Online Master’s Degree in Religious Education

The increased availability of accredited online masters degree programs in religious education is beneficial for individuals who prefer the flexibility and convenience of online learning. An online Master’s Degree in Religious Education is designed to provide comprehensive instructional experience that focuses on the practice and theory of delivering religious education and services to individuals within specific faith communities.

Online Master’s Degrees in Religious Education Requirements

Online religious education masters degree students display specific personal attributes such as integrity, kindness, and social awareness. While studying to receive a religious education master’s degree online, successful students explore ethical and moral issues while developing integral skills through their attendance in good online master programs in religious education.

Many online master’s religious education applicants have successfully obtained a bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:

• Theology
• Religious Education
• Christianity Studies

Typically, individuals interested in taking online masters programs in religious education have already been in the workforce as Sunday school teachers, Christian school administrators, church directors, and religious educators.

Online Religious Education Master’s Degree Education

Good online master’s degree programs in religious education typically take between 2 to 3 years to complete. The types of religious education degrees offered by the best religious education master’s programs online include:

• Master of Science in Religious Education (MS in Religious Education)
• Master of Arts in Religious Education (MA in Religious Education)

Information on Religious Education Courses

The top religious education masters degree programs provide a firm foundation for theological disciplines. Each of the online masters religious education courses have been designed to provide a comprehensive look at specific topics in order to create a strong base of knowledge from which the individual obtaining the online master degree in religious education can expand upon in the future. Online religious education master’s degree courses focus on developing skills and knowledge in the areas of morality, spiritual leadership, liturgy, family life education, spiritual growth, and faith.

The following courses are representative of the study areas taught in the best religious education master’s programs online:

• Christian Moral Theology and Ethics
  A look at the fundamentals of morality and ethics is taken in this top online master’s degree religious education course along with a look at the formation of Christian ethics.
• Introduction to Theology and Ministry
  This religious education masters degree online course provides a clear and concise introduction to theology and practice as well as tradition and ministry.
• Liturgy
  This instructional course providing a full understanding of liturgy is integral for the successful completion of the online master’s degree in religious education requirements.
• Foundations of Christian Spirituality
  A fundamental course in accredited online master degree programs in religious education, the class focuses on the incarnation and evolution of Christian spirituality.
• Family Therapy
  One of the basic courses needed to obtain an online masters in religious education, the family therapy course provides insight into the dynamic relationships between family members.

Specializations and Concentrations

Because religious education is a broad field, in order to become an expert in a specific niche, some online students will pursue specialties or concentrations in areas including:

• Deaf Ministries
• Youth Ministries
• Chaplaincy
• Spirituality
• Catechesis
• Family and Adult Education
• Informal Education
• Day School Education

Careers in Religious Education

Fulfilling career opportunities are available for graduates who hold online masters degrees in religious education. Individuals who enhance their online masters degree religious education credentials with an online PhD in religious education can expect an even greater number of job opportunities and salary potential. A few of the potential career choices for an individual with an online master in religious education include:

• Postsecondary Professor
  Postsecondary professors with a good online master’s in religious education are employed at public and private colleges and universities to teach courses as well as conduct research. Postsecondary professors earn an average of $68,040 per annum. Analysts at the Bureau of Labor Statistics project a growth of 15 % in the number of postsecondary professors between the years 2008 and 2018.
• Social Workers
  Social workers spend their lives assisting other individuals with living, working, educational, and social conditions. The average annual income for social workers varies depending on the specific field and industry within which they work but can be expected to fall between $39,980 and $61,650. The number of social workers is projected to grow favorably.
• Education Administrators
  Education administrators are in charge of the successful operation and performance of educational institutions. Education administrators can expect to earn an annual salary of $54,931 and $158,000 depending on the specific educational institution. The expected growth within this particular field between the years of 2008 and 2018 is between 7 and 13%.
• Counselors
  Counselors with online master’s degrees in religious education provide support services and counseling to adults and children. Counselors can expect to earn $50,440 on average per annum with this level of training. According to data analysts at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the expected potential for growth in this field is 18% over the years 2008 to 2018.
• Family and Marriage Therapists
  Family and marriage therapists diagnose the causes of dysfunctional marriages and families while treating cognitive, behavioral, and affective disorders. Family and marriage therapists can expect to earn approximately $49,000 per annum. A projected growth of 14% from 2008 to 2018 is expected barring any unusual economic conditions.

A master’s degree in religious education from online masters degree programs prepare individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to have a successful and rewarding career in the field of religion.