Religious Studies Associates Degree Online

If you have an interest in religion or are looking to deepen your understanding of Christianity, pursuing a Religious Studies Associates Degree online may be an ideal choice for you. When you study for an Associates degree in Religious Studies, you might learn how religions developed over time and examine the sacred texts of various religions. In addition, you may explore the role of religion in today’s world during an Associates Degree in Religious Studies Online. [i,ii]

Common Coursework for an Associates Degree in Religious Studies Online

The curriculum for an Associates degree in Religious Studies may provide a student with a deeper understanding of the Bible and Christian theology, in addition to growing his or her faith. Coursework may also prepare students to apply the Bible and its principles to contemporary world issues. Common courses may include: [ii]

  • Evangelism and Christian Life
  • Old Testament Survey
  • New Testament Survey
  • Theological Interpretation of the Bible
  • Philosophy of Religion
  • Religion in American History

Are There Any Concentration Options?

When pursuing an Associates degree in Religious Studies, you might find that some programs focus specifically on Christianity. Other online programs may concentrate more on ministry, while yet another program may place emphasis on the history of Christianity and life of Christ. Some students might choose to incorporate elective courses that examine other world religions as a way to deepen their understanding of different faith systems.

What Career Paths May People Who Earn a Religious Studies Associates Degree Online Pursue?

Some people who pursue a degree in religious studies might seek a career in youth ministry, church administration, missions, or within a local ministry.[v,vi] According to Payscale.com, the median annual salary for youth ministers in 2016 was $34,394. The bottom 10 percent earned an annual wage of $20,070, while the top 90 percent earned $48,280.[vii]

In addition, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, administrative assistants earned a median salary of $35,970 in 2014. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,170, while the top 90 percent earned $59,560.[viii]

Earning a Religious Studies Associates Degree online might jump-start your career in the church or mission field, or prepare you to pursue a higher educational degree. Research various religious studies programs to find the perfect match for your desires.


[i]sacredheart.edu/academics/collegeofartssciences/academicdepartments/philosophytheologyreligiousstudies/theologyandreligiousstudies/associatesdegree/ [ii]ccp.edu/college-catalog/degree-and-certificate-programs/associate-arts-aa/religious-studies [iii]liberty.edu/media/1270/RLGN-AA-D.pdf [iv]liberty.edu/online/associate/religion/ [v]lbc.edu/Assets/PDFs/Undergraduate/Academics/Curriculum%20Sheets/
Bible%20&%20Theology/Biblical%20Studies_Assoc-2yr.pdf [vi]sacredheart.edu/academics/collegeofartssciences/academicdepartments/
philosophytheologyreligiousstudies/theologyandreligiousstudies/associatesdegree/#Curriculum [vii]payscale.com/research/US/Job=Youth_Minister/Salary
[viii]bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm#tab-5