In Japan only two universities offer a course of study in Shinto, Kogakkan University and Kokugakuin University; students who complete the predetermined course of study are given the rank of seikai (the third-highest rank of Shinto priests), while those who go on to complete the additional practical training required earn the rank of meikai (the second-highest rank; for more information on ranking, see "Ranks").
日本で神道学科のある大学は皇學館大学と國學院大學の2校のみで、所定の課程を修了することで正階、さらに必要な実習を経て明階（「階位」参照）が授与される。