals was $43,950 in 2014 whereas social workers made a median annual income of $44,200 in 2012.