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Islamic Studies ,Certificate

Islamic Studies, Certificate


Arabic, Culture, Islam, Middle East, Muslim, history, religion

Explore the history and politics of Islam, from the Great Wall of China to the Islamic Center of America in Michigan. Develop a nuanced understanding of Muslims and their many contributions to world culture.

Program description

Islam, the fastest growing religion in the world, plays an increasingly significant role in shaping international politics, culture, law and business. The certificate program in Islamic studies and its required coursework in two different regions enables students to gain an appreciation of Islam's multiculturalism and contemporary relevance in multiple disciplines and geographic settings.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Curriculum
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Degree requirements

Students complete a minimum of 26 credit hours, chosen in consultation with the Islamic studies program coordinator. A minimum grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) is required in each course. A minimum of 12 upper-division credit hours are required. To earn the certificate, students must complete these requirements:

eight credit hours of Arabic, Indonesian, Farsi or another Islamic language approved by the program coordinator*

nine credit hours of required core courses:

  • REL 260 Introduction to Islam, HU, G (3)
  • REL 365 Islamic Civilization, HU, H (3)
  • REL 366 Islam in the Modern World, HU, G (3)

nine credit hours in elective course work from a variety of disciplines that deal with Islam or Islamic studies, including courses from at least two of three geographic regions (Africa and the Middle East, American and Europe, Asia)**

*Students who are native speakers of these languages or who otherwise have equivalent knowledge may substitute eight hours of additional course work approved by the program coordinator.

**Students work with an academic advisor in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies to select appropriate elective courses.

Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Additional requirements:

There are no specific admission requirements other than a student's desire to learn about Islam and Islamic societies and culture.

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Will be able to analyze an academic issue in Islamic studies.
  • Will be able to compose a critical argument about an academic issue related to Islamic studies.
  • Identify and summarize important features of the major periods of Islamic civilization from the seventh century to the present.
Career opportunities

Graduates who have completed the certificate in Islamic studies may be more marketable to employers. They have successfully pursued employment in education, law, tourism, international law, business, journalism, international relations, humanitarian service, diplomacy, the military, public advocacy, politics, medicine and the intelligence service.

The program is also designed to prepare students for graduate programs in history, religious studies, Islamic studies and area studies, and cultural anthropology, and for any academic discipline or career that focuses on the global Muslim society.

Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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