How a Religious Studies Major Prepares You for the Job Market
A religious studies degree prepares students to enter the field of religious work and other relevant occupations. Religious studies degrees cover the ideals of different religions, religious history and current religious issues or trends happening all over the world. Religious studies students will obtain a well-rounded education in liberal arts subjects and theory-based classes. Students will learn about the cultural and historical aspects of religion, which gives them a fair and empathetic perspective on other religions or beliefs. In return, this will set you apart from other job applicants because you have a developed tolerance and understanding of other people and their beliefs. With this knowledge and training, you are an interpreter of information for others and a model for respect and understanding.

Best Career Paths for Religious Studies Majors
With so much history and interpretation needed within the area of religion, graduates of religious studies can teach others in one of these rewarding career paths:

• Religious Leader. A religious leader can be an ordained minister, a priest, a rabbi or a spiritual teacher. The common thread between all religious leaders is that they conduct religious worship, interpret information and provide spiritual guidance for religious followers. Religious leaders can work at churches, temples, parochial schools or meet locally to discuss religious teachings and give advice to those who seek help. They can speak to all or selected audiences to target a specific age range or gender. Religious leaders may also be asked to do inspirational speeches or visit other churches, meetings and classes to discuss religious topics. Religious leaders not only represent the place of worship in which they work, but they also serve as the leader of the clergy. Religious followers look to religious leaders to find clarity, peace and forgiveness in their everyday lives. Religious leaders' salaries are usually in the form of stipends that often include housing, food and other accommodations.
• Religion or Philosophy Teacher. Put your religious knowledge toward a religion or philosophy teaching career. A religion teaching career allows you to teach philosophy, theology, religion and other related topics at the undergraduate and graduate level, as well as at parochial schools and private schools. Religion and philosophy teachers at postsecondary institutions made an average salary of $65,140 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Religious education can also be taught through supplementary schools, such as Sunday schools, Hebrew schools and catechism classes, which are typically taught to children at their place of worship. This provides introductory lessons to children who are beginning their religious education. Religious teaching gives you the ability to share insight about religion and discuss others' theories and beliefs.

How to Market Your Religious Studies Degree
A religious studies degree has given you many acquired skills that are worthy of marketing to potential employers. Your knowledge and understanding of diverse religions and cultures, makes you the ideal candidate for working in various careers, especially jobs that require open mindedness and relating to others. Your intellect and empathetic attitude are valuable to your relationships with colleagues, bosses and customers as well. In addition to religious subjects, you have also gained comprehensive knowledge of other useful topics, such as anthropology, biology and history. No matter the area of work, be sure to emphasize the unique skills you gained in school and how you can apply them to your profession.