by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you are passionate about your faith and would like to spend your time spreading the word and evangelizing, consider majoring in Missionary Studies.
Missionary Studies majors take classes in world religions, cultural anthropology, evangelism, theology, foreign language, and contemporary issues to prepare for a career as a missionary. You will study the Bible and learn the skills to preach your faith and spread it to other cultures.
In 2021-2022, missionary studies was the 244th most popular major nationwide with 1,282 degrees awarded. Our 2025 Best Missionary Studies Schools ranking analyzes 9 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for missionary studies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of missionary studies programs later in this article.
Students who decide to pursue Missionary Studies often do so in order to devote their lives to evangelism. This major places a strong emphasis on interpersonal and communications skills; you must be able to explain the word of God to others clearly and expose others to your faith in a non-confrontational manner. Since many missions are done overseas, students should be proficient in a foreign language so they can communicate effectively with other cultures and spread their faith.
A degree in Missionary Studies prepares students to work full time as a missionary as well as other professions in the religious field. This is often a life commitment and much more than a 40-hour workweek job. Students should be passionate about this field and willing to make it their life calling
If you think you may be interested in Missionary Studies, it is recommended that you go on some short-term missionary trips. This will allow you to learn evangelistic skills and get hands-on experience spreading your faith. This experience will also allow you to decide if this is what you would like to devote your life to.
missionary studies degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific missionary studies careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Missionary Studies degree levels vary. Missionary Studies programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest missionary studies degree you can get. The type of missionary studies degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to missionary studies, with approximately 41.1% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for missionary studies workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 42.1% |
| Doctoral Degree | 35.6% |
| Master’s Degree | 11.5% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 6.0% |
| High School Diploma | 3.1% |
About 55.5% of workers in careers related to missionary studies obtain at least master's degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in missionary studies have received.
The education level required is different depending on the missionary studies career you are seeking.
Graduates often become missionaries following graduation. You will lead trips either within the United States or overseas. This degree will prepare you for a position of leadership within your church group.
Missionaries may work either independently or with a church group. Many raise their own funds to take trips or live in areas where they feel a calling. Some graduates may also work for non-profit organizations or churches. Most people choose this job due to a sense of calling, and positions are often not high-paying.
Want a job when you graduate with your missionary studies degree? Missionary Studies careers are expected to grow 8.0% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to missionary studies.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Activities and Education Directors | 157,500 | 7.1% |
| Philosophy and Religion Professors | 35,700 | 12.3% |
Recently graduated missionary studies students earned an average of $30,972 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $15,640 to as high as $60,724. As you might expect, salaries for missionary studies graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for missionary studies graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers missionary studies grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Philosophy and Religion Professors | $82,420 |
| Religious Activities and Education Directors | $46,980 |
With over 245 different missionary studies degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased missionary studies school rankings to help you with this.
One of 7 majors within the Theology & Religious Vocations area of study, Missionary Studies has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Missions/Missionary Studies & Missiology | 1,277 |
| Church Planting | 5 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Theological & Ministerial Studies | 15,527 |
| Biblical Studies | 4,021 |
| Pastoral Counseling & Specialized Ministries | 3,465 |
| Religious Education | 1,292 |
| Theology & Religious Vocations (Other) | 1,192 |
