Become an AAR Member!
By becoming an AAR member, you are joining a vibrant community of 6,000+ global members – the largest professional association dedicated to the academic study of religion in the world. Our mission is to foster excellence in the academic study of religion and enhance the public understanding of religion. We pursue this mission with a commitment to academic excellence, professional responsibility, free inquiry, critical examination, diversity, inclusion, respect, and transparency within the academic study of religion and in our own work.
AAR members are active participants in shaping the future of our guild. The AAR offers a wide range of benefits to our members, at whatever stage of their career they might be.
Benefits of Joining AAR
Participating in the Annual Meetings
With over 150 Program Units, reflecting the diversity and interdisciplinarity of the field of religious studies, the AAR hosts two Annual Meetings: the Online June Sessions and the In-Person November meeting (held concurrently with the Society of Biblical Literature). Members receive deep discounts for registration and have the opportunity to join steering committees of Program Units, the organizing research bodies that create the Annual Meeting program each year. Our Annual Meetings are unmatched in providing religion scholars with access to innovative research, as well as invaluable networking opportunities, all geared toward elevating your scholarship and career.
Discovering Leadership Opportunities
We encourage all members to get involved in shaping the future of the AAR, by joining steering committees of Program Units, engaging with an AAR Region, or participating in our annual surveys and elections. Additionally, the AAR issues a call each year for members to nominate persons to fill open positions on standing committees and juries, as well as our Board of Directors AAR members may nominate themselves or others.
Growing Your Career and Your Professional Network
AAR members have access to various professional development resources including career training through Beyond the Professoriate and our grants and awards programs, which offer funding and publicity through our official channels. Membership also includes on-demand access to recordings of webinAARs that are offered throughout the year on some of the most significant topics concerning religious scholars today. We also offer a Certificate in Inclusive Pedagogy that members can earn by watching a webinar series. For those searching for work, our employment listings provide important resources.
Accessing Resources, Discounts, and other Benefits
AAR membership automatically includes digital access to the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, the premier academic journal in religious studies, as well as discounted and/or free access to a number of other journals and publications. AAR members can also take advantage of the discounts we offer on travel, technology, and even healthcare coverage options from national, regional, and local insurance carriers through our partners at LIG Solutions. Additional [-> link to resource page when available] resources are added each year.
How Do I Join?
Joining AAR is easy. To join online, browse our membership categories and find the one that best suits you. Follow the prompts to complete your membership.
To join by phone, call us at 404-727-3049 to complete the process.
