Why Iowa?

Learn to think, write, and speak with care about sensitive topics involving religious and cultural differences—and do it at Iowa where writing is the bedrock of what we do.

Develop a deeper understanding

Advance your scholarly work

Learn from experts across fields

See yourself here

Be part of a community of students interested in exploring religion intellectually and culturally. Tap into Iowa's writing and research infrastructure and work with faculty to publish knowledge and findings.

Gisell Torres portrait

 

"Having great professors in the Religious Studies department has been such an enriching experience. The curriculum is diverse, delving into the complexities of worldwide belief systems and deepening my understanding of other cultures and perspectives." 

- Gisell Torres

Write Your Story

Join a network of graduates who have gone on to pursue exciting careers in law, health care, business, community, academia, and more. You'll leave this program a more nuanced thinker with a deep understanding of how religion impacts our world.

News and announcements

Portrait of Jenna Supp-Montgomerie

Jenna Supp-Montgomerie receives Humanities Scholar Award

Friday, December 20, 2024
Dr. Supp-Montgomerie and two other UI faculty members have been awarded Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank Humanities Scholar Awards to further their research.
kristy nab han-warren

Dr. Nabhan-Warren selected as senior mentor for Young Scholars in American Religion Program

Friday, October 11, 2024
Kristy Nabhan-Warren, professor in the Department of Religious Studies, hopes the Lilly Endowment mentor role with the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture will allow her to continue to inspire the next generation of scholars.
photo of alumna Kayla Renee Wheeler

Alumna Kayla Renée Wheeler named Young Scholar in American Religion

Friday, September 6, 2024
Kayla Renée Wheeler, alumna of our PhD program, has been awarded membership in the prestigious Young Scholars in American Religion program.

Events

(Re)Defining the Autoerotic in Medieval Religious Enclosure promotional image

(Re)Defining the Autoerotic in Medieval Religious Enclosure

Friday, March 28, 2025 3:00pm to 4:30pm
English-Philosophy Building
Michelle Sauer is the Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor at the University of North Dakota and an expert on medieval women, sexuality and religiosity.
Wide Lens: LISTENING promotional image

Wide Lens: LISTENING

Thursday, May 8, 2025 5:30pm
Voxman Music Building
In a world full of noise, we often try listening to something: conversations with colleagues and family, music in our headphones, videos blasting from our smartphones. We hear all these things daily, but what does it mean to truly listen? In what sense do devices also listen to us? What is the role of silence in listening? How has listening changed over time? Can political tensions be solved through “listening”? How is listening both an art and a science? This Wide Lens event brings together...
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