Be ready. SMC students earn an associate degree when they successfully complete the halfway point of a bachelor’s degree. Two degrees in four years means you’ll get a valuable degree for the first two years of college – something many other colleges don’t offer. A two-year degree can help you earn better pay while you’re finishing up your bachelor’s degree. It can also be a safety net in case you have to pause your college studies for financial, family, or other reasons.

SMC’s Associate in Religious Studies is the pathway to SMC’s Customizable Bachelor’s Degree. As you complete your four-year degree, having an associate degree will allow you to choose part-time work options in your field. 

Click below for a degree plan and check out the classes you’ll take.

Your plan for the future starts with choosing the degree program that works for you. Starting with the Associate in Religious Studies Degree gives you the knowledge and skills to pursue your bachelor’s degree in religious studies and even continuing on to higher degrees to join the clergy or church leadership.

As in all of our associate degree programs, the Associate in Religious Studies will provide you broad base education in religion. From theory to theology, you’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge to begin your path to a career in religion.

While our Associate in Religious Studies Degree is designed to take you into a four-year bachelor’s degree program, graduates will be prepared to begin work, including: 

• Missionary 
• Charity officer 
• Youth director 
• Lay leader in a local church 
• Teacher 

Thanks to our generous scholarship and financial aid opportunities, it’s likely you’ll pay way less than you think for an SMC education. You may even be able to attend tuition-free! Check it out for yourself!