In an effort to help ministry professionals better serve those who turn to them for guidance, many campus-based and online colleges are beginning to offer masters programs in the field.

For example, a New Orleans-based school recently opened the application process for an online college degree program in pastoral studies and religious education, which will begin in the fall. The 36-credit hour masters program may be completed fully online or through a combination of campus-based and online college courses.

In addition to foundational theology classes, students who choose to enroll in similar courses of study may take classes on youth ministry, parish life and administration, Hispanic ministry, spirituality or religion and ecology.

Furthermore, college programs online could enable these students to collaborate with one another to discuss their coursework or deeper religious issues. In addition, the convenient online format will enable degree seekers to schedule their studies around a busy schedule.

Individuals who earn masters degrees in this field may choose to become postsecondary educators, as the demand for these professionals is expected to increase by 15 percent over the next eight years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.