Missionary Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for individuals committed to global religious engagement, this program explores the foundational principles and real-world applications of mission work across diverse cultural and geopolitical contexts. It equips learners with the theological, practical, and ethical frameworks necessary to serve effectively in international outreach, humanitarian efforts, and faith-based service initiatives.
- Theology and Biblical Studies: In-depth exploration of core religious doctrines, scriptural interpretation, and theological traditions that inform mission practice and spiritual leadership.
- Evangelism and Preaching: Training in culturally sensitive methods of religious communication, public proclamation, and pastoral messaging tailored to multicultural audiences.
- Medical and Social Mission Work: Study of healthcare delivery, community development, and social welfare programs implemented in underserved regions through faith-based organizations.
- Missionary Education: Development of pedagogical strategies for teaching religious and civic literacy in cross-cultural educational settings.
- Missionary Aviation and Logistics: Instruction in air transport operations, remote area access, and logistical planning essential for mission deployment in isolated or challenging environments.
- Emergency and Crisis Response: Preparation in disaster relief coordination, trauma support, and rapid deployment protocols during humanitarian emergencies.
- International Law and Diplomacy: Examination of legal frameworks, visa regulations, immigration policies, and diplomatic relations affecting religious workers in foreign nations.
- Ordination and Ministry Preparation: Structured guidance toward formal recognition and leadership roles within religious denominations, including rites, ethics, and pastoral responsibilities.
Missionary Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Missionary Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Missionary Studies degrees, including Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary and Directors, Religious Activities and Education. 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 42,300 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 |
Directors, Religious Activities and Education 21-2021 | $54,840 | $33,990 - $106,530 | 21,460 | $26.37 |
Missionary Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $38,790 in Montana to $90,280 in Maine—a 133% difference. The highest-paying states include Maine, California, and New Hampshire. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 42,300 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 Missionary Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 84 institutions offering Missionary 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 Missionary Studies is found at Word of Life Bible Institute (WOLBI) (411 graduates), Bethany Global University (BGU) (120 graduates), Fuller Theological Seminary (67 graduates), Columbia International University (CIU) (66 graduates), and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) (62 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,235 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Word of Life Bible Institute (WOLBI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
411 | Pottersville, New York | Private | wordoflife.edu |
Bethany Global University (BGU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
120 | Bloomington, Minnesota | Private | bethanygu.edu |
Fuller Theological Seminary |
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
67 | Pasadena, California | Private | fuller.edu |
Columbia International University (CIU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
66 | Columbia, South Carolina | Private | ciu.edu |
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Doctorate (Other)
|
62 | Louisville, Kentucky | Private | sbts.edu |
Moody Bible Institute (MBI) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
56 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | moody.edu |
Wheaton College |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
53 | Wheaton, Illinois | Private | wheaton.edu |
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
28 | Kansas City, Missouri | Private | mbts.edu |
Asbury Theological Seminary |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | Wilmore, Kentucky | Private | asburyseminary.edu |
Calvin Theological Seminary |
Master's
|
19 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | calvinseminary.edu |
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Doctorate (Other)
|
17 | Wake Forest, North Carolina | Private | sebts.edu |
Colorado Christian University (CCU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
15 | Lakewood, Colorado | Private | ccu.edu |
Catholic Theological Union (CTU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
15 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | ctu.edu |
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
15 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | nobts.edu |
Samford University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
13 | Birmingham, Alabama | Private | samford.edu |
Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America |
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Santa Fe Springs, California | Private | ch.ptsa.edu |
Western Seminary |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Portland, Oregon | Private | westernseminary.edu |
Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
10 | West Palm Beach, Florida | Private | pba.edu |
Evangel University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Springfield, Missouri | Private | evangel.edu |
North Greenville University (NGU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Tigerville, South Carolina | Private | ngu.edu |
Lee University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
9 | Cleveland, Tennessee | Private | leeuniversity.edu |
Southern California Seminary (SCS) |
Master's
|
8 | El Cajon, California | Private | socalsem.edu |
Dallas Baptist University (DBU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
8 | Dallas, Texas | Private | dbu.edu |
Johnson University (JU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
7 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Private | johnsonu.edu |
Southeastern University (SEU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
6 | Lakeland, Florida | Private | seu.edu |
Toccoa Falls College (TFC) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
6 | Toccoa Falls, Georgia | Private | tfc.edu |
Grace College and Theological Seminary |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Other)
|
6 | Winona Lake, Indiana | Private | grace.edu |
Martin Luther College (MLC) |
Residency
|
6 | New Ulm, Minnesota | Private | mlc-wels.edu |
University of Northwestern (UNW) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | unwsp.edu |
Ozark Christian College (OCC) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
6 | Joplin, Missouri | Private | occ.edu |
Union University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Jackson, Tennessee | Private | uu.edu |
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Waxahachie, Texas | Private | sagu.edu |
The Master's University and Seminary (TMU) |
Master's
|
5 | Santa Clarita, California | Private | masters.edu |
