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Numerous studies have demonstrated the value of a liberal arts education. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree opens doors to many different job possibilities and helps develop the analytical and critical thinking skills that are applicable to a wide range of professions. In addition, the emphasis on reading comprehension, writing skills, and discussion in BA programs enable students to acquire necessary communication and people skills that are indispensable for managers and other professionals.
More specifically, a BA in Religion & Theology from Taylor University College will prepare you for a variety of career opportunities in an increasingly multicultural world where different religions can no longer be ignored. The influence of religion is pervasive in society and culture, from the spheres of everyday life to politics. Religious beliefs influence events on a local and global scale and thus an understanding of one’s own faith as well as other religions is important. Moreover, living in a multicultural world, it is important to be able to engage people of other faiths in a meaningful and informed way.
Here are some more general guidelines to keep in mind when considering your future vocation:
- Bachelor degrees provide a broad background for careers in many fields including many religious-affiliated organizations.
- An undergraduate degree prepares for professional and graduate study in business, law, medicine, counselling, higher education and other fields.
- While a three-year BA in Religion & Theology will be recognized by employers and some educational institutions (e.g., seminaries), the additional breadth and depth found in a four-year BA makes it a far more versatile and valuable degree.
- While a four-year BA in Religion & Theology may be a good foundation for some ministry positions (youth pastor, missionary), we strongly recommend that everyone considering a career in full-time ministry complete a Master of Divinity degree at some point.
- A PhD is the required for most college/university/seminary teaching, research, and administration. A four-year BA is the best preparation for that career path. We have had students accepted in masters and doctoral work at a whole host of academic institutions, including Harvard, Penn State, University of Toronto, University of Alberta, McMaster University, McGill, Wheaton Graduate School, Regent College, among others.
- Participation in local church activities is always helpful (e.g., leading Bible studies, volunteering with youth groups, etc.)
- Obtain part-time, summer, internship, volunteer experience in religious institution or bookstore, or other related activity in working with and helping people.
- Develop counselling and communication skills due to the nature of the field and working with people.
This page is meant to only serve as a general guide. It is highly recommended that you talk to the your Admissions Counsellor, the University College Registrar and/or someone from the Taylor’s Career Resource Centre for more information. If you have any questions about the Religion & Theology program at Taylor University College, contact the Chair, Tyler Williams, at 431-5217 (if you are outside of Edmonton, please phone me on our toll-free number, 1-800-567-4988), or email him (tyler.williams@taylor-edu.ca). Or better yet, give him a call and get together in person.
Career Paths for Religion & Theology Degree Graduates
There are many different career paths for Religion & Theology graduates. The chart below outlines some of the more common alternatives, including different areas, potential employers, and different strategies to achieving your chosen career.
This Chart was prepared by the Religion & Theology Department at Taylor University College (TFW 01/2003; 05/2004 rev2). and was adapted from a document prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1996).
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AREAS
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LOCAL CHURCH MINISTRIES
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Youth Ministries
Adult Ministries
Leisure Ministries
Counselling
Religious Education
Day Care
Journalism
Public Relations
Television, Radio and Films
Publishing
Missionary Outreach
Music
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Local churches
Para-church organizations
Denominational boards
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Complete 4-year BA in R&T with Applied Emphasis in Youth Work, or in Leadership, or a Specialization in Biblical Studies if teaching will be a major part of your ministry involvement
- Get additional training or double major in specialized areas (such as Psychology, English, etc.).
- Obtain certification for specialized areas.
- Obtain Master of Divinity degree and/or a counselling degree.
- Get experience in communications areas and develop a portfolio.
- Minor in music; take additional courses in church music.
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FULL-TIME MINISTRY
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Senior Pastor
Associate Pastor
Youth Pastor
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Local churches
Para-church and other religious organizations
Denominational boards and agencies
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Complete 4-year BA in R&T with an Applied Emphasis or Specialization
- Clergy positions require denominational ordination and usually a Master of Divinity (If you are planning to go straight to seminary, completing the three-year BA in R&T is sufficient for most seminaries).
- Possess high moral and ethical standards.
- Develop leadership ability and self discipline (The Applied Emphasis in Leadership would be excellent preparation).
