Most Popular Careers for Bible College Graduates
While a career as a clergy member may be the first thing most people think of when determining how to use a bible college degree, this isn’t the only path you could follow. Depending on your program of study, you could get a job doing anything from counseling youth at a church to being a doctor. Having a religious education doesn’t mean that you have to pursue a career that is all about preaching. For many students, that extra level of education simply serve as a way to make you a better, more morally-conscious employee.
That’s not to say that a career as a member of the clergy isn’t right for you. In fact, this is one of the most popular careers for bible college graduates. However, working at a church isn’t your only option. You can also work as a chaplain at the following places:
- Colleges
- Branches of the Military
- Hospitals
- Prisons
Even large companies are hiring chaplains to provide faith-based counseling for employees who request help. This is especially common for companies where employees are under a lot of stress. As a member of the clergy, you can also join a company such as Workplace Chaplains, where you’ll essentially move around to places where you’re needed, somewhat like a freelancer in your field.
If you want to be a member of the clergy, you can also specialize in order to reach certain groups of people. For example, you can become a youth pastor, catering to children and young adults. You can also become a missionary, traveling to places far outside the United States to spread the word of God. Keep in mind that missionaries are also needed in areas right here in the United States, such as in inner cities.
Many bible college graduates who don’t choose to pursue a career as a member of the clergy instead decide to go into counseling and social services. Some of the most popular careers within this field include the following:
- Family and Child Social Workers
- Substance Abuse Counselors
- Guidance Counselors
- Mental Health Counselors
- Vocational Counselors
- Probation Officers
- Public Health Social Workers
- Therapists
Additionally, education is a major career field for bible college graduates. You can consider the following career paths if you enjoy teaching:
- Child Care Worker/Day Care Teacher
- Elementary School Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- College Professor
- Private Tutor
Some larger churches also hire teachers to lead bible studies, confirmation classes, new member classes, Sunday school, summer bible camp, and other programs.
Remember, you can take many degrees from bible colleges and work in a secular environment. Bible colleges allow you to have an extra depth to your training, so that you can make decisions in the workplace with your religion in mind. However, that doesn’t mean that you’re not qualified to work as a doctor, lawyer, engineer, IT profession, musician, police officer, chef, or any other job title in your dreams. In many cases, you can get a great start to you education at a bible college, and go on to get your master’s degree or even higher degree in your field.
