Best Universities offering graduate programs in Islamic Studies

Free-Standing 2.5-year MA, housed in the Middle East Institute at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Semesters 1 and 2) and at the Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations in London (Semesters 3, 4, and 5). Students earn two degrees: a Master of Arts from Columbia University and a Master of Arts from the Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations.

The innovative curriculum includes a two-year sequence of core seminars and interdisciplinary electives, and offers intensive language training. At the heart of the program is the thesis, an original scholarly work based on empirical research and analysis, finalized in the student’s 5th and final semester. During their final semester, students may also undertake an optional field project in a location relevant to their thesis’ subject matter.

A unique partnership of two leading universities, the dual-degree program unites a cutting-edge scholarly community of over one hundred specialized faculty members and language instructors who provide trans-disciplinary and critical approaches to the study of the religious and intellectual traditions of Islam and the diverse regional histories, cultures, and social formations of Muslim societies around the world.

The program requires two and a half years of full-time study, which must be taken in sequence. Students cannot complete one year of the program and receive only one degree. Degrees are awarded after all program requirements at Columbia University and the Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations have been met.

Near Eastern Languages Civilizations Arts Sciences.

The JD AM in Islamic Studies prepares students to engage in high level decision making in policy and law.

Join the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and the Near Eastern Languages Civilizations for a unique and in-depth cross-curriculum program. This degree, which requires fluency in Arabic, allows its graduates to develop new tools and strategies applicable to fostering cooperation and understanding between diverse legal and financial systems and cultures, as well as to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration in research, planning, and policymaking.

Students can earn both degrees in four years. The Law School gives credit for four approved courses at the School of Arts and Sciences toward the JD degree. The AM curriculum requires students to have or attain fluency in Arabic and complete the AM coursework, which can include courses taken toward the completion of the JD.

Apply to Islamic Studies while in Law program.

Apply to Law while in Islamic Studies program.

Students apply separately to each department.

The AM Program and the Law School will accept the GRE, GMAT or LSAT.

JD MA Economic Law with Specialization in Global Governance.

The PhD Program in Arabic and Islamic Studies offer advanced training in the disciplines of Arabic Linguistics, Arabic Literature (Modern and Classical), and Islamic Studies (Intellectual History, Theology, Law) with an emphasis on the close reading and interpretation of primary sources, whether linguistic or textual, modern or classical. The department strives to educate students in current theoretical, critical and cultural scholarly approaches as tools to explore and analyze primary sources and linguistic data and to evaluate and challenge secondary scholarship. In forming the new generation of research scholars in our fields, we strive to give them the linguistic and critical tools necessary for original and creative scholarship. Our PhD students typically go on to academic careers, often beginning with post-doctoral fellowships, with tenure-track university appointments or in other research institutions.

In the first week of their first academic year, students who are non-native Arabic speakers are required to take an Arabic language exam administered by the department. Students who fail this exam are required to be enrolled in advanced Arabic classes, and to take the exam again at the end of the fall semester. If they still do not score satisfactorily they have until the end of the spring semester to successfully retake the exam. Students must pass the Arabic proficiency exam by the end of August of their first academic year if they are to continue in the program. Arabic language courses taken to enable students to reach the required proficiency level do not count towards the degree credits. Students who desire ACTFL proficiency certification should make arrangements with the department.

Islamic Civilizations Studies at Emory University offers a unified thematic approach to the global impact of Islamic civilizations. By using a broad-based, trans-regional, and integrated multidisciplinary approach to understanding and analyzing the Islamic world, graduates of the ICIVS program will be well prepared to assess and make sense of the momentous changes that have and are taking place in this region in a wide range of professional capacities.

UNC Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies Logo.

Roshan Institute Fellowships for Excellence in Persian Studies.

Islamic Studies Doctoral Candidate Conducts Summer Research in Persian Studies.

Supported by the Roshan Fellowship for Excellence in Persian Studies, Candace Mixon, doctoral candidate in Islamic Studies in the Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, conducted research in Persian studies this summer. The collection houses 311 posters from the 1970s-1990s from Iran, as well as a few from Afghanistan and Kuwait. explained Mixon.

Sunset near the Fateme Ma ume Shrine in Qom, Iran.

Physical examination of materials offers insight into new details such as these. In November, Mixon will present at the Middle Eastern Studies Association Conference on a panel discussing strategies and successes for research in Iran.

2023 CMEIS and Islamicate Graduate Student Association Research Colloquium.

The Master of Arts in Islamic Studies, offered by the Religion, focus on the study of Islam in its classical and contemporary formations, with an emphasis on developing competence in classical Islamic intellectual traditions. such as working professionals, civil servants, and employees of international agencies the opportunity to tailor the program to their particular needs.

