Graduate Certificate in Muslim Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Muslim Studies helps students to gain a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and cross-national understanding of past and present Muslim life and thought, within Muslim-majority societies and minority and diaspora communities. Although the certificate is housed in the Muslim Studies program within the College of Arts & Sciences, it 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.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the history, politics, religions, and/or arts of historical or contemporary Muslim-majority or Muslim-led societies and/or significant minority or diaspora Muslim communities.
• Demonstrate understanding of multiple perspectives on the growth and development of one or more Muslim societies or communities, including observations and critiques that have been developed within a given group.
• Demonstrate awareness of the commonalities and differences across geographically dispersed Muslim societies, civilizations, and communities.

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 8 of the 16 units 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. Students are expected to consult with the Muslim Studies Director at the beginning of their studies to ensure that their planned courses will fulfill the requirements of the certificate program.