- Obtain excellent written and verbal communication skills (no matter what degree you complete, take public speaking).
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CHAPLAINCY
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Military
Institutional
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All branches of military service
Hospitals
Homes for children, youth, senior citizens
Correctional institutions
Police and fire departments
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Complete 4-year BA in R&T with an Applied Emphasis or Specialization or a 3-year BA in R&T
- Enrol in a Master of Divinity program with an emphasis in pastoral counselling or clinical pastoral education, preferably one that is recognized by the Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education (CAPPE).
- Obtain ordination in local church or denomination.
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MISSIONS AND RELIEF WORK
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Church and Community Development
Education
Medical
Urban Ministries
Community Centers
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Denominational boards or agencies
Missions boards
Local churches
Religious institutions
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Complete 4-year BA in R&T with an Applied Emphasis in Intercultural Studies
- Obtain any needed advanced degrees, certification or licensing for area of interest (such as TESL or TESOL).
- Seek related volunteer or work experience (e.g., a Missions Practicum or short-term mission).
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EDUCATION
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Teaching (elementary, secondary)
Teaching (post-secondary)
Research
Counselling
Administration/Staff
Chaplaincy
Religious Life Programming
Campus Ministry
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Public Schools
Religious-affiliated schools
Preparatory schools
Private, public or religious affiliated colleges and Universities or schools of theology
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Complete 4-year BA in R&T with an Applied Emphasis or Specialization or a 3-year BA in R&T
- Complete an after-education degree (a 3-year BA is sufficient).
- Ph.D. usually required for teaching, research and administration in colleges and universities.
- Complete Master of Divinity plus additional training for campus ministry.
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SOCIAL SERVICES
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Administration
Vocational Training
Industrial
Retail
Public Relations
Programming
Counselling
Advocacy
Camp Administration
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National and local non-profit organizations
Churches and religious organizations
Correctional institutions
Shelters, Nursing homes
Youth organizations and camps including YMCA, YWCA, Young Life, etc.
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Complete 4-year BA in R&T with an appropriate minor (e.g., Social Sciences)
- Volunteer with local organizations for experience.
- May need specialized training/certification for some areas.
- Obtain excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
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HEALTH AND WELFARE MINISTRIES
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Administration
Social Services
Residential Living
Religious Activities Programming
Chaplaincy
Counselling
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Hospitals
Nursing homes
Retirement homes
Assisted living homes
Children/youth homes
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Complete 4-year BA in R&T with an appropriate minor
- Minor in Business, Social Sciences, or special interest area.
- Take courses related to special populations (children, youth, aging).
- Volunteer time in related organizations.
- Obtain advanced degrees for counselling and chaplaincy.
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BUSINESS
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Administration/Management
Human Resources
Building Management
Research
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Local churches
Religious bookstores
Religious publishers
Denominational boards/agencies
Seminaries
Religious affiliated schools
Denominational hospitals, homes, schools, boards and agencies
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Complete 4-year BA in R&T with an appropriate minor
- Minor in Business.
- Get related experience.
- Develop research and writing skills.
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JOURNALISM
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Writing
Editing
Public Relations
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Religious magazines and Newspapers
Denominational boards/agencies
Interdenominational organizations
Local churches
Freelance positions.
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Complete 4-year BA in R&T with an appropriate minor
- Do a double major or minor in English.
- Take courses in English, social sciences and journalism.
- Obtain related experience.
- Submit articles for publication for religious and nonreligious papers.
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PUBLISHING
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Writing
Editing
Public Relations
Advertising
Sales
Administration
Commercial Art
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Denominational publishing houses of books and magazines
Secular publishing houses
Denominational area and regional offices
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Complete 4-year BA in R&T with an appropriate minor
- Take courses to develop excellent writing and editing skills.
- Minor in English
- Learn desktop publishing techniques.
- Develop artistic talent.
- Take courses or double major in Graphic Design/Illustration.
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TELEVISION/RADIO/FILM
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Local churches
Denominational boards/agencies
Secular radio, television and film industry
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Complete 4-year BA in R&T with an appropriate minor
- Positions limited within churches.
- Obtain specialized technical training in Broadcasting.
- Get related work experience.
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