The study of religion leads in many directions, giving students a leg up in certain areas of the job market or enabling them to pursue further study in graduate school. A degree in Religious Studies offers students training in a unique combination of skills, including direct observation, critical thinking, effective communicating, and cross-cultural understanding. Such skills are in high demand in all professional fields.

Our society thrives on information. In today’s multicultural workplace and global economy, basic knowledge about other cultures and religious perspectives is indispensable. In addition, good interpreters of information are in high demand. Gathering data, organizing it, understanding it, and presenting it are vital skills in the study of religion, and in most professions these skills are essential.

But success in your chosen career is not just about collecting, interpreting, and communicating information; success also depends on making connections with people. Studying religion is about people and their many perspectives. It is about developing insights into what makes people tick, for there is nothing that grounds and motivates many people so strongly as their religious commitments. In jobs that require relating to others—reaching out to them, building bridges, or incorporating many perspectives at once—a religious studies major provides an excellent foundation.

Starting with a Bachelor’s degree in religious studies, there are many places to go. As an academic major, the study of religion and religions broadens horizons and imposes no limitations. But it also lends its own particular strengths to a number of different career choices. Religious studies majors have successfully gone on to graduate work in:

      * Business, especially international business and consulting

      * Counseling and Social Work, which require empathetic understanding of others’ concerns, including their religious commitments

      * Education, including secondary, college, and university teaching

      * Journalism, in which accurate knowledge about religions is now more critical than ever

      * Law and other professions involving human rights advocacy and social justice issues

      * Ministry, including rabbis, priests, youth pastors, and chaplains

Others have moved directly into the job market, taking positions in:

      * Event planning, hospitality, and other service industries

      * Government, foreign service, and the Peace Corps

The Major in Religious Studies at Missouri State University offers students a wide variety of interesting courses that will help them make successful transitions to the professional careers of their choice. For more information about the Religious Studies Department at MSU, go to www.missouristate.edu/relst/ or contact the Department at (417) 836-5893.

Adapted from Why Study Religion? (www.studyreligion.org/where/index.html)