Islamic Studies (Certificate)


At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

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 in Islamic studies and its required coursework in two different regions allow students to gain an appreciation of Islam's multiculturalism and contemporary relevance in multiple disciplines and geographic settings.


Program Requirements

The certificate in Islamic studies requires a minimum of 21 credit hours. At least 12 upper-division hours are required. At least six upper-division hours must be in courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A minimum grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) is required in each course used toward the certificate.
Core -- 9 credit hours
Language Requirement -- 3 credit hours
The number of credit hours for the language requirement will vary from 3-6 hours, depending on the specific language and course chosen.

Students must complete a minimum of three credit hours in a language relevant to the study of Islam, chosen from Arabic, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, French, Indonesian or Russian (typically offered in Fall and Spring semesters) or Farsi, Kazakh, Tatar, Turkish or Uzbek (these courses are offered by the Critical Languages Institute and are typically only available in summer terms under the SLC prefix; availability may vary). Students who are native speakers of these languages or other Islamic languages, or who have other equivalent knowledge may substitute three credit hours of additional coursework selected from the list of approved electives. See program coordinator.

Elective Courses -- 9 credit hours
Students must choose electives that represent at least two of three geographic regions. The available geographic regions are Africa and the Middle East, America and Europe, and Asia. No more than one course from the "non-geographic" list may apply toward the certificate. It is recommended that students work with an academic advisor in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies to select appropriate elective courses.
Students must choose electives that represent at least two of three geographic regions. The available geographic regions are Africa and the Middle East, America and Europe, and Asia. No more than one course from the "non-geographic" list may apply toward the certificate. It is recommended that students work with an academic advisor in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies to select appropriate elective courses. (9)
Africa and the Middle East
America and Europe
Asia
Non-geographic
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment 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 prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Learning Outcomes

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

Career Outlook

Students who complete the certificate in Islamic studies become more marketable to employers. Graduates 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.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Community Health Workers


  • Growth: 14.1%
  • Median Salary*: 46190
  Bright Outlook

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 80910

Customs Brokers


  • Growth: 4.6%
  • Median Salary*: 71690
  Bright Outlook

Lawyers


  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 135740
  Bright Outlook

News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists


  • Growth: -3.3%
  • Median Salary*: 55960

Political Scientists


  • Growth: 6.6%
  • Median Salary*: 128020
  Bright Outlook

Social and Community Service Managers


  • Growth: 9.1%
  • Median Salary*: 74240
  Bright Outlook

Supply Chain Managers


  • Growth: 8.2%
  • Median Salary*: 98560
  Bright Outlook

Interpreters and Translators


  • Growth: 4.3%
  • Median Salary*: 53640

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 1.4%
  • Median Salary*: 76030

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).




Program Contact Information

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