What Can I Do With a Major In Religion?

• Department of Religion

To find additonal clubs and organizations, visit the Center for Student Organizations.

And connect with your Career Consultant!

SKILLS

The study of religion and theology facilitates the development of a core set of skills sought after by employers in a wide range of occupational settings. A sample of these skills and abilities follows.

Critical Thinking

• Taking a reasoned approach to problem solving
• Critical evaluation of religious questions
• Integration of cross-cultural theological thought
• Analyzing new ideas

Human Relations

• Awareness of individual and cultural differences
• Appreciating diversity
• Helping others organize and express unique points of view

Communication

• Objective listening
• Effective writing
• Conveying complex information
• Speaking to groups
• Reading critically

SAMPLE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• Advocacy Agencies (e.g., The Children’s Defense Fund, International Women’s Democracy Center)
• Communications (e.g., CNN, APCO Worldwide, Institute for Women's Policy Research)
• Education/Training (e.g., universities, Points of Light Foundation)
• Service Ministries (e.g., General Board of Global Ministries, Catholic Network of Volunteer Service)
• Social Service Agencies (e.g., Starlight Children’s Foundation, Shelter House, Inc., Green Door, Catholic Charities, DC Rape Crisis Center, So Others Might Eat)

TIPS

• Religious studies equips students with an understanding of global issues and trends in both historical and contemporary contexts. This understanding of multiculturalism and interculturalism is valued by a wide variety of employers in many industries including education, government, and business.
• Student who seek international careers may find that religious studies provides a good background in global issues.
• Many transferable skills such as analyzing and synthesizing data, research, communication skills, and critical thinking are associated with the religious studies degree.
• People who major in religious studies may or may not consider themselves “religious.” Expertise in religious ideas can be a plus for secular work environments as well as more traditional religious ones.
• An undergraduate degree prepares students for professional and graduate study in business, law, medicine, counseling, higher education, and other fields. Check for prerequisite classes needed to enter various graduate programs.
• Obtaining relevant experience through internships or volunteer experiences is critical to finding employment opportunities. Dual majors or minors can also help open the door in some fields.
• Join relevant organizations and seek leadership roles.
• Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. To search, select “groups” under the “interests” tab. Also, review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.

Interested in graduate school? Find current information on getting into graduate school at UGA’s Career Center webpage.

• O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  
• My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  
• Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  
• Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  
• Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  
• UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  
• Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 
• Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  
• Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.

General:

• Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  
• LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 
• Idealist (non-profit jobs) 
• USAJobs (federal jobs) 

Major/Career Specific:

• InterAction
• Christian Career Center 
• Hillside Missions Organization
• Ministry Search
• Overseas Jobs
• Peace Corps
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - The Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
• U.S. Department of State Careers

• American Academy of Religion
• North American Association for the Study of Religion
• North American Association of Christians in Social Work
• Council of Societies for the Study of Religion
• American Academy of Religion
• Religion Newswriters Association
• African Association for the Study of Religion
• Highlands Institute for American Religious and Philosophical Thought