Islamic Studies and Muslim Cultures (MA with the Aga Khan University Institute for Muslim Civilizations in London)

Program Category: Dual-Degree Program
Website: www.mei.columbia.edu/dual-masters-degree
Email Address: [email protected]
Program Director: Najam Haider

Degree Programs

Free-Standing 2-year MA, housed in the Middle East Institute at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Semesters 1 and 2) and at the Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations in London (Semesters 3 and 4).   Students earn two degrees: a Master of Arts from Columbia University and a Master of Arts from the Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations. 

The innovative curriculum includes a two-year sequence of core seminars and interdisciplinary electives, and offers intensive language training. At the heart of the program is the thesis, an original scholarly work based on empirical research and analysis, finalized in the student’s 4th and final semester. 

A unique partnership of two leading universities, the dual-degree program unites a cutting-edge scholarly community of over one hundred specialized faculty members and language instructors who provide trans-disciplinary and critical approaches to the study of the religious and intellectual traditions of Islam and the diverse regional histories, cultures, and social formations of Muslim societies around the world.

Graduates are prepared for further academic training at the PhD level and for careers in government, journalism, think tanks, human rights work, political advocacy, and development NGOs.

Note: The program requires two years of full-time study, which must be taken in sequence. Students cannot complete one year of the program and receive only one degree. Degrees are awarded after all program requirements at Columbia University and the Aga Khan University’s Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations have been met.

Special Admissions Requirements

All applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English must submit English proficiency exam scores. The English proficiency requirement can be fulfilled through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

*To be eligible for admission in GSAS, at least TWO letters must be submitted by academic recommenders. You may include up to four letters in your application, regardless of the number required by your program of interest.

Additional Deadline Information: Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships

Students entering in the fall may apply for Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships. If you are applying for the FLAS Fellowship, you must submit a separate FLAS application by the FLAS deadline.