Trinity International University (TIU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Deerfield, Illinois | Private | tiu.edu |
Asbury University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Wilmore, Kentucky | Private | asbury.edu |
Trinity Bible College and Graduate School |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
5 | Ellendale, North Dakota | Private | trinitybiblecollege.edu |
Bob Jones University (BJU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
5 | Greenville, South Carolina | Private | bju.edu |
Harding University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Searcy, Arkansas | Private | harding.edu |
California Baptist University (CBU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Riverside, California | Private | calbaptist.edu |
Truett McConnell University (TMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
4 | Cleveland, Georgia | Private | truett.edu |
Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Bourbonnais, Illinois | Private | olivet.edu |
Emmaus Bible College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Dubuque, Iowa | Private | emmaus.edu |
Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary (FBBC&TS) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
4 | Ankeny, Iowa | Private | faith.edu |
Cedarville University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Cedarville, Ohio | Private | cedarville.edu |
Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Henderson, Tennessee | Private | fhu.edu |
Bethel University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Mishawaka, Indiana | Private | betheluniversity.edu |
Barclay College |
Master's
|
3 | Haviland, Kansas | Private | barclaycollege.edu |
Andrews University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Berrien Springs, Michigan | Private | andrews.edu |
Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) |
Master's
|
3 | Dallas, Texas | Private | dts.edu |
Ouachita Baptist University (OBU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Arkadelphia, Arkansas | Private | obu.edu |
Biola University |
Master's
Doctorate (Other)
|
2 | La Mirada, California | Private | biola.edu |
Crown College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota | Private | crown.edu |
Central Christian College of the Bible (CCCB) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Moberly, Missouri | Private | cccb.edu |
Allegheny Wesleyan College (AWC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Salem, Ohio | Private | awc.edu |
Gods Bible School and College (GBS) |
Associate's
|
2 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Private | gbs.edu |
Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Mount Vernon, Ohio | Private | mvnu.edu |
Oral Roberts University (ORU) |
Master's
|
2 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | oru.edu |
Lancaster Bible College (LBC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | Private | lbc.edu |
Welch College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Gallatin, Tennessee | Private | welch.edu |
Abilene Christian University (ACU) |
Master's
|
2 | Abilene, Texas | Private | acu.edu |
Regent University |
Master's
|
2 | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Private | regent.edu |
Hobe Sound Bible College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Hobe Sound, Florida | Private | hsbc.edu |
Trinity College of Florida (TCF) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Trinity, Florida | Private | trinitycollege.edu |
Brewton-Parker College (BPC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Mount Vernon, Georgia | Private | bpc.edu |
Boise Bible College (BBC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Boise, Idaho | Private | boisebible.edu |
Dordt University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Sioux Center, Iowa | Private | dordt.edu |
Cornerstone University (CU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | cornerstone.edu |
Oak Hills Christian College (OHCC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Bemidji, Minnesota | Private | oakhills.edu |
Mission University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Springfield, Missouri | Private | mission.edu |
University of Providence (UP) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Great Falls, Montana | Private | uprovidence.edu |
Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Bartlesville, Oklahoma | Private | okwu.edu |
Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Shawnee, Oklahoma | Private | okbu.edu |
Southwestern Christian University (SCU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Bethany, Oklahoma | Private | swcu.edu |
Corban University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Salem, Oregon | Private | corban.edu |
Eastern University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Davids, Pennsylvania | Private | eastern.edu |
University of Valley Forge (UVF) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Phoenixville, Pennsylvania | Private | valleyforge.edu |
Charleston Southern University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Charleston, South Carolina | Private | charlestonsouthern.edu |
Houston Christian University (HCU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Houston, Texas | Private | hc.edu |
Northwest University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Kirkland, Washington | Private | northwestu.edu |
Concordia University-Wisconsin (CUW) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Mequon, Wisconsin | Private | cuw.edu |
Maranatha Baptist University (Mbbc) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Watertown, Wisconsin | Private | mbu.edu |
Universidad Teologica del Caribe (UTC) |
Master's
|
1 | Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico | Private | utcpr.edu |
Manna University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Private | manna.edu |
Grace Mission University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Fullerton, California | Private | gm.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Missionary Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Missionary Studies degree?
Salaries for Missionary Studies graduates vary by role and location. Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $78,050 annually, while Directors, Religious Activities and Education earn around $54,840. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Maine average $90,280 compared to $38,790 in Montana. Approximately 42,300 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 Missionary Studies programs?
Currently 85 accredited institutions offer Missionary Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Word of Life Bible Institute (WOLBI) (411 graduates), Bethany Global University (BGU) (120 graduates), and Fuller Theological Seminary (67 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 Missionary Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 989 in 2010 to a peak of 1,386 in 2020, before declining slightly to 1,235 in 2023-24. This represents a 25% 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 Missionary Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary, Directors, Religious Activities and Education, . Related occupations employ approximately 42,300 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.
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