Philosophy and Religious Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Philosophy and Religious Studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, and belief systems across cultures and historical periods. This program fosters critical thinking and deep analytical engagement with both philosophical inquiry and the diverse expressions of religious life.
- Logic: The study of valid reasoning and argumentation, emphasizing clarity, structure, and the principles that distinguish sound from fallacious thinking.
- Ethics: A systematic examination of moral principles and values, exploring theories of right and wrong conduct and their application in personal and societal contexts.
- Epistemology: The investigation into the nature, origins, and limits of knowledge, addressing how we come to know what we claim to know.
- Symbolism: The analysis of signs, metaphors, and symbolic forms used in religious traditions to convey deeper spiritual and existential meanings.
- Phenomenology: A methodological approach to understanding religious experiences and phenomena as they are lived and perceived, without assuming their truth or falsity.
- Sociology of Religion: The study of religious institutions, practices, and movements within social structures, examining their role in shaping communities and identities.
- Psychology of Religion: An exploration of religious beliefs, experiences, and behaviors through the lens of human cognition, emotion, and development.
- Philosophy of Religion: A critical examination of core religious concepts such as the nature of God, the problem of evil, and the relationship between faith and reason.
- Anthropology of Religion: The study of religious beliefs and practices across human cultures, focusing on their historical development and social significance.
- Literature of Religion: The analysis of sacred texts, myths, narratives, and religious poetry as literary and cultural artifacts.
- Art of Religion: The exploration of visual, musical, and performative expressions of religious ideas and devotion across time and regions.
- World Religions: A comparative study of major religious traditions—including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and others—covering their beliefs, practices, histories, and global impact.
Philosophy and Religious Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Philosophy and Religious Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Philosophy and Religious Studies degrees, including Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 20,840 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1126 | $78,050 | $47,550 - $134,910 | 20,840 | N/A |
Philosophy and Religious Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $40,340 in South Dakota to $103,210 in California—a 156% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New York, and Maine. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 20,840 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Philosophy and Religious Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 45 institutions offering Philosophy and Religious Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Philosophy and Religious Studies is found at Saint Joseph Seminary College (15 graduates), Berry College (11 graduates), The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) (11 graduates), Iliff School of Theology (10 graduates), and Claremont School of Theology (CST) (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 184 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph Seminary College |
Bachelor's
|
15 | St. Benedict, Louisiana | Private | sjasc.edu |
| Berry College |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Mount Berry, Georgia | Private | berry.edu |
| The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
11 | Louisville, Kentucky | Private | sbts.edu |
| Iliff School of Theology |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Denver, Colorado | Private | iliff.edu |
| Claremont School of Theology (CST) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Claremont, California | Private | cst.edu |
| University of St Thomas |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
9 | Houston, Texas | Private | stthom.edu |
| Central Washington University (CWU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | cwu.edu |
| Rowan University |
Other Award
|
7 | Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| Yale University |
Master's
|
6 | New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| Harvard University |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Stockton University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Galloway, New Jersey | Public | stockton.edu |
| Pontifical College Josephinum |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Columbus, Ohio | Private | pcj.edu |
| Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | slcc.edu |
| Omega Graduate School (OGS) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Dayton, Tennessee | Private | ogs.edu |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) |
Master's
|
4 | West Palm Beach, Florida | Private | pba.edu |
| Valdosta State University (VSU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Valdosta, Georgia | Public | valdosta.edu |
| Hillsdale College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Hillsdale, Michigan | Private | hillsdale.edu |
| Rocky Mountain College (RMC) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Billings, Montana | Private | rocky.edu |
| Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Private | nebrwesleyan.edu |
| Drew University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Madison, New Jersey | Private | drew.edu |
| Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) |
Master's
|
4 | Wake Forest, North Carolina | Private | sebts.edu |
| Wesleyan College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Macon, Georgia | Private | wesleyancollege.edu |
| Pace University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | New York, New York | Private | pace.edu |
| Concordia University-Wisconsin (CUW) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Mequon, Wisconsin | Private | cuw.edu |
| Southwestern College (SC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Winfield, Kansas | Private | sckans.edu |
| Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Fayette, Missouri | Private | centralmethodist.edu |
| Drury University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Springfield, Missouri | Private | drury.edu |
| Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Kansas City, Missouri | Private | mbts.edu |
| Westminster College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Fulton, Missouri | Private | wcmo.edu |
| SUNY Old Westbury |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Old Westbury, New York | Public | oldwestbury.edu |
| Wingate University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Wingate, North Carolina | Private | wingate.edu |
| Saint Vincent College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Latrobe, Pennsylvania | Private | stvincent.edu |
| Augustana University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Private | augie.edu |
| Samford University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Birmingham, Alabama | Private | samford.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Flagler College (Flagler) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Augustine, Florida | Private | flagler.edu |
| Eureka College (EC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Eureka, Illinois | Private | eureka.edu |
| Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Quincy, Massachusetts | Private | enc.edu |
| Holmes Community College |
Associate's
|
1 | Goodman, Mississippi | Public | holmescc.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Master's
|
1 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| St. Joseph's University (SJNY) |
Other Award
|
1 | Brooklyn, New York | Private | sjny.edu |
| Queens University of Charlotte |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Private | queens.edu |
| University of Tulsa (TU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | utulsa.edu |
| Columbia International University (CIU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Columbia, South Carolina | Private | ciu.edu |
| Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Waxahachie, Texas | Private | sagu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Philosophy and Religious Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Philosophy and Religious Studies degree?
Salaries for Philosophy and Religious Studies graduates vary by role and location. Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $78,050 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $103,210 compared to $40,340 in South Dakota. Approximately 20,840 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Philosophy and Religious Studies programs?
Currently 46 accredited institutions offer Philosophy and Religious Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Saint Joseph Seminary College (15 graduates), Berry College (11 graduates), and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) (11 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Philosophy and Religious Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 19 in 2010 to 184 in 2023-24. This represents a 868% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Philosophy and Religious Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 20,840 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Philosophy Programs
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