Religious Institution Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for those seeking leadership roles within faith-based organizations, this program equips students with the strategic and operational expertise required to oversee the administrative and financial functions of religious institutions. It blends practical business acumen with specialized knowledge tailored to the unique governance and legal frameworks of religious organizations.
- Business Management: Develops foundational skills in organizational planning, decision-making, and leadership strategies essential for directing the day-to-day operations of religious institutions.
- Accounting and Financial Management: Focuses on budgeting, financial reporting, fund stewardship, and fiscal accountability specific to nonprofit and faith-based entities.
- Human Resources Management: Covers recruitment, employee relations, performance evaluation, and compliance in managing staff within religious communities and affiliated organizations.
- Taxation of Religious Institutions: Explores federal and state tax regulations, including exemption status, donor compliance, and reporting requirements for tax-exempt religious organizations.
- Business Law and Governance: Examines legal responsibilities, corporate structure, liability issues, and regulatory compliance as they pertain to religious nonprofits and their leadership.
Religious Institution Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Religious Institution Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Religious Institution Management degrees, including Managers, All Other and Financial Specialists, All Other. 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 758,430 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Financial Specialists, All Other 13-2099 | $80,190 | $46,420 - $151,780 | 127,450 | $38.55 |
Religious Institution Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $65,495 in Arkansas to $147,680 in District of Columbia—a 125% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New York, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 758,430 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 Religious Institution Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Religious Institution Management 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 Religious Institution Management is found at Villanova University (20 graduates), Central Christian College of the Bible (CCCB) (19 graduates), Valor Christian College (11 graduates), Ozark Christian College (OCC) (5 graduates), and Union University (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 57 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villanova University |
Master's
|
20 | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| Central Christian College of the Bible (CCCB) |
Master's
|
19 | Moberly, Missouri | Private | cccb.edu |
| Valor Christian College |
Associate's
|
11 | Canal Winchester, Ohio | Private | valorcollege.edu |
| Ozark Christian College (OCC) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Joplin, Missouri | Private | occ.edu |
| Union University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Jackson, Tennessee | Private | uu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Religious Institution Management programs
How much can I earn with a Religious Institution Management degree?
Salaries for Religious Institution Management graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Financial Specialists, All Other earn around $80,190. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $147,680 compared to $65,495 in Arkansas. Approximately 758,430 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 Religious Institution Management programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Religious Institution Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Villanova University (20 graduates), Central Christian College of the Bible (CCCB) (19 graduates), and Valor Christian College (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.
What career paths are available with a Religious Institution Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Financial Specialists, All Other, . Related occupations employ approximately 758,430 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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