Searching for Top Religious Studies Undergrad Programs in the U.S.

Hey! I'm considering majoring in Religious Studies and want to find the best undergrad programs in the U.S. Are there any colleges you guys recommend I check out for strong religious studies departments?

Sure, there are numerous colleges in the U.S. that house highly regarded departments of religious studies. I'll mention a few that tend to regularly receive praise for their depth, breadth, and quality of coverage in this field.

First on the list is Harvard University. Harvard's Department of Religion extensively covers a wide range of religious traditions globally. They also emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, combining studies in history, philosophy, anthropology, and other fields.

Another top school to consider is the University of Chicago. Their Divinity School offers a variety of concentrations including ethics, theology, and cultural and historical studies of religions, among others.

The religion department at Columbia University is also noteworthy. It also uses an interdisciplinary approach and allows students to focus on specific traditions or themes across multiple traditions.

Duke University has a stellar department where research is organized into several collaborative initiatives that bring together faculty and students with shared interests. Some of these initiatives include the Center for Jewish Studies, the Islamic Studies Center, and the Center for Christianity and Scholarship.

Finally, don't overlook the University of California, Santa Barbara. Their Department of Religious Studies is reputed for covering a wide range of world religions, as well as critical theory in the study of religion.

As always, make sure the program is a good fit for your specific interests. You might be more interested in certain religious traditions than others or prefer a certain approach to studying religion. This varies from program to program, so make sure to research the specific courses and faculty at each school. Dig into departmental websites, look at course offerings, pay attention to faculty research, and reach out to departments with any questions. Good luck in your search!