Comparative Religion

The program in Comparative Religion is known for its unusually large range of course offerings in the religious traditions of both the East and West. The faculty has particular strength in history, anthropology and sociology. Participants in the program have an opportunity to enroll in small classes and interact with a faculty that emphasizes maintaining close contact with students. Comparative Religion has four tracks: History of Religions—Western Emphasis; History of Religions—Eastern Emphasis; Religion and Society; and Religion and Symbolic Expression. The program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Religion.

Major category: Open

Minor available

Topic(s): Social sciences

Applicant type

Freshman

Freshmen can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)

Read more about applying to the UW as a freshman, including details for programs that provide high school students with college credit (like Running Start).

Comparative Religion is an open major. You may declare this major at any time after enrolling at the UW as long as you are in good academic standing. Visit the department website for more information.

Transfer

Quarters of general admission to UW: autumn / winter (U.S. applicants only) / spring / summer

Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.

• Use the information below to help you prepare for this degree
• Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
• Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
• UW college and school graduation requirements

Department admission information

Please contact the department for details about the application process.
Although admission is open, students are strongly encouraged to prepare for the major before transfer. See the Comparative Religion website for more information.

Courses recommended for the major:

• RELIG 201 SSc — Introduction to World Religions: Western Traditions
• RELIG 202 SSc — Introduction to World Religions: Eastern Traditions
• JSIS 201 SSc — Making of the 21st Century (May be taken as a transfer course at Bellevue, Edmonds or Shoreline Colleges)
• History of civilizations (Chinese, South Asian, European) desirable, not required
• Religious traditions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism)
• Writing courses

Entering transfer information:

Total undergraduates: 4
Total from Washington community colleges: 1