Directors, religious activities and education
SOC Code: 21-2021Also known as:
Adult Ministries Director, Campus Ministries Director, Campus Ministry Director, Children and Family Ministries Director, Children and Youth Ministries Director
Median Annual Salary
$54,840
+2.1% growth (2024-2034)
14K
Openings/Year
139K
Current Jobs
What Directors, religious activities and education Do
Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.
💰 Salary
$54,840
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.1%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
14K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
138,900
Projected Employment (2034)
141,800
Related Careers
Social and community service managers
$78,240 •
+6.4% growth
Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors
$65,140 •
+3.5% growth
Child, family, and school social workers
$58,570 •
+3.4% growth
Community health workers
$51,030 •
+11.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Develop or direct study courses or religious education programs within congregations.
- Identify and recruit potential volunteer workers.
- Select appropriate curricula or class structures for educational programs.
- Schedule special events, such as camps, conferences, meetings, seminars, or retreats.
- Counsel individuals regarding interpersonal, health, financial, or religious problems.
- Collaborate with other ministry members to establish goals and objectives for religious education programs or to develop ways to encourage program participation.
- Train and supervise religious education instructional staff.
- Implement program plans by ordering needed materials, scheduling speakers, reserving space, or handling other administrative details.
- Analyze member participation or changes in congregational emphasis to determine needs for religious education.
- Analyze revenue and program cost data to determine budget priorities.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Directors, religious activities and education
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a directors, religious activities and education:
Bible/Biblical Studies
3,603 degrees awarded •
198 colleges offer this program
Pastoral Studies/Counseling
1,323 degrees awarded •
109 colleges offer this program
Missions/Missionary Studies
1,235 degrees awarded •
85 colleges offer this program
Religious Education
1,230 degrees awarded •
78 colleges offer this program
Bioethics/Medical Ethics
757 degrees awarded •
49 colleges offer this program
Lay Ministry
732 degrees awarded •
48 colleges offer this program
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries, Other
678 degrees awarded •
61 colleges offer this program
Youth Ministry
327 degrees awarded •
67 colleges offer this program
Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling
187 degrees awarded •
18 colleges offer this program
Worship Ministry
77 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Directors, religious activities and education
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become directors, religious activities and education.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard University | Cambridge, MA | 73 | A |
| 2 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | 42 | A |
| 3 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | 28 | A |
| 4 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, OH | 53 | B+ |
| 5 | University of Richmond | University of Richmond, VA | 50 | B+ |
| 6 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | Columbus, OH | 26 | B+ |
| 7 | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | 62 | B |
| 8 | Temple University | Philadelphia, PA | 35 | B |
| 9 | Fordham University | Bronx, NY | 29 | B |
| 10 | Baylor University | Waco, TX | 28 | B |
| 11 | Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | 598 | C+ |
| 12 | Word of Life Bible Institute | Pottersville, NY | 411 | C+ |
| 13 | Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 380 | C+ |
| 14 | Moody Bible Institute | Chicago, IL | 256 | C+ |
| 15 | Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | Kansas City, MO | 183 | C+ |
| 16 | New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary | New Orleans, LA | 170 | C+ |
| 17 | Johnson University | Knoxville, TN | 166 | C+ |
| 18 | The Master's University and Seminary | Santa Clarita, CA | 127 | C+ |
| 19 | Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA | 126 | C+ |
| 20 | Wheaton College | Wheaton, IL | 124 | C+ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do directors, religious activities and education make?
The median annual salary for directors, religious activities and education is $54,840.
What education do directors, religious activities and education need?
Most directors, religious activities and education positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Bible/Biblical Studies, Pastoral Studies/Counseling, Missions/Missionary Studies.
Is becoming a directors, religious activities and education a good career choice?
Directors, religious activities and education is projected to see +2.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 13,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for directors, religious activities and education?
Top colleges for aspiring directors, religious activities and education include
Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University in the City of New York, Case Western Reserve University, University of Richmond.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to directors, religious activities and education?
Directors, religious activities and education may also be known as: Adult Ministries Director, Campus Ministries Director, Campus Ministry Director, Children and Family Ministries Director, Children and Youth Ministries Director, Children's Director, Children's Ministries Coordinator, Children's Ministries Director, Children's Ministry Director, Christian Education Director, Church Supervisor, Family Ministries Director, Leadership Director, Men's Ministries Director, Ministries Coordinator, Ministries Director, Music Ministries Director, Parish Religious Education Director, Program Director, Religious Activities Director.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.