University of Iowa

What you'll study

The PhD programme centres on original research in religious studies balanced with coursework and language training. Students design a course of study in consultation with faculty that typically includes advanced seminars in theory and methods, topical courses in areas such as American religions, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, religion and literature, religion and politics, religion and science, and religion in global contexts.

• Core components: advanced seminars in religious studies theory and research methods; preparation and defence of a dissertation prospectus; doctoral qualifying examinations.
• Research methods: training in historical-critical methods, ethnographic and fieldwork methods, textual analysis, comparative approaches, and relevant digital humanities tools.
• Language and area competence: reading proficiency in one or more research languages appropriate to the dissertation (for example Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, Sanskrit, Tibetan, German, French, or others), plus possible coursework in regional studies or related disciplines.
• Electives and interdisciplinary work: opportunities to take electives and pursue joint interests in departments such as History, Philosophy, Anthropology, Classics, Comparative Literature, Religious Studies Centre initiatives and American Studies.
• Dissertation: an original, book-length research project that contributes to scholarship in a chosen subfield and is supervised by a committee of faculty specialists.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master's degree or an honours bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance. Admission decisions are based on the applicant’s academic record, evidence of research potential, and fit with departmental faculty expertise.

• Academic transcripts: official records demonstrating prior study in religious studies or related humanities and social sciences.
• Writing sample: a substantial sample of academic writing (for example a seminar paper, thesis chapter, or published article) that demonstrates analytic ability and familiarity with scholarly literature.
• Research statement: a statement of research interests outlining potential dissertation topics, methodology, and how the project aligns with faculty strengths.
• References: at least three academic letters of recommendation commenting on research ability and preparedness for doctoral study.
• Language ability: evidence of competence in required research languages where applicable; some fields may require demonstration of proficiency prior to certain milestones.
• Additional materials: departments may accept or require an interview and information about professional experience; GRE scores are considered optional or not required depending on departmental policy—applicants should consult the programme for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers that draw on advanced research, teaching and analytical skills. Many alumni enter academic careers as postdoctoral researchers, lecturers, or tenure-track faculty in religious studies, theology, history, anthropology or related departments.

• Research and teaching in higher education and secondary schools.
• Public-facing roles in museums, archives and cultural heritage institutions, including curatorial and interpretive work.
• Policy, non-profit and community organisations focusing on interfaith dialogue, religious literacy, human rights, or social services.
• Publishing, journalism and communications with a focus on religion, ethics and cultural analysis.
• Graduate administration, library special collections, and digital humanities roles that require advanced research training.

Why study at University of Iowa

The University of Iowa offers a doctoral environment with strengths in interdisciplinary scholarship and close faculty mentorship within a public research university setting. Students benefit from access to extensive library collections, manuscript and special collections, and collaborative centres and institutes that support religious studies research.

• Faculty expertise: a diverse faculty with specialisms across historical, textual, ethnographic and theoretical approaches who supervise doctoral research across global traditions.
• Research resources: access to the university libraries and special collections, digital humanities support, and opportunities for archival research and fieldwork funding through university grants.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: strong links with departments such as History, Classics, Anthropology, Philosophy and English enable tailored, cross-disciplinary doctoral projects.
• Professional development: teaching and pedagogy training, conference support, and career workshops aimed at preparing graduates for academic and non-academic careers.