Average Salary with a Master of Theology

A degree in theology prepares you to work in a number of faith-based careers. Most commonly, people who earn a master of theology work as members of the clergy at churches or other houses of worship, but you could also serve as a missionary, faith educator, counselor, chaplain, or even administrator at a faith-based organization. Although most people pursue an education in this filed because they hear a higher calling to serve their community, as an added bonus, earning a master of theology means that you’ll qualify for better jobs that come attached to higher salaries. Let’s look at just what you can expect to make if you go back to school to earn your master’s degree in this field.

Salary by Position

The type of position you take upon graduation makes a big difference when it comes to the salary you can expect. According to Payscale.com, ministers make from around $35,000 up to about $62,000. You can make more as a head minister (up to about $65,000) or a senior pastor (up to about $68,000) if you have your master’s degree. Other positions you could consider include:

• Associate Pastor: $41,208 – $57,321
• Chaplain: $40,235 – $56,180
• Youth Pastor: $24,284 – $40,713

In addition, with a master of theology, you may also have the chance to work as a missionary overseas. Missionaries often do not get paid in a traditional sense, but many get a stipend for living expenses, as well as free housing and food. The bonus here is that you are not only getting to spread your faith, but you’re also able to work in different countries and experience interesting cultures from around the world.

Salary by Location

Where you work can make a huge difference in the salary you’re offered if you have you master of theology. For example, looking just at members of the clergy, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that you can expect to make an average of $46,960 annually. If you’re willing to move to Nevada, the state where members of the clergy have the highest average salary, that number jumps significantly to $61,130. Other top states in terms of salary include California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts; in all of these locations, the average salary for members of the clergy is over $53,000 annually. Remember, if you take on a leadership positions, such as becoming a head minister, you can expect to make even more money.

Top Online Masters in Theology Degrees

Theology is the study of religious faith and practice as it pertains to God and/or spirituality. It is the science of things divine and has its roots in ancient Greece. Individuals with a Christian theology degree from an accredited U.S. institution typically go on to practice ministry or closely related clerical purpose. The following schools all offer online degree programs in theology or religion.

M.Div. in Theology Master of Sacred Theology Master of Divinity (M.Div.) M.Div. in Biblical Studies M.Div. in Chaplaincy M.Div. in Church Ministry M.Div. in Leadership M.Div. in Missional Studies M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling M.Div. in Worship Studies	Liberty University. Liberty University offers a variety of online Master of Divinity in Theology degrees in Biblical Studies, Christian Leadership, Discipleship Ministries, Marketplace Chaplaincy, Missional Studies, Pastoral Counseling, Worship Studies, and Theological Studies. They also offer a Master of Sacred Theology, Master of Arts in Religion (MAR), a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), and Master of Religious Education (MRE). These programs are designed for pastors, Christian educators, small group leaders, evangelical leaders, and Christian musicians. A unique program, the MA in Worship Studies features a faculty of top Christian musicians that bring their experience in song writing and arranging to the classroom. The MA in Pastoral Counseling teaches biblical counseling principles and strategies that can be applied to help a diverse population in churches, rescue missions and shelters. Founded in 1971, Liberty University is a nationwide leader in religious education. Achieve the qualifications necessary for religious philosophy study or church leadership by attending any number of these programs offered at Liberty University.
MA in Christian Studies MA in Christian Leadership MA in Pastoral Ministry MA in Urban Ministry MA in Youth Ministry	Grand Canyon University. Grand Canyon University's MA in Christian studies, MA in Christian leadership, MA in pastoral ministry, MA in urban ministry, and MA in youth ministry are the cornerstones of the university's dynamic religious offerings. Students in the Masters of Arts in Christian Studies program can choose from a variety of specializations, including Christian Leadership, Pastoral Ministry, Urban Ministry, and Youth Ministry. The Christian Leadership MA provides training for religious, professional and secular individuals to become leaders in religious settings. Pastoral Ministry specializes in mentoring and sermon preparation. Urban Ministry includes a course titled "Issues in Urban Ministry," and Youth Ministry includes a course on Youth Issues and Crisis.
MA in Pastoral Care MA in Religious Education	Fordham University. The MA in Pastoral Care at Fordham University combines the studies of theology and psychology to teach advanced studies in the effectiveness of pastoral ministry. The program looks at philosophy, theology, history, sociology and culture. The MA in Religious Education focuses on Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
MA in Religion MA in Christian Ministry	Graceland University. Graceland University's MA in religion includes a curriculum that investigates Christian Theology, Hebrew Scriptures, New Testament, and a Survey of the History of Christian Thought. The MA in Christian Ministry teaches students practical ministerial skills in pastoral care, worship leadership and preaching.
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