Today’s top 10 in-demand jobs didn’t exist a decade ago. So, that begs the question: How do you prepare students for jobs that do not yet exist and that are driven by technologies not yet invented? The answer is a well-rounded, liberal-arts-based Jesuit education. It’s more relevant than ever. A major or minor in Theology and Religious Studies teaches you to think critically, to communicate cogently, and provides an excellent foundation for a number of occupations, including business or academic administration, human resources, operations and management, and research and development.
Potential Employers:
- Denominational hospitals, homes, schools, boards and agencies
- Churches
- Religious publishers
- Religious-affiliated schools
- Religious bookstores
- Seminaries
Preparation Strategies:
- Double major or minor in business
- Obtain related experience through internships
- Develop research / writing skills for research and development position
- Hospital – Institutional – Military
Potential Employers:
- All branches of military service
- Correctional institutions
- Homes for children, youth, and senior citizens
- Hospitals, police and fire departments
Preparation Strategies:
- Obtain ordination in your denomination.
- Intensive Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training for hospitals.
- Two years of service in a local church, acceptance into a branch of service, and military chaplaincy school.
Potential Employers:
- Denominational boards and agencies
- Churches
- Religious organizations
Preparation Strategies:
- Clergy positions require denominational ordination and usually a Master of Divinity degree.
- Develop leadership ability and self-discipline.
- Learn and cultivate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Practice high moral and ethical standards.
- Administration/Staff – Campus Ministry – Chaplaincy – Counseling – Religious Life Programming – Research – Teaching
Potential Employers:
- Religious-affiliated elementary and secondary schools
- Preparatory schools
- Private, public or religious-affiliated colleges and universities
- Schools of Theology
Preparation Strategies:
- May require certification/licensure to teach.
- Ph.D. required for teaching, research, and administration in colleges and universities.
- Complete Master of Divinity plus additional training for campus ministry.
- Requires a Master of Divinity and Ph.D., or Ph.D. in area of specialization.
- Administration – Chaplaincy – Counseling
Religious Activities Programming – Residential Life – Social Services
Potential Employers:
- Assisted-living facilities
- Children/youth homes
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Retirement homes
Preparation Strategies:
- Double major or minor in business, social work, human services or special interest area.
- Take courses related to special populations (children, youth, aging).
- Volunteer for related organizations.
- Obtain advanced degrees for counseling and chaplaincy.
- Adult Ministries – Counseling – Adult and Children Day Care – Journalism – Leisure Ministries – Missionary Outreach – Music – Public Relations – Publishing – Radio, Television, and Films – Religious Education – Youth Ministries
Potential Employers:
- Denominational boards
- Churches
- Religious organizations
Preparation Strategies:
- Get additional training or double major in specialized areas.
- Obtain certification for specialized areas.
- Obtain master’s degree in divinity or counseling.
Get experience in communications areas and develop a portfolio.
Double major in music; take additional courses in church music.
- Administration – Advertising – Commercial Art – Editing – Public Relations – Sales – Writing
Potential Employers:
- Denominational book and magazine publishers
- Secular publishing houses
- Denominational area and regional offices
Preparation Strategies:
- Take courses to develop excellent writing and editing skills.
- Learn desktop publishing techniques.
- Learn Internet publishing techniques.
- Develop artistic talent.
- Take courses or double major in graphic design/illustration for commercial art.
Potential Employers:
- Denominational boards and agencies
- Churches
- Secular radio, television, and film industry
Preparation Strategies:
- Obtain related work experience.
- Obtain specialized technical training, double major or minor in broadcasting/communications.
- Administration – Advocacy – Camp Administration – Counseling – Industrial – Programming – Public Relations – Retail Services – Vocational Training
Potential Employers:
- Churches and religious organizations
- Correctional institutions
- National and local nonprofit organizations, including United Way, Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, sheltered industries, etc.
- Shelters
- Nursing Homes
- Youth organizations and camps (including YMCA, YWCA, Young Life, etc.)
Preparation Strategies:
- Volunteer with local organizations for experience.
- May need specialized training certification for some areas.
- Learn and cultivate excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.