Overview

The Religious Studies programme at Iowa State University provides students with a sophisticated framework for understanding how diverse belief systems influence global history, politics, and social structures. This academic journey encourages learners to examine the profound impact of faith on human psychology and contemporary cultural norms. By engaging with this curriculum, students develop the analytical tools necessary to navigate a religiously diverse world with empathy and intellectual rigour.

Why Religious Studies at Iowa State University?

Choosing this field of study allows students to benefit from a flexible curriculum that encourages the pursuit of individual academic interests. The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies fosters an environment where students can engage in interfaith dialogue and explore the rise of various movements, from historical religious rights to modern global ideologies. Additionally, students have access to the Start Something LAS Academy, which provides unique hands-on experiences in innovation and entrepreneurship, alongside extensive study abroad opportunities through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15293 per semester
National fee: USD 14289 per semester
Local fee: USD 4765 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires a minimum of 120 total credits, including specific focus areas that allow for a tailored educational experience. Modules may include:

World Religions
Religion in America
Academic Theories and Methods
History and Religion
Politics and Society
Human Psychology and Belief

Careers with Religious Studies

Graduates are equipped with versatile skills that translate into a wide array of professional sectors. The ability to understand complex cultural motivations and ethical frameworks makes alumni highly competitive in the global job market. Common career paths and industries for graduates include:

Healthcare: Medical professionals, nursing, and healthcare administration.
Creative Industries: Writing, marketing, communication, and game development.
Education and Heritage: Teaching, library science, museum curation, and public history.
Public Service: Social work, non-profit management, and philanthropy.
Government and International Relations: State department roles, data science, and international development.
Business and Hospitality: Tourism, guest services, and international commerce.
Professional Studies: Advanced degrees in law, medicine, theology, and area studies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

World Religions

Religion in America

The Hebrew Bible

Religions of India

Religion and U.S. Latino/a Literature

Seminar: Issues in the Study of Religion

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Iowa State operates on rolling admission. We strongly recommend that you apply at least six to eight weeks in advance.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ames, United States

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies Christian Studies View 870 other Bachelors in Theology and Religious Studies in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

ACT composite (or converted SAT) score x 3

Cumulative GPA x 30

Number of years of high school core courses x 5

RAI (Regent Admission Index)

SAT scores will be converted to their ACT composite equivalents for this calculation.

High school GPA is expressed on a 4-point scale (you can use our GPA calculator to convert your GPA if it's not on a 4.0 scale).

The number of core high school courses is measured in years or fractions of years.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

30586 USD / year

≈ 30586 USD / year
Out-of-State

28578 USD / year

≈ 28578 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9530 USD / year

≈ 9530 USD / year

Living costs

Ames

United States

1158 - 1797 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Religious Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Ames

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners