You have the potential to take on a variety of roles, such as pastor, chaplain, counselor, teacher or writer. You may even start your own ministry.
Pastors and Chaplains
Churches always need a pastor to lead services and help communicate biblical messages. By getting an MDiv degree, you receive the training to preach to a variety of communities. Pastors also lead a church financially, thus contributing value to the community in multiple ways.
In contrast, a chaplain is a minister who provides pastoral oversight for schools, prisons, hospitals or even the military. Both pastors and chaplains play important roles in sharing the Christian message and forming fully mature disciples of the Lord Jesus.
For those pursuing a Master of Divinity, salary may be one consideration. In May 2021, clergy members had a median annual wage of $57,230, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
Counselors
Many graduates with a Master of Divinity choose to become counselors. Bringing a Christian perspective to counseling can make a difference by grounding your help in biblical principles. Christians may appreciate the guidance of someone who can use Scripture to improve their lives. However, double-majoring in psychology or counseling could give you even more to offer and potentially enhance your career options.
Are you curious about your Master of Divinity salary prospects if you choose to pursue a career as a counselor? According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors have a median annual wage of $48,520, in May 2021.2 Note that counselors may be subject to certain academic and licensing requirements, which are established on a state-by-state basis.
Teachers
Want to train the next generation of pastors? Professors need to know their topic in depth and be effective communicators. Getting a Master of Divinity can move you forward on your path to becoming a teacher. At times, postsecondary schools require professors to have a doctorate.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary teachers have an annual median salary of $79,640, as of May 2021.3
Writers
Every year, many books are published on a variety of Christian subjects, including Bible commentaries and books on such subjects as faith, leadership and living ethically. To speak with authority and clarity on these subjects, a writer could benefit from having an MDiv. In addition to writing books, you can also write essays or articles for magazines and journals. Ultimately, a Master of Divinity can prepare you to represent Christ in today’s world and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, writers and authors have a median annual salary of $69,510, as of May 2021.4
GCU’s College of Theology prepares the next generation of disciples. To learn more about the theology degree programs available at GCU, including the Master of Divinity degree program, fill out the form at the top of the page.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Clergy as of May 2021, retrieved on March 31, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Clergy. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors as of March 2023, retrieved on March 31, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
3 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Postsecondary Teachers as of May 2021, retrieved on March 31, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Postsecondary Teachers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
4 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Writers and Authors as of March 2023, retrieved on March 31, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Writers and Authors. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
Approved by the dean of the College of Theology on May 15, 2023.
