MA in Islamic Studies
The Master of Arts in Islamic Studies offers an insider’s perspective on Islamic tradition as a religion, a civilization, a culture and a political force.
All graduate courses draw on the expertise of internationally published faculty as well as guest lecturers, including diplomats and spiritual leaders.
Join the Graduate Programs Virtual Open House: October 17–27
Registration is open for the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences 2023 Open House! The online event includes program-specific information sessions and opportunities to engage with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team.
The Islamic Studies Department is hosting an information session for prospective graduate students on Monday, Oct. 23 at 11:15 a.m. EDT.
Curriculum Details
Historical Component
Unlike other Islam programs, GW’s MA in Islamic Studies curriculum incorporates a historical component, focusing on both classical texts and modern Islam.
Diversity of Material
Outside of core material, students are exposed to courses in history, political science and international affairs to gain insight into current politics, society and cultures of the Islamic world.
Thesis and Language Requirements
All MA students must complete a graduate thesis and a language requirement in Arabic, Hindi, Persian, Sanskrit or another language relevant to their research.
“The Middle East, which receives so much attention, is only a small part of the vast world of Islam. The majority of Muslims live outside that region but don’t receive nearly as much attention, which is why we developed this program using a broad perspective on the complexities and historic roots of the Islamic world.”
Mohammad Faghfoory
Director, MA in Islamic Studies Program
Course Requirements
The following requirements must be fulfilled:
The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.
36 credits, including 18 credits in required core courses and 18 credits in pre-approved elective courses; students pursuing the degree with a concentration in Shi'ism take 18 credits in required core courses, 12 credits in required courses in the concentration, and 6 credits in pre-approved elective courses.
Language requirement
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 also may 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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required core courses | ||
| REL 6401 | Islamic Historiographies | |
| REL 6402 | Qur'an and Hadith | |
| REL 6441 | Islamic Law | |
| REL 6460 | Topics in the Study of Islam | |
| REL 6999 | Thesis Research (for a total of 6 credits) | |
| Electives | ||
| Six courses (18 credits) selected from a pre-approved list in consultation with the graduate program advisor(s). Most of the selected courses should focus on Islam in the contemporary world. | ||
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Shi'ism Concentration | ||
| In addition to the required core curriculum, students pursing the concentration in Shi'ism take the following: | ||
| Required | ||
| REL 6412 | Shi'i Thought | |
| REL 6413 | Philosophy and Mysticism in the Shi'i World | |
| REL 6420 | Shi'i Political Thought | |
| REL 6442 | Principles of Shi'i Jurisprudence | |
| Electives | ||
| Two courses (6 credits) selected from a pre-approved list in consultation with the graduate program advisor(s). Selected courses should focus on Islam in the contemporary world. | ||
| Year: Semester | MA Islamic Studies | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1: Fall | REL 6401 Islamic Historiographies | |
| REL 6402 Qur’an & Hadith | ||
| Year 1: Spring | REL 6419 Islam & The West | |
| REL 6441 Islamic Law | ||
| Year 2: Fall | REL 6401 Islamic Historiographies | |
| REL 6402 Qur’an & Hadith | ||
| REL 6998 Thesis Research | ||
| Year 2: Spring | REL 6419 Islam & The West | |
| REL 6441 Islamic Law | ||
| REL 6999 Thesis Research |