A theology degree prepares you for careers in church ministry or pursuing graduate school to teach at the college level. In conjunction with the teacher education program, the theology major prepares you to teach religious education in grades 6-12.
As a second major, post-baccalaureate certificate or minor, theology can provide you with personal enrichment and enhances your preparation for careers in areas such as business, communication, law, political science, public policy and social work.
Career Opportunities for Theology Majors
As a theology major, you could pursue a career as a:
- Campus minister
- Consultant for nonprofits, academic journals or other organizations
- Church music director
- Director of Christian faith formation
- Pastoral associate
- Religious education teacher or director (at a middle/high school or at a church)
- Theology professor
- Youth or family minister
Nearly 1 in 3 Mount Mary theology graduates go on to graduate school, usually with the goal of becoming a Catholic pastoral associate, an ordained Protestant minister or a college theology professor.
Recent Mount Mary graduates have attended graduate school at Garrett-Evangelical Seminary, Marquette University, St. Francis Seminary, St. John’s School of Theology and Seattle School of Theology.
Starting salaries for theology majors in entry-level positions average about $32,400 per year and median career salaries are $50,700 per year, according to Payscale.com. Pay depends on education and the type of organization for which you work.
Internships in Ministry & Religious Education
We strongly encourage you to do at least one internship for college credit, but internships are not required. Students pursuing religious education careers will complete student teaching.
Theology faculty can help you find an internship, or you can propose an internship. Our students recently have done internships in campus ministry, youth ministry and religious education at places such as:
- Fox River Congregational Church
- Milwaukee Mental Health Complex
- Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Church
- North Shore Congregational Church
- Pius XI High School
- St. Theresa Catholic Church
- TYME OUT Youth Retreat Center
The Milwaukee area offers many opportunities for part-time ministerial positions, usually in religious education or youth ministry. Students are often welcome to apply for these positions, which can be developed into an internship experience.
Internships that promote social justice in the Milwaukee area also are available. Opportunities include working with the mentally ill or peacebuilding efforts.