A concentration in Shi'ism is available in the MA program. A comprehensive study must include both major branches of Islamic tradition for a full understanding of current issues in the world of Islam, and what its future holds.

Qualified applicants who intend to pursue the concentration in Shi'ism may be eligible for community supported fellowships. These fellowships are not sponsored, awarded, or managed by the university.

Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission.

500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application.

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

All students must complete at least four semesters of Arabic, which do not count toward the 36 credits required for the program. Alternatively, students may demonstrate competence in Arabic through examination. Depending on their focus of study, students may also be asked to take courses in other languages, which do not count toward the degree. In rare instances, students may substitute another language for Arabic, such as Persian, Turkish, or Urdu, if their research focuses on texts composed in one of these languages.

Most of the selected courses should focus on Islam in the contemporary world.

Selected courses should focus on Islam in the contemporary world.

ProgramsGraduate ProgramsMPhil Islamic Studies (Major in Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH)).

The MPhil Islamic Studies Specialization 2022 in Seerat un Nabi is a two-year degree intended mainly for participants who desire to study intensive Islamic history. Undoubtedly, Islam is one of the widely spread religions in the world and unfortunately, it is labeled as a religion of depravity, injustice, and terrorism this requires to be addressed and presented on national and global platforms through dialogue.

UMT is aware of the challenges being faced by Muslim communities nowadays. The School of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSS H) at UMT offers a two-year MPhil Islamic Studies Specialization in Seerat un Nabi degree program. This program prepares intellectuals who are skilled at research and have knowledge of Seerah and Sunnah accompanied by contemporary education to represent the real identity of Islam according to the eminent characters it possesses.

MPhil Islamic Studies Specialization in Seerat un Nabi aligns and brighten up the minds of participants by giving them a platform where they acquire knowledge through utilizing modern and latest educational facilities backed by state-of-the-art infrastructure to enlighten their innate abilities towards the development of society through academic research, spiritual development and human welfare.

In order to strengthen and transform the education from traditional to contemporary requirements, UMT is promoting Seerah and Sunnah education for the initiation and acceleration of research. The program equips participants with modern tools of learning with innovative ideas for spreading and disseminating the message of Seerah and Sunnah.

The key objective of this research program is to prepare committed and competent scholars of Islamic Studies who have a vast knowledge of modern issues from an Islamic perspective. The program provides participants with all physical and intellectual resources to cater for eminence research in Islamic Studies.

M.A, MSc, or 16 years education in relevant field with at least 45% marks in annual system or 2.0 4.00 CGPA in semester system from HEC recognized institute or DAI .

Note: Qualifying UGAT (university graduate assessment test) with at least 50% marks is compulsory.

Bachelor Degree (any) Middle East and Islamic Studies, Accelerated MA.

See AP.6.7 Bachelor Accelerated Master Degree for policies related to this program.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MA program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor Accelerated Master Transition form:.

Completion of at least one core course in the MA in Middle East and Islamic Studies with a minimum grade of B.

Minimum grade of B in each advanced standing course.

Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits with a minimum grade of B in each).

Critical Issues and Debates in Middle East and Islamic Studies.

Special Topics in Art History (when topic is Middle Eastern or Islamic art).

Topics in Art History (when topic is Middle East or Islamic Art).

Special Topics in Religious Studies (when topic is Islam or Muslim communities).

For detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements seeAP.6.7 Bachelor Accelerated Master Degreepolicies.

You will also address the relation of Islam to other religions by taking comparative courses in Christianity and Judaism. This program provides excellent background preparation for a doctoral degree in religion or to pursue a variety of careers in government, international corporations, media outlets and non-profit organizations.

The MA in Islamic Studies offers three tracks of study: Quranic Studies Sexuality, Gender, and Feminist Studies in Islam and Environmental Studies in Islam.

Interdisciplinary concentrations are available to Religion students, including American Studies, Early Modern Studies, Hemispheric Transnational Studies, Media Studies, and Museum Studies.

This estimate assumes full-time registration and pursuit of the degree. Actual completion times will vary and may be higher, depending on full or part-time course registration, units transferred, and time to complete other degree requirements.

Explores the interconnections between Islamic cosmology and religion, art, architecture, hermeneutics, and as well as Islamic cosmological contributions to contemporary ecological issues.

Competency in intermediate Arabic (students may complete intermediate Arabic courses at other institutions and transfer up to 10 units to fulfill this requirement, OR students must pass a translation exam administered by the School of Arts Humanities to fulfill the requirement).

Engendering Experience: Women in the Islamic Tradition.

