Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The PhD programme provides advanced training in the study of religion through a combination of coursework, language training, pedagogical preparation and sustained research leading to a dissertation. Students take core seminars in the theory and methods of religious studies and in historiography, as well as specialised seminars focused on particular traditions, regions or themes.

• Core areas: theories of religion, methods of enquiry, comparative approaches, historiography of religions.
• Regional and tradition-based study: Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hindu traditions, East Asian religions, Indigenous and African religious traditions, American religions.
• Thematic concentrations: religion and politics, religion and gender, ritual studies, ethics and religion, religion and law, visual and material religion, religion and science.
• Research training: qualitative and quantitative methods, qualitative fieldwork/ethnography, textual and philological methods, archival research, contemporary media and digital religion studies where relevant.
• Language and area competence: reading competence in one or more languages appropriate to the student's research (e.g. biblical languages, Arabic, Sanskrit, Classical Chinese, Japanese, Hebrew, modern European or regional languages).
• Professional preparation: coursework or practicum in college teaching, pedagogy seminars, conference presentation experience and grant-writing/academic publishing guidance.

The doctoral trajectory typically involves two to four years of coursework and seminar work, qualifying or comprehensive examinations, demonstration of required language competences, a prospectus or dissertation proposal, and several years of dissertation research and writing. Students regularly participate in departmental colloquia, workshops and interdisciplinary centres across the university.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants normally hold a master's degree in religious studies or a closely related field; exceptionally strong applicants with a relevant bachelor's degree and substantial preparation in the field may be considered. Admissions assess evidence of research potential, academic preparation, and fit with the department's strengths.

• Academic transcripts: degree certificates and transcripts demonstrating strong academic performance in relevant coursework.
• Writing sample: a substantial piece of academic writing (for example an MA thesis chapter, published article, or seminar paper) that demonstrates research ability and familiarity with scholarly methods.
• Statement of purpose: a clear research statement outlining interests, proposed areas of study, methodological approach and why the department is an appropriate fit.
• References: several academic letters of recommendation from scholars who can speak to the applicant's research promise and readiness for doctoral work.
• Language preparation: evidence of prior language study where relevant to the proposed research; the programme will specify required language competence during doctoral training.
• English proficiency: for applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English language ability is required in line with university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Religion pursue careers across academia, the public humanities and multiple professional sectors. Typical pathways include:

• University and college faculty positions in religious studies, theology, history, anthropology, or related departments.
• Postdoctoral research and research-oriented roles in interdisciplinary centres and institutes.
• Public-facing roles in museums, archives, cultural heritage organisations and religiously affiliated institutions.
• Policy, advocacy and community leadership roles in non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations and public service.
• Publishing, journalism, education administration, and consulting roles that value expertise in religion, ethics and cultural pluralism.

The department’s emphasis on teaching experience, conference participation and publication prepares graduates both for tenure-track positions and for alternative academic and non-academic careers that require strong research, communication and analytical skills.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers a strong research environment for the study of religion, with a department that combines disciplinary breadth and methodological depth. Students benefit from a wide range of specialised faculty, interdisciplinary collaborations across humanities and social sciences, and access to rich library and archival resources.

• Faculty expertise: a diverse group of scholars covering historical, textual, ethnographic and theoretical approaches to religion, enabling supervision across many fields and regions.
• Research resources: extensive holdings in religious texts, manuscripts and related primary sources, plus university-wide centres and collections that support dissertation research.
• Teaching and professional development: structured opportunities for pedagogical training, funded assistantships and professionalisation that help prepare graduates for academic careers.
• Interdisciplinary networks: connections to departments and programmes in anthropology, history, comparative literature, philosophy, religious studies centres and area-studies institutes that enrich research possibilities.

Together, these features create an environment for doctoral students to pursue rigorous scholarship, gain teaching experience and develop the professional profile needed for diverse career trajectories.