The major in theology has proved to be excellent preparation for careers and professions requiring careful reasoning, close reading, clarity in written expression, the ability to make ethical decisions, and a broad understanding of cultures. It provides a solid background for graduate study in the humanities and for such professional schools as medicine, business, and law. For those wishing to pursue a career in academic theology, ministry, or religious education increasingly, these are lay persons rather than seminarians and religious theology, of course, is still a prerequisite. Many students now also elect theology as a second major or as minor to balance and broaden their education and to provide perspective on other disciplines in the natural or social sciences and the humanities.