Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The MA in Religion at Indiana University Bloomington offers a broad curriculum that introduces students to the methods and questions of contemporary religious studies while allowing concentration in particular geographic areas, historical periods, or thematic approaches. Core seminar work typically covers theory and methods in the study of religion, comparative approaches, and research design. Students choose from advanced seminars in topics such as the history of Christianity, Islam and Muslim worlds, South Asian religions, East Asian religions, Judaism, ritual and materiality, religion and politics, religion and gender, and religion in the Americas.

Programme pathways normally include a combination of seminar coursework, language training where appropriate to the student’s research, and either a thesis or a major research paper. Typical modules and activities include:

• Research Methods and Theory: Critical approaches to religious studies, theory of religion, historiography and ethnographic method.
• Regional and Traditions-Focused Seminars: In-depth study of particular religious traditions and their historical development (e.g. South Asian traditions, East Asian Buddhism, Christian thought and history, Islamic studies, Jewish studies).
• Thematic Seminars: Topics such as ritual, scripture and interpretation, religion and law, religion and modernity, visual and material cultures of religion, and religion and public life.
• Language Training: Modern or classical language instruction when required for research (e.g. Hebrew, Arabic, Sanskrit, Classical Chinese, or others), either within the department or via campus language programmes.
• Thesis or Major Research Paper: A supervised research project that demonstrates the ability to conduct sustained, independent scholarship in religious studies.

Students are encouraged to take complementary courses across departments — such as history, anthropology, philosophy, theology, or area studies — and to make use of campus resources (special collections, archives, and language centres) for primary-source work.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (or international equivalent) in religious studies, theology, history, anthropology, or another humanities or social-science discipline. Admissions emphasise academic preparation, fit with faculty expertise, and potential for advanced research.

Typical application components:

• Academic transcript(s) documenting prior degree(s).
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests and reasons for pursuing the MA at Indiana University Bloomington.
• Writing sample (e.g. an essay or seminar paper demonstrating analytical ability and engagement with primary and/or secondary sources).
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academics or professionals who can speak to scholarly potential.
• Curriculum vitae summarising academic and relevant professional experience.
• English language proficiency evidence for applicants whose first language is not English (accepted tests and score requirements are set by the university).

Some applicants may be asked to demonstrate competence in relevant research languages depending on their proposed thesis topic. Graduate assistantships and funding decisions are competitive and typically consider the strength of the full application package.

Career prospects

Graduates from the MA in Religion pursue a range of careers in higher education, cultural institutions and beyond. Common paths include:

• Further academic study: Many students continue to doctoral programmes in religious studies, theology, history, anthropology or related fields.
• Teaching and education: Secondary and post-secondary teaching, curriculum development, adult education and community education roles (additional certification may be required for K–12 teaching).
• Museums, archives and libraries: Positions in curation, collections management, archives, and public programming where skills in historical research and handling of textual/material culture are valued.
• Non-profit and public sector: Roles in cultural organisations, international NGOs, interfaith organisations, cultural heritage agencies and public policy related to religion and society.
• Publishing, journalism and communications: Editorial, research and content roles focused on religion, culture and public affairs.
• Chaplaincy and pastoral work: Some graduates pursue professional formation for pastoral or chaplaincy roles; such pathways typically require additional professional training or denominational endorsement.

The programme’s emphasis on research, language skills and critical analysis prepares graduates for positions that require strong writing, analysis and cross-cultural understanding.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington hosts a long-established Department of Religious Studies with faculty strengths across historical periods, regional specialisations and theoretical approaches. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration with campus centres and programmes — including area studies, history, anthropology, philosophy and theology — which enrich research opportunities.

Resources that support graduate work include access to extensive library holdings, special collections and manuscript repositories, language training, and opportunities for graduate teaching and research assistantships. The Bloomington campus offers a vibrant academic community and regular colloquia, conferences and visiting scholars in religion and related fields, providing strong mentorship and networking opportunities for emerging scholars.