What Are the Different Types of Careers in Theology?

There are many different possible careers in theology, but many require different focuses and degrees. Teaching is a very popular occupation for a person with this type of degree, as is assuming a role in a religion. Many people go on to work in the faith that they studied, but being religious is not necessarily a requirement for a theology degree. Careers in theology typically involve religion in one way or another, but this type of education can also be used as a stepping stone to a career in another field.

One thing to keep in mind when considering possible careers in theology is that this type of major is typically considered different than a degree in religion. While theology is concerned with a variety of religions as well as many aspects of those religions, it is often specifically focused on truth and, broadly speaking, philosophy from a religious perspective. Although this is not always the case, often theological programs have different goals than academic programs in religion, making these degrees suitable to different careers.

Careers in theology often take the form of teaching positions at universities, either teaching people who will go on to be religious officials or teaching people who wish to learn about theology. Depending on the level of education a person possesses and any additional topics studied, he or she may teach a variety of classes. Teaching is one of the most dependable careers in theology, and almost any career will involve some form of passing on knowledge to another person.

Many people who are interested in pursuing a career as a religious official begin with a degree in theology. This is certainly a theological career and sometimes does not require the same education as a person who intends to teach. People from a variety of backgrounds and educational histories enter seminary schools and other religious educational programs. In a sense, these are careers in theology, though they may be more aptly termed careers in a specific religion.

A number of careers in theology involve a combination of skills. Writing about theology, for example, can be turned into a career if the writer is talented and able to sell his or her work. A person with a background in theology might be hired to work on a television show about theology or take any number of unusual career paths that draw on theological knowledge. The key to finding these unusual careers is to be creative and to advertise one's skills.