What colleges or universities have the best religious studies
programs, preferably ones with close proximity to Seattle?

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Clarification of Question by rimdavid-ga on 02 Nov 2005 14:34 PST

What colleges or universities (graduate and undergraduate)have the
best religious studies program, preferably within 1 hour drive of
Seattle, Washington.

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Request for Question Clarification by czh-ga on 02 Nov 2005 15:30 PST

What religions are you interested in?

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Clarification of Question by rimdavid-ga on 02 Nov 2005 22:06 PST

I'm not too sure at this point.  I don't want to study theology of a
particular religion, maybe like a comparative world religions and
such.  Philosophy, with a religion background?

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Request for Question Clarification by politicalguru-ga on 03 Nov 2005 00:39 PST

Dear David, 

I've found a list that ranks *graduate* programmes in religious
studies. However, none of the top programmes listed there is located
near Seattle. Would you like a link to this list as an aswer?

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Clarification of Question by rimdavid-ga on 03 Nov 2005 10:02 PST

No, I'd rather be near Seattle than go to a top tier school.  Is there
a list for philosophy or education programs?

Dear David, 

Good news. The University of Washington, which is located in Seattle,
offers a bachelor programme in Comparative Religions (which is, if I
understood correctly, the aspect of religious studies you'd like to
explore). It is offered through the Jackson School of International
Studies.

Comparative Religion Program
<http://jsis.artsci.washington.edu/programs/relig/> 

The U. of Washington is considered one of America's best colleges, and
is ranked  45 in the US News and World Report's ranking of "America's
Best Colleges - 2006"
<http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/natudoc/tier1/t1natudoc_brief.php>

Another option might be Seattle University. While not so reputed as
the first option, it also offers a religion studies programme. Please
note that Seattle University is a Catholic University - if it matters.

Their programme is in Theology and Religion Studies
<http://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/theology/> 

If you want to know what other colleges in your state that offer a
religion studies programme, try the college board site. Select "WA" as
your state, and "religion" in the majors list (you can also use other
factors - such as tuition fees; social life, etc.
 
College Board - Find a College
<http://apps.collegeboard.com/search/index.jsp> 

I hope this answers your question. Please contact me if you need any
clarifications on this answer before you rate it. My search strategy
was to search for colleges on the College Board site, and then to
compare it with their ranking in the US News site.