Graduate Certificate in Muslim Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Muslim Studies can be earned by students in any Boston University graduate or professional program who fulfill the requirements outlined below, in addition to the requirements of their degree programs. No additional coursework is usually required, as courses completed for the Muslim Studies Certificate typically fulfill course requirements toward students’ degree programs. Courses with substantial content related to the study of Muslim societies and civilizations from any of Boston University’s schools may be used toward the certificate, with approval from the Director of Muslim Studies.

The certificate helps students to gain a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and cross-national understanding of the Muslim world.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the history, politics, religions, and/or arts of historical or contemporary Muslim societies.
• Demonstrate reading proficiency at the intermediate range in at least one language prevalent in Muslim societies.
• Demonstrate understanding of multiple perspectives on the growth and development of one or more Muslim societies, including observations and critiques that have been developed within a given society or polity.
• Demonstrate awareness of the commonalities and differences across geographically dispersed Muslim societies and civilizations.

Requirements

For a list of preapproved courses, please consult with the Director of Muslim Studies.

To receive the Graduate Certificate in Muslim Studies, students must:

• Successfully complete at least 16 units of coursework (four standard courses) in courses primarily focused on the Muslim world, with a minimum grade of B– in each course.
• Concentration requirement: At least two of the four courses must focus on a subregional or substantive area (e.g., Middle East and North Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Islamic studies, Muslim minorities).
• Courses must be chosen from at least two departments.
• No more than 4 units can be in directed study or research, except with written permission of the Director of Muslim Studies.
• Complete a piece of significant research such as an MA, MFA thesis, or doctoral dissertation, or two substantial research papers in graduate-level seminars.
• Receive approval of completion from the Director of Muslim Studies and the student’s departmental faculty advisor.