The Master of Arts in Islamic Studies is designed to give students a strong foundation in Islamic studies. Students receive broad training, with emphases in areas including Qur’anic studies, women in Islam, and Islamic literature.   The program equips students to address issues concerning the relation of Islam to other religious traditions, and to situate the study of Islam within the broader academic study of religion.  The degree provides excellent preparation for doctoral work in Islamic Studies or related disciplines, as well as for various positions of work and service in Muslim communities, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector.

Students admitted to the MA in Islamic Studies should refer to the Religion Student Handbook for the year in which they begin the program for complete details.

Degree Requirements

Coursework.  48 units of approved coursework are required for the degree including:

• 28 units of required courses: “Theories of Religion,” “Introduction to Islamic Studies,” “Classical Islam,” “Literature of the Qur’an,” “Islamic Cosmology & Mysticism,” “Feminism and Qur’anic Studies,” and one other approved course on Islam.
• 8 units of comparative courses

Arabic. Competency in intermediate Arabic (students may complete intermediate Arabic courses at other institutions and transfer in 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). 

Secondary Language Requirement/Research Tool. Fulfilled by passing a foreign language translation exam (other than in Arabic) administered by the School of Arts & Humanities, or, with advisor approval, the Research Tool may be fulfilled by completing an approved research methods course.

Thesis.  The Master’s thesis provides an opportunity for students to gain the skills necessary for writing a publishable piece of work.  Thesis - prepared in consultation with the student’s advisor (for specific guidelines regarding thesis preparation, please consult the Religion Department Student Handbook).

Theses are submitted to the registrar, following published dissertation submission guidelines and policies and procedures detailed in the Master’s Degrees  section of the Bulletin. 

University Policies.  University policies detailed in the Academic Policies  section of the Bulletin apply.