MA IN ISLAMIC STUDIES (ISMA)
The MA in Islamic Studies Program (ISMA) is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the critical academic study of the Islamic religious and intellectual tradition and the diverse regional histories, cultures, and social formations of Muslim communities around the world. The program offers instruction in the classic areas of religion, law, literature, and history and also in the inquiries of social science, feminist and gender research, media and film, and colonial and postcolonial studies.
Past student theses can be found here.
Learn more about Application Requirements.
Application Deadline: February 6, 2025
Program Requirements
Students must complete 30 credit points (including the thesis) to graduate. All courses must be at the graduate level (4000 or higher). The required credits may be completed in one year but many students opt to complete the M.A. in 3 to 4 semesters, particularly if they choose to develop their language skills and take additional language coursework as part of their program of study.
After taking the core seminar that provides a rigorous foundation in key concepts, theories, and debates as well as training in comparative studies, students tailor their individual programs of study, with mentoring from the program advisor, to gain breadth in the field of Islamic studies and depth in their special areas of interest. Students choose from a wide selection of both general and specialized courses to build a unique coherent program of study.
Core Course: Foundations to Islamic Studies and Muslim Societies
Columbia’s world-class faculty teach relevant courses across a range of academic departments in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and in a number of other units such as Union Theological Seminary and the School of International and Public Affairs. Based on this exposure to critical scholarly approaches, developing expertise in particular subjects, and training in research methodologies, students are prepared to write a thesis on a topic within their chosen area of concentration, under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
This program is flexible is designed to be flexible both for individuals considering entering a Ph.D. program who wish first to explore different disciplines, gain a good foundation, or study particular subjects or regions and languages and equally for those intending to pursue other careers.
““The MA Program in Islamic Studies is a remarkable academic experience. It provides expansive breadth in terms of potential areas a student can focus on and incredible depth in particular topics of interest, and is an excellent complement to a variety of career paths, including in the academic, government, and private sectors. The community around the program, including events, workshop series, and language circles, provides a terrific extracurricular experience.””
