Here’s a brief list of what Religious Studies Professors do:

• Teaching: Instructing students at the undergraduate and graduate levels in courses on various religious traditions, scriptures, ethics, rituals, and religious thought.

• Research: Conducting scholarly research on religious topics, contributing to the academic understanding of religious beliefs, practices, and phenomena.

• Publishing: Writing books, articles, and academic papers based on research findings to share knowledge and insights within the field of religious studies.

• Advising and Mentoring: Providing guidance and mentorship to students pursuing degrees in religious studies, helping them with academic and career goals.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborating with scholars from other disciplines such as anthropology, sociology, history, philosophy, and theology to explore interdisciplinary perspectives on religious phenomena.

• Public Speaking and Outreach: Participating in public lectures, conferences, and community outreach events to share research findings and engage with broader audiences on religious topics.

• Critical Analysis: Encouraging critical thinking and analysis of religious texts, beliefs, and practices, fostering a deeper understanding of religious diversity and complexity.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in religious studies, theology, philosophy, anthropology, history, or a related field. Courses in religious texts, comparative religion, ethics, and philosophy are beneficial.

• Advanced Degrees: Most religious studies professors hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in religious studies or a closely related discipline. Some may also have a Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Divinity (M.Div.) as a foundational degree before pursuing a Ph.D.

2. Graduate Studies:

• Master’s Degree (Optional): Consider pursuing a master’s degree to deepen your knowledge and prepare for doctoral studies. Some Ph.D. programs may accept students with a bachelor’s degree, but others prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.): Enroll in a Ph.D. program in religious studies or a relevant field. Doctoral programs typically involve coursework in advanced religious studies topics, research methodologies, and comprehensive exams. The dissertation phase involves original research in a specialized area of religious studies.

3. Research and Publication:

• Conduct original research and publish scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals. Building a strong research portfolio is essential for academic positions and tenure-track positions at universities.

4. Teaching Experience:

• Gain teaching experience as a graduate student, teaching assistant, or adjunct instructor. Teaching experience demonstrates your ability to effectively convey knowledge and engage students in the study of religious studies.

5. Networking and Professional Development:

• Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops in religious studies to network with other scholars and stay updated on current research trends.

• Join professional organizations such as the American Academy of Religion (AAR) or the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) to access resources, conferences, and networking opportunities.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!