Master of Arts in the Field of Islamic Studies

This program is not accepting applications at this time.

The master of arts in Islamic studies, offered by the Department of Religion, focus on the study of Islam in its classical and contemporary formations, with an emphasis on developing competence in classical Islamic intellectual traditions. The cross-disciplinary program allows students to study with a variety of faculty members who are knowledgeable about the classical formulations of Islam, and have on-the-ground experience in Muslim-majority countries and communities. Centrally located in Washington, DC, the program offers students the opportunity to interact with U.S. government agencies, think tanks, nongovernmental institutions, and the large Muslim community residing and working in the metro area. The program also offers nontraditional students, 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. The division between Sunnis and Shi’ites lies at the root of much of the strife in the Islamic world today. Our program uniquely features not only an education in Sunni Islam, but Shi’ite Islam as well. 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 GW.

Visit the program website for additional information.
 

This program is not accepting applications at this time.

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.

Course List

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.

Course List

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.