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:  Kathryn Spellman Poots

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

Students apply through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University. The Joint Steering Committee, including faculty members from both Columbia and Aga Khan evaluates the applications and makes the final decisions jointly.

*GSAS will accept up to four recommendations, regardless of the number required by your program of interest. However, to be eligible for admission at GSAS, at least TWO letters must be submitted by academic recommenders.

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition to these requirements, students must provide a short statement of academic purpose (1,000 words or 2 pages in length), a personal statement, and an academic transcript from each post-secondary institution they attended.