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
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 3.9%
- Median Salary*: 80910
Customs Brokers
- Growth: 4.6%
- Median Salary*: 71690
Lawyers
- Growth: 7.5%
- Median Salary*: 135740
News Analysts, Reporters and Journalists
- Growth: -3.3%
- Median Salary*: 55960
Political Scientists
- Growth: 6.6%
- Median Salary*: 128020
Social and Community Service Managers
- Growth: 9.1%
- Median Salary*: 74240
Supply Chain Managers
- Growth: 8.2%
- Median Salary*: 98560
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
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.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
