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.

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"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

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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

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PhD candidate Allison Isidore named Outstanding Teaching Assistant

Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Allison Isidore was named among The University of Iowa Council on Teaching's 2025 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award recipients.
kefas lamak and lois geist

PhD candidate Kefas Lamak awarded Graduate Research Excellence Award

Monday, March 17, 2025
Kefas uses an interdisciplinary approach to examine the customs and legacies of colonialists, missionaries, and Indigenous peoples in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria from 1860 to 1960.
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PhD candidate Kefas Lamak featured in OVPR Dare to Discover banner campaign

Monday, February 10, 2025
Reveals religious legacies in Africa.

Events

Our Roots: A Celebration of Jewish Heritage promotional image

Our Roots: A Celebration of Jewish Heritage

Friday, May 2, 2025 5:00pm to 6:00pm
University of Iowa Pentacrest
For Jewish American Heritage Month, join us on the Pentacrest, outside of Macbride Hall, as we celebrate Jewish stories through student speakers, music, and a reflection activity that pays homage to the Anne Frank Tree Sapling.Please bring your own seating.(Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged)Rain Location: Phillips Hall Rm. 100 (16 N Clinton St.)Sponsored by Iowa Hillel and the Anne Frank Initiative at the University of Iowa
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 to listen—to conversations with colleagues and family, to music in our headphones, to 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 researchers...
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