Islamic Studies  (Certificate)


Enrich your understanding of this major religion, from its history and culture to current events, and gain cultural competence that can serve you well in future endeavors.



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 allows students to gain an appreciation of Islam's multiculturalism and contemporary relevance in multiple disciplines and geographic settings.



Certificate Map

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At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No


Program 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.

Enrollment 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.

For a list of possible summer and fall 2023 courses, click here







Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • 480/965-8364