The Qur'an, Arabic literatures, progressive Islamic theologies, women in Islam, Islam and environmental ethics, Islam and the digital age, late antiquity and Islam, origins of Islam, cultures of Umayyad Damascus and Abbasid Baghdad.

Senior Fellow of Middle East International Studies.

The American Studies concentration takes a multidisciplinary approach to the study of United States culture, society, civilization, and identity through the curricular lenses of history, literature, critical theory, and .

The Early Modern Studies concentration undertakes interdisciplinary examination of history, culture, politics, and society within the transitional and transformative period that stretched between Medieval and modern societies, marked especially by the advent of print, Christian confessional war, and the rise of the modern state.

A comparative analysis of culture in the Americas, the concentration in Hemispheric Transnational Studies explores how scholarship on the Atlantic, borderlands, and diaspora have reshaped U.S. American Studies, Caribbean Studies, and Latin American Studies, emphasizing the topics of empire, race, religion, and revolution.

Situated at the bustling intersection of cultural studies, new media, critical theory, and popular culture, the burgeoning field of Media Studies examines the creative and critical practices of media consumers, producers, artists, and scholars, focusing on questions of representation, power, technology, politics, and economy.

The Museum Studies concentration investigates the history and political role of museums in society, the interpretation and display of a wide variety of cultural productions, and topics of special concern to museums as cultural organizations, using a multidisciplinary, practice-based approach to understand the historical development of this evolving field.

These concentrations are available for students pursuing the following degree programs:.

One year ago, we lost our beloved Provost and Professor of Islamic and Cultural Studies, Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Abdurrahman Farajaje. A person of irrepressible spirit, Dr. Farajaje was a cherished teacher, colleague, friend, and intersectional scholartivist. He inspired countless students inside and outside of the classroom. He partnered with scholars, religious leaders, and organizations to create opportunities for learning within the school. He mentored people who have since become distinguished religious leaders, activists, artists, scholars and educators.

Since its beginning in 1904, Starr King School for Ministry has taught classes on the study of Islam. But over the past two decades, our school has excelled in pioneering new Islamic scholarship and creating opportunities for students of all faiths to learn Islam, thanks principally to Dr. Farajaje.

Before coming to Starr King, Dr. Farajaje taught classes in Islam at Howard University. But after the events of September 11, 2001, and the widespread Islamophobia that ensued, Dr. Farajaje and the leadership of the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) recognized that it was important than ever for aspiring religious leaders in the GTU consortium to increase their understanding of Islam.

In January 2002, the then-president of the GTU, James A. Donahue, called together the Islamic Studies Task Force of the Graduate Theological Union and asked Dr. Farajaje to be its chair. Over the next five years he was the prime architect, working with several other GTU leaders to develop Islamic Studies at the GTU in a cohesive fashion: during that time, curricular offerings in Islamic studies increased by 400% a range of Islamic scholars and religious leaders were recruited to teach at Starr King and a Center for Islamic Studies was established at the GTU.

A chapel service co-hosted by Starr King and the Center for Jewish Studies called Gifts of Al-Andalus which brought Christian, Jewish, Muslim and UU voices together.

Through the Islamic Studies Task Force the variety of courses on Islam at GTU schools expanded considerably. New courses included, among others, Race, Religion, and Islamophobia, Rumi and the Mystical Path of Sufism, and Islams: Multiplicity in Unity.

the work of the Task Force in GTU’s Islamic Studies Brochure.

Along with its seminal contribution to the establishing of GTU’s Center for Islamic Studies.

Through Dr. Farajaje’s vision and leadership, Starr King made its own commitment to foster the study of Islam. In 2005, largely through the efforts of Dr. Farajaje, the Luce Foundation awarded $350,000 to Starr King in support of the school’s work in Islamic Studies.

Dr. Farajaje’s approach to Islamic and multi-religious studies was based on what he called the Andalusian model. We had this dream that students would study sacred texts together. That Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Unitarian Universalist students would study together, would learn all of those texts together, learn prayers together.

Teaching alongside Islamic scholars he helped to recruit, he also helped to facilitate conversations at Starr King with scholars from around the globe queer trans perspectives on the study of Islam.

2005 Lecture at the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California, Towards and Islamic Theology of Liberation for the 21st Century.

He co-created with David Dezern the documentary Oceans of Mercy: African American Sufi Muslims in the San Francisco Bay Area, which featured stories from six African-American Muslims. The documentary was named Best Documentary at the 2004 New Way Film Festival, sponsored by the Center for the Arts, Religion, and Education at the GTU. He was instrumental in the development of a Ph.D. program in Inter-religious Studies for Muslim leaders, which he was invited to do by the Ministry for Habous and Islamic Affairs in 2005.