Life After Grace

Churches and ministries require various educational requirements. A position at one church might require a postsecondary degree while the same position at another church might only require a high school diploma. Many church and ministry positions will require a bachelor’s degree in a Bible or ministry related field. However, some churches may require a seminary or Master’s degree. Please be aware of this variance.

Church and ministry employers will view an educational understanding of the Bible and ministry as valuable assets, and therefore are more likely to hire a candidate who has completed biblical coursework. In addition to a degree, employers also want to see work experience in the industry.

Here are some examples of careers that may require or prefer a degree in a ministry related field:

• Ministry Coordinator
• Church Office Administrator
• Children’s Director
• Community Outreach Pastor
• Missions Agency Support Staff
• Missions Trip Coordinator
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Ministry Event Coordinator
• Small Groups/Discipleship Pastor
• Community Life Pastor
• Associate Pastor
• Women’s Ministry Director
• Women’s Support Services Staff (Non-profit/Agency Setting)
• Youth Pastor/Student Ministry Director
• Camp/Program Director
• Parachurch Ministries Director or Manager

Associate Degree

Earning an associate degree in a business related field can make you more competitive for entry level administrative, sales, and clerical positions. Though some of these positions might only require a high school diploma, other positions will require an associate degree, prefer an associate degree, or prefer some college experience. Having an associate degree also increases your earning potential and allows you to easily pursue a bachelor’s degree if advancement is desired. In addition to a degree, employers also want to see work experience in the industry.

Here are some examples of careers that may require or prefer an associate degree in a business related field:

• Account/Payroll/Billing Clerk
• Customer Services Representative
• Administrative Assistant
• Switchboard Operator
• Order Clerks, File Clerks, Mail Clerks
• Real Estate Agent
• Bill and Account Collectors
• Loan Officer
• Bank Teller
• Insurance Sales Agent

Bachelor’s Degree

In addition to a degree, employers also want to see work experience in the industry.

Here are some examples of careers that may require or prefer a bachelor’s degree in a business related field:

• Account Analyst
• Claims Adjuster
• Client Relationship Manager
• Event Planners
• Fundraising and Development
• Buyer/Purchasing Agent
• Sales Manager/Coordinator
• Hospitality/Lodging Manager

Associate Degree

A variety of careers in the Criminal Justice field do not state a required degree. However, to be hired at a police department, you will need a Bachelor’s degree or minimally an associates for smaller counties.

Admittance into the academy can be competitive. For this reason, a candidate is more likely to gain admittance if he/she has a higher level of education.

• Corrections Officer (requires 60 credits of college work, requires academy)
• Police Officer (requires academy)
• Intervention Specialist
• Victim Advocate
• Security Officer
• Dispatch/Telecommunications Operator

Bachelor’s Degree

Here are some examples of careers that may require or prefer a bachelor’s degree in a Criminal Justice related field. In addition to a degree, employers also want to see work experience in the industry.

• Juvenile Detention Specialist
• Corrections and Parole Officer (requires academy)
• Probation Officer
• Police or Detective (requires academy)
• Forensic Interviewer (advanced field experience required)
• Victim’s Right Advocate
• Legal Advocate
• Re-Entry/Workforce Development Coordinator
• Social Services Specialist

Students who complete a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice are able to apply to Law School for additional career options. The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is required in order to be admitted to Law School. The Law School Admission Council provides helpful information about:

• The LSAT: https://www.lsac.org/lsat
• Applying to Law School: https://www.lsac.org/applying-law-school
• Fields of Law: https://www.lsac.org/discover-law/pathways-legal-career/fields-law
• You can also find official LSAT Prep at: https://www.khanacademy.org/prep/lsat

Associate Degree

Earning an associate degree in Human Services or Psychology can make you more competitive for entry level administrative, personal care, and social service positions. Though some of these positions might only require a high school diploma, other positions will require an associate degree, prefer an associate degree, or prefer some college experience. Having an associate degree also increases your earning potential and allows you to easily pursue a bachelor’s degree if advancement is desired. In addition to a degree, employers also want to see work experience in the industry.

Here are some examples of careers that may require or prefer an associate degree in a Human Services or Psychology related field:

• Psychiatric Technician
• Activity Assistant
• Direct Support Professional
• Community Supports Worker

Bachelor’s Degree

Here are some examples of careers that may require or prefer a bachelor’s degree in a Human Services or Psychology related field. In addition to a degree, employers also want to see work experience in the industry.

• Youth Specialist
• Child Welfare Specialist
• Behavior Technician or Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Tutor
• Adoption or Foster Care Specialist
• Community Resources/Outreach Specialist
• Family Worker/Family Preservation Specialist
• Intake Coordinator
• Service Specialist – Child Protective Services
• Recipients Rights Advisor

You need a Master’s degree in order to be a…

• Counselor
• Social Worker
• Psychologist
• Therapist

These professions require a certification exam and licensing which requires a Master’s degree.

Associate Degree

Churches and ministries require various educational requirements. A position at one church might require a postsecondary degree while the same position at another church might only require a high school diploma. Please be aware of this variance. Earning an associate degree in Ministry and Leadership can make you more competitive candidate for entry level administrative and ministry positions. Church and ministry employers will view an educational understanding of the Bible and ministry as valuable assets, and therefore are more likely to hire a candidate who has completed biblical coursework. Having an associate degree also increases your earning potential and allows you to easily pursue a bachelor’s
degree if advancement is desired. In addition to a degree, employers also want to see work experience in the industry.

Here are some examples of careers that may require or prefer an associate degree in a ministry related field:

• Ministry Assistant or Coordinator
• Church Office Administrator
• Youth or Student Ministries Director
• Missions Agency Support Staff
• Children’s Director

Bachelor’s Degree

Many church and ministry positions will require a bachelor’s degree in a Bible or ministry related field. However, some churches may require a seminary or Master’s degree.

• Small Groups/Discipleship Pastor
• Parachurch Ministries Director or Manager
• Youth Pastor/Student Ministry Director
• Community Outreach Pastor
• Camp/Program Director
• Children’s/Family Pastor
• Community Life Pastor/Director
• Campus Pastor

Master’s Degree

• Chaplain (may require certification with a association)
• Executive/Senior Pastor
• Ministry Director
• College Campus Minister/Director

Master’s Degree

A Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership can help you advance in your career field. This degree will make you a stronger candidate for leadership positions in the career field in which you already have experience. Job openings that require or prefer a master’s degree also require multiple years of experience in the field. These job openings also might require a specific Bachelor’s degree in addition to a Master’s degree.

• Senior Organizational Development Specialist
• Organizational Effectiveness Specialist
• Director/Coordinator in Higher Education Student Affairs
• Director of Human Resources/Human Resources Manager
• School Administrator/Principal