The study of comparative religion, or the comparative study of the beliefs, practices, and histories of various religions, has a long history. It can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who were among the first to engage in the comparative study of religion. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the field of comparative religion became more institutionalized, with the establishment of departments and programs dedicated to the study of religion at universities around the world.

The first degree program in comparative religion was likely established in the late 19th century. These early programs often focused on the study of the major world religions, such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism, and typically included coursework in history, philosophy, and theology.

In the 20th century, comparative religion programs began to expand their focus to include the study of non-Western religions and to incorporate interdisciplinary approaches, such as the study of anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies. Today, comparative religion programs can be found at universities around the world and offer a wide range of course options and specializations.

The history of comparative religion degrees reflects the evolution of the field of comparative religion itself, as it has expanded its focus and incorporated new approaches and perspectives.

Types of Comparative Religion Degrees

There are several different levels of comparative religion degrees that you can pursue, depending on your goals and interests:

• Associate’s degree: An associate’s degree in comparative religion is a two-year program that provides a foundation in the study of religion. It typically includes courses in world religions, religious texts, and the history of religion.
• Bachelor’s degree: A bachelor’s degree in comparative religion is a four-year program that provides a more in-depth exploration of the field. It typically includes courses in the beliefs, practices, and histories of various religions, as well as courses in related areas such as philosophy, anthropology, and sociology.
• Master’s degree: A master’s degree in comparative religion is a two-year program that allows you to delve deeper into the field and to specialize in a particular area of interest. It typically includes advanced coursework in comparative religion, as well as research and writing seminars.
• Doctoral degree: A doctoral degree in comparative religion is a program of study that prepares you for a career in academia or research. It typically involves coursework in comparative religion and related fields, as well as the completion of a dissertation.
• Online degree: Some comparative religion degree programs are offered online. The flexible aspect of online programs allows students to complete the programs within their own communities and implement their learnings locally within internships or part-time jobs.

What Are Some of the Top Comparative Religion Degrees?

Yale University:

• Degree name: Religious Studies (with a focus on Comparative Religion)
• Department: Department of Religious Studies
• Level of degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
• Modality: On-campus
• Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Florida State University:

• Degree name: Religious Studies (with a focus on Comparative Religion)
• Department: Department of Religion
• Level of degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
• Modality: On-campus
• Location: Tallahassee, Florida

University of California, Los Angeles:

• Degree name: Religious Studies (with a focus on Comparative Religion)
• Department: Department of Religious Studies
• Level of degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
• Modality: On-campus
• Location: Los Angeles, California

Harvard University:

• Degree name: Comparative Religion
• Department: Committee on the Study of Religion
• Level of degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
• Modality: On-campus
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

University of California, Berkeley:

• Degree name: Religious Studies (with a focus on Comparative Religion)
• Department: Department of Religious Studies
• Level of degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
• Modality: On-campus
• Location: Berkeley, California

University of Massachusetts, Amherst:

• Degree name: Comparative Religion
• Department: Department of Comparative Literature
• Level of degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
• Modality: On-campus
• Location: Amherst, Massachusetts

University of Pennsylvania:

• Degree name: Religious Studies (with a focus on Comparative Religion)
• Department: Department of Religious Studies
• Level of degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
• Modality: On-campus
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

University of Wisconsin, Madison:

• Degree name: Comparative Religious Studies
• Department: Department of Comparative Literature
• Level of degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
• Modality: On-campus
• Location: Madison, Wisconsin

University of Hawaii at Manoa:

• Degree name: Comparative Religions
• Department: Department of Philosophy
• Level of degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
• Modality: On-campus
• Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

University of Maryland:

• Degree name: Religious Studies (with a focus on Comparative Religion)
• Department: Department of Religious Studies
• Level of degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
• Modality: On-campus
• Location: College Park, Maryland

University of Oregon:

• Degree name: Religious Studies (with a focus on Comparative Religion)
• Department: Department of Religious Studies
• Level of degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
• Modality: On-campus
• Location: Eugene, Oregon

Michigan State University:

• Degree name: Comparative Religions
• Department: Department of Philosophy
• Level of degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
• Modality: On-campus
• Location: East Lansing, Michigan