MA Islamic Studies at Columbia University

Programme overview

The MA in Islamic Studies is a free-standing full-time or part-time master's focused on the cultural, political and religious history of Islam and the nations and populations linked to its practice. It concludes with a thesis.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Middle East Institute | Duration: Not stated | Intake: Fall (deadline 11 February 2027) and Spring (deadline 29 October 2026) | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

Students design an individual programme in consultation with the programme coordinator, specialising in one period or interdisciplinary area, with courses drawn from several GSAS departments and, to a lesser extent, other Columbia schools. The programme ends with a thesis on a limited topic within the concentration.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Statement of academic purpose, personal statement, resume, writing sample of 10-15 pages double-spaced (preferably a paper related to Islamic studies), two academic letters of recommendation, one transcript per school attended. GRE General not required. International applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country where English is not the official language submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores. Fall deadline 11 February 2027; spring deadline 29 October 2026.

Intake: Fall (deadline 11 February 2027) and Spring (deadline 29 October 2026)

Duration: Not stated

Apply through the official page: https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/prospective-students

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