Top Degrees By Subject

Religious Studies Degrees

What is Religious education?
Religious education or religious instruction focuses on the study of religious beliefs and institutions. It explores various doctrines, rituals, functions, and customs of religious organizations. Religious education can be approached from an entirely secular point of view or crafted to instruct learners in the teachings of a particular religion.
Religious Education in Schools
The opinion is divided as to whether religious education should be a part of the curriculum in public schools. Religious education in schools is often supported by governments with an official state religion. However, many people oppose religious education in public schools as students who do not adhere to that religion feel like they are being coerced into studying it. Many private and missionary schools funded by religious organizations provide religious instruction, but students are also given the option to take civics or ethics classes instead. Public schools in the US are only allowed to make religious education a part of their curriculum if it is being approached from an academic and neutral point of view.

Types of Religious Education Programs
There are two primary types of Religious education: courses that enable students to study religions from a secular perspective and purely religious instruction programs. A lot of programs in the latter category are designed and taught by religious institutions that aim to promote the teachings of their religion. Most academic programs, on the other hand, follow a secular approach to studying religions and also focus on other aspects such as history, anthropology, philosophy, and sociology. The lessons and courses offered by religious organizations such as Sunday Schools and catechism classes are usually free. Many theological schools and seminaries in the US educate and train people to become priests, church ministers, and rabbis. Some Religious education courses even focus on comparative religion studies that help learners with exploring most of the major religions of the world including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Confucianism, and Taoism.

Benefits of Online Programs
There are a wide variety of online religious education programs ranging from academic degrees to short instructional seminars. Online religious education degrees are extremely affordable and follow a flexible schedule. These programs allow you to study at your own pace without having to compromise your daily schedule and routine. Online lessons are ideal for people who wish to learn more about their religion from the comfort of their home. Many of these programs offer free reading material and multimedia that students can easily access through their website. A number of scholarships and grants are also available for learners who wish to study religions at an academic level. Many of these financial aid options are funded by religious organizations.

Academic and Career Opportunities
Learners who earn a degree in religious studies mostly work as teachers or join religious organizations as priests, instructors, and administrators. You can also pursue a career in the field of religious literature and history. An entry-level degree in religious education helps you build a solid foundation for higher degrees. Some religious education graduates even specialize to become public counselors and therapists.
Political Science Degrees
Political Science degree programs explore various political systems and public policies, covering subjects ranging from international relations to political philosophy. Students undertaking a degree in political science can specialize in a number of fields, including human rights, organizational management, and government policies. Some of the courses offered in these programs also intersect with other disciplines such as sociology, philosophy, history, behaviorism, statistics, and law.

Types of Political Science Degrees and Coursework
Most universities and colleges categorize political science programs under the Liberal Arts or Social Sciences departments. A degree in political science can be pursued at an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate level, but one needs to have a strong background in political science in order to join an advanced program.  Students can focus either on the theoretical aspects of political science or opt for courses that have an applied approach such as public administration. The methods and techniques used in study of political science include surveys, case studies, developing models, research, and analysis of historical documents. Most universities and colleges require students to have a satisfactory academic standing in order to be accepted into an entry level program, and a specified grade point average needs to be maintained throughout the academic program. Some universities also specialize in offering online political science degree programs that enable people to study from home at their own schedule.
Bachelor’s degree programs are usually general in nature and cover a wide variety of courses related to political science, but students can major in a field of their choice. Master’s degree programs enable students to specialize in a certain aspect of political science. Some of the highly specialized master’s degrees include Master of Public Administration, Organizational Management, and Master of Arts in Diplomacy. A variety of PhD programs in political science are also available. Political science students can benefit from a number of scholarships and grants. Some institutions also provide funds for research projects.

Career Opportunities and Academic Prospects
From exploring the function of governments to building models for development, political science graduates can contribute across the spectrum of political systems and public policy. People with advanced degrees such as master’s and doctorate in political science stand a better chance of securing a lucrative and good position. But even students with an undergraduate degree can find many interesting career avenues such as political journalism or campaign management. Individuals with a theoretical background usually pursue careers in teaching or research. Some political science graduates even choose specialized career paths such as being political commentators or political activists. Political science graduates also acquire many skills that play an important role in one’s career. These include communication & negotiation skills, analytical thinking, and administrative abilities.
Political science students may choose to serve the government sector as an elected politician coordinator of federal aid or federal government analyst. In addition to job opportunities in the government sector, political science graduates can even work with non-governmental organizations and private corporations. The corporate sector also offers many lucrative positions such as corporate public affairs advisor, corporate adviser for govt’l relations, and corporation legislative issues manager.