Pursuing Hinduism studies in the USA?

I'm interested in studying Hinduism and considering doing so in the USA after high school. Are there specific colleges that offer strong programs in this area? Also, what kind of courses or majors should I be looking into?

The study of Hinduism often falls under larger departments such as Religious Studies, South Asian Studies, or Comparative Religion in many colleges across the U.S. If you're interested in a deep dive into Hinduism as a religion, its philosophies, scriptures, history, and cultural impact, you should ideally be looking into majors or minors in these areas.

When it comes to colleges that have notable programs in these fields, there are quite a few. The University of Chicago's Department of South Asian Languages and Civilizations, for instance, presents a rich curriculum that includes extensive study of Hindu scriptures and philosophy.

Harvard University's Department of South Asian Studies is also highly regarded and offers numerous courses related to Hinduism. The department emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to explore Hinduism through various perspectives like history, literary criticism, and philosophy.

Columbia University offers a South Asian Studies program and within that, they have several courses that delve deep into various aspects of Hindu culture, philosophy, and the complex religious facets of Hinduism.

Stanford University also shines in this area, with the Department of Religious Studies providing a broad set of courses tied to Hinduism.

Of course, keep in mind that, beyond academic pursuits, you'll want to check out the cultural and student life aspects of studying Hinduism abroad. Look into organizations like Hindu Student Councils that can provide a supportive community and further opportunities for learning and practicing Hindu traditions.