Why Earn Your Religion Degree at Saint Leo University?
Religion helps us better understand ourselves, our relationships and what motivates cultures around the world. As a Religion scholar, you'll develop a more holistic view of the human experience—a perspective that will inform your work whether serving the church, classroom, courtroom or a social service organization.
What better place to study religion than at Florida’s oldest Catholic college? With centuries-old roots in the Benedictine tradition, we welcome all curious thinkers, regardless of faith background. Together with University Ministry and the brothers and sisters at Saint Leo Abbey, our faculty guide students toward career goals, and to a higher mind-body-spirit connection through respect, service and joy.
This program is offered:
Education Center
Online
As an online religion scholar, you'll develop a more holistic view of the human experience — a perspective that will inform your work whether serving the church, classroom, courtroom or a social service organization.
Est. Time to Complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120 hours
Undergraduate Religion Program Details
Broadly, the major in religion prepares the student for a wide range of careers and jobs, while providing the opportunity for personal and intellectual growth, as well as the development of practical skills.
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Religion students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
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What are the benefits of earning your religion degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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It will help me be responsive to the latest needs and issues such as gender identity, issues of technology, abuse, and the concerns of the smartphone generation. What I like is that it will teach me how to use applied theology to discuss these issues.
Fr. Rojas
Are education centers near you offering religion degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
What skills you will learn?
- Understanding of theology
- Critical thinking
- Library research methodology
- Writing
- Oral presentation
How will you gain real experience?
Peer ministry
Work hand-in-hand with RAs to support and guide campus students through University Ministry's unique Student Chaplain Program.
Internships
Serve the community through opportunities at local parishes, a pre-hospital chaplaincy program, St. Petersburg Diocese's youth ministry program, and Catholic Charities.
Service trips
Spend your spring break serving in a Costa Rican orphanage, a horse rescue in upstate New York or an Alaskan national park. Co-curricular activities: Become an active member of the Religion honor society, University Ministry or campus religion organizations, such as Samaritans, Voices of Christ or Imago Dei.
What can you do with an undergraduate religion degree?
Religion majors can pursue graduate study in theology and full-time ministry, or other careers connected with the church. Religious studies also provide a strong foundation for careers in law, business, teaching, psychology and social work.
What are the top religion degree jobs?
| Career | Growth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Religious Education | 2% (Slower than average) | $52,660 per year $25.32 per hour |
| Clergy | 3% (Slower than average) | $51,940 per year $24.97 per hour |
| Conflict Resolution Specialist | 6% (As fast as average) | $66,130 per year $31.79 per hour |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
Where are Saint Leo religion graduates now?
Students who have earned their religion degree online at Saint Leo University have gone on to enjoy careers connected with the church along with securing a strong foundation for the pursuit of a number of graduate programs. Our alumni network is currently employed in positions like directors of religious education, hospital chaplains, conflict resolution specialists, youth counselors, high school teachers and more.
College of Arts & Sciences
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The College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Leo University offers students a broad education that lays a durable foundation for critical and independent thinking. The essential spirit of the liberal arts is a cornerstone of the varied degree programs. From biology to English to sociology, students enjoy a nice selection of in-demand degree programs for all interests.
Learning takes place both in and out of the classroom. Students travel to Europe through our cultural immersion courses, research unique plant species while trekking through the Peruvian Amazon, and attend film screenings and poetry readings. With highly experienced professors who bring a wealth of practical knowledge to the classroom, students are prepared to work in a variety of rewarding fields. The College supports more than 30 degree programs across University Campus, education centers in five states, and online.
