We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What Does a Professor of Theology Do?

Autumn Rivers
By
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGeek is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGeek, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

A professor of theology primarily teaches about religion in a college setting, but there is more to this career than just instructing students. While lecturing, leading classroom discussions and grading papers all make up a large part of this job, this type of professor also is usually involved in other activities. Part of the job description is often to take part in campus events that involve religion, as well as to act as an adviser for religion-oriented clubs. Like most other professors, those who teach theology also are usually expected to perform research and write books and articles.

Professors of theology may teach at religious schools, but they also are often employed at secular public and private colleges so all students have a chance to learn about religion, whether they want a theology degree or just some knowledge on the subject. The typical professor of theology creates lesson plans that are either centered on one particular religion or a wide variety, depending on the course, though the standard classes include teachings on ethics, religious thought and the history of religion. Most instructors offering knowledge on these topics teach using a mixture of lecturing, leading class discussions and administering tests and homework. Those teaching theology courses usually need to set aside time before and after class to advise students, grade coursework and record attendance.

The work of a professor of theology does not usually stop when class is over, because most schools require some participation in extracurricular activities. For example, such teachers are usually expected to be involved in campus events, especially those with a religious or ethical component. Clubs that are based on this subject are usually presided over by at least one professor of theology. In addition, students required to write a thesis or perform an internship involving the subject of theology will likely need help from a professor who is an expert on this topic.

Most professors are expected to keep up with research in their field, and theology instructors are no different. They often conduct both primary and secondary research, which may include supervising studies on theology, collaborating with other experts in this field or spending time taking advanced courses on this subject. The typical professor of theology may need to write grant proposals to get the funds to perform additional research, which might allow him to eventually write journal articles and books on this subject. Many professors even end up writing the textbooks used in their own theology courses.

WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Autumn Rivers
By Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.

Discussion Comments

Autumn Rivers

Autumn Rivers

Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.