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

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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

graduate awardees

Congratulations to our 2026 E.P. Adler Award Recipients

Monday, May 11, 2026
This article recognizes our 2026 student award winners.
nabhan-warren

Nabhan-Warren discusses Catholic conversion growth with Iowa media during Holy Week

Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Kristy Nabhan-Warren, AVP of research and professor and Figge Chair in Catholic Studies, discussed how the state of the world is driving an increase in Catholic Church membership with more than a dozen Iowa news outlets over the last week. Nabhan-Warren was elected as the 2027 President of the American Catholic Historical Association. Her research focuses on the intersections of religion, work, and migration in the Midwestern United States. She has authored five books, edits the book series Where Religion Lives, and has published dozens of peer-reviewed articles.
donated food and lecture

Small Bites, big impact: Religious Studies hosts an interactive pop-up food drive

Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Through a series of five-minute presentations on cultural foods and their meaning and use in different religions, students and faculty from the department broke bread to support the community.

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