Data & Studies

Collected here are data and studies related to the academic study of religion. These resources might assist members in strategic planning, program review, or exploration of the state of the field, both past and current. If you have questions about these resources or suggestions for others to include, please email info@aarweb.org and include “Data and Studies” in the subject line.

Religion Departments and Programs

Teagle Study: The Religion Major and Liberal Education (2007, 2014–2015)
A two-phased study that contextualized the undergraduate religion major within liberal education across ten campuses and surveyed religion majors about their careers and other long-term effects of their study of religion

Humanities Indicators Departmental Survey—Religion (Conducted in academic years 2007–2008, 2012–2013, and 2017–2018; the data for 2019-2024 will be released in Summer 2025.)
An iterative study of humanities departments across the United States. The survey tracks indicators related to majors, minors, enrollment, faculty, and more.

Degree Completions in the Academic Study of Religion
Graphics derived from degree completion data retrieved from the US Department of Education. It illustrates trends in degree production from 1987 to 2014.

Religion Faculty

Jobs Reports

To get a more accurate picture of employment trends in the field, the AAR and SBL created an online survey to track hirings by specialization and collect demographic information on job candidates. The surveys are sent each April to candidates and employers who registered for the previous November’s Employment Center. Longitudinal results will reveal information about what aspects of a candidate’s personal and professional life impact their ability to receive interviews and job offers.

• • AAR and SBL Job Advertising Data 2021-2024 (PDF)
  • AAR and SBL Job Advertisement Data 2019-2020 (PDF)
  • AAR and SBL Job Advertisement Data 2018-2019 (PDF)
  • AAR and SBL Job Advertisement Data 2017-2018 (PDF)
  • AAR and SBL Job Advertisement Data 2016-2017 (PDF)
  • AAR and SBL Job Advertisement Data 2015–2016 (PDF)
  • AAR and SBL Job Advertisement Data 2014–2015 (PDF)
  • AAR and SBL Job Advertisement Data 2013–2014 (PDF)
  • AAR and SBL Job Advertisement Data 2011–2012 (PDF)

Religion Students

A Deeper Look at Trends in Undergraduate and Graduate Religion Enrollments and Degree Completions
An article for Religious Studies News detailing data from the Humanities Indicators Departmental Survey – Religion, concerning undergraduate and graduate student enrollment trends.

Working Conditions for Graduate Students and Faculty in Religion Department
An article for Religious Studies News detailing data from the Humanities Indicators Departmental Survey–Religion, concerning faculty.

Teagle Study – Phase 2
Following the first phase of the Teagle Foundation project, a second study was taken up, this time focusing on long-term impacts of the religious studies major, including learning and career outcomes.

General Trends and Data in Higher Education

Stay Informed Series on Higher Education Enrollment
A regularly updated resource by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center for tracking student enrollment trends in the United States

Trends in Higher Education
Up-to-date research from the College Board on student financial aid and the price of college in the United States.

State Higher Education Finance Report
A resource developed by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association that offers a comprehensive look at state level funding for public higher education in the United States.

Making the Case
Charts, data, and other resources compiled by the Council of Independent Colleges to help demonstrate the effectiveness of member institutions.

Research and Resources
In-depth research and expert analysis collected by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities serving private nonprofit higher education.