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HailHolyQueen90
Guest
If someone has a bachelors degree in Theology, what careers are possible for him?
Note: Not including the Priesthood.
Note: Not including the Priesthood.
- Thanks!
What careers are there for someone with a degree in Theology?
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Jesus_123
Guest
+Hi HailHolyQueen90 . . .
In all peace and charity . . .
Whichever institution of higher learning in which the theology degree was earned . . . surely . . . had advisors who counseled in regard to the . . . extreme limitation . . . of available career positions . . . if any . . . open for making a living . . . or finding any type of related work . . . for someone earning such a degree if one is not going to pursue entry into the priesthood or planning on entering a religious order . . . a theology degree is an extremely personal and individualized educational pursuit . . . which is not directly ordered toward preparing for a career or work in any particular field in order to make a living when one has completed their degree . . .
Contacting the Bishop of one’s diocese for guidance regarding possible work somewhere in a church related position is the only option I can think of . . . *but such a degree doesn’t even prepare an individual with the education and skills necessary to teach in a Catholic school . . . on any level . . . *and even administrative positions within the church require skills, training and acumen in business matters for smoothly handling church business administration tasks . . .
*God bless . . . *
In all peace and charity . . .
Whichever institution of higher learning in which the theology degree was earned . . . surely . . . had advisors who counseled in regard to the . . . extreme limitation . . . of available career positions . . . if any . . . open for making a living . . . or finding any type of related work . . . for someone earning such a degree if one is not going to pursue entry into the priesthood or planning on entering a religious order . . . a theology degree is an extremely personal and individualized educational pursuit . . . which is not directly ordered toward preparing for a career or work in any particular field in order to make a living when one has completed their degree . . .
Contacting the Bishop of one’s diocese for guidance regarding possible work somewhere in a church related position is the only option I can think of . . . *but such a degree doesn’t even prepare an individual with the education and skills necessary to teach in a Catholic school . . . on any level . . . *and even administrative positions within the church require skills, training and acumen in business matters for smoothly handling church business administration tasks . . .
*God bless . . . *
. . . all for Jesus+
. . . Sweet Spirit of our Holy God+
. . . guide and direct+
. . . Sweet Spirit of our Holy God+
. . . guide and direct+
T
tgauchsin
Guest
I have a brother who graduated from both the high school and college seminary before deciding the preisthood was not for him. After college, he became a computer programmer. He has been working in this field for 15 years.
In his words (philosophical) logic and digital logic are not that different.
In his words (philosophical) logic and digital logic are not that different.
C
Corki
Guest
Bachelor degree or Masters degree? With a bachelor degree, it is marketable in the same way as most BAs in liberal arts are. In other words, they are good background but not intended to be terminal degrees for a career. A BA in theology is a good foundation for future study such as law school.
Now with an MA there are some more options. Many positions working for the Church require graduate work in theology. For example, the positions in youth ministry or Continuing Religious Ed at the diocisan level have that requirement (in our diocese). Our diocese also prefers an MA in theology if you want to be a DRE for a parish. Teaching Religion in a Catholic High School is another field where a Master in Theology will be either required or preferred.
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Joe_5859
Guest
I always encourage people to think outside the box on this. Theology isn’t one of those “High demand” fields. You’re never going to be rich (unless you win the lottery 
). But the job opportunities are out there. And the benefits are out of this world. 
You might try perusing some websites like CatholicJobs.com or CatholicSource.org to get an idea of what might be out there.
The one that most people think of right off the bat is High School Theology teacher. That’s always an option.
Many larger parishes (and sometimes even smaller ones) have paid staff. Some positions include DRE, Youth Minister, Adult Faith Formation Program Coordinator, etc.
Catholic Publishers are another way to go, too. Most of the bigger ones have regional sales reps. Some editorial jobs might also be available if you are qualified in that area, as well as theological consultants.
Catholic Apostolates/Non-Profits are another possibility. This can be a less stable alternative (depending upon their funding) and the openings are even smaller in number, but it’s something to keep in mind.
You could be a freelance Catholic writer, if you like to write. If you’re a good speaker and can get into the speaking circuit, that’s another avenue as well.
Every diocese also has a chancery which employs people, some of whom need theology degrees (though you may need a masters for many of these).
Catholic colleges (or even Newman centers and public colleges) also have a need to fill campus ministry positions.
If you wanted to pursue more education, you could enter Catholic academia.
The USCCB employs lay people, too.
So there are options out there.
The vineyard does need laborers. But it is a vocation that you want to carefully discern.
). But the job opportunities are out there. And the benefits are out of this world. You might try perusing some websites like CatholicJobs.com or CatholicSource.org to get an idea of what might be out there.
The one that most people think of right off the bat is High School Theology teacher. That’s always an option.
Many larger parishes (and sometimes even smaller ones) have paid staff. Some positions include DRE, Youth Minister, Adult Faith Formation Program Coordinator, etc.
Catholic Publishers are another way to go, too. Most of the bigger ones have regional sales reps. Some editorial jobs might also be available if you are qualified in that area, as well as theological consultants.
Catholic Apostolates/Non-Profits are another possibility. This can be a less stable alternative (depending upon their funding) and the openings are even smaller in number, but it’s something to keep in mind.
You could be a freelance Catholic writer, if you like to write. If you’re a good speaker and can get into the speaking circuit, that’s another avenue as well.
Every diocese also has a chancery which employs people, some of whom need theology degrees (though you may need a masters for many of these).
Catholic colleges (or even Newman centers and public colleges) also have a need to fill campus ministry positions.
If you wanted to pursue more education, you could enter Catholic academia.
The USCCB employs lay people, too.
So there are options out there.
The vineyard does need laborers. But it is a vocation that you want to carefully discern.
J
Joe_5859
Guest
This is true, but I always tell people that it never hurts to send in that resume. Depending upon the applicant pool, sometimes what was once a “requirement” turns into more of a guideline.
D
DaughterOfMary6
Guest
My friend got a Bachelor’s in Theology from a Catholic liberal arts school and is now a Jr. High Youth Minister in a Catholic school.
Most of the time, you really need to get a Master’s degree. Those are useful for if you want to be a Director of Religious Education, or something.
Most of the time, you really need to get a Master’s degree. Those are useful for if you want to be a Director of Religious Education, or something.
S
SecretGarden
Guest
Here is a link from the career placement services at Concordia university in Montreal.
caps.concordia.ca/pdf2/ReligionTheologicalStudies.pdf
You can also add Hospital chaplain, missionary, teacher (University with a PHD, College with a Master’s, high school religious teacher high school. This last one will vary according to which province, state and country the person lives in.)
I’m presently doing my MA in theological studies therefore if you need some more information, please send me a line.
caps.concordia.ca/pdf2/ReligionTheologicalStudies.pdf
You can also add Hospital chaplain, missionary, teacher (University with a PHD, College with a Master’s, high school religious teacher high school. This last one will vary according to which province, state and country the person lives in.)
I’m presently doing my MA in theological studies therefore if you need some more information, please send me a line.
J
Joannm
Guest
Here is the states to be certified as a chaplain you need the MA. Older chaplains were grandfathered in but new ones need the degree,
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Inquiringperson
Guest
You could be a canon lawyer.
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Ocarm
Guest
If you spend at least another three years at college studying for the JCL - Licentiate of Canon Law (Latin: Juris Canonici Licentia) - at a pontifical university! But you make a very important point here, namely that admission for study towards the JCL is predicated upon a mandatory - and quite extensive - grounding in Catholic theology. See:
vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_20021114_decree-canon-law_en.html
- for further details.
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