Dr. Scheitle received his Ph.D. in Sociology from Penn State University.

His research examines the social structure and dynamics of religion in the United States, with a focus on three specific areas. The first explores the relationship between religion and science. The second area looks are religious discrimination and victimization against congregations and individuals. A third area examines innovations in how religion is organized in the United States, especially in regards to the growth of so-called parachurch organizations.

He has published three books and over fifty-five scholarly articles. His most recent book is Religion vs. Science: What Religious People Really Think (2017, Oxford, with Elaine Howard Ecklund). He has been awarded four research grants from the National Science Foundation, including two active awards.