Dear Religious Studies students,
This message is intended for students who are working towards a major or minor in Religious Studies, or those who are interested in declaring one.
As you may have seen, there has been quite some media coverage the last few days of ongoing plans for eliminating, suspending and consolidating many IU degree programs, in response to the new Indiana law HEA 1001. (Since some of these media stories have not been entirely accurate, for brief background please see this IU Today article.)
You may also have seen that our B.A.s in Religious Studies is on the list of degrees affected.
Q: What does this mean for you, as current student in Religious Studies?
A: Nothing! The changes that are being decided upon now will only be effective for students starting in the summer of 2026. There is zero impact on all current undergraduate students and students starting Fall 2025.
Q: But what will happen with the Religious Studies BA after this year?
A: Our BA will be listed under another "umbrella" degree. We will be the same faculty, offer the same kinds of courses, and still have the REL prefix. The particular name of that degree will go through a review process this academic year, so we will have more information about that in early Summer 2026.
Q: And what about the department itself?
A: The legislation does not require us to change or merge departments, and there is no discussion at this point about changing departments in any way. Similarly, our faculty will still be here in Sycamore Hall, and teaching our classes all across campus!
Please don't hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions.
Chair of the Religious Studies Department
The College